Anyone used the Britax Roundabout with a newborn? We're having #3 in April and we're looking for a new car seat. We got rid of the infant bucket seat a while back, so we're thinking of just going with a convertible from the beginning. My son (baby #2) was only in the bucket seat for 4 months, so we don't want to buy one that we're only going to use for a short time. I'm not keen on borrowing or buying one used. I'm wondering if anyone has used this (or any other convertible) car seat from day one? What was your experience? I'm not concerned about the inconvenience, etc, so please don't go into that. I'm more concerned with which convertible will fit a newborn from day one. Anyone used the Britax Roundabout with a newborn? We're having #3 in April and we're looking for a new car seat. We got rid of the infant bucket seat a while back, so we're thinking of... » Read More Anyone used the Britax Roundabout with a newborn? We're having #3 in April and we're looking for a new car seat. We got rid of the infant bucket seat a while back, so we're thinking of just going with a convertible from the beginning. My son (baby #2) was only in the bucket seat for 4 months, so we don't want to buy one that we're only going to use for a short time. I'm not keen on borrowing or buying one used. I'm wondering if anyone has used this (or any other convertible) car seat from day one? What was your experience? I'm not concerned about the inconvenience, etc, so please don't go into that. I'm more concerned with which convertible will fit a newborn from day one. « Show Less
1175449
We bought this for #4 with the same idea as you...get rid of the carrier kind so I could use a wrap for the baby and have more hands for the other kids. However, our baby was 8lbs. 4oz and 22 in long and, bringing him home was a big pain. I don't know how in the world you would get a smaller baby in there! It took a month to get comfortable stashing him in; and rolling receiving blankets around, etc. Now he's plenty big and the seat is sturdy but we are having issues adjusting straps as he grows. We think the Britax 55 is a huge pain in the 'bottom'.
287583
I was also thinking of doing the same. I will be a first time mom in July and the infant seat seems a bit of a waste of money and also a big carbon footprint considering all the safety advocates say not to use a used car seat. I was doing some research and a site called Consumer Search mentioned that Britax sells "...a foam positioning insert..." for smaller infants.
1175450
We moved our son into this seat when he was 6 week sold and weighing in at 12lbs, we used the "snuzller" also and he fits like a gem. He seems 10 times more comfortable in this seat than he did in his Chicco KeyFit. My husband is a firefighter and I'm an ER nurse and we swear this is the most secure car seat we have ever seen come out of some serious accidents, the children are for the most part untouched. The sad thing is I'm sure our son will outgrow it way before the typical growth period. The good thing is Britax makes a great step up seat and booster seat.
1175451
Thanks for your insight, Jessica. I think we're going to go with an infant carrier after all.
1175452
We have a roundabout 50 which we bought when our son was 1 year old and outgrew the carrier. I would not recommend it for a newborn, even though its rated for 5 lbs and up. The lowest shoulder strap level seems like it would be too high for newbornw and it just doesn't snuggle around a tiny baby well. Plus its harder to install it reclined all the way at 45 degrees. I believe the Roundabout 55 comes with an insert to better position a newborn, so it might work ok. There are probably better convertible seats that provide a better fit for newborns, or just use the infant carrier style and sell if once your baby outgrows it. We have a roundabout 50 which we bought when our son was 1 year old and outgrew the carrier. I would not recommend it for a newborn, even though its rated for 5 lbs and up. The lowest shoulder strap level seems like it would be too high for newbornw and it just doesn't snuggle around a tiny baby well. Plus its harder to install it reclined all the way at 45 degrees. I believe the Roundabout 55 comes with an insert to better position a newborn, so it might work ok. There are probably better convertible seats that provide a better fit for newborns, or just use the infant carrier style and... » Read More We have a roundabout 50 which we bought when our son was 1 year old and outgrew the carrier. I would not recommend it for a newborn, even though its rated for 5 lbs and up. The lowest shoulder strap level seems like it would be too high for newbornw and it just doesn't snuggle around a tiny baby well. Plus its harder to install it reclined all the way at 45 degrees. I believe the Roundabout 55 comes with an insert to better position a newborn, so it might work ok. There are probably better convertible seats that provide a better fit for newborns, or just use the infant carrier style and sell if once your baby outgrows it. « Show Less
1175453
I would love to hear what others have to say about this. We had this car seat on our registry, but I just read a review on another site that stated the First Years True Fit is the only convertible car seat that truly fits newborns. We're thinking of getting that instead.
1213775
I used it with my daughter at 5 months. You're fine. It is only for use with an infant carrier though, not for use with a convertible car seat.
