Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Lena Loves… Britax Advocate 65 CS

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My love affair with Britax continues.

Now I know my readers have heard a thing or two about Britax car seats. They happen to be the number one selling manufacturer of car seats in Canada; chances are, you’ve already purchased one. But for the parents out there who have yet to experience their products, or parents-to-be who are looking for a lesson in car seat safety,  read on friends…

The Company

Britax manufactures and markets lines of premium car seats, strollers (B-READY – holla!) and accessories. Since its founding in Britain in 1939, the company has become one of the world’s most trusted juvenile products brands, known for its commitment to thoughtful engineering and top-quality, intuitive design.

The Products

Britax offers nine (9) car seat models in Canada — infant car seats, infant/child car seat and child car seats. The car seats are designed to keep a child rear facing and in a five-point harness longer, and can accommodate a child from “birth to belt” (i.e., 4 pounds to 120 pounds). Click here to learn about and compare models.

We’ve long enjoyed our Britax Marathon car seat, but when offered a chance to test out the fully redesigned Advocate 65 CS, I literally whooped for joy. It’s not often that one is given the opportunity to review arguably the best car seat on the market!

Wondering how the new generation models compare to the original car seats? Well, Britax introduces “Superior 360 Degree Protection with Revolutionary Head Safety Technology” that dramatically reduces the risk of head injury and provides complete protection from all sides in the event of a vehicle crash. This includes:

• A re-engineered lower center of gravity that allows the child to sit lower and creates stability in the event of a crash
• Integrated steel bars that strengthen the connection to the vehicle and reduce forward flexing of the child seat during a crash
• Britax SafeCell Technology with SafeCells that are designed to compress in a crash. This significantly lowers the center of gravity and counteracts the forward rotation of the child seat, which normally propels the child toward the front seat.
• Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether with a two-point attachment and staged-release tether webbing to anchor the top of the car seat. This minimizes forward-rotation and reduces crash forces reaching the child.

(The newer generation products can also be used for children up to 65 pounds in Canada – hence the “65” in most of the model names – and rear-facing to an impressive 40 pounds.)

Watch this:

(And now go buy a Britax.)

The Advocate 65 CS is superb. Out of the box, I marveled at how large it was – my husband called it “Mission Control!” But the increased bulk was actually due to the Side Impact Cushion Technology; the energy-absorbing cushions on the exterior of the seat are there to reduce side impact crash energy and provide extra protection for the equally precious adjacent passenger. And amazingly enough, once in the car, we noticed the Advocate 65 CS was only fractionally larger than our previous generation Marathon.

Installation, as with all Britax products, was a breeze, and Ryder was in it the very same day it arrived. Non-handed premium lower connectors make transition from rear to forward facing beyond simple. And you know how some car seats give a little wiggle once installed? Definitely not the case with Britax models – just a quick pull on the tightening mechanisms and your car seat won’t budge.

Now let’s chat about the harness. The Advocate 65 CS operates on the Harness Ultra Guard System (HUGS) to provide resistance to forward movement in the event of a crash. It is also terribly handy that the harness is TANGLE-FREE. The harness distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body – and of course, incorporates Britax’s famous no-rethread feature; the shoulder height can be repositioned without disassembling the harness straps.

Click here to view all the features of the Britax Advocate 65 CS.

Ryder gives the seat two thumbs up for comfort, and I can’t deny that I have complete peace of mind that he is safely secured in a high quality, beyond reputable product. I know some parents may raise eyebrows at the cost (CDN $399), but let me break it down like this:

You child can conceivably use this car seat for 8 years. That’s $50 a year. Or $4.12 per month. What do you spend $4.12 on per month? How about an investment into the well-being of your child? As a Britax enthusiast, I visibly cringe when I see parents purchase less expensive alternatives. If it’s not in your budget today, borrow some money. Sell some old baby stuff. Skip your highlights for 3 months. Just put your child’s safety first – by purchasing the most tested, recommended and trusted car seats on the market. Britax.


You can find the Britax Advocate 65 CS, and all Britax car seats, at retailers across the country. And do keep your eyes out for special offers and sales! It makes owning the car seats a little more affordable (not that they’re not worth every penny!)


Britax has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a Britax Advocate 65 CS in his/her choice of fabric! (Value $399)

To enter, simply visit Britax online to learn about the features of the Advocate 65 CS in detail, and leave a comment here with your favourite feature.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(2) “Like” Britax on Facebook
(3) Follow Britax on Twitter
(4) Tweet about this giveaway (here’s a tiny URL for you: http://tinyurl.com/6b33f9h)
(5) You may tweet about this giveaway daily

I’ll draw for a winner on February 13th. Special thanks to Britax, and good luck everyone!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. My favorite feature is that it has a 65 lb weight capacity…that means that my son could be in for a really long time. I also like that it has the Harness Ultra Guard System (HUGS) to provide resistance to forward movement in the event of a crash. Thanks for the chance! Rebecca Obekki1820cb at gmail dot com

  8. My favourite feature is the plush, Easy-Remove Cover with matching comfort pads and Infant body pillow to provide extra comfort and easy cleaning without disassembling or uninstalling the child seat.

