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Convertible Car Seats FAQs

• What is the difference between the Britax® Poplar™ and Poplar S convertible car seats?

  Both the Poplar & Poplar S convertible car seats combine the patented ClickTight® installation system with a 17-inch (43.2 cm) slim SpaceSaver™ design, helping to ensure an easy and secure fit in your vehicle. The Poplar S offers additional features such as a removable head pad, an upper body support pillow, and a ReboundReduce™ stability bar. The Britax Convertible Car Seat Comparison Chart provides a breakdown of the similarities and differences between each of the convertible and all-in-one Britax car seats.

• What is the exterior width of the Britax Poplar & Poplar S convertible car seats?

  At 17 in (43.18 cm) wide, these car seats are designed to fit 3-across* in most vehicles without compromising on safety and comfort. *Britax cannot guarantee 3-across installation fitment in all vehicles.

• What is the length from front to back of the Britax Poplar & Poplar S convertible car seats when reclined?

  The length is approximately 28.5 in (72.39 cm) when reclined on a flat surface, though this may vary depending on the vehicle's seat angle and other factors.

• What is the weight of the Britax Poplar & Poplar S convertible car seats?

  The Poplar weighs 27.2 lbs. (12.34 kg), while the Poplar S weighs 28 lbs. (12.70 kg).

• Is the infant insert required for use on the Poplar and Poplar S convertible car seats?

  Yes, the lower infant insert is required for children weighing 22 lbs. (10 kg) or less in a rear-facing position. Do not use it for children over 22 lbs. (10 kg) or in a forward-facing position.

• What is the purpose of the ReboundReduce™ stability bar and how is it used with these car seats?

  The ReboundReduce™ stability bar helps minimize motion in the event of a crash when used in rear-facing mode. It is optional in the US but included with the Poplar S model.

• What if my vehicle seat doesn't allow enough contact for the Poplar or Poplar S convertible car seat base?

  Adjust the recline angle to a more upright position to help ensure the base makes proper contact with the vehicle seat. If you still cannot achieve proper contact, try a different seating position or contact customer service.
  

• How can I help ensure a proper harness fit in the Poplar or Poplar S convertible car seat as my child grows?

  Both car seats offer a one-handed, quick-adjust headrest and harness system, eliminating the need for rethreading as your child grows.

• How do I adjust the head restraint and harness positions on the Poplar or Poplar S convertible car seat?

  Lift the harness release button, pull the harness straps forward, squeeze the harness height adjuster on the headrest, slide to the desired position, and ensure the headrest is locked into position.
  

• When should I use the harness pads and when should I store them?

  You must use the harness pads with children weighing 22-50 lbs. (10-22.7 kg) in rear-facing mode and 22-65 lbs. (10-29.4 kg) in forward-facing positions. Store the harness pads for children under 25 lbs. (11.3 kg) in forward-facing mode when installing with a lap belt only. Harness pads may be used for children under 22 lbs. (10 kg) rear facing when proper positioning can be achieved.

• Can I remove the harness pads on my Poplar convertible car seat?

  No, the harness pads should not be permanently removed.

• Which harness buckle slot should I use when installing the Poplar convertible car seat?

  Use the buckle slot closest to your child but not underneath them.

• Does Britax require that the cup holders be used for safe travel?

  Yes, either the cup holders or the included cup holder caps must be used during travel for proper functionality and safety.

• Can I buy replacement cup holders for my Poplar or Poplar S convertible car seat?

  Yes, replacement cup holders and cup holder caps are available on the Britax website or by contacting customer service.

• Can I use a pool noodle to help with the recline angle when installing my Britax convertible car seat?

  If the appropriate recline cannot be achieved when installing the car seat rear-facing, you may use a rolled towel or pool noodle in the vehicle seat bight as described in the user guide. Never use a rolled towel or pool noodle for a forward-facing installation.

• What is a convertible car seat?

  A convertible car seat is a child seat that converts from rear-facing for infants and small toddlers to forward-facing for older children. Britax convertible car seats can accommodate children weighing up to 65 pounds (29.5 kg).

• When does a child outgrow or not appropriately fit in a Britax convertible car seat?

  Refer to the user guide for specific car seat and date of manufacture details to determine when your child has outgrown the seat.
  

• What are the base overhang restrictions on the Britax Poplar & Poplar S convertible car seats?

  Ensuring that the Britax Poplar and Poplar S car seats are correctly installed is crucial for your child's safety. The black positioning runners on the bottom of the car seat's base must rest entirely flat on your vehicle's seat, however the space beyond the runners’ outside edges is permitted to overhang the vehicle seat edge. You are also permitted to have up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) of the base extending beyond the front edge of your vehicle's seat in either rear-facing or forward-facing modes, as illustrated in our user guide. If the shape of your vehicle's seat prevents the base from making adequate contact, adjusting the car seat to a more upright recline angle may be necessary to help ensure proper installation.

  Remember: It is essential that the black base positioning runners on the bottom of the car seat's base not only sit flat on the vehicle's seat but also remain parallel to it. This configuration is crucial to help ensure the car seat performs as intended in the event of a collision.