1165816
We have been considerign purchasing this, can anyone attest to the true smaller size this posts. I just bought a Nissan Versa and thought 3 kids would fit comfortably in the back seat (not quite). We currently have the Evenflo Triumph, Fisher Price Safe Voyage booster, and an 11 year old that gets squeezed wherever she fits. The kids are actually 3, 9, and 11. The 9 year old still needs the booster-he is only 60 pounds. I am considering purchasing this car seat but only if I can get all three kids comfortable in the back seat. This would replace the Triumph.
1583089
My daughter is very tall also, 100% for her age group. At 18 months and 35inches, she is at the next to the top shoulder strap. The manufacturer recommends turning it forward facing when they reach the top strap holder. I just asked our pediatrician at our 18 month check up what we should do when she reaches that point as I am sure it will be soon, and before she is 2 which is the law in CA. His response was to turn her around when she reaches the top strap even if it is before age 2 as she will then be big enough. That being said we bought this carseat for traveling. It is the smallest and lightest carseat we could find. She seems very comfortable in it. The bottom strap to attach it via car latches does not adjust on both sides which makes getting a perfectly tight fit impossible. It has good safety ratings but in comparison to the Britax carseat we use for every day, it really doesn't seem as safe or tighly secured in the car. Hope this helps.
28418
I loved the seat, but only had it for one, and didn't use it for her as a newborn. It's certainly one of the smallest footprint seats I've seen. It would not allow you to pop the seat in and out of the car with the baby in it, which one big advantage of the other sort of seat.
538550
The price was same as the one I bought in 2009. But the qualities of the car seat went very low. Can I get exchange service from britax? Everytime when I load my baby to new britax car seat, it feels so horrible. The old one (2009) has very nice fabric, comfort cushion and a big audible sound in click and safety. Can I exchange an old model of britax riviera in 2009 even though I do not have a box for the car seat??
68769
Hi there! My son is 11 months old, 23 pounds and 29 inches and we purchased the seat just last month for him. My son is still an infant and I was worried that the seat was going to be too big for him. I was worried he was going to slip through the seat belts (so not the case). This car seat is AMAZING!!! I purchased the seat because I loved the fact that it has an extra side protection that reduces trauma by 50% ( I read that somewhere-I did a alot of research). That caught my attention and of course the majority of the reviews have been positive. I recommend this car seat to ANYONE who is looking for a safe and durable car seat. Yes, it's a little on the pricey side but it is well worth it. I believe that you will not go wrong purchasing this seat for your son regardless of his height and weight. Your son is the perfect age and weight for this car seat. If you are still not sure like I was, I made it appoint to contact a certified car seat specialist in my area (some are free others are just accept donations). They are there are there to educate you about the car seat. These specialist are always up to date with current and the most latest trends when it comes to car seats...you have my word, you will not go wrong with this car seat. When you have your son sitting in the seat and riding around in the car, you will feel safe knowing he's sitting in a well equiped car seat.. =D
383550
Assuming you mean 9 month old? And it's big enough but I don't really recommend it for that age. (Or at all to be honest)It's really best for newborns. It lays pretty flat on the floor so if you put your 9 month old baby in it they'll just sit in it like you put them on a bean bag... But can easily roll over. We gave ours away by 6 months as we didn't use it for the baby...My 3year old loved it and pretended she was a turtle :) watch out for the seams though- I returned mine and the second one also split (and little styrofoam beads spilled everywhere) so I sewed the second one. I don't really recommend these seats period. Assuming you mean 9 month old? And it's big enough but I don't really recommend it for that age. (Or at all to be honest)It's really best for newborns. It lays pretty flat on the floor so if you put your 9 month old baby in it they'll just sit in it like you put them on a bean bag... But can easily roll over. We gave ours away by 6 months as we didn't use it for the baby...My 3year old loved it and pretended she was a turtle :) watch out for the seams though- I returned mine and the second one also split (and little styrofoam beads spilled everywhere) so I sewed the second one. I don't... » Read More Assuming you mean 9 month old? And it's big enough but I don't really recommend it for that age. (Or at all to be honest)It's really best for newborns. It lays pretty flat on the floor so if you put your 9 month old baby in it they'll just sit in it like you put them on a bean bag... But can easily roll over. We gave ours away by 6 months as we didn't use it for the baby...My 3year old loved it and pretended she was a turtle :) watch out for the seams though- I returned mine and the second one also split (and little styrofoam beads spilled everywhere) so I sewed the second one. I don't really recommend these seats period. « Show Less
15998
The new Blvd has an infant insert you can purchase through Britax that makes it an acceptable fit for larger newborns but the average to smaller newborns still won't fit even with the insert. Their top harness slots are just too high for most newborns since the slots need to be at or below for rear facing. The Scenera, True Fit, MyRide65, Triumph65, Cocorro and a couple others fit newborns well.
