Britax B-Safe Gen-2 with Flexfit Review

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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