Britax Review Series: Bringing Baby Home in a Chaperone Infant Car Seat

If you were to look up ‘car seat’ in the dictionary, you might find daunting as one of its definitions. Yes, you will also find necessary and safety as well, but between the types of car seats and the features, it’s easy to get lost in all the jargon.

When I delved into the world of car seats, I found quite a bit of information.  Below, you will find a table I created with the basics- things you’ll need to know in order to make the best choice for your family.

Please Note: Presently, laws require children to remain in a car seat until they reach at least 4'9" (or 57 inches). For more information on child passenger safety laws visit Child Safety Laws, and for additional state specific information visit the State Highway Safety Offices.

Believe it or not, you can choose to purchase ONE seat. If you want to invest once, the convertible car seat is the best option as it’s appropriate for children up to 70 pounds (49 inches or shorter), and it provides both rear-facing and forward-facing options.

You do NOT need an infant carrier; however, some parents opt for one because certain models are compatible with most strollers. If your infant falls asleep then you have the option to lift the seat out and pair it with your stroller. Personally, I prefer to wear my baby in a carrier.  Babies’ skulls are quite malleable. You may risk flatting your baby’s head if you keep them nestled in the car sear for extended periods of time.

To bring my baby home, I choose the Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seat in Cowmooflauge. Who wouldn’t want a cow print?! I personally like the distinctive so naturally this print fit the bill; and as luck would have it, I went to The Green Baby Fair (2012) hosted by The Gathering Place and won it in a raffle!! Yes, Liam is a blessed baby!! J (Side Note: This year the Green Baby Fair will be held on Oct. 19, 2013 to purchase tickets here.)

Here’s what sets the Chaperone among the STARS:

Britax is known for its high safety ratings, and this particular seat has an anti-rebound bar attached to the base, which stabilizes the seat by minimizing rotation forces associated with front and rear-end collisions. It also features a head restraint with true side impact protection, which adds an extra layer of energy-absorbing foam to distribute forces from impact as well as keeps the head, neck and spine aligned. 

Britax takes it up a notch by lining the seat with energy-absorbing foam for enhanced comfort and protection. Personally, anything that protects my baby is A+ in my book. I especially appreciate the superior consideration that went into these features.

The next best feature is the premium lower LATCH connectors, which make installation a breeze. It literally took me no more than 5 minutes to properly install, and I’m no handy woman. Check one monumental feat for JAG. Simple and easy!

After it’s installed, securing baby into the seat is easy as pie! The quick-adjust, no-rethread harness repositions for shoulder height without the need to disassemble the straps. I hear disassembly is no fun, and thankfully I’ve never had to deal with it. I love that with the Chaperone, I have one less hassle to worry about. I can even adjust the height with baby snug in the seat. The five-point harness is also tangle-free and provides a secure fit for baby. Although, I have experienced a couple instances where the latches flipped on the straps; I called Britax, and they offered to replace them!

The Chaperone has a height capacity of 32 in. or less and a weight capacity of 30 lbs. The beauty of this seat is that while it can still accommodate my 20 month-old since he measures and weighs within the limits, it can also accommodate a newborn as tiny as 4 lbs. to 11 lbs. with the help of the low birth weight foam insert provided. Keeping the parent in mind, the handle is designed ergonomically contouring to the forearm for ease and comfort. The seat is on the heavier side, so after your child reaches a certain weight you may choose forgo this feature. Trust me on this one. Don’t do it.

As I mentioned before, you can pair an infant seat with a stroller to create a travel system. This seat is no different. It has a stroller compatible design, which works with various Britax strollers utilizing the integrated CLICK & GO adapter system. I chose the Britax B-Ready for our family, which I absolutely LOVE (stay tuned for a future review). It is also compatible with other major stroller brands when used with the adapter strap included with the seat.

Overall, the Chaperone shines like a STAR!! Britax has designed their infant car seat with safety, quality and comfort in mind. Not to mention, it’s fabulously fashionable. You can’t go wrong!! 

Please Note: I (MLLN) was in no way compensated for this review. I'm just showing a little product and company LOVE!!

My Little Love Note and Britax support Child Passenger Safety Week (September 15-21, 20013).

Watch this video on car seat safety tips from Britax: 

Happy Motoring and Stay safe!!