In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Britax B-Safe Gen-2 with Flexfit Review

A good contender with the easy installation of the LATCH system, but grabbing the carrier of the base is more challenging than most
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britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $270 List
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Manufacturer:   Britax
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 20, 2023
67
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 15
  • Crash Test - 40% 7.4
  • Ease of Install - LATCH - 20% 7.5
  • Ease of Install - Belt - 10% 6.0
  • Ease of Install - w/o Base - 5% 6.8
  • Ease of Use - 15% 4.5
  • Comfort/Quality - 5% 6.5
  • Weight/Size - 5% 6.2

The Skinny

The Britax B-Safe Gen-2 with Flexfit is a slightly better-than-average infant car seat compatible with Britax options in our best full-size strollers review. Except for ease of use and the weight of the carrier, this seat scored about average in most metrics with no actual standout performance or features compared to our favorite infant car seats. Dare we say, we think it is a bit boring, with a yawn-worthy performance. We understand how parents who love Britax or already own a Britax stroller will be attracted to this seat. Still, we think the average crash test results and harder-to-use features make it a disappointing seat compared to similarly priced car seats that scored higher and offered more.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to tighten LATCH
Easy to adjust harness
Great ergonomic handle
One of the best
REASONS TO AVOID
Annoying belt lock-off
Harness buckle inserts get lost down the side
Hard to remove carrier from base
Editor's Note: We conducted a complete update on our infant car seat review on October 1, 2023, including detailed, side-by-side testing of each seat, including crash test result analysis. This update was modified on October 20, 2023 as a result of two contenders being discontinued.

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line Not a bad Britax if it pairs with your stroller, but it isn't as impressive as other similarly priced contendersGreat overall seat with high stroller compatibility and better than average results all aroundNot as comfy for little ones, but the crash test results are impressiveIf your budget is small, this seat has impressive crash test resultsHard to install and more challenging to use overshadows the better crash test analysis
Rating Categories Britax B-Safe Gen-2... Chicco KeyFit 35 Chicco KeyFit 30 Graco SnugRide 35 L... Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc
Crash Test (40%)
7.4
7.6
7.9
8.4
7.7
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)
7.5
7.0
6.8
3.0
3.5
Ease of Install - Belt (10%)
6.0
7.0
6.8
3.5
2.5
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
6.8
6.8
5.5
3.8
4.5
Ease of Use (15%)
4.5
8.5
8.0
5.5
3.5
Comfort/Quality (5%)
6.5
7.5
5.5
3.0
4.0
Weight/Size (5%)
6.2
6.9
7.2
8.5
7.9
Specs Britax B-Safe Gen-2... Chicco KeyFit 35 Chicco KeyFit 30 Graco SnugRide 35 L... Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc
Aircraft Certified Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Minimum Weight 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Maximum Weight 35 lbs 35 lbs 30 lbs 35 lbs 30 lbs
Maximum Height 32 in 32 in 30 in 32 in 30 in
Belt Routing Style European European American American American
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 11.6 lb 10.4 lb 9.8 lb 7.6 lb 8.7 lb
Number of Recline Positions 5 6 5 4 4
Shoulder Harness Positions 6 5 3 4 3
Crotch Strap Positions 2 1 1 2 1
Built in Lock Off Yes Yes Yes No No
Anti-rebound Bar No Yes No No No
Load Leg No No No No No
Locking Handle Positions 4 3 3 4 4
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Any position Any position Any position Any position Not listed
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Newborn Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Non-rethread Non-rethread Rethread Rethread Rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Level Indicator On Base Mark on a dial, both sides Bubble, both sides Bubble, both sides needle, one side On Infant Seat, one side only
Level Indicator On Seat Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Hanging Indicator

Our Analysis and Test Results

Britax believes families can enjoy every moment more if they have the right product to make life easier. The company tries to create products, like car seats found in our best car seats review and strollers, with intuitive, safe designs with children in mind. Britax has been creating baby gear for 70+ years and came to the USA in 1996.

Performance Comparison



This is the Britax B-Safe Gen-2 crash test from MGA Research.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Testing


The crash test analysis of the Britax is on par with most of the metrics for this seat, with an average performance compared to the competition. Our analysis considers the crash test sensor data from the head (HIC score) and chest (chest clip score) sensors in the crash test dummy used during testing.

The B-Safe Gen 2 head sensor results are shown in this graph...
The B-Safe Gen 2 head sensor results are shown in this graph compared to the results of one of the best-performing seats in the group.
The Britax B-Safe chest sensor results are shown compared to the...
The Britax B-Safe chest sensor results are shown compared to the Clek Liing, one of the best in the bunch.

These results combined indicate how the seat compares to others in the test group. While all the seats in this review are considered safe per the federal guidelines, we did a somewhat hotter crash test to get different data to see how the seats performed under more stress than the traditional testing. The Britax performed average for the group, which is something compared to seats that struggled, but it can't match the results of the top-performing seats in this metric. With a relatively low chest clip score (lower is better) and an okay HIC score, this seat isn't a standout but doesn't disappoint. If owning a Britax is job one for you, these results alone wouldn't stop us from suggesting this seat, as the seat is safe. However, if having the absolute best crash test performance in the group is what you want, then you should probably keep looking.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the latch installation method is the easiest option for the britax.
The LATCH installation method is the easiest option for the Britax.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation LATCH


Installation using the LATCH system for the Britax is the easiest method for this car seat. The LATCH connectors are on a strap and are the push-on style with a release button on the back. There is no anti-rebound bar or load leg.

