Review: Britax Baby Carrier

The Britax Baby Carrier was designed to provide the highest level of long-wearing comfort for both you and your growing baby.

Using the Britax Baby Carrier

The Britax Baby Carrier features the CarryLong System, which reduces the risk of back and shoulder strain during extended wear by distributing weight across the shoulders, back and hips.

I’m highly impressed with the Britax Baby Carrier. We’ve been using it pretty much every day for the past few months and it’s still the carrier I grab for first. Among the places it has been (beach, park, shopping… you know, the usual), I’ve also used it during our recent LEGOLAND visits (and these are generally not the quickest of visits). I try to keep it in the car, stroller, or somewhere easily accessible because it’s so incredibly easy to use during our daily errands and while walking with my two older kids to and from school.

The CarryLong System — with the padded straps, back harness strap and waist belt — make the Britax carrier comfortable for me while the open, breathable, contoured design, combined with the padded leg openings and versatile carry positions, make it comfortable for my baby.

Giving love to his Britax Carrier

Speaking of the CarryLong System, I’d like to go ahead and add my meaning to the words CarryLong. Not only is the CarryLong System intended for extended wear… The Britax Baby Carrier also grows with your baby from birth (8 pounds is the minimum weight limit). So, I like to call it the Britax CarryLong for two reasons: 1. the extended length of time you can use it comfortably and 2. the number of years you can actually use it.

This is what I’m talking about…

The Britax Baby Carrier accommodates babies from eight pounds to toddlers up to 32 pounds.

• When using the carrier with an eight to 11-pound baby, use the attached leg loops to ensure a snug and safe fit around baby’s legs. Each leg loop has three positions so that you can adjust it to the optimal fit for your child.

• The head support is adjustable in two ways — you can tighten/loosen the upper connector strap and you can use the head support button (and loop) to better support your smaller baby’s head.

• The Infant Insert is included with the Britax Baby Carrier and easily attaches to the inside of the carrier, creating a more natural and comfortable position for smaller babies. The Infant Insert is for babies eight to 14 pounds or should be removed once your baby’s ears reach the top of the carrier.

Versatility with the Britax Baby Carrier

The Britax Baby Carrier supports the following positions:

• Inward-facing with Removable Infant Insert for small babies from eight to 14 pounds
• Inward-facing without an insert for babies over 14 pounds
• Inward-facing with splayed legs using the Seat Extender Insert for babies over 14 pounds
• Outward-facing without an insert for babies over 14 pounds who have head and neck control

We primarily use the Britax carrier with my 22-pound, 21-month-old toddler facing out. He enjoys the view from above and loves being a part of the action. We have yet to try the Seat Extender Insert (for the inward-facing position), but we definitely need to get one. On the rare occasion that my toddler rides in the inward-facing position, his wide-set hips (and um, large bottom) are almost too big. He doesn’t complain but I have to double check that he’s centered in the carrier so he doesn’t become uncomfortable. I do wish that the Seat Extender Insert was included with the carrier, but you can (and we will) purchase the Seat Extender Insert separately for $24.99.

Another accessory that comes with the Britax Baby Carrier is the Carrier Bib. You don’t know how happy it makes me that one of these is included with the carrier. Or maybe you do.

Nom. Nom. Nom.

It’s a fact, anything that brushes or touches baby’s chin or mouth instantly becomes a chew toy. You can purchase additional Carrier Bibs for $19.99 (’cause you know you’re going to need them).

Now I hope Britax comes out with a little pouch accessory (or something similar), so I have a place to put my keys and phone while taking the kids to school.

Safety and ease of use

The Britax Baby Carrier has a simple over-the-head design, one-handed buckles and snaps, easy adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt — all of which make the Britax carrier easy to use for quick errands and for long outings.

The over-the-head design with the attached back harness strap is one of the many ways that Britax ensures your baby’s safety while he or she is in the carrier. If the waist belt is accidentally undone while baby is properly strapped into the carrier, baby will remain safely in the carrier due to the secured harness and pouch design. The other safety features include the adjustable head support and leg loops, infant insert and seat extender insert.

But really, do we even need to question safety when it comes from Britax? I think not.

His best Blue Steel as he models the Britax Baby Carrier

Britax Baby Carrier details