Britax Roundabout 55

Part of Britax's "new generation" of car seats, the Roundabout 55 (*Est. $ 200) improves upon the tried and true Roundabout Classic with higher weight ratings and improved safety features. While it maxes out at 55 pounds front-facing, the Roundabout 55 offers the same 40-pound rear-facing weight rating as Britax's top models.

Top of the line safety features

The Roundabout 55's safety features include integrated steel bars that stiffen the seat frame and strengthen the connection to the vehicle to reduce forward flexing in the seat and minimize the forward thrust to the child. The seat base is constructed with internal cells that collapse in a crash, lowering the seat's center of gravity to keep it stationary and reduce the child's motion. Deep, rigid sides with energy-absorbing foam provide side impact protection for the child's head and chest. Energy-absorbing tethers stabilize the car seat from the top in both the forward and the rear-facing positions, reducing the motion of the seat and the crash impact.

Well designed for everyday use

The Roundabout 55 doesn't offer all the features of the higher-end models (you do have to uninstall the seat to change the harness height), but it has many of the features for which Britax is known. The Roundabout 55 has a thick, nontangling harness, and generous 7.5-inch, two-position crotch strap, making it easier to secure larger children. The seat installs easily with push-button, seatbelt-style attachments that connect from above to the car's anchors without digging in between the seats. The Roundabout 55 has lock offs built into the seat belt path to keep it snug around the seat. And, while you do have to remove the seat from the car to wash the cover, it comes off in one piece and can be run through the washing machine and dryer.

A comfortable ride for children and babies

According to some reviewers, the Roundabout 55's relatively smaller size makes it feel cozier for smaller infants and babies. The Roundabout 55 offers rear and forward facing recline positions to keep kids comfortable, and the protective side wings provide a comfortable point for sleeping. An attachable cup holder and a travel cart for airport use can be purchased separately. Although it has lower weight ratings than other Britax seats, it still falls into the recommendations for using a car seat in a forward-facing position.

Complain-free customer service rep

No complaints about Britax service were found in our research of the Marathon 70. The Britax website offers comprehensive installation instructions for all car seat models, but you must know the date of manufacture to access the information. All Britax car seats carry a one year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, with proof of purchase. Like most car seats, the seat expires and should not be used after seven years.

The bottom line

The Roundabout 55 seat makes advanced Britax safety and comfort features more affordable for families. It's also a good fit for smaller cars and can fit more easily when multiple car seats are required. In a perfect world the Roundabout 55 would have an easier harness height adjuster, but as it is, the seat provides great features and safety