Britax Duo Plus Isofix

B Smart-3 system

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?

Britax B-Smart-4, 2011 in Red

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

Britax Baby-Safe Plus SHR II in Purple

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)

Baby-Safe Sleeper

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

The BT 100 Digital Baby Monitor scored a whopping 99% in the latest Which magazine tests. The 100 topped another BT monitor (the 150) that scored 98%. Coming in at around £50 this is an exceptional buy and is well recommended by users.

The BT Baby Monitor 100 has a long outdoor range that is variable depending on the house construction, but should be a minimum of 80 metres and a maximum of 170. The unit uses DECT technology to ensure there are no overheard conversations! Rechargeable batteries (not supplied) last around 10 hours and disposables 16 to 20 hours depending on the battery.

There are additional features such as a nightlight, pager facility and sound-sensitive lights. Use it as a walkie-talkie to talk to baby from another room. A bonus is the three pre-recorded lullabies to help baby sleep.

However, our favourite is the BT 150 Digital Baby Monitor, a couple of pounds more at around £60, but users seem to like it better and it does have some extra neat features. For example, this one has five pre-recorded lullabies as well as the option to record your own! You can also plug in an external player such as a CD or MP3 player to get it to play an audio book.

Also with this model you will find an adjustable thermometer that can be set to notify you if the room temperature goes below 14 degrees or above 23.