Britax Duo Plus Isofix

The Ultimate Britax Travel System – B-Smart 2011

 

Most parents are now aware that for the first few weeks of life baby is much better to travel completely flat. This is even more important for premature babies. However, most carrycots are soft sided and not really suitable for car use.  Although the Britax B-Smart travel system can sometimes be purchased without the soft-sided carrycot, you can also add the Baby-Safe Sleeper, a complete lay flat system, especially useful for premature babies (see below).

So what are the options with the Britax B-Smart 2011 travel systems?

Firstly, we have the B-Smart 3 and the B-Smart 4. The 3 and 4 referring to the number of wheels on the pushchair. (If you are in the US, the equivalent will be the 4 wheeled Britax B-Ready Stroller or the 3 wheeled Britax B-Scene Stroller.)

The B-Smart 3 and B-Smart 4 3-in-1 Travel Systems comprise of the B-Smart 3 Pushchair, Baby-Safe Plus SHR II (recommended by Which Magazine) and carrycot, giving you great flexibility. If you don’t have a newborn, you also have the option of just buying the pushchair and car seat. Colours vary depending on just what you want, but tend to include red, blue, purple and black.

Here are a few details about each of the components that are usually available separately as well.

Britax B-Smart Pushchairs

Both the Britax B-Smart 3 and B-Smart 4 wheel pushchairs are lightweight and versatile with a comfortable padded removable seat that can be used rearward or forward facing. The multi position recline seat also has a lay-flat position suitable for newborns. They convert into a travel system with the use of integrated Click & Go adaptors that directly connect the Baby-safe sleeper, infant carriers or carry cot.

The B Smart pushchair has a simple compact fold with automatic lock and quick release wheels allowing easy storage. It’s easy to manoeuvre with lockable front swivel wheels, puncture resistant tyres and a press on and off brake. The adjustable handle height and soft grip handles make for a comfortable experience for the user.

Baby-safe Plus SHR II

The Baby-Safe Plus SHR II from Britax has the same comfort and safety features as the Baby-Safe Plus II, being an ideal first car seat for your newborn as it offers superior side impact protection. It has deep padded side wings and a 5 point harness. The Recline system allows a flatter position comfortable for your newborn baby to lie, along with the easy adjust head rest and harness for growing babies.

The Safe Plus SHR II can be installed with the vehicles 3 point belt, Baby-Safe belted base or the Baby-Safe Isofix Base (recommended for the car you use the most and available separately – see below for fitting instructions). The Baby-Safe Plus SHR II (the supplied belted version) also carries a ‘Best Buy’ label from Which Magazine (73%), the Isofix version also carries this label with a whopping 81% score. If you can’t use ISOFIX in your car, or wish a belted alternative for fixing, use the Baby-Safe belted version.

Soft sided carrycot for the B-Smart 2011

This B-Smart carrycot provides a comfortable lay flat position for your baby from birth to six months and attaches directly onto the chassis of compatible pushchairs such as the B-Smart 2011 using the Click’n Go system. D-rings under the mattress allow you to use an alternative harness conforming to BS 6684 (not included). In addition, there is a complete, snuggly Cosytoes designed to go with the carrycot.

Baby-Safe Sleeper (this is not the carrycot sold with the 3-in-1 systems)

Firstly, theBABY-SAFE Sleeper is suitable for premature babies as it is a complete lay-flat safety system and is the ultimate carrycot (see below for video). Whether by car, or with a BRITAX pushchair, your baby can travel safely and comfortably, completely protected at all times. Its energy absorbing interior offers the newborn child 360° body protection and when installed in a car with the handle in an upright position the roll-cage feature provides a protective zone around the baby. The Baby-Safe sleeper has just been awarded a Best Buy label by Which Magazine (77%) and has positive reviews by readers. It’s main downside being the weight although I guess this can’t be avoided given its function.

Medical studies strongly suggest that in order to minimise periods of oxygen desaturation newborn, premature or very small babies should be transported in a lay-flat system – this is the healthiest way for them to travel on longer journeys. The newborn protector will provide additional support for very small babies by offering a safe and comfortable environment and limiting their movement when travelling in a car.

The Baby-Safe works with the Britax B-Smart, B-Dual and the B-Mobile pushchairs. You can also get an extra comfy padded insert.

