Britax B-Safe 35 vs B-Safe 35 Elite Reviewed

      Britax B-Safe 35                         Britax B-Safe 35 Elite

             vs     

The Britax B-Safe “35” & “35 Elite” Seats have Arrived! 

As promised, the new Britax B-Safe “35” and “35 Elite” have finally arrived as additional options for those those looking for premium infant car seats for their babies.

The obvious big difference between these 2 new seats and the standard “B-Safe” seat is that the maximum child weight limit has been increased from 30 to 35 lbs, hence the reason why this series of seats has the number “35” in its product name.

In addition to being able to buy the new “35” series seats on their own, you can also buy complete Travel Systems that incorporate britax’s new and simplified “Click & Go” stroller installation mechanism.

So, you have decided that you want the extra weight limit and improved safety and convenience features of the new “35” range of B-Safe seats, but which version should you choose? What are the differences between the B-Safe 35 and the B-Safe Elite? Is the Elite worth the extra money?

Britax B-Safe 35 vs B-Safe 35 Elite– The Similarities

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#1 Child Weight Limits

As I have already indicated above, both of these seats come with a maximum child weight limit of 35 lbs.

For some babies, this will mean that they will be able to use their infant seat for longer than if they had the standard B-Safe (30 lbs) before having to transition into a convertible or harness-to-booster car seat – much will depend upon their specific physical build. Since the maximum height limit remains the same for both seats (32 inches), short and heavy babies are far more likely to be able to take advantage of the higher weight limit on the B-Safe 35 and 35 Elite than those that are tall and thin.

#2 Child Height Limits

Although the B-Safe 35 and B-Safe Elite seats both come with a higher child weight limit than the B-Safe, the maximum child height limit remains at 32 inches for all 3 seats.

This makes all 3 seats amongst the best on the market when it comes to maximum child height limits. Since children very often outgrow their infant seats by height before they outgrow them by weight, this is possibly the most important number to look out for when choosing an infant seat that will last a long time.

#3 Seated Shoulder Height

Again, both seats have the same seated shoulder height of between 6.5 and 11 inches.

#4 Built-In Lockoffs

For those parents that need to install their seat using the adult seatbelt rather than LATCH connectors, both seats come with built-in lockoffs to make it much easier to get a snug and secure installation.

#5 Integrated Steel Bars

Unlike the standard B-Safe seat, the B-Safe 35 and 35 Elite seats both come fitted with integrated steel bars.

It is claimed that these integrated steel bars strengthen the connection between the vehicle and the seat, thereby reducing forwards flexion of the child seat during a collision. One of the biggest risks to the health of your child during a collision is their body striking against part of the internal fittings within your vehicle, such as the back of the front seat. Reduced seat flexion due to the steel bars reduces the risk of such a traumatic event occurring.

#6 Safecenter Latch and Dual Level Indicators

Both seats are very easy to install using the Britax Safecenter Latch mechanism (see video below).

The Dual Level Indicators also help parents to get the correct seat angle rather than having to guess.

You see find detailed pictures of these safety features here.

Other similarities include:

• 5-Point Harness
• Comfortable Energy-absorbing Foam Inserts
• Newborn Insert Cushion
• Stroller Compatible
• Certified for Aircraft Travel

Britax B-Safe 35 vs B-Safe 35 Elite – The 5 Main Differences

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#1 Side Impact Protection

Both seats come with premium Side Impact Protection features that significantly exceed the federal minimum safety standards.

However, they are slightly different.

The B-Safe 35 comes with Safecell Complete Side Impact Protection.

The B-Safe 35′s Safecell Complete Side Impact Protection system comprises 3 elements:

• Rigid Shell (plus integrated steel bars) with Deep Side Wings
• Energy-Absorbing Foam
• Impact-absorbing Safecell Base

The B-Safe 35 Elite comes with Safecell Complete Side Impact Protection Plus.

The B-Safe 35 Elite′s Safecell Complete Side Impact Protection Plus system comprises 4 elements:

• Rigid Shell (plus integrated steel bars) with Deep Side Wings
• Energy-Absorbing Foam
• Impact-absorbing Safecell Base
• Extra-padded Head Restraint

The impact-absorbing Safecell base found on both seats comprises a red “honeycomb” structure that help to absorb crash forces (see video below)

#2 Seating Adjustments

The B-Safe 35 Elite has 2 more harness slot height positions than the B-Safe 35, but both have 2 crotch buckle strap depths.

The B-Safe 35 options are:

• Harness Slot Heights at 5/7/9/11 inches
• Crotch Buckle Strap Depths of 4 & 6 inches

The B-Safe 35 Elite options are:

• Harness Slot Heights at 5.5/6.5/8/8.75/10/11 inches
• Crotch Buckle Strap Depths of 4 & 6 inches

Britax have also re-positioned the strap-adjustment button so that it is no longer hidden underneath the seat fabric. The button is now very easy to find and operate without having to fish around underneath.

#3 Seat Weight

The B-Safe 35 seat weighs 10 lbs.

The B-Safe 35 Elite weighs 11.5 lbs.

So, the additional features on the B-Safe 35 Elite mean that it is 1.5 lbs heavier.

#4 Harness Adjustments

The B-Safe 35 harness requires re-threading each and every time that you want to adjust it’s height.

The B-Safe 35 Elite’s harness can be adjusted very simply and without needing to re-thread it.

Although the B-Safe’s harness adjustment system is pretty straightforward to use, some people will prefer the convenience of being able to make the changes without having to re-thread the harness.

#5 Easy to Remove Cover

The B-Safe 35 Elite comes with an easy to remove seat cover.

Whilst it is possible to remove the cover on the B-Safe and B-Safe 35 seats, the process is not quite so quick and easy.

Some Useful Videos …

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Here is the Britax B-Safe 35 Promo Video:

Here is the Britax B-Safe 35 Elite Promo Video:

Here is the “DancingHotDogs” Video Review of the Britax B-Safe 35 & B-Safe 35 Elite:

Here is the “BabyGizmo” Video Review of the Britax B-Safe 35 & 35 Elite:

Where to Buy the Britax B-Safe 35 and B-Safe 35 Elite Seats

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The MRSP of the B-Safe 35 Elite is about $40 more than the B-Safe 35.

They are both excellent seats, but if you can afford it, the Elite is well worth the extra cash.

Buy the B-Safe 35 at a Big Discount

Check Best Price of the B-Safe 35 Elite.

If you remain undecided, you can read more user reviews of these seats here:

• B-Safe 35 User Reviews
• B-Safe 35 Elite User Reviews

Britax B-Safe & B-Safe 35 Seats in Canada

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Find Britax B-Safe and B-Safe 35 infant seats in Canada here.

Safety Information

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After purchasing any child car seat, you should always read the User Manual thoroughly before using it. It is also advisable to visit your local Fire Department or NHTSA Child Car Seat Inspection Centre to ensure that the seat is definitely suitable for your child’s specific requirements and that you have installed it correctly. These services are usually provided free of charge.

You can find your nearest NHTSA Centre here.

Get in Touch

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If you have any comments to share or questions to ask about my Britax B-Safe 35 vs B-Safe 35 Elite comparison review, please leave a comment in the box below or send me an email.