Infant Car Seats FAQs

• Does the Willow S meet the updated FMVSS 213 (side-impact & frontal-impact) testing standards?

  Yes. The Willow S is side-impact tested according to FMVSS 213 and tested to FMVSS 213 frontal impact standards.

• How do I uninstall my Britax car seat with ClickTight® or StayTight™ when it is installed using the lower connectors (LATCH)?

  To uninstall your Britax car seat with ClickTight® or StayTight^™ when it is installed using the lower connectors, follow these steps:

  1. Loosen the lower connector strap by pressing the lower connector adjuster release button and pulling the strap to create slack.
  2. Open the ClickTight panel or StayTight^™   level/handle.
  3. Disconnect the lower connectors.
  4. Remove the lower connectors from the belt path.
  5. Remove the car seat (or base) from the vehicle.
• How do I uninstall my Britax car seat with ClickTight® or StayTight™ when it is installed using the vehicle seat belt?

  To uninstall your Britax car seat with ClickTight® or StayTight^™ when it is installed using the vehicle seat belt, follow these steps:

  1. Unbuckle the vehicle seat belt.
  2. Open the ClickTight panel or StayTight level/handle.
  3. Remove the seat belt from the belt path.
  4. Remove the car seat (or base) from the vehicle.
• Can the vehicle seat belt retractor be locked / switched to automatic locking mode when installing a Britax car seat with ClickTight® or StayTight™? 

  After the seat belt installation is achieved following applicable instructions and warnings, the locking retractor can be switched to the automatic locking mode if desired. DO NOT pull on the shoulder belt to get the next click out of the retractor.  If you locked the retractor or switched it to automatic locking mode during installation, Britax recommends you follow the below steps when uninstalling/removing the car seat from the vehicle:

  • Hold the shoulder belt with one hand so that the retractor does not start taking up the seat belt webbing;
  • Unbuckle the vehicle seat belt;
  • Open ClickTight or StayTight;
  • Remove the vehicle seat belt completely from the car seat belt path; and
  • Release the vehicle shoulder belt.
• Is the Arbor infant car seat base’s StayTight installation feature the same as ClickTight?

  No. StayTight is a different Britax installation system that uses a lever-activated seat-belt tensioner and integrated lock-off on the StayTight base; it is not the ClickTight system used on other Britax seats. Be sure to follow the installation instructions included in the user guide included with the Arbor infant car seat or StayTight base.

• Is the Arbor infant car seat cover naturally flame-retardant (no added FR chemicals)?

  No. For fabric details, contact our Consumer Support team.

• Is the Arbor infant car seat cover machine-washable?

  No. Refer to the Cleaning/Care instructions on the product labels and in the “Cleaning” section of the guide. Never use the seat without its fabric cover.

• When should I use the Arbor infant car seat Head Pad and Infant Positioning Pillow, and are they required?

  Both inserts are optional, but each has specific use guidelines: 

  • The Head Pad may be used with children who weigh between 4 and 30 lbs (1.8–13.6 kg).
  • The Infant Positioning Pillow may be used only with infants weighing less than 11 lbs (5 kg). 

  Always make sure inserts fit properly and do not interfere with harness positioning. Once your baby exceeds the weight limit for the Infant Positioning Pillow, remove it and continue using the seat without it.

• Are the Arbor infant car seat harness comfort pads required or optional?

  The included harness comfort pads are optional for use.

• Does the Arbor infant car seat carry handle double as an anti-rebound bar?

  Yes. The Arbor carry handle functions as a ReboundReduce™ anti-rebound feature when placed in position 1 during installation. Britax recommends this position, but it is not required for use. 

  

• Can part of the StayTight base hang off the vehicle seat?

  Yes. Up to 4 in (10.2 cm) of overhang is permissible; the base must rest flat on the vehicle seat with no side overhang.

• Is the Arbor infant car seat compatible with Britax Brook®, Brook+, Grove®, or Juniper™+ strollers?

  No, the Arbor infant car seat is not compatible with Britax Brook, Brook+, Grove, or Juniper+ strollers. It is only compatible with the Britax Phases stroller. Visit the Britax Stroller Compatibility Chart for more information. Note: the original Juniper (non-Plus) model is not travel system compatible.

• Is the Arbor infant car seat compatible with Britax ClickTight infant car seat bases?

  No, the Arbor infant car seat is not compatible with Britax ClickTight bases. The seat comes with the StayTight base, and it also offers a baseless install using the included belt guides for secure routing. Always be sure to follow the Arbor user guide for proper usage instructions. See the Britax Infant Car Seat and Base Compatibility Chart for more information.