Car seat fitting with Isofix instructions

Baby-Safe Sleeper

 

Recent comments by the AAP suggest that contrary to popular beliefs surrounding rear-facing seats that it is NOT common for them to break their legs in any accident.

In fact, latest research has found that a child of less than two is 75% LESS likely to experience a serious injury or die when in a rear-facing seat. Likewise, children between 1 and 2 years of age are five times safer than those riding in a front-facing car seat.

Why? The answer is fairly simple and to do with physics. While rear-facing, the force of any collision will be evenly distributed over the body. In contrast, while forward-facing, the force of an impact is concentrated on the seat belt contact areas which may lead to more serious neck and head injuries. Our recommendation for a rear facing seat is the Britax First Class Plus Rearward & Forward Facing as it flips to a forward facing seat when needed, this seat also comes in a range of colours. Read more by clicking the link.

The point here is, don’t put your child forward-facing until their head is one inch of the top of the seat structure, the weight for that seat is reached, or until at least two years of age.

Rather than tell you more, just watch the video below and you will realise why you should keep your child in a rear facing position for as long as possible.

If you have arrived here and live in the US, sorry, but I’m afraid this particular Britax car seat is not available to you. Try the Britax Marathon 70 or the Britax Marathon 70 Convertible Car Seat
which are also exceptional products.

The Duo Plus seats have exceptional safety features and have been developed following extensive research by Britax, who, as a manufacturer have stood the test of time.

The only information about specific seats you will find on this site is about Britax. Why? Other makes are certainly good, safe and popular. But when buying car seats and strollers, most people do their research first and decide for themselves. This is what I did, and Britax was my manufacturer of choice.

The Britax Duo Plus ISOFIX compatible car seat is one of the best seats for all round protection you can get for your child.

1. In Group 1, the seat is designed for children and babies from 9-18kgs (9 Months – four Years approx)
2. The Si-Pro system gives excellent side impact protection whilst incorporating a unique and patented pivot link system that provides the best possible protection in any front or rear impact
3. Britax ISOFIX system anchors the child seat directly to the car removing the need for adult seat belts
4. Incorporates ‘pivot link‘, a safety feature patented by, and unique to Britax. This reduces any movement of your child within the seat should an accident occur
5. The Britax Duo Plus Isofix has deeply softly padded side wings for optimum protection from a side impact
6. Adjusta-Fit system allows easy headrest and harness adjustment to accommodate your growing child
7. User friendly side elastics, the seat is capable of reclining in to 3 positions
8. Some cars may additionally require a Performance Pad and/or Top Tether Strap

Before fitting you must ensure this seat is compatible with any vehicle you may wish to use it in. Download the fit-finder HERE.

Dimensions: 46x48x68 cm
Weight: 8.9 kg

The Pivot link system is unique to Britax and to Isofix seats and restrains the top part of the seat from excessive movement in addition to the Isofix fitting securing the bottom. To the best of our knowledge, no other Isofix seat has this unique system. Please let us know if you find one as this one feature is why we choose this one particular seat.

The Britax Duo Plus Isofix comes in a range of colourways that include Leon, Olivia, Jet Black and Black Swirls.  There are a few others you can sometimes get hold of, but these four are usually available.

If you happen to need a Britax car seat for a larger baby, or one that lasts up until 12 years (approx) try the Britax Evolva range.

Britax are a manufacturer with a good pedigree for safety and comfort and should be one you are considering when looking for a car seat for your children.

PS: You can download the User Guide HERE.

As you well know, becoming a parent is one of the most rewarding gifts in the world. This article is filled with plenty of useful information on bringing up a child. Being A Parent is a journey that takes dedication, and this advice will help you be prepared for the ride.

Never use derogative or shaming words to discipline your child. Negative and hurtful comments can only serve to make your child’s behavior worse. Instead of berating him, try to use a more gentle vocabulary, one that will encourage him to stop acting out.

Telling your children not to talk to strangers is an extremely important concept for them to understand. Dangerous people who pose a threat to your child are hard enough for you to spot; your child’s chances of identifying them are even slimmer. Make sure they know to say no and just walk away.

Don’t try to get a child to emulate their siblings just because they were able to walk or be potty trained at a younger age. Each child has their unique abilities, so don’t push them to try something when they’re not ready, because this could delay their progress in reaching a goal.

Use discretion when picking your battles. Don’t always fight over every little thing, you should only fight over the important things. While your child has to have boundaries, he or she also needs a certain amount of freedom.

