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.
1648173
It's listed as a convertible and has a insert for infants to help keep them more snug. We got the infant carseat to start just because it was easier if he was sleeping to take the carrier out of the base and not have to wake him. We didn't use the Britax until he was 7 months old.
155856
No experience doing it, but Britax says you can put a newborn in the second seat - and I really can't see why you couldn't put one in the top seat. I have my 11 mo in the top seat. I would be perfectly comfortable putting a newborn in there with a body support around him/her.
2117266
We bought both this seat and the Britax Boulevard 70-3G. Both are great chairs. The Recaro's seat is not deep enough and makes it look uncomfortable but my kid doesn't complain. It has a really high back which makes it uncomfortable to get her in and out in our small car. If you're talking about a small infant, the seat does not come with an infant positioner that would make it more comfortable and more secure. The side protection wings also don't go all the way down for a tiny one. In my honest opinion, I think an infant car seat is better since it is built specifically for them. This one is much better for smaller toddlers. Pros: lots of venting so you don't have to worry about over heating. SUPER safe, steel frame. Cons: difficult install. Tall back even in a larger car. No infant positioner. I did LOVE my Graco Snugfit 35. They now make an even nicer Snugfit 40 that should last even longer than my 35. If I had to do it again, I would have gotten the Sung Fit 40 so that my 19 month old could still fit in it (35in height max) and then bought my Britax for ease of use again. I know I may have over burdened you with my answer. The seat is better for a toddler. But I wouldn't buy it again.
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??
345412
We're having the *exact* same problem as scientific illustrator. The Britax Roundabout will not sit securely in the middle of our Prius. The car seat base is more narrow than the middle cushion so the car seat tilts and wobbles. We are trying to return the Roundabout and are looking for suggestions on which convertible car seat will work. Please advise!! Thank you
396974
No, this is a convertible car seat. Usually only infant only, bucket-style car seats make stroller systems. This can be used from birth to booster seat age. It rear faces and forward faces. If you do start with an infant only bucket seat, then you would need to transition to a convertible anyway later on. Children need to be rear facing to at least age 2, and ideally as close to age 4 as possible.
691768
I would say for 5 month olds. The only con I see in this car is that the front seat does not layd (?) as much as the back one, if both kids are facing front. Sometimes I use the car for my old boys (2 and 4 years old), sometimes the 2 yo with the baby (6 months). But it is very easy to change the seats (I do it even when my 2 yo is seated and start kicking the front seat. i simply put him facing me).
1884032
Yes, this seat may be used in the rear-facing position for a newborn baby that is over 5 lbs. Infant Positioning Insert may be necessary for small infants to achieve a snug fit of the harness around your child (sold separately). However, you may find an "infant carseat" more satisfactory and/or convenient for the first six months of your baby's life, as they are portable. We moved up to the Britax Advocate 70-G3 when our baby out-grew her "infant seat". Furthermore, if expense is key and you can not aford to buy two carseats, infant seat and convertable seat, then get the convertable seat as it will last you the longest and it is the best value for your money. Good luck with your little one!
1200957
It looks like the same one we used which was probably a 2012 or 13. We loved it and the baby slept extremely well for about 5 1/2 months on it. We actually put it a top of our co-sleeper which was right next to my side of bed/mattress. Our little one was actually sleeping 8 plus hours straight starting at 2 weeks old. No joke. At first I thought something was wrong with him because he wasn't waking to eat but the Dr said, Let him sleep. If he's hungry or irritated, he will wake." So, who knows if it had anything to do with the lifenest but I will certainly be using it again if we have another. Good luck. It looks like the same one we used which was probably a 2012 or 13. We loved it and the baby slept extremely well for about 5 1/2 months on it. We actually put it a top of our co-sleeper which was right next to my side of bed/mattress. Our little one was actually sleeping 8 plus hours straight starting at 2 weeks old. No joke. At first I thought something was wrong with him because he wasn't waking to eat but the Dr said, Let him sleep. If he's hungry or irritated, he will wake." So, who knows if it had anything to do with the lifenest but I will certainly be using it again if we... » Read More It looks like the same one we used which was probably a 2012 or 13. We loved it and the baby slept extremely well for about 5 1/2 months on it. We actually put it a top of our co-sleeper which was right next to my side of bed/mattress. Our little one was actually sleeping 8 plus hours straight starting at 2 weeks old. No joke. At first I thought something was wrong with him because he wasn't waking to eat but the Dr said, Let him sleep. If he's hungry or irritated, he will wake." So, who knows if it had anything to do with the lifenest but I will certainly be using it again if we have another. Good luck. « Show Less