• Are any accessories or add-ons okay to use with the Phases stroller or Arbor infant car seat?

  Use only Britax-approved accessories and replacement parts; third-party add-ons can introduce safety risks and void the warranty.
  Please refer to the compatibility charts on our website for more information.  

• Does the Arbor infant car seat carry handle need to be in a certain position for rides?

  Yes. When the Arbor infant car seat is installed in a vehicle, rotate the carry handle to position 1 or position 2. Do not travel with the handle in any other positions. (Refer to the user guide for more specific instructions if needed.)  
   

  

• What is the difference between the Britax® Willow™/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress™ infant car seats?

  The Britax Infant Car Seat Comparison Chart provides a breakdown of the similarities and differences between each of the rear-facing only Britax car seats.

• What are the child weight and height capacities of the Britax Willow/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress infant car seats?

  The Britax Willow/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress infant car seats should only be used rear-facing with children who weigh between 4 and 30 lbs. (1.8 and 13.6 kg) and who are 32 in (81.3 cm) in height or less.
  

• Can I install the Britax Willow/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress infant car seats without using a base?

  Yes. These infant car seats can be installed without a base using one of three methods:

  1. Lap-Shoulder Belt with European Belt Guide
  2. Lap-Shoulder Belt without European Belt Guide
  3. Lap Belt Only

  
  Always secure your child in the seat before installation, check your vehicle owner’s manual for seat belt compatibility and locking instructions, and ensure the recline angle is correct using the level line on the carrier. For step-by-step help, refer to your user guide or visit our installation video library. Both resources can be found here.

   

   

• Is the ReboundReduce™ carry handle on the Britax Willow/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress infant car seats required to be in the upright position when the car seat is installed in a vehicle?

  In the US, the carry handle is approved to be in any locked position. For additional stability, Britax recommends the upright position (Position 1 - see user guide) to help reduce rebound movement in an accident. In Canada, the carry handle must be locked in the upright position for travel.
  

• Do the Britax Willow/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress infant car seats meet the applicable requirements in the new FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) Side Impact Rule?

  Yes, these car seats meet the requirements of the FMVSS Side Impact Rule.

• Does the Britax Aspen™ or Alpine™ Base require caregivers to manually lock the vehicle seat belt after installing it with ClickTight®?

  No, not when installing with a lap-shoulder belt using ClickTight. However, if using a lap-only belt, it MUST be locked according to your vehicle’s owner manual.

• Should I use a seat belt or lower connectors when installing the Britax Aspen/Alpine infant car seat base?

  You may use either mode of installation. Choose the one that provides the most secure installation, but do not use both modes simultaneously.

• What bases are compatible with the Willow/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress infant car seats?

  The Willow/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress infant car seats are compatible with the Aspen and Alpine bases. Refer to the Britax Infant Car Seat Base Compatibility Chart for more details.

• What car seats are compatible with the Aspen/Alpine infant car seat bases?

  The Aspen/Alpine infant car seat bases are compatible with the Willow/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress infant car seats. Refer to the Britax Infant Car Seat Base Compatibility Chart for more details.

• Which Britax strollers are compatible with the Britax Willow/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress infant car seats?

  They are compatible with the Brook™/Brook+/Grove™ modular strollers, as well as the Britax B-Free™ and B-Lively® single strollers when used with the appropriate adapter. Please review the Stroller Compatibility Chart for more information.

• How can I customize the Britax Willow/Willow S/Willow SC/Cypress infant car seats to create the perfect fit for babies of all shapes and sizes?

  Customize with the RightSize™ system, which includes adjustable points at the hips, shoulders, and between the legs for a better fit. Follow your user guide for instructions on how to adjust the harness system to achieve the proper fit.

• Which infant car seat is best for my child?

  The best infant car seat will be the one that fits your vehicle, fits your baby, and is easy for you to install and correctly adjust every time. Ensure the seat specifications meet your current needs by reading all product labels and the user guide. It’s smart to review your vehicle user’s manual as well for child restraint use. 

• Can crotch rolls (rolled blankets or cloths) or side rolls be used for supporting newborn positioning in rear-facing Britax infant car seats?

  Britax does not recommend the use of crotch rolls with any of our car seats, as they can interfere with the proper positioning of the harness. For additional lateral support, rolled receiving blankets may be placed on either side of the child, but this should only be done if the car seat’s existing inserts do not adequately support the newborn. Given the advanced design and multiple inserts in current Britax infant car seats, additional side rolls are generally unnecessary. Always follow the user guide for proper fit and positioning.