Yes, it is official: Britax has announced a new seat aimed at the 5-point harness, older toddler market: the Frontier.
While we were signing books at Great Beginnings in MD this weekend, the Britax reps there had a Frontier prototype to show off—yes, the first time the Frontier has been spotted out in the wild.
Is Britax feeling the Graco Nautilus heat? Take a look at the Frontier’s specs:
- Forward-facing seat 25 lbs to 80 lbs. Belt-positioning booster to 100 lbs.
- Designed for kids at least two years and 25 pounds—standing height 30"-53" for the harness, 42" to 60" in height for the belt-positioning booster
- Side impact protection.
- Nine (wow!) harness slots, with the top slot at 18.25 inches (we measured it on the prototype). Three crotch strap positions.
- Four fashions (two-toned with black as the base: tan, grey, red, pink).
- Available: mid May.
So, what’s not to love? Well, the price is (are you sitting down?) $280. Yes, you can almost buy TWO Graco Nautiluses for the price of one Britax Frontier.
But, the Britax does have the side impact protection missing in the Nautilus. And Britax’s five-point harness works to 80 pounds (the Nautilus only to 65 pounds).
Here’s our take: while we do like the five-point harness for older toddlers, the difference between 65 lbs and 80 lbs is meaningless. Why? Let’s look at when the average kid hits 65 pounds: for "average" kids that is age NINE. When do kids hit 80 pounds in weight? Age 11.
Now folks, we seriously doubt many nine year old kids (third graders) will be willing to riding in a Britax Frontier "baby seat" with a five-point harness. Ditto for 11 year olds (fifth graders).
That doesn’t mean the five-point harness is without merit—we LOVE the five-point harness for older toddlers, especially those three, four and five year olds who have outgrown their convertible seats . . . but who may not be mature enough to sit in a belt-positioning booster. BUT, the difference between 65 pounds and 80 pounds is mostly hype, since most kids will have long graduated to the belt-positioning booster before you hit those weights.
Given that factor and the Britax’s huge price tag, we think the Graco Nautilus is a better bet.
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“Here’s our take: while we do like the five-point harness for older toddlers, the difference between 65 lbs and 80 lbs is meaningless. Why? Let’s look at when the average kid hits 65 pounds: for “average” kids that is age NINE. When do kids hit 80 pounds in weight? Age 11.”
Actually, this is meaningless too. It isn’t the weight that matters, but the HEIGHT of the highest harness slot. Weight limits are just guidelines, whereas the child’s shoulder height is the definitive regulation. (The harness of a forward facing child must be always at or above the child’s shoulders).
In other words, just because the average child reaches 65 pounds by 9 years of age does not mean that child will be able to fit in the Nautilus until then. He may have well maxed-out the shoulder harness height long before (as most kids do). And considering that the Frontier actually has its HIGHEST harness slot at a point LOWER than the Nautilus’, chances are the child will fit in the Nautilus longer than in the Frontier.
“Here’s our take: while we do like the five-point harness for older toddlers, the difference between 65 lbs and 80 lbs is meaningless. Why? Let’s look at when the average kid hits 65 pounds: for “average” kids that is age NINE. When do kids hit 80 pounds in weight? Age 11.”
Actually, this is meaningless too. It isn’t the weight that matters, but the HEIGHT of the highest harness slot. Weight limits are just guidelines, whereas the child’s shoulder height is the definitive regulation. (The harness of a forward facing child must be always at or above the child’s shoulders).
In other words, just because the average child reaches 65 pounds by 9 years of age does not mean that child will be able to fit in the Nautilus until then. He may have well maxed-out the shoulder harness height long before (as most kids do). And considering that the Frontier actually has its HIGHEST harness slot at a point LOWER than the Nautilus’, chances are the child will fit in the Nautilus longer than in the Frontier.
One thing you neglect to consider is the usability of car seats. For example, in my experience the Britax seats are much easier to install than the Graco seats. Compare the cheap Graco latch hooks versus Britax’s handy button release buckles and Graco’s difficult to adjust single tightener buckle versus Britax’s dual push button tighteners and you’ll probably see what I mean. If you cannot get it installed properly, then it is not a good or safe seat. Furthermore, I agree with the other comment that the weight is not the issue.
The weight limit can be a BIG deal for some people…..my children are very large and tall for their ages…….my oldest just turned 7 and he is 4’6″ and 120 lbs…….needles to say he blew through height and weight limits on seats very early and I was VERY thankful when carseats started coming out with higher weight limits at affordable prices……he hit 41 lbs at 18 months just prior to the extend to fit hitting the market…….I cried because I was not ready to front face him but I could not afford either of the 2 very expensive rear facing seats on the market at the time…so while the weight limits may be meaningless to the average size child they are important for some of us
One thing you neglect to consider is the usability of car seats. For example, in my experience the Britax seats are much easier to install than the Graco seats. Compare the cheap Graco latch hooks versus Britax’s handy button release buckles and Graco’s difficult to adjust single tightener buckle versus Britax’s dual push button tighteners and you’ll probably see what I mean. If you cannot get it installed properly, then it is not a good or safe seat. Furthermore, I agree with the other comment that the weight is not the issue.
You have not taken into consideration the parents with special needs children who need the higher harness weight for a longer period of time. You speak of maturity, but my 9 1/2 yo still rides in a 5 point harness and will more than likely continue to as long as he can safely fit it.
Good point, Yvonne. We should revise that comment to include those circumstances! Thanks for writing in to share that.
Yvonne, what kind of car seat do you use? I have a special needs kiddo on my caseload who would benefit from a 5-point harness. She is 54″ tall and 53 pounds and 5 yo. Thanks
It’s blogs like these that explain why there are no more 5 harness carseats over 65 lbs on the market. Special needs children should be mentioned considering they’re probably the majority of those in need of such products. “mostly hype”. What an awful quote.
My 5 year old is 63 lbs, 46 in tall!! So, this seat is actually perfect for us.. as she is no where near ready to be in a high back booster. Especially since she has ASD. So many wins for us!