Britax B-Ready

Bottom line

The Britax B-Ready convertible stroller may be a good choice if you have twins or two children relatively close in age because it accepts two infant car seats at once. However, to achieve its advertised "14 different seating configurations" requires the purchase of additional components. In spite of the additional cost of accessories, parents and experts give this stroller high marks.

Safety

Great safety features. Reviewers rate the Britax B-Ready highly for safety. The five-point no re-thread harnesses are secure, and the one-touch rear brake is easy to operate, although a few owners had problems with it breaking after a few months and had to get a replacement from customer service. The front swivel wheels lock easily. The frame is sturdy and stable, and older kids can climb into the stroller when it's empty without it flipping over.

Ease of use

Bulky but maneuverable. At 32 pounds with the second seat, the Britax B-Ready is a heavy stroller. One Amazon.com reviewer called it "the Humvee of strollers." The wide wheelbase can make it difficult to fit through narrow doorways or store aisles. Yet, most reviewers feel that, while it could be heavy to push, it was still fairly easy to maneuver, and the foam tires provide a smooth ride over many types of terrain. Still, the stroller can be hard to hoist, so it's probably best for people who don't need to lug it up and down stairs or onto public transportation.

Folding can be tricky -- it takes two hands -- but most got the hang of it with practice. It self-locks, but the lock doesn't always stay closed with the second seat in. It doesn't stand when folded, and there is no carrying strap to help lift it.

Parents love the adjustable handle, although some wish it telescoped so taller parents' legs don't hit the stroller while walking. Both seats recline easily with one hand, but it can be a little hard to get a child in and out of the smaller second seat, since it only faces forward and requires you to crouch down. Converting the seat to different positions is a snap.

Owners report that it's generally easy to clean.

Lifestyle features

Stylish, versatile, and comfortable -- for a price. The big selling point of the Britax B-Ready is that it can be configured in 14 different ways to accommodate two children of different ages in a combination of a car seat and a seat, or a bassinet and a seat; two children of the same age in a combination of car seats and seats; as well as a single child in either a car seat, seat or bassinet.

However, out of the box the Britax B-Ready comes with a single seat that accommodates a child from 6 months of age and up. To reach those other configurations requires separate purchases, including: one or two car seats (one Britax car seat adapter is included, an adapter for other brands is $49.99, the adapter for the second Britax car seat is $79.99), a second seat (*Est. $113) and a bassinet (*Est. $150).

In spite of the additional costs associated with toting a second child, reviewers like that the Britax B-Ready accommodates twins or children of mixed ages. However, a few owners say the optional second seat was too small and that toddlers could quickly outgrow the 35-pound weight limit. It's also hard for children to see out of the lower second seat. One thing to consider when positioning seats: If you have a child in the smaller bottom seat and an older child in the top seat, face the top one forward so the younger child doesn't get kicked.

The swing-away bumper on the bigger seat makes it easier to get kids in and out, but reviewers wish it came with a child snack tray or cup holder. The included parent cup holder is flimsy, reviewers agreed.

Both canopies have viewing windows that close with magnets, which are quieter than Velcro, a big plus when kids are sleeping. Parents don't like that the canopy on the bottom seat drags on the ground when folded.

Customer service

Prompt assistance. The Britax B-Ready has a one-year limited warranty against defective materials or workmanship with proof of purchase. Buyers who dealt with the customer service departments got an immediate response and said replacements were sent out the same day.