If you are an expecting mother, don’t hurt your checkbook by spending money on expensive nursery equipment. It is possible to buy high quality cribs, changing tables, blankets and other baby paraphernalia for much less money at department stores like Walmart. Friends and family members may be willing to donate items that are no longer being used.

It might be hard to get a preschooler to deal with change. In many cases, shifting between projects or tasks can be so upsetting that your child may even wind up in tears.

Every parent needs to take some time off from taking care of their children. Get a loved one to watch them, even if it’s only a few hours. All parents need a chance to relax and recharge child-free. Your household will be calmer and you’ll be a better parent if you take a break.

Change things up often by moving the toys around or incorporating new toys into a child’s toy box. Toddlers typically lose interest in a toy within a few days unless it is a beloved favorite. It is your job to keep things fresh in your toddler’s play area by incorporating new and fun things to maximize their enjoyment.

Having a routine in a child’s life will make them feel comfortable because they know exactly what to expect. It is best to focus on meal times, homework and bedtimes in particular. Being consistent will help a child be more well-behaved.

Taking care of a toddler is particularly challenging. While it can be very difficult to teach toddlers to be patient, it is important for their healthy development to learn that they are not the only people in the world. If they do not wish to follow directions, you need to discipline them in some way, such as putting them in time-out.

Your child needs to be given a wide array of sensory stimuli as they develop. For example, when you are making gingerbread cookies let them smell nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger to help develop their sense of smell. Always look for items that have unique colors, tastes and textures that you could give to your child.

When your child is describing a problem, think about it from his viewpoint. Although something may seem like it’s not that important to you, it may be to your child.

To be a good parent, you must be able to listen to your children. Give them opportunities to talk to you and you will discover all about what they are wanting. If someone is bothering your child, you will find out immediately. Your child will feel closer to you and talk to you immediately if something is wrong.

Being a parent is not easy, but you will do fine if you try hard and utilize the provided advice. Children are the greatest gift you can have, and these tips will help you enjoy it more. When you collect good advice and tips, you create a toolbox that you can always access to help make your job a little easier and your results more successful.

It’s safe to bet that the day your child was born was one of the best days in your life. There is no connection stronger than the one that is between a parent and their child. The parenting tips in the following article can help you preserve the strength of that bond over the years so that, even as your child becomes older and more independent, your relationship will continue to deepen and thrive.

You do not want to unnecessarily burden them, but children should realize that life does occasionally present challenges. As your children watch you deal with such concerns, they can learn to solve problems and handle a variety of circumstances. This helps them see the world realistically.

After adopting a child, be prepared for answering questions eventually. Adopted children want to know where they originally came from, and they won’t hesitate to ask you about it once they’re ready. Be as open and honest with them as possible; lying is never the best tactic and could cause them to resent you.

Use discretion when picking your battles. It is important to learn which things should be fought and which are not worthwhile. He should know that while he can be himself, certain rules are there to protect him.

While devoting time to your children is important, taking time for yourself is essential, too. This restores your own well-being, which means you will have more to give as a parent.

Set a goal for yearly savings and make sure to meet it. Most importantly, parents need to resist any urges they get to take any money out of the savings for their own use, because they may have difficulty paying it back, and may be tempted to do it again in the future.

Stay current with all your child’s academics and extra-curricular activities. Teachers are willing to talk with parents about the things that are happening at school. Stay in contact with his teacher so you know what’s going on at school.

Teach your young child how to organize by providing specific places for him to put away his things. Your child’s toys will be everywhere if you do not instill the right organizational skills in him or her from the beginning. Showing a child how to put his or her toys away is important. After you show them where things go, they will be able to put them away when they are done playing.

Try to look at your child’s problem from their perception of it. While a broken crayon seems like a trivial concern to an adult, it can carry a great deal of disappointment for a child.

Have your child see you eat various veggies, fruit, and whole grains in a healthy diet. It will make it more likely that they will opt for a snack that is nutritious rather than choosing junk food.

Teaching your children how to cook will enrich their lives as adults, because they’ll know how to prepare meals and they won’t be reliant on fast food and takeout orders. Both girls and boys will appreciate and be proud that they know how to cook for themselves and their family. Cooking together is also excellent quality time to spend having fun with your children.

Establishing good relations with a child when he is young is important, as it means he will be more likely to open up to you, even during those turbulent teenage years. Put the above tips to use to start building that relationship today.