1233394
My son is five and weighs 45 pounds. He was about your son's size when he was 2, but then he thinned out. This thing is good up to about 100 pounds for front facing five point restraint. The five point restraint is simply the safest. We also have a booster for when he goes with family or friends, as this is not as convertible. But, overall, I love the britax 5-point restraint seat for longer trips especially as when he nods off his head has a place to rest. Your son is only 2, so I would recommend investing in this. Poorly fitted boosters can cause evisceration of organs and spinal cord injury to children. Why risk it? My son is five and weighs 45 pounds. He was about your son's size when he was 2, but then he thinned out. This thing is good up to about 100 pounds for front facing five point restraint. The five point restraint is simply the safest. We also have a booster for when he goes with family or friends, as this is not as convertible. But, overall, I love the britax 5-point restraint seat for longer trips especially as when he nods off his head has a place to rest. Your son is only 2, so I would recommend investing in this. Poorly fitted boosters can cause evisceration of organs and spinal cord... » Read More My son is five and weighs 45 pounds. He was about your son's size when he was 2, but then he thinned out. This thing is good up to about 100 pounds for front facing five point restraint. The five point restraint is simply the safest. We also have a booster for when he goes with family or friends, as this is not as convertible. But, overall, I love the britax 5-point restraint seat for longer trips especially as when he nods off his head has a place to rest. Your son is only 2, so I would recommend investing in this. Poorly fitted boosters can cause evisceration of organs and spinal cord injury to children. Why risk it? « Show Less
1350924
I haven't used this seat yet in my crv.. it is fairly large. My baby came at 7 months and then was way too small to fit in this seat when she was able to leave nicu. A friend let me borrow a carrier car seat. We will probably start using this seat next month. It seems nice and easy to use but I have also read other people having issues with it fitting in non suv type cars. If you get it and it doesn't fit you can send it back. I will say that when this was sent to me, the car seat was already expired, check the date if this is a concern.
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!
22832
Well this is the way I look at it. I have big babies (over 9lbs at birth) and my first two grew out of there other infant seats at 3-4 months old. Still being too little to sit in the cart on there own but to big for the infant seat. So to me any negatives that there might be of this seat are far outweighed by the fact that I don't have to worry about my soon to be new baby outgrowing the seat so fast.
1884035
I found that this car seat was actually more supportive of my newborn's head and more comfortable for my baby than the Graco Classic Connect 30 Infant seat that I also own. If we are going on long trips I put her in this seat instead of the infant one. (I don't have the infant insert, but my 7 lb. newborn fit in it just fine on the way home from the hospital and every time I put her in it since then.)
236402
Short answer: I don't think soWe put our son in there at about 30 months and 35 pounds. Our chicco keyfit 30 car seat worked pretty well up until then, and I think the official recommendation is to keep your kids in a rear facing car seat until 2 years or close to 30 lbs. When our son got in this it still seemed a bit big since the seatbel strap was located too high so it would slide into his neck (not bad, but you could tell it wasn't quite right). We bought the maxi cosi priori seat as an "in between" seat as our baby was outgrowing the car seat but wasn't ready for this seat. Note that I do highly recommend the Kobuk seat Short answer: I don't think soWe put our son in there at about 30 months and 35 pounds. Our chicco keyfit 30 car seat worked pretty well up until then, and I think the official recommendation is to keep your kids in a rear facing car seat until 2 years or close to 30 lbs. When our son got in this it still seemed a bit big since the seatbel strap was located too high so it would slide into his neck (not bad, but you could tell it wasn't quite right). We bought the maxi cosi priori seat as an "in between" seat as our baby was outgrowing the car seat but wasn't... » Read More Short answer: I don't think soWe put our son in there at about 30 months and 35 pounds. Our chicco keyfit 30 car seat worked pretty well up until then, and I think the official recommendation is to keep your kids in a rear facing car seat until 2 years or close to 30 lbs. When our son got in this it still seemed a bit big since the seatbel strap was located too high so it would slide into his neck (not bad, but you could tell it wasn't quite right). We bought the maxi cosi priori seat as an "in between" seat as our baby was outgrowing the car seat but wasn't ready for this seat. Note that I do highly recommend the Kobuk seat « Show Less
884844
My baby hates the car seat and the bassinet. I used this snugseat when she was 2 months for my uppababy vista and she loves it. I say give it a try. Every baby is different.