Table of Contents
*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
image source:pixabay
Once you find a good car seat, it’s hard to keep up with all the updated versions. Most car seats expire after six to ten years, so you need to purchase a new seat. If you feel in love with the Britax Roundabout 55, you’ll be sad to hear that it is discontinued and no longer supported.
Thankfully, the Roundabout line is still going strong, and the newest addition is the Britax Roundabout G4.1. This sturdy, safe and cost-effective car seat is an excellent addition to your family. Whether it is your first seat or one of many, it is a highly rated and functional car seat. This review will give you all the essential information you need to make an informed decision about your next car seat purchase.
Whether you choose the Roundabout G4.1 or not, it’s important to have all your questions answered before buying. This guide will show you the specifications, pros and cons, and some other car seats to compare with this model. After this, you should have all the information you want.
There are also important reminders about using your car seat safely, and keeping up-to-date with recall information. Choosing the right car seat is important, whether it is your first seat or not.
Britax Roundabout 55
image via Amazon
Thankfully, the Roundabout line is still going strong, and the newest addition is the Britax Roundabout G4.1. This sturdy, safe and cost-effective car seat is an excellent addition to your family. Whether it is your first seat or one of many, it is a highly rated and functional car seat. This review will give you all the essential information you need to make an informed decision about your next car seat purchase.
Whether you choose the Roundabout G4.1 or not, it’s important to have all your questions answered before buying. This guide will show you the specifications, pros and cons, and some other car seats to compare with this model. After this, you should have all the information you want.
There are also important reminders about using your car seat safely, and keeping up-to-date with recall information. Choosing the right car seat is important, whether it is your first seat or not.
What Is the Britax Roundabout?
The Britax Roundabout 55 was a very popular car seat, but was retired in 2013. There have been many car seats in the Roundabout line, so the Roundabout G4.1 will have similar features and some updates.
The Roundabout G4.1 includes a great safety system, using a steel frame, a base that absorbs impact and side impact protection. The 5-point harness, while difficult to adjust, provides a safe and secure journey for your child. There are also a few convenient features, like reclining at three different levels.
One of the least expensive Britax models. It’s a good entry-level seat, particularly for a company that is USA-made and regularly wins awards, like number one brand in safety technology in 2015.
It doesn’t have all of the features of a more expensive car seat, yet it is more impressive than other, cheaper seats.
Is the Britax Roundabout Safe?
Thankfully, the Britax line of car seats offers an incredible amount of protection. No parent wants to put their child in an unsafe environment, and the steel frame and impact-resistant sides of a Britax seat will keep your child safe and provide you with peace of mind.
Even the most basic Britax option has these two safety features, and many other products offer even more protection. Make sure to thoroughly read your owner’s manual before using your Britax seat. An incorrectly installed car seat is dangerous, and won’t keep your child safe during an accident.
Improper installation is a very common problem. If you aren’t sure how to install your car seat, or need someone to double check your work, be sure to take it to a location recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Are There Other Britax Car Seats?
Britax offers a wide range of car seats. Most are considered premium seats, and are on the higher end of the price range. Britax is known for high-end safety features, and it often includes innovative ways to protect your child. The Britax Roundabout is meant to deliver only the essentials. It’s the bargain-brand of the Britax line, and doesn’t offer many additional functionality or unique features.
Even the most basic model of a premium company will still be a great seat, however. Far from being low quality, this seat still uses a strong steel frame, has great extras—such as three reclining positions—and is able to protect your child in both front-facing and rear-facing modes. Depending on your price range, there may be other Britax seats that offer more of the aspects you are looking for. There are also car seats that are less costly than the Roundabout G4.1. However, these seats won’t include a steel frame or many of the other features that make Britax a popular brand.
Is the Britax Roundabout G4.1 Recalled?
In order to find out about recall information, be sure to register your car seat. You can also check the Britax website, or check the NHTSA website for more information. If your car seat is recalled, be sure to immediately address the problem. Whether sending in your car seat, installing a replacement or making an adjustment, recalls give you information and adjustments that are vital to the safety and support of your car seat. Recalls aren’t something you should worry about, and they can happen to any car seat. You should, however, understand the risks involved with using a car seat that has been recalled. Always stay up-to-date on the most recent recall information.
Product Specifications
|
Weight |
5-55 lbs |
|
Reclining feature |
Yes |
|
Steel frame |
Yes |
|
Impact-resistant base |
Yes |
|
Side protection from impact |
Yes |
|
Latch installation system |
Yes |
|
Car seat weight |
17.5 lbs |
|
Customer rating |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Pricing
You won’t find a Britax car seat for less than the Roundabout G4.1. It’s designed to be one of the least expensive models, while still offering all the quality and performance of the brand. However, there are many car seats that fall under this price range. There are inexpensive seats for as low as $160, or you can pay up to $350 or more for a premium seat.