Each LATCH connector on the B-Safge tightens separately in the middle of the base.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The LATCH connectors are easy to clip on the anchors even without guides or rigid-style connectors, and they make a click sound then connected. There are adequate straps to stretch the connectors where needed, and we had no trouble tightening them. Tightening is independent on each side and easy to pull without getting inside the car.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the b-safe has push style latch connectors that are easy to connect...
The B-Safe has push style LATCH connectors that are easy to connect and release.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

There is no tensioner, and our tester felt it would be a more stable feeling if there had been one. Releasing the base is easy to uninstall, with a push button on the top to loosen the base to disconnect the connectors from the car anchors.

Uninstalling the base on the B-Safe is easy with a large red push button to loosen the LATCH straps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the b-safe has dual level range indicators, one on each side of the...
The B-Safe has dual level range indicators, one on each side of the base.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Recline Adjustment


The base has a level range indicator on both sides, making it easy to see when installing. The angle adjustment has five options, but there isn't much range on the acceptable level allowance during installation.

The angle adjustment for the B-Safe requires your whole had and is much easier to do before installation as it presses against the seat during installation and can be hard to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation - Belt


Installation using only the vehicle belt is the most challenging installation method for this seat in our tests. The belt pathway and lock-off slot are color-coded for the shoulder belt. The spaces are smaller than average but relatively easy to navigate. All of the areas where you put your hands feel soft and skin-friendly. The lock-off is built in, which makes it easier to use and impossible to lose. It is basically a slit on the base; we had to yank on the belt's webbing to get it into the slit while holding the belt tight.

The belt lock-off on the B-Safe is a thin slit that requires pulling...
The belt lock-off on the B-Safe is a thin slit that requires pulling the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt back through in an unnatural direction, making it harder to use than it needs to be.
Minus the lock-off, the belt pathway on the B-=Safe is pretty easy...
Minus the lock-off, the belt pathway on the B-=Safe is pretty easy to use with nice smooth threading path.

We struggled with the height/angle adjustment as well because the adjustment sits against the back of the vehicle seat, so you need to determine the correct angle before you finalize tightening and installation. After installation in the sedan, stability was good, but it would be better with an anti-rebound bar.

Installation in the small SUV was a little better. But the lock-off is still not in a natural pull direction and is harder to operate. It also passes the stability test in the compact SUV, but slightly more wiggle is apparent.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the britax b-safe utilizes the european belt path method that...
The Britax B-Safe utilizes the European belt path method that includes wrapping the back of the carrier with the shoulder portion of the belt.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base


This carrier uses the European belt path that includes the vehicle shoulder belt around the back of the carrier. The path is not color-coded, and the level line is only a line on a sticker decal. The belt path has large slits, so it is easy to thread the belt, unlike some o the competition. Despite some nicer aspects, it is still below average for ease of installation in this method.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the belt path for installing the b-safe without the base is not...
The belt path for installing the B-Safe without the base is not color-coded and while not difficult to determine or remember, we do think color-coding helps tired or first time parents with successful installation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The indicator line is somewhat hard to decipher, and the directions aren't as straightforward as they could be. When tightening the belt to secure the seat in the first test car, it was hard to get the angle right as one end kept trying to move upward. We can see how frustrated or tired parents will accept any installation angle out of frustration. Once installed, the stability was about average, with limited side-to-side movement and only some continued efforts to pop up in the back.

Installation in the compact SUV was better, with an easier time getting the seat to the correct angle and a more stable final product. Both installing and uninstalling the carrier was easier in the compact SUV.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the buckle and chest clip on the britax are about average, but we...
The buckle and chest clip on the Britax are about average, but we worry the clip design could be harder to use if gunk collects in the crevaces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


With an overall ease of use score well below the group's average, this Britax seat is nothing to brag about in this metric. It simply could be easier to use than it is.

Buckle


When you press the button, the prongs pop out on their own, which is nice. The spring slits the straps travel through are plastic inside and tend to slip down the webbing more than those with metal interiors. The button is oval, slightly indented, textured, and a good size for thumbs. It does have padding behind the buckle and crotch strap, which makes things a bit cluttered and the buckle harder to grasp.

The chest clip design will make it hard to use if gunk or spit-up gets caught in the mechanism. If clean, it isn't tricky to use and slides easily. Once again, we wish the manufacturers would give better information on where chest clips should be placed on the baby's body.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - we kind of like the sewen fabric over the tightening strap and...
We kind of like the sewen fabric over the tightening strap and release button.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Tightening/Loosening


This seat harness is easy to tighten with the strap in the foot area of the carrier. It can be somewhat one-sided if you have released one side of the shoulders more than the other, so you'll want to keep them the same as best you can when loosening. If you don't, one side will feel tight, while the other will feel a little loose. It could use a longer strap to make getting arms in the harness easier, but it isn't as bad as some. The release button is hidden from curious fingers under an attached piece of padding/fabric that only has one open end.

