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Using My Product & Safety Tips FAQs

• What are the benefits of extended rearward-facing travel?

  Extended rearward-facing travel offers significant safety benefits by providing better protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a collision. When a child is rear facing, the force of a crash is more evenly distributed across the entire body, reducing the risk of serious injury. Britax® recommends keeping your child in a rear-facing position for as long as possible within the car seat's height and weight limits.

• Can I use a secondhand car seat?

  Britax does not recommend using a secondhand car seat unless you are certain of its complete history. A secondhand car seat may have been involved in a crash, could have missing or damaged parts, or might not meet current safety standards. For your child's safety, it is best to use a new car seat or one that you are sure has never been compromised.

• Can I use car seats from outside the country I live in?

  No, Britax car seats are designed, tested, and certified to meet the safety standards of specific countries or regions. Using a car seat from outside the country you live in may not provide the appropriate level of protection and could be illegal. Always use a car seat that complies with the regulations and standards of your country.

• My car seat’s headrest foam is broken. Can I still use the seat with the broken foam while I wait to receive my replacement foam?

  Yes. The seat is still structurally safe to use if the foam is positioned in the same place it was intended for. Sometimes taping the foam in place is suggested to prevent it from wiggling. Taping the foam does not compromise the safety of the car seat.

• My child can unbuckle their seat themselves or get out of the harness by themselves. What should I do?

  If your child unbuckles their seat or gets out of the harness, it’s crucial to address this behavior immediately for their safety. First, ensure the harness is snug and correctly positioned according to the car seat manual. If your child is old enough, clearly explain the dangers of unbuckling or escaping the harness, emphasizing that staying secure is essential for their protection in a crash. If this behavior continues, consider using behavioral strategies, such as positive reinforcement, or consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) for additional guidance.

• Can my child keep their winter coat on in the car?

  No, we do not allow children to wear bulky winter coats or jackets while secured in a car seat. Bulky clothing can create a gap between the harness and your child's body, preventing the harness from fitting snugly and securely, which compromises safety. Instead, dress your child in thinner layers and cover them with a blanket after they are properly harnessed. This helps ensure the harness can be tightened appropriately, providing optimal protection.

• How should the anti-rebound bar accessory be used with any of the convertible or all-in-one car seats?

  The anti-rebound bar is not required in the US for rear-facing installations; however, it must be removed for forward-facing installations. Follow your user guide instructions to properly install the car seat with the anti-rebound bar.

• Are infant inserts allowed in forward-facing mode for the convertible and all-in-one car seats?

  No, do not use any infant inserts in forward-facing mode.

• How long can I use the Britax ClickTight® convertible and all-in-one car seats before they need to be replaced?

  Discontinue use of the child restraint if it is older than ten (10) years from the date of manufacture.

• Where do I find the serial number on my Britax car seat?

  The serial label location is on the diagram in your user guide. Find your user guide here.

• How do I ensure a proper fit with the harness system?

  To help ensure a proper fit, be sure the harness system is properly positioned according to the user guide instructions for the mode of use and then adjust the harness snugly around your child so there is no slack. Perform the "Pinch Test" by attempting to vertically (longways, not across the width) pinch the harness webbing at the collarbone/shoulder area. If you can pinch any excess webbing between your fingers, the harness is too loose and should be tightened. A properly adjusted harness will lie flat against your child's body, providing optimal protection.

• What should I do with the lower connectors and strap when not in use?

  Store the lower connectors and strap within the seat’s LATCH storage compartment.

• What vehicles are compatible with Britax car seats?

  Britax car seats can only be used in multi-purpose passenger vehicles, passenger cars, or trucks. They are not certified for use in boats, low-speed vehicles (LSV), all-terrain vehicles (ATV), or golf carts.

• What should I do if the car seat interferes with the vehicle door or seat function?

  Ensure that the child restraint and belts or straps do not interfere with the opening and closing of the vehicle door. Consult the vehicle user guide for installation guidance.

• Can I machine wash the Britax car seat covers?

  Always follow the care instructions provided in the manual and/or on the fabric label to help ensure proper cleaning and maintenance. All the naturally flame-retardant Britax car seat covers are safe to machine wash and dry. Learn more here.

• What should I do if my vehicle does not have a child restraint anchorage system (LATCH)?

  If your vehicle does not have a LATCH system, secure the child restraint using the vehicle’s seat belt according to the car seat's installation instructions.

• Are winter tires available for strollers?

  No, we do not offer special snow tires for our strollers.

• Is it safer to use lower anchors or the vehicle seat belt and car seat tether (if anchor is available) to install a car seat?

  Installed correctly, both methods of installation are equally safe. Always refer to the vehicle owner’s manual guide and car sear user guide to determine the best installation method.

• Can I install Britax seats using both lower anchors and the vehicle seat belt?

  No. Britax car seats should be installed using only one installation method – either the vehicle’s seat belt and car seat tether (if anchor is available) or lower anchors. Parents should always refer to the car seat user guide with any questions.

• Is my Britax car seat approved for use on aircraft?

  All Britax car seats with integrated 5-point harness systems are certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft when used in harness mode. Belt-positioning booster mode is not certified for use on aircraft. Follow your user guide instructions to properly install the car seat on an airplane.