The Cadillac of Car Seats

My friend laughed at me when I bought this car seat. She claimed it was ridiculous for me to spend this amount of money on one car seat that probably would even last, because she had gone through 5 car seats (yes 5!) with her now 5 year old daughter. Still, I trusted the reviews and research I read regarding the Britax and went for it anyway. I am very glad I did! In fact, after seeing how well mine has held up the past year and a half, she now wishes she would have gone with a Britax to begin with because she ended up spending twice as much on all her carseats.

Britax certainly isn't the cheapest car seat on the market, but it will last, so it is worth the cost. After all, how many car seats out there accomodate 5-65 lbs?

Side note: you've probably figured this out but you really don't need the Britax Marathon for your newborn. Besides looking tiny in this giant carseat, you'll probably want a small carseat the transports easily and attacheds to a travel system. I had one for my little one and it was great while it lasted because it was a lot easier to get her around. However, I could totally see having a Britax marathon for your newborn if you are the kind of parent who prefers to use a sling or baby bjorn, since you'll be removing the baby from the carseat anyway. Once my daughter hit 20 lbs (at 5 months!) I excitedly ordered my Britax and haven't looked back.

Other great things about this car seat? Besides being the safest on the market it has a sturdy frame and is well made. I am basing my opinion on my friends craseats, which are lighter, less cushiony, and less sturdy when compared. Also, it looks very comfortable. My daughter never has a problem relaxing in this car seat. In fact, I remember thinking when we first transfered her from her baby carseat to this one that it felt like we were moving her from a cardboard box to a plush bed. The seat positioning is fantasitc - the seat reclines and even in the most upright position my daughter doesn't look slumped or stiff. It has latch system so its a breeze to get in and out of cars. All you have to do is locate the hinges in your car for the latch and snap them in (there is one on each side). I often carpool with my neighbor and that carseat is in and out of her car constantly. The seat is a dream to wash - marks come right off and the fabric hold up well.

As far as airplane travel: I bought a carry bag for this model and so far its helped a lot, because the carseat is quite large and heavy. The carry bag has backpack straps so you can transport it fairly easy (and hands free) while on your way to the plane. It fits through the conveyer belt and sits nicely in the airplane seat. Its actually a little bit of a snug fit in the seat but I prefer that because the carseat stays put. NOTE: be warned that the way the carseat sits, the childs feet (well depending on their age - I have an averaged size almost 2 year old) are right there next to the back of the seat, so its almost impossible for them not to kick the seat in front of them. Even if they don't kick, if they move their feet enough its going to push the seat in front (and we all know how flimsy airplane seats are - they just bounce back and forth). I learned this on our first flight with our daughter, and luckily it wasn't a full flight and the person in front who was getting bounced around by my daughters feet moved a seat over. If it was a full flight, I don't know what we would have done. I don't know if they allow children with carseats in those front rows, but if so that might be a good solution.

Britax comes with a nice selection of covers. I would suggest really taking the time to pick out the one you like, because replacement covers are really expensive!

Overall, I have not regretted this purchase or wondered if i should have purchased something different. I am already planning the purchase of another for our next one. Yes, it is large and heavier than most models, but this is a car seat that will grow with your child and last for years. Don't hesitate, it is worth the money.