Each car seat focuses on a slightly different set of features, so seats that are more expensive aren’t always better for your child. Carefully consider each option, and determine the price point and the features you consider most important for a car seat.
When compared to other models, the Britax is reasonably priced. Although it has slightly less features than competitors do, it has the same or higher quality of materials, particularly the frame. If safety and American craftsmanship are important to you, you won’t find another car seat like the Britax Roundabout G4.1 in its price range.
How It Compares
Britax Roundabout G4.1
[amazon box=”B01J7Q7A32″]
|
Ease of use |
4 out of 5 stars |
|
Assembly time |
3 out of 5 stars |
|
Build quality |
5 out of 5 stars |
|
Warranty |
4 out of 5 stars |
Graco Extend2Fit
[amazon box=”B079PM11WW”]
|
Ease of use |
4 out of 5 stars |
|
Assembly time |
4 out of 5 stars |
|
Build quality |
4 out of 5 stars |
|
Warranty |
4 out of 5 stars |
It has a comfortable interior, and two cup holders. Just like the Roundabout, the harness is more difficult to adjust than other, similarly priced models. Customers love the compact size of this car seat, and their children love the comfortable seat.
However, some customers feel the seat is overly difficult to install, and they don’t like the design of the latch and straps. If you’re looking for a roomy-yet-compact car seat at a competitive price, this is a great selection.
The Extend2Fit has a few unique features in addition to great safety and comfort levels. When in rear-facing position, the base is able to extend, giving your child more leg room. It can also recline in six different positions, giving your child a very relaxing ride. It doesn’t fall short on safety, but it doesn’t include a steel frame, like the Roundabout.
Safety 1st Grow and Go Ex Air 3-in-1
[amazon box=”B01CD2NFK4″]
|
Ease of use |
4 out of 5 stars |
|
Assembly time |
4 out of 5 stars |
|
Build quality |
5 out of 5 stars |
|
Warranty |
4 out of 5 stars |
This versatile car seat is designed to support your child up to 100 pounds. It’s an all-in-one design that works for infants and children. It still has side-impact protection, but again, lacks the sturdy, steel frame of a Britax car seat. The harness is designed to be easily adjusted, but many customers still struggled to use it easily.
The cover is easily removed and can be washed in your washing machine. The two cup holders are great for snacks or a bottle. At 20 pounds, the car seat is a bit heavier than other models, which is inconvenient when you need to move it back and forth between different cars. If you want an affordable seat that will last until your child no longer needs assistance, this is the car seat for you.
Maxi-Cosi Pria 85
[amazon box=”B078P3C4RJ”]
|
Ease of use |
4 out of 5 stars |
|
Assembly time |
4 out of 5 stars |
|
Build quality |
5 out of 5 stars |
|
Warranty |
4 out of 5 stars |
For a slightly higher cost, this car seat comes with some premium safety and comfort features, without all the unnecessary add-ons. The no-nonsense design focuses on protection from side impacts, support for a front-facing child up to 85 pounds and a cover that can be easily removed without removing the harness. It also has a lot of padding, both for comfort and protection.
However, it doesn’t include any additional features, like a booster seat or easy installation. It’s also the most expensive car seat on this list. Many customers felt the upper weight limit of 85 was unrealistic, and most kids are too tall before they reach this weight.
While being rated for newborns, some customers felt the seat also wasn’t appropriate for the lowest weight ratings listed. If you want a comfortable and sturdy seat, without paying for additional features, this is a good car seat for you.
Pros and Cons
While every car seat has some good and bad features, it can be difficult to weigh through all the data.Some seats boast things that are industry standards, while other seats try to make light of their disadvantages. In order to better understand the Roundabout G4.1, and how it compares to other models, here is a list of both its pros and cons.
PROS
- A great price tag
- Steel frame and excellent craftsmanship
- Great for nap time
- Includes a reclining option
- Accommodate a child up to 55 pounds
CONS
- Doesn’t include an easily adjustable harness
- Doesn’t include any cup holders
Conclusion
For its safety and affordability, the Britax Roundabout G4.1 receives 4.4 out of 5 stars. It’s a very popular car seat that avoids a lot of additional expenses by focusing on the most important factors of any car seat.
It doesn’t have the highest protection of the Britax line, but represents a great balance of comfort, safety and cost. Now that you’ve reviewed the specifications, compared the car seat to its competitors and discovered the pros and cons of owning a Roundabout G4.1, you have all the information you need to determine whether this car seat is the best for you and your child.
Not all car seats are created equal, and parents all have different aspects they value in a car seat. Carefully consider each option, and be confident that you’ve chosen the best car seat for your child. As long as a car seat is properly installed for the correct height and weight of your child, you can breathe easy knowing you have taken great steps to caring for your child, whether it’s during your daily commute, a long road trip or even an international flight.