The B-Safe harness height adjustment happens on the back of the carrier by pinching the red buttons before moving the assembly up or down to the desired position.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Adjustment


This harness is a non-rethread style and has six available shoulder positions and two crotch positions. To move the shoulder height positioning, you squeeze two red tabs on the back and move the assembly up and down to the desired location. It doesn't glide all that smoothly, but it beats taking the straps off and rethreading them. Taller adjustments require some finesse to avoid finger pinching.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the b-safe carrier detaches from the base for removal from the car...
The B-Safe carrier detaches from the base for removal from the car by pinching the release lever and lifting the carrier up and away.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Carrier to Base Connection


Installing the carrier onto the base is more challenging than much of the competition. You have to listen for a double click, and we often had to wiggle it a little bit to get the second click. This issue creates concern that some parents might think the carrier is connected when it is not. The worst part was squeezing the handle to remove the carrier, as it took a lot of strength to accomplish. Those with larger or stronger hands might have fewer problems than we did. It left our tester feeling somewhat defeated and like it was harder than it should be.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - to adjust the handle on the b-safe you press in the red buttons...
To adjust the handle on the B-Safe you press in the red buttons simultaneously on each side to rotate to the desired position.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Handle


The button on the handle that allows you to initiate the rotation is somewhat stiffer than most. It almost feels like you are crunching through something. It is also challenging to pull the handle past the canopy toward you; you almost have to jerk it toward you. We didn't have the same experience moving it the opposite way. It has four positions, and any of them are available during car travel.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the canopy on the b-safe is nice overall with a connection in the...
The canopy on the B-Safe is nice overall with a connection in the back, taut look, and smooth operation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Canopy


The canopy on the Britax rotates on its own pathway instead of being incorporated into the handle rotation. It moves well, and while you can rotate the handle over it, the canopy is in the way when you try to grip the handle.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the b-safe manual storage in located in a compartment on the base...
The B-Safe manual storage in located in a compartment on the base, which keep[ si tout of the way but means you'll be without it if you install without the base like you might on travel.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

LATCH and Manual Storage


The manual stows on the top of the base under a little door that lifts up. It is easy to get to and out of the way from potential messes, but it will be left behind if you take the carrier without the base on travel.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the b-safe offers above-average comfort and quality.
The B-Safe offers above-average comfort and quality.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


This Britax earned an above-average score for comfort and quality, but it still struggled to keep up with the competitors we tested side-by-side.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the impact foam on the britax is relatively thin compared to some...
The impact foam on the Britax is relatively thin compared to some competitors.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fabric and Padding


The fabric feels okay, but we'd prefer something soft and more skin-friendly. It has a fake breathable pattern that looks like a honeycomb but is just a print and not 3D, so it does nothing for breathability. Unlike older versions, they have moved the warning labels away from the baby's head area, which is nice.

The neck and back padding are good, and the thickness is average for the group. The infant insert is fluffier, and we were disappointed that once you remove it, there is less impressive padding for comfort. The shoulder padding on the harness is attached with a hook and loop closure, so you need to ensure the soft area is near the baby's face.

Handle and Canopy


The round rubber grip on this handle is nicer to hold than most. The handle gets wider as you move out from the grip and offers more surface area to make it more comfortable to rest on your arm. The stroller connection point pops out from the handle joint, which is odd and unlike most of the competition.

The canopy is relatively taut and looks better than frumpy competitors. It is average-sized, and the back fits snuffly on the shell, so you can pull it tight without displacing it in the back. The material feels like a rip=stop material, is thicker than others, but still feels breathable.

Shell


The outer shell of the carrier is smooth and easy to clean. The back has fewer places for gunk to hide than some of the competition, and the carrier-to-base connection metal bars are open and free with no hindrances.

britax b-safe gen-2 with flexfit infant car seat review - the b-safe carrier is kind of heavy compared to competitors but by...
The B-Safe carrier is kind of heavy compared to competitors but by no means the heaviest in the group.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


The carrier on this seat is 11.6 lbs. This puts it slightly heavier than the average seat but nowhere near the close to 17 lb max we saw in the competition. However, there are significantly lighter carriers than this one if you need to carry it regularly with your baby on board.

Should You Buy the B-Safe Gen-2?


If you already have a much loved Britax stroller and want to pair it with a car seat easily, we see the appeal of this infant seat. It isn't a standout in any metric, but if it is the only seat you've ever seen, you'll likely be happy with its overall look and functionality. However, it isn't high-ranking or one of our favorites, and we think you can find a better option in our lineup, no matter your goals.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?


The Chicco Keyfit 35 earned a higher overall score with better performance in some key metrics, including slightly better crash test analysis results, all for a similar price. If you want to have the best seat with the best crash test results, then the Clek Liing is the one for you. This impressive seat has the best crash test analysis and is easy to install using the rigid LATCH connectors. The Liing is a high-quality option that scored well overall.

Maufacturer's Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz