Britax

Stroll Your Way to Happiness #Giveaway

December 12, 2012 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to US/Canadian residents only.

It was a question that we weighed with much thought and consideration. It was a decision that we did not come to lightly; we spent many moments pondering, soliciting advice and listing the pros and cons.

“Should we bring a double stroller to Walt Disney World?”

To many, the answer would be glaringly obvious… YES! There’s so much walking to do, and with two toddlers, why take on the hassle of running after one – or two?

However, on the other hand, Ryder is a tall 4-year-old who hasn’t been in a stroller for almost two years now, so we questioned whether he would even cooperate and sit next to his little brother. Plus, aren’t double strollers bulky and awkward to travel with?

And then.. the heavens parted… and we were sent the Britax B-AGILE Double stroller to review. Or, as I like to call it – the Swagger Wagon 2.0.

Here’s Why it’s AWESOME:

– Quick-Fold with Automatic Chassis Lock
– Lightweight aluminum frame
– Less than 30.5 inches wide to fit through standard doorways
– Large under seat storage with access through front foot rest
– Two additional storage pockets behind seats
– Separate large canopies with ventilation windows
– Height adjustable handle
– CLICK & GO integrated adapter system
– No re-thread, adjustable, five-point harness and head pad
– Infinite seat recline positions
– Linked parking brake locks both rear wheels
– All-wheel suspension provides for a smooth ride
– Included: BRITAX CLICK & GO infant car seat receivers
– Appropriate from birth up to 50 lbs per seat
– MSRP (CAD) $499.99…

Toddler on Board! (And I Mean That Literally!)

October 1, 2012 By Lena

One of the great things about having children close in age is the multitude of options available for dual kiddie transportation. Double strollers, sit and stands, pods, tandem strollers – even the dreaded leash! Yep, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the kids contained as Mommy does a little ~~wine~~ shopping.

Until recently, we had our boys in their beloved Britax B-Ready. For a long time, both Reid and Ryder were perfectly comfy in the tandem configuration – Ryder took the driver’s seat while his little brother happily peeked out from down below. However, as the months passed, two things happened all at once: Ryder, whom I swear grows an inch a month, became way too tall and gangly for the front seat, and Reid began to protest about the limited view in his B-deck abode.

Hence, it was time to say buh-bye to our favourite double stroller configuration – and converted the B-READY to a single for Reid to enjoy.

For a while, we made do. Ryder is an enthusiastic walker and never seems to tire – a trait that comes in handy when visiting the zoo, but not so handy when trying to get him to sleep at night. Still, there are times when I’ve just wanted him “anchored” beside me; I can’t tell you how much I loathe chasing after toddlers, well, anywhere.

And so just as it seemed that I was doomed for another two years of cat and mouse, Britax introduced their super cool (and super ergonomic) Stroller Board!

The Britax Stroller Board easily attaches to most strollers providing travel options for additional children. Three wheels with independent suspension provide a comfortable and stable ride for children weighing up to 50 pounds, and the quick release design enables easy removal and installation of the board….

Britax Marathon 65 #Giveaway

November 12, 2011 By Lena

Note: This Giveaway is now CLOSED.

Shocker! A Britax feature on Listen to Lena!

Okay, I suppose I *may* have featured Britax products a time or two (or three, or four…). But quite simply, I believe that they are the most trusted name in juvenile products, known for their commitment to thoughtful engineering and top-quality, intuitive design. And since they happen to be the number one selling manufacturer of car seats in Canada, chances are you’ve already purchased one.

(Since I’m all about sharing valuable information… read my reviews for the Britax Advocate 65 CS, Britax B-READY and Britax Chaperone Travel System.)

Now I’ll be frank; when it comes to my children’s safety, I don’t shop around. For car seats, strollers and carriers, it’s Britax all the way. But I recently found myself in a bit of a new situation; now that the boys are older, sometimes I’ll take one of them with me to run errands, for play dates – even to attend press events. And since I often end up in downtown TO, I prefer zipping around in my car vs. taking my husband’s large SUV. (Have you ever tried finding street parking with a large car? ‘Nuff said.)

The trouble? I drive a Mini Cooper. And they’re teeny….

Lena Loves… Britax Advocate 65 CS

May 13, 2011 By Lena

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!

Britax B-READY: New Fashions!

March 11, 2011 By Lena

Thinking of purchasing a Britax B-READY? (I’m sure y’all know it’s 100% Lena-Approved.) Well, in addition to their fabulous “Stroll Your Way” Event (ends June 30th while quantities last), come April, you’ll also have a choice of three (3) new sizzlin’ B-READY fashions! Introducing:

Is it wrong to lust after a stroller? Cause that Mediterranean Blue matches my diaper bag quite nicely :)

Visit Britax.ca for full details.

Britax Advocate 65 CS… Winner!

February 14, 2011 By Lena

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… Britax Advocate 65 CS giveaway. With just over 2,000 entries, it looks like I’m not the only one who loves this revolutionary car seat! A quick recap of the features:

• 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

As a reminder, up for grabs is a Britax Advocate 65 CS in the winner’s choice of fabric (value $399).

Drum roll please… the winner is Maggie S.! Congratulations!

Please send me an e-mail with your contact details so I may have the prize sent to you right away. Thanks again to everyone who participated, and to Britax!

p.s. Did you know that car seats have expiry dates? It’s true!

“All children’s car seats and booster cushions sold in Canada have an expiry or useful life date on them, even though this is not required by regulation. Manufacturers do this to inform current owners and prospective buyers of the potential risks of using car seats and booster cushions that may be missing important parts, labels or instructions and/or may have an unknown history which could lead to less than optimal safe performance when needed.”

Click here for more information.

Win a Britax Parkway SG Booster Seat!

November 29, 2010 By Lena

Oooh boy, after posting reviews all month, I’m happy to give a shout out for an awesome contest – on a different blog!

One of my favourite sites, Rave & Review, is giving away a Britax Parkway SG Belt Positioning Booster Seat! Now it’s no surprise that I have a love affair with Britax, but I’m also quite fond of Rave & Review’s fabulous features. The site is a must-read for me – all of the reviews are family friendly, and I just happen to have the inside track on the blogger behind the scenes – she’s an absolute sweetheart!

Link on over and enter to win today!

Britax: Chaperone Infant Car Seat Recall

November 9, 2010 By Lena

Nobody’s perfect.

From Britax’s Facebook Page: Because we’re committed to creating the safest products for children, Britax is conducting a voluntary safety recall on its Chaperone Infant Car Seat. The chest clip supplied with the Chaperone Infant Car Seat was incorrectly produced by the manufacturer which resulted in a more brittle chest clip than was intended. As a result, the chest clip which positions the harness straps across the infant’s shoulders may break when the chest clip is engaged as the infant is secured into the car seat. For more information about this recall, including which models are affected, and how to receive a remedy kit, please visit www.ChaperoneSeatRecall.com, or call Britax Customer Service at 1-888-427-4829.

If you have an affected car seat, looks like it’s a quick fix – but please, be diligent: check your model and order the remedy kit if necessary.

Britax B-READY Winner!

November 1, 2010 By Lena

I am going to keep this short and sweet, because I have a feeling y’all just want to know one thing – who won the Britax B-READY??

First things first – a very special thank you to Britax, who offered such an amazing stroller for review and giveaway. We absolutely LOVE our B-READY, and can’t believe we ever lived without it. From single to double stroller in the blink of an eye, we’re always equipped to take our little ones out on the town!

So without further ado… the winner is DeeDee H! Congratulations…. and Enjoy!

DeeDee H. said: WOW – THIS IS AN AMAZING GIVEAWAY! What’s cool about this stroller is the fact that it folds with the 2nd seat attached – and still has a standing fold. That is huge.

Please send me your mailing address and color preference, so that I may have the prize sent to you right away. Thanks to everyone who participated – especially those who faithfully tweeted daily!

The B-READY Has Arrived!

October 15, 2010 By Lena

My fellow Canadians… the wait is over! The Britax B-READY has arrived in Canada!

Spotted at Babies R Us, Dear-Born Baby and The Safety Superstore, you can now drool over it in person. Just one caveat: please do not check it out if you’re not prepared to buy, because after about 10 minutes with the stroller, you WILL purchase it on the spot. There, I warned you.

Of course, you can also WIN the B-READY here! Only two weeks left in my fantastic giveaway, so read my review and enter today!

Lena Loves… Britax B-READY

October 4, 2010 By Lena

I have NEVER been so excited about a giveaway.

Some mommies collect diaper bags. Others spend more money on children’s clothing than their own. And some have a weakness for every colorful gizmo marketed to carpet crawlers. Me, I’m a stroller junkie.

I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect stroller. One that could satisfy every single one of my needs, while being stylish, ergonomic, and of course, from a trusted manufacturer. Sounds like a tall order? It is.