1884036
I probably would not recommend this seat for an infant even though is comes with an infant insert. We started out with the Chicco KeyFit 30 and loved it. He was in it until he weighed 30 lbs and it was very easy to get him in and out and with the base, made it particularly easy to take the entire seat out if he was sleeping without waking him. The Britax Advocate 70-G3 seems to be working out very well for him at this stage. We have it rear facing at this point but may have to turn it forward facing soon if he grows much taller as his legs seem a little cramped in the rear facing position.
1339616
A lot of car seats stats are greatly exaggerated. Maybe in some circumstance with a tall 5lb baby it worked, but 99.9% of the time it won't. I've heard this seat doesn't fit most babies until at least 5-6mo. Since your baby is on the smaller side I would give it a couple more months.
133092
Try the Britax Boulevard. The depth of the seat in the Marathon is shorter than the Roundabout. My son is average size, almost three and still has lots of growing room. I love how easily the straps can be raised or lowered (easier than the Marathon) and it has added side impact protection. I have reviews of all three car seats on my profile (just click on my name), with pictures of the Roundabout with a 21 lb baby.
160603
No this is not an infant carrier. This is a convertible car seat that stays in the car. It is designed for both rear facing use then transitions to forward facing and stays permanently in the car. I bought this for my then 6 month daughter as she was getting close to the height limit on her infant carrier the Britax BSafe. Most importantly she looked and acted uncomfortable in the infant carseat. I am so glad I bought this when I did as she loves it and is MUCH more comfortable. It does have 3 reclining positions although for rear facing it has to be at the most reclined postion. I did continu to use her infant carrier/carseat clicked into her stroller right until she turned 7 months now she sits just fine in her stroller. Hope this helps!
916281
Hi Kelly! The owners manual doesn't recommend running with an infant until 8 months of age. We waited until our child could sit up by herself at 6 months before just using the stroller by itself. I'm not sure of your situation but, the best set-up would be a Bob Stroller with a Britax adaptor and Britax car seat for the first 6 months. After that you would just use the stroller by itself. The stroller is awesome, we used it for walking around stores when she was a newborn in her car seat and now we run with her in the stroller. It's definitely worth the money, especially of you plan on having another kid. Hope that helps! If you have any more questions feel free to ask! Travis
1925880
We have had the Roundabout and the Marathon. You can go directly from a carrier to this seat, but your baby will look SO tiny. This is also bulkier than the roundabout and may not rear face in smaller cars. But it will buy you a few more years. I love both seats.
544176
It's bigger than the Britax stroller so smaller babies might not fit as snugly, especially at the bottom where the infants feet are located. I also purchased a Peg Perego car seat and a high chair and are very impressed with the build quality, but I would recommend using this stroller for babies closer to one year old or older.
1224763
With the old one you could only use one car seat at a time, and I have not seen a double car seat bar for the new (just tray/tray and car seat/tray) You can put a baby directly in the Bob, it lays flat enough and then just get a J J Cole body support (it's better than the snuzzler IMO but about the same price) We did this with my youngest at 4-5 weeks. If you really want the ease of popping in and out with a bucket, even if Bob offered such an add on, with their prices you wouldn't pay much more for a new double snap n go, less for used, and it would be so much easier to travel with. I have 3yo twins, i got my doubl snap n go for 10 bucks on craigslist and it was a great purchase. With the old one you could only use one car seat at a time, and I have not seen a double car seat bar for the new (just tray/tray and car seat/tray) You can put a baby directly in the Bob, it lays flat enough and then just get a J J Cole body support (it's better than the snuzzler IMO but about the same price) We did this with my youngest at 4-5 weeks. If you really want the ease of popping in and out with a bucket, even if Bob offered such an add on, with their prices you wouldn't pay much more for a new double snap n go, less for used, and it would be so much easier to travel with. I have... » Read More With the old one you could only use one car seat at a time, and I have not seen a double car seat bar for the new (just tray/tray and car seat/tray) You can put a baby directly in the Bob, it lays flat enough and then just get a J J Cole body support (it's better than the snuzzler IMO but about the same price) We did this with my youngest at 4-5 weeks. If you really want the ease of popping in and out with a bucket, even if Bob offered such an add on, with their prices you wouldn't pay much more for a new double snap n go, less for used, and it would be so much easier to travel with. I have 3yo twins, i got my doubl snap n go for 10 bucks on craigslist and it was a great purchase. « Show Less