  39. My favorite feature is the side impact cushion technology. It's good to know that there is an added measure of safety.KellywcuATyahooDOTcom

  49. My favorite feature is the Side Impact Cushion Technology! Anything that can my baby safe in case of an accident is amazing in my books!andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

  54. I love the side impact protection. The wings that are beside their heads also offers a place to lean their heads when they fall asleep! :o)N_Tarpley2004 at yahoo dot com

  64. I like that it has Integrated Steel Barsstrengthen the connection to the vehicle and reduce forward flexing of the child seat during a crash. Now I know you put this in your post, but i did go to the site and read it :)

  89. The safety features of this seat are my favorite feature. SafeCell™ Technology features SafeCells designed to compress in a crash, significantly lowering the center of gravity and counteracting the forward rotation of the child seat which normally propels the child toward the front seat.

  96. My favourite feature is how easy they are to install and uninstall when needed… one pull is all it takes to get them in perfectly snug. We have a frontier XT for my daughter and it's the best investment we've ever made. I'd love to get the Advocate for our new addition!

  100. There are so many features I love however the one I know my little one would appreciate is the High Density Comfort Foam which provides an extra layer of padding to gently cushion your child.

  113. My favorite feature is the Click & Safe Snug Harness Indicator that tells you with an audible aid that the harness is within range of appropriate snugnesshmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

  121. I LOVE that this can hold a child from 5-65lbs. Even though it's a more expensive car seat, it is really average price when you condsider you won't have to buy another one. I know my husband would also appreciate the anti-slip contoured base that grips and protects the seat. :)kirbycolby at gmail dot com

  152. I like the feature: Click & Safe® Snug Harness Indicator is an audible aid that provides extra assurance when the harness is within range of appropriate snugnessThat way you KNOW when you have it tight enoughKatie Acouponkatie at hotmail dot com

  156. My favorite feature is the plush, Easy-Remove Cover with matching comfort pads and Infant body pillow to provide extra comfort and easy cleaning without disassembling or uninstalling the child seatgervitsd(at)verizon(dot)net

  164. My fave feature is that it goes to a high weight. It's nice to have a carseat that goes from infant til they need just a booster.

  174. so many features taht i love, i love that its safe up to 65 lbs, that you can remove the cover easily for washing, that its certified for aircraft travcel- just to name a few, its safe.tcogbill at live dot com

  187. The Tangle-Free, Five-Point Harness distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body and provides a secure fit.Is probably my favorite feature. How do you pick a best feature on a car seat anyways? The safe part.nicolthepickle(at)yahoodotca

  211. Favorite feature: the new side impact technology. I am now following you on Facebook and following britax on Facebook as well :)

  256. my favorite feature is:Click & Safe® Snug Harness Indicator is an audible aid that provides extra assurance when the harness is within range of appropriate snugnessadriana.fitzgerald at hotmail dot com

  270. Tangle-Free, Five-Point Harness distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body and provides a secure fitb3th13 at gmail dot com

  273. I love that there is a 65 pound weight capacity! This would last so much longer than other car seats that are out there!xjanelle at hotmail dot com

  283. My favorite feature is the 65 lb weight capacity- the seat can be used for newborn babies as well as children up to the ages of 6 to 7 years( if their weight is under/at 65 lb).

  304. My favorite feature is the Harness Ultra Guard System (HUGS™) provides resistance to forward movement in the event of a crash.Mel4Him777{at}gmail{dot}com

  308. I love, love, love Britax seats and would not be without one for my children. I love the side impact protection on them. That's very important to me.Thank you for the chance to win this for my son!!!

  309. I love that it has Premium Lower Connectors for a quick and simple installation featuring a push button for easy release. It sounds like to would be super easy to switch between my car and my husband'sjjak2003 at gmail dot com

  344. My fav feature is the Plush, Easy-Remove Cover with matching comfort pads and Infant body pillow to provide extra comfort and easy cleaning without disassembling or uninstalling the child seat

  352. My favorite feature is the Side Impact Cushion Technology. I know head injuries are the most common cause of death/injuries in children in car accidents. I feel much better knowing these side impact technology helps protect them better.nbalogh522 at gmail dot com

  362. Side Impact Cushion Technology features energy-absorbing cushions on the exterior of the child seat to reduce side impact crash energy by 45% by diverting crash forces away from your child and providing extra protection for the adjacent passenger.tvollowitz at aol dot com

  371. My favorite feature is that the weight capacity is 65lbs so my sons could use the seat for a long time!vira(underscore)reda(at)hotmail(dot)com

  377. My fav feature is that it holds weights over 30lbs which I know some car seats dont! (I know this courtesy of my bff's struggles)