We are blessed; my family has enjoyed reviewing some incredible strollers. Single, pram, double and hybrid strollers. But with two children under 3 years old, there’s always the extra burden of keeping two strollers on hand – a double for both kids, and a single if we’re travelling with one.

The Britax B-READY is the solution. And, frankly, the perfect stroller. (Quote me.)

Read This:

Introducing the B-READY, a versatile and stylish modular stroller equipped to meet the growing family’s needs. The B-READY can be converted from a single child system to a two-child or twin system utilizing any combination of seats, bassinets and infant car seats in 14 possible configurations (seen here). This allows little ones to be secured comfortably in various appropriate positions on the stroller, also making it easy for parents to watch them as they rest or sleep. B-READY is the most comprehensive stroller on the market with single-child configurations and the option to expand it for infant twins or two children. As a result, this stroller helps ensure that parents will “be ready” as their families grow.

Watch This:

We received the B-READY stroller, plus the lower infant car seat adapter and second seat for review. From the moment it arrived, we were in love.

As usual, the husband took it upon himself to put it together sans instructions (why do men do that?). Good news; assembly was a breeze and it was in use immediately.

Now for the purpose of this review, I’ll break it down into single and double modes. It’s the only way to do the stroller justice.

What I Love about the Britax B-READY (Single) Stroller:

Reversible top seat with 3 recline positions – Ryder likes to look out at the world; Reid likes to look at mommy. With a simple click and switch, I can rear or forward face the top seat, and adjust to three recline positions. A bonus – the leg rest is also adjustable, lifting up for small passengers and laying almost vertical for taller riders.

No re-thread, adjustable, 5-point harness and head pad – Oh, Britax, you’re a mind reader. Until the B-READY, adjusting the stroller straps meant re-threading the entire harness. NOT cool when you’ve got two children of different heights and girths. Now, it’s as simple as accessing a discreet zippered compartment on the back of the seat, and shifting a handle up/down (see above video at 0:28).

Simple fold with automatic chassis lock – And they do mean simple. Are you ready? Start by locking the brake. Then pull up both of the frame release levers located below the stroller handle and step back while guiding the stroller downward. Continue folding until the chassis lock engages. The stroller will stand while folded. Yup, that’s all there is to it.

Adjustable handle height with comfort grip – Yes, the handle pivots up/down to accommodate parents of different heights. And it indeed includes a comfort grip. But that’s not what makes this stroller kick a** – it’s the 100%, authentic, ONE HANDED STEERING. I have never encountered a stroller with such smooth, effortless steering – it’s the only stroller I can command while sipping a latte and talking on the phone. In fact, this is the one feature I constantly show off to everybody who stops me to ask about the stroller (and there have been many; Canadians have yet to lay eyes on this wonder!).

One-step linked parking brake with indicator – I’ve been spoiled: both the Chaperone and B-READY models feature the one-step brake, and now, I don’t think I would purchase a stroller without one. Simply step on the brake and it turns red to tell you its engaged. Step again and it turns green so you know you’re ready to go. The brake is strong and secure – not even Ryder, who notoriously pushes everything, could get it to budge once set.

The B-READY is, hands down, the very best stroller I’ve encountered. And it gets better…

What I Love about the Britax B-READY (Double Mode) Stroller:

Lower infant car seat adapter – Reid goes straight from the car and into the lower position on the B-READY. Check out my slideshow below. See those little feet sticking out? Yep, those are the feet of a happy baby. I was a little skeptical at first, because it appeared that the baby would be low to the ground, but once snapped in there’s actually quite a nice clearance to the road, and the splash guards on the hind wheels ensure that nothing splashes up into baby.

Second seat – You’ve seen in-line strollers with second seats. But what you haven’t seen before is: 4-position seat recline, suitable from birth up to 35 lbs, large canopy with ventilation window, 5-point harness with 3 harness heights, built-in seat suspension, and the clincher… stroller folds with second child seat attached. That’s right – you don’t have to remove the second seat – using the same technique as the single stroller (and a minor adjustment on the second seat), both seats will collapse neatly into a standing fold. REVOLUTIONARY.

Here are the configurations we’ve enjoyed (just 6 out of 14):

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

The Britax B-READY is now available in the US, and Canadians should see it hit retailers sometime in November (MSRP CDN $529.99). For now, I can bask in the curious stares, interested (read: envious) moms… and can continue to give out on-the-spot product demos!

Click here to learn more about the Brtitax B-READY stroller.

Here’s what you’ve been waiting for… WIN IT!!!

