Britax Frontier Review

[CPSDarren]

Please see the Full Review now at CarseatBlog.Com

Introduction

This review is for the Britax Frontier. This is a "Harness-2Booster" or combination (combo) forward-facing child restraint and belt-positioning booster seat. Using the harness forward-facing, it is for children over 2 years, weight from 25 to 80 pounds and from 30 to 53 inches tall. As a booster, it is rated for children starting at a minimum of 40 pounds and 42 to 60 inches tall. In booster mode, there is no official maximum weight limit. If a child can otherwise meet the height limits and be properly positioned, it is possible to exceed 100 pounds for booster use.

Features and Advantages

Side Impact Protection- Most child restraints are quite effective in frontal crashes when used properly. Side impacts are gaining attention because they can be very dangerous, even to properly restrained passengers. Britax is one of the industry leaders with innovative side protection features and in-house side impact crash testing. The relatively deep wings for the torso and head provide added protection from intrusion. In addition, the wings around the head are padded with energy absorbing foam. My youngest son just turned 3 years old, is about 36 pounds and 39" tall. The wings provide decent coverage from the side (see photo).

5-point Harness to 80 pounds- Among the best features of the Frontier is the 5-point harness that is rated to 80 pounds. Many combination models have a 40 pound limit on their harness system, though some newer models also go beyond 40 pounds. While most kids above 40 pounds can use a booster, some may not be mature enough to remain seated properly in a lap and shoulder belt. In other cases, parents may prefer to keep their child in a 5-point harness beyond 40 pounds because it may offer somewhat more protection in side impacts and rollovers than a 3-point lap and shoulder belt. After 40 pounds, the harness may be removed and the Frontier can be used as a belt positioning booster. This is a big safety advantage compared to some combination models that allow booster mode to be used at 30 pounds, in part because the harness system will simply not fit some taller children anywhere close to 40 pounds...

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And visit the official Britax Frontier Web Page here: http://www.britaxusa.com/products/pr...ail.aspx?ID=15

[CPSDarren]

Bump! Any practical questions about the Frontier?

[mommytotwo]

I am not sure if this will be considered "practical", but can you compare it to a Nautilus, in your experience? I have read somewhat conflicting information, and did go ahead and order a Frontier over the Nautilus. One source tells me the tops slots of the GN are much higher than the Frontier, another (here on this board) that they were very close...also shoulder width, crotch stap issues? Do you think the armrests are "comfy" enough? Thanks for posting such a thorough review!!!

[CPSDarren]

That's very practical. Unfortunately, I've only seen a Nautilus on a table at a conference and it wasn't near a Frontier for me to compare them. I suspect the top slots aren't all that much taller if at all, but that's just a guess. For high top slots, you need to go with something like the Regent or (for special needs) the Traveller Plus or Roosevelt.

[mommytotwo]

Ah, OK, was hoping you had been up close and personal with a Nautilus.

We do have a Regent in one vehicle for DS but can't fit one in the other...that is why I had to go with the Frontier or Nautilus. I feel reasonable comfortable with the decision, hope I don't regret it once it arrives. (whenever that is!)

Thanks again for this info and for this board in general!

[MyLittleTyke]

Do you feel that the impact side protection the frontier offers is worth the purchase price? My nearly 7 year old, 50 lbs, average sized guy is in a regent now. I have been intrigued by the frontier because of the side impact protection. Now I'm weighing...do I get it, do I not. Thoughts?

[laurenrachey]

Darren, forgive me for not reading the entire post, I did search for torso on the page and I don't see anything...would you mind giving your DS's stats? His weight and torso height? My DS just turned 3 in March and looks to be a very similar size. And also, how much growing room would you say your son has before reaching the top harness 'slots?'

If they are similar size, this will give me a good idea how my son would fit. I will likely order online, as the closest place that *might* carry the seat is probably 1.5 hours away.

Thanks so much!

[CPSDarren]

Originally Posted by MyLittleTyke

Do you feel that the impact side protection the frontier offers is worth the purchase price? My nearly 7 year old, 50 lbs, average sized guy is in a regent now. I have been intrigued by the frontier because of the side impact protection. Now I'm weighing...do I get it, do I not. Thoughts?

The side wings for the head and torso are generous, but other models may have similar construction. Without any public data, it's impossible to say if the Frontier would be any safer in a side impact than another model with well designed wings around the head and chest. Most models with the 5-point harness will provide at least some side impact protection. Personally, I wouldn't trade a Regent to get a Frontier for a 7 year old, 50 pound child unless there were other concerns.

[CPSDarren]

Originally Posted by laurenrachey

Darren, forgive me for not reading the entire post, I did search for torso on the page and I don't see anything...would you mind giving your DS's stats? His weight and torso height? My DS just turned 3 in March and looks to be a very similar size. And also, how much growing room would you say your son has before reaching the top harness 'slots?'

If they are similar size, this will give me a good idea how my son would fit. I will likely order online, as the closest place that *might* carry the seat is probably 1.5 hours away.

Thanks so much!

He just had his 3-year checkup and the physician's scale measured him just under 37 pounds. My daughter is almost 8 and is 50" tall and still fits in the harness (barely), though she is right around average in height and weight for her age I think. My 3-year old is still around the 90th percentile for height and weight, so if he stays on that track he might outgrow the harness in 3-4 years.