  390. Love the weight limit of 65lbs! My two little ones are at 33lbs and this would do them the rest of their car seat days. Thanks for the great giveawaynshamblin81 at yahoo dot com

  405. eally like the 65 lb (29.5 kg) Weight Capacity for safety and comfort as your child grows. I don't have to worrie about getting another car seat when my son grows out of it. to be honest I like everything about this car seat so to pick just 1 is alittle hard.cjnickerson(at)hotmail(dot)com

  410. i like the Side Impact Cushion Technology features energy-absorbing cushions on the exterior of the child seat to reduce side impact crash energy by 45% by diverting crash forces away from your child and providing extra protection for the adjacent passenger. amypugmire@live.com

  423. My favorite feature of the Advocate is the Harness Ultra Guard System (HUGS), which provides resistance to forward movement in the event of a crash

  431. My favorite feature is the Click & Safe® Snug Harness Indicator is an audible aid that provides extra assurance when the harness is within range of appropriate snugness.southcarolinamommy at gmail dot com

  440. The feature I really think is important in a car seat is that side impact technology features energy-absorbing cushions on the exterior of the child seat to reduce side impact energy by 45% by diverting crash force away from child & providing extra protection for the adjacent passengerAll the features of this car seat sells me on it.pkbailey@charter.net

  456. My favourite feature is the 65lbs weight capacity and also the True Side Impact Protection which offers a head restraint creating an extra layer of energy-absorbing EPP foam, keeping the head, neck and spine aligned in the event of a crash.

  462. Aside from the fantastic safety features I love that this seat is suitable for a child from 5 – 65lbs! A buy one and you are done item!

  500. WOW…this thing IS like Mission Control. LOL! So exciting to see some baby items as we just found out we are having a new grandchild…and am sure Mom and Dad would love to have a seat with some of MY favorite features:The High Density comfort foam for extra padding for baby, and the 'Click & Safe® Snug Harness Indicator' which is an audible aid in knowing your baby is harnessed in right. I know they'd also appreciate the easy removal of seat pad to wash easily!thank you much!ejrichter60 at gmail dot com

  538. My favourite part of the Britax seat are its awesome safety ratings. Nothing is more important than keeping my little girl safe!I follow your blog daily!kathleen dot chiu at rogers dot com

  545. My favourite feature is the tangle-free, 5 point harness…it distributes a crash forces against the stronger parts of the body…heavensent1@yahoo dotcom

  599. I love everything about Britax! The safety features, comfy, easy to use! Thanks for the opportunity for my son to have one!

  610. My favourite feature is Tangle-Free, Five-Point Harness distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body and provides a secure fitsweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

  617. I forgot to mention my favourite feature. I like the fact that it has a easy-remove cover with matching comfort pads and infant body pillow which provides extra comfort and easy cleaning without disassembling or uninstalling the child seat. Love this seat!

  628. Besides for the tangle free easy to adjust harness with hugs and tightness indicator, and easy to clean comfy seat, I love that not only does the advocate 65cs protect the passenger strapped in, but it has cushioning to help protect the adjacent passenger

  648. Kind of out of order…BUT What I love about the new Britax Advocate in addition to being a great safe car seat because all Britax seats are is the non slip base! How smart! And the infant pads to be added…we have #2 on the way and wow a car seat that can stay with him the longest I've seen! Totally worth the money!

  668. My fav feature is the Click & Safe® Snug Harness Indicator is an audible aid that provides extra assurance when the harness is within range of appropriate snugness. Love that I can hear it! Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com

  671. I love that it is certified for air travel. My DH is a pilot, so this is an absolute MUST for us, especially with the new studies and air travel with LOs that just came out.savvyaddy at gmail dot com

  685. love that this is likely the only car seat i will ever need for my daughter, thanks to the weight requirements!kevindormer at hotmail dot com

  688. I like the plush, easy-remove cover with matching comfort pads and infant body pillow to provide extra comfort and easy cleaning without disassembling or uninstalling the child seat.kimkmc at yahoo.com

  706. My favorite feature is "Harness Ultra Guard System (HUGS™) provides resistance to forward movement in the event of a crash."

  713. My favorite feature is this:"True Side Impact Protection offers a head restraint creating an extra layer of energy-absorbing EPP foam, keeping the head, neck and spine “in true” or aligned, and deep side walls lined with EPP foam to distribute crash forces, shield from vehicle intrusion, and contain the head, neck and body"My youngest has Down syndrome, so I'm especially concerned about head/neck safety.

  741. My favorite feature is the Click & Safe® Snug Harness Indicator. Tough picking one. I also like that it has a 65 lb weight capacity.Crossing my fingers.

  757. I love the Click & Safe® Snug Harness Indicator. That's so neat that it will audibly notify you if you are in a good snug range!Kari L.kstark9 at hotmail dot com

  758. I love the Click & Safe® Snug Harness Indicator. That's so neat that it will audibly notify you if you are in a good snug range!Kari L.kstark9 at hotmail dot com