One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will have the chance to win a Britax B-READY stroller, in his/her choice of fabric! (Value CDN $529.99)

To enter, simply leave a comment telling us which feature excites you and why.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment to claim your extra entry. You can:

(1) For TWO extra entries, follow my blog, Listen to Lena! (Leave 2 comments)
(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/36v6xob)
(5) You may tweet about this giveaway daily

I’ll draw for a winner at the end of October. Special thanks to Britax, and good luck everyone!

September Winners Announced Tomorrow!

October 1, 2010 By Lena

I will be BUSY this weekend. Not only do I have to draw for five fabulous winners, but I’m also posting two NEW giveaways… and they’re seriously HOT. I kid you not. Want a teaser? Look at the picture on the left. YES.

On a related note, check back soon for an open call to Canadian small businesses – November will be chock full of giveaways from local artisans. I promise, it’ll be FAB!

Britax Chaperone Travel System Winner!

September 3, 2010 By Lena

Thank you to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… Britax Chaperone giveaway. Based on the response, it looks like many readers are loving it too!

Coupled with Britax’s stellar reputation for safety, the Chaperone infant car seat and stroller boast a sleek, modern design and superb ease of use. The lucky winner will have his/her choice of fabric; I say go for the Cowmooflage!

Now before I announce the winner, others take note: Before Christmas, I’ll be hosting TWO more Britax giveaways! Want a hint? Check out my recent posts on Britax’s newest products. YES! You betcha! I’ve got ’em and you can win them!

I’ve kept you in suspense long enough… the winner of a Britax Chaperone infant car seat and a Chaperone stroller, in his/her choice of fabric, is dannyscotland! Congratulations!
Please send me an e-mail with your complete contact details, along with your fabric preference for the travel system. Thanks to everyone who participated, and to Britax!

Another Reason to Love Britax

August 22, 2010 By Lena

CHARLOTTE, N.C., August 17, 2010 — Britax announced today a full redesign and relaunch of its line of best-selling infant/child car seats. The new line offers 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.

Watch this:

UNPRECEDENTED HEAD SAFETY

Britax’s revolutionary head safety technology incorporates features that lower the child’s center of gravity, strengthen the child seat and manage crash energy. Together, they reduce head excursion and offer the most advanced protection to children. These include:

• 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.

Seriously, readers, if your child is not in a Britax car seat, I strongly recommend that you purchase one. Need further convincing on the importance of a quality car seat? Read this article from Saturday’s CALGARY SUN:

RCMP CALL BABY’S SURVIVAL A “MIRACLE”
By NADIA MOHARIB, CALGARY SUN
August 21, 2010

Officials say one of the final acts by an infant’s parents to secure her in a car seat allowed her to survive a crash they didn’t.

Mere inches from her parents who were killed in the same crash on Hwy. 8 and 101 St. S.W. Friday night, the seven-week-old girl strapped in her car seat somehow lived, said Cochrane RCMP Cpl. Jason Pasloske.

“It’s a miracle that baby survived,” he said Saturday.

Officials said the baby was secured properly in the backseat, beside her mother who was seated behind the child’s dad when the eastbound Mercedes drove across a centre median and into the path of an oncoming pick-up truck about 8 p.m.

The 22-year-old mother and father, aged 26, died at the scene while a 54-year-old man in the GMC Sierra was airlifted to Calgary with critical injuries.

The baby, who emergency crews pulled for the wreckage by cutting out the entire car seat, was listed in stable, non-life threatening condition and taken to hospital while officials tracked down her relatives and called in victims services.

“The baby and the other driver are both expected to survive,” Pasloske said.

Read complete article here.

NEW Britax!!!

August 11, 2010 By Lena

Before I became a parent, I salivated over shoes. Now, it’s all about the baby’s ride.

This is by far the most exciting news for Pram-a-holics like me. Britax, trusted and loved manufacturer of car seats and strollers, is ready to release three (3) NEW strollers: the B-READY modular stroller, the B-NIMBLE umbrella stroller and the B-SCENE three-wheel stroller. All three are compatible with the Britax Chaperone infant car seat.

After checking out the B-READY online, I was hooked. It can be converted from a single child system to a two-child or twin system utilizing any combination of seats, bassinets and infant car seats in 14 possible configurations. Check it out:

Okay, I am officially in LOVE. Imagine, with ONE stroller, I can have:

a) Baby Reid sleeping in a bassinet or in his infant car seat
b) Big Brother Ryder in a rear or forward facing seat
c) BOTH of them in a double configuration stroller!

There is simply nothing comparable on the market today, and with good reason – only Britax could pioneer this thoughtfully engineered design! I just showed the video to my mom, who can’t believe how far strollers have come (insert “back in the day we only had a choice of pink or blue umbrella strollers” story here).

From Britax:

“For years parents and caregivers have relied on Britax for the thoughtful details that make life on the go easier and safer,” said Jon Chamberlain, president of Britax USA. “Our product designers know that parents want products with extended life spans that can grow with their family. The B-READY was designed with more options when traveling with one or two children. The result is a feature-rich and adaptive stroller design inspired by how parents hold and connect with their children.”

Click here to learn more about the Britax B-READY modular stroller.

Also in their new lineup is the B-NIMBLE:

Britax – trusted child safety seat and stroller manufacturer – introduces a new compact-fold umbrella stroller, the B-NIMBLE. The stroller weighs less than 13 pounds and includes a canopy, rain cover and cup holder. B-NIMBLE accommodates newborns and children up to 55 pounds and is easy to both maneuver and fold.

The B-NIMBLE is designed to address parents’ mobility needs. The unique rear wheel auto-lock fold release mechanism allows a caregiver to fold the stroller and immediately rest it against a car or wall, without it rolling back down. The one-foot anti-scuff linked rear break locks the rear wheels with a single step. Parents can throw the B-NIMBLE over a shoulder while keeping both hands free using its portable carry strap, perfect for the airport.

And the B-SCENE:

Parents can use the B-SCENE stroller from birth with an infant car seat or Britax Bassinet (sold separately). For children six months and up, the B-SCENE’s removable seat can be used forward or rear facing up to 55 pounds. The B-SCENE’s three-wheel design and adjustable top handle offer parents improved maneuverability, while its full suspension produces a smoother, more comfortable ride for the child.

To further ease a parent’s routine, the B-SCENE features an automatic chassis lock that locks the frame in a folded position and an adjustable, no re-thread five-point harness system. The stroller also boasts lightweight expanded rubber tires so no inflation is required, and a one-foot anti-scuff linked rear brake with red and green indicators.

The B-READY will be in stores in September, and the B-NIMBLE and B-SCENE will follow shortly thereafter (late fall 2010).

Are there any other Pram-a-holics out there? Do tell!

And, don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a Britax Chaperone Travel System!

Lena Loves… Britax Chaperone

August 2, 2010 By Lena

My love affair with Britax continues.

I first heard of Britax when I was shopping for a convertible car seat. The Marathon just happened to be the #1 car seat in Canada, and with glowing endorsements from just about every store we visited, it wasn’t a hard decision to make.

It’s now almost two years later and we LOVE the car seat – and more importantly – so does Ryder. I became obsessed with communicating sales and special offers to my mommy readers, hoping to get them on board with this awesome brand which is synonymous with safety. Yes, you’ve seen a Britax sale or two featured on this blog.

So it comes as no surprise that I (literally) jumped at the opportunity to review the Britax Chaperone Travel System, which includes the infant car seat and stroller. We selected the beyond adorable Cowmooflage pattern; the perfect unisex design for sweet peas.

Let’s start with the Chaperone infant car seat. Since the arrival of baby Reid, we’ve been using it for just over two months now. The seat can accommodate children between 4 and 30 pounds, and up to 32 inches – which is actually a very impressive range for a starter seat. It features True Side Impact Protection which distributes crash forces, shields from vehicle intrusion, contains the head and body, and keeps the head, neck and spine “in true” or aligned, to limit injury.

The Chaperone also has a tangle-free, 5-point harness system that features No Re-thread Harness Adjustment; essentially you can adjust the harness height without having to re-thread the straps to accommodate your child’s growth. This feature alone was enough to have my husband singing it’s praises, as he suffers from CSIP (car seat installation phobia).

I love the roomy interior and the large overhead canopy. Reid looks comfortable and content, and there’s absolutely no car seat-sandwich appearance that some babies take on when they’re jammed into infant seats. At 2.5 months old he’s still at the lowest harness setting, ensuring months to come of safe and happy usage.

Carrying the car seat is made easier by an ergonomic handle that is shaped to allow a more natural carrying position with less strain on the wrist. At 10 pounds, the car seat is slightly heavier than my previous model, but I’ll take the trade off for the safety features, aesthetics and ease of use.

The Chaperone infant car seat works seamlessly with the stroller, making it one of the safest, most versatile travel systems on the market today. Built in car seat connectors are permanently attached to the frame of the stroller; these connectors rotate up for use with the car seat and are hidden and out of the way for stroller mode.

The stroller accommodates children from 6 months up to 55 lbs (fifty-five pounds? I know some Hollywood celebrities who could fit into this stroller). The seat sports an adjustable, tangle free, 5-Point harness with three harness heights for a snug and secure fit. A 3-position recline with adjustable calf rest offers customized sleeping positions for children (note that there is no foot rest). And perhaps my favourite feature: All-Wheel Suspension provides for a smooth and easy ride.

Seriously, this stroller coasts. You can actually maneuver with one hand while applying mascara with the other (okay, I’m exaggerating a bit). But it is hands down the easiest stroller I’ve ever pushed, and trust me, I’m all about ease of use. You won’t believe you’re steering a full sized stroller – it actually handles like a compact. Walks with Ryder are a pleasure (and bump-free!) thanks to the fabulous suspension and overall design.

And what about folding it away? I’m glad you asked, because it’s a breeze. The Chaperone has an easy two-step, one-handed folding process (which results in the perfect standing fold). It’s so easy I got it right on the first try, which of course says a lot because I’m usually a “let’s break out the instructions” kind of gal.

There’s also tons of storage space thanks to a large basket that is positioned under the seat, which you can get to even if the seat is reclined (a nice little feature that shows Britax has both baby and parent in mind). I’ve taken this stroller on short grocery runs and am happy to report that it can fit four (4) full sized cereal boxes!

All in all, the Britax Chaperone Travel System is just one more stellar addition to an already stocked lineup. I truly believe that it’s a no-fail purchase – from the ease of use and enviable safety features to it’s modern design, you’ll love introducing the trusted Britax name to your baby from birth.

Click here to learn more about Britax.

I know you’ve been waiting for this… one lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a Britax Chaperone infant car seat and a Chaperone stroller, in your choice of fabric! (Value $530)

To enter, simply visit their website and leave a comment telling us which feature impresses you most about the car seat or the stroller.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment to claim your extra entry. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(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/36nfbks)

I’ll draw for a winner on August 31st. Special thanks to Britax, and good luck everyone!

Oh My WOWness! I HEART BRITAX…

March 24, 2010 By Lena

There are some days when you roll out of bed, and feel more blessed than others. Yesterday proved to be such a day for me.

During the early hours of afternoon, while Ryder was napping and I was brooding over the lack of sunshine, the doorbell rang. Now, unless I’m expecting someone, I normally don’t like to answer the door while I’m home alone with the baby… but I could see the familiar brown UPS truck idling by my driveway.

As I opened the door, Jerry (who I’m pretty much buddies with thanks to my online shopping habit) smiled at me and said, “I’ve got a couple of big boxes for you today.”

I was instantly on guard. What the heck did I order? Now at just under 8 months preggo, I’ve been battling insomnia for the last week – but surely I didn’t order a two-piece leather sectional in the wee hours of morning?

He jumped into his truck and proceeded to unload the first box – and I instantly recognized the beloved Britax logo. For moi? Things only got better when a matching logo made it’s way to my doorstep next.

It turns out, when the good folks at Britax found out I was having another baby, they decided to graciously send me the Chaperone travel system to enjoy! The travel system includes the Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seat, and well as the Britax Chaperone Full Sized Stroller! Woot! Woot!

I cannot wait to test and review these items for my readers! It’s so secret that I LOVE Britax (seen by the fact that I blog just about every Britax car seat sale that I come across), and I am so humbled that the company is interested in my opinion of the products. Yes, yes, yes!

And speaking of sales, you can find awesome deals on a variety of Britax products at the moment, including the Chaperone Travel System ~

For readers in the US, check out Diapers.com, where the travel system is just $379.99 (save $150)! That’s the best deal I’ve ever seen on the complete travel system!

For my Canadian peeps, the Chaperone Stroller is $50 off at Babies R Us during their Baby Fest (ends Thursday), down to just $299.97 from $349.99. The Chaperone Infant Car Seats are also on promotion – $40 off, down to just $229.97 from $269.99.

If you’ve got a toddler on your hands, you can also grab the Boulevard Convertible Car Seat for just $299.97, down from $329.99.

Look for my review of the car seat and stroller in early to mid June, after I’ve had a chance to put them to the test with Ryder’s baby brother. And please don’t hate – you know I love sharing with my readers! Hmm… I foresee a “Lena Loves… Britax” feature on the way… that’s all I’m disclosing for now, but trust me – you won’t want to miss it!