Britax B-Nimble

Safety

Watch for problems with recalled brakes. The Britax B-Nimble has a five-point harness, but it is not padded. The buckle is difficult enough to click in that it's not easy for a child to escape. It has one-touch, linked brakes. The brakes were the subject of a voluntary recall because, according to the CPSC, "An audible click heard when the brake pedal is pressed can give a false impression that the brake is fully engaged when it is not. When the brake is not engaged, the stroller can move unexpectedly posing a risk of injury to the child occupant." However, one customer says she ordered the stroller in June 2012 and got a stroller that said the date of manufacture was 2010, during the recall. She says the brake does not always engage. Another customer says she has the same problem with her stroller brake, not mentioning the manufacture date, although the review is dated 2012.

Ease of use

Features usability questionable. Several owners complain about the Britax B-Nimble's difficult push, especially on rougher terrains or with heavier children, although some say it handles just fine. The front swivel wheels do lock for better control. It's recline strap is widely panned for needing two hands to adjust. It's also hard to put the seat back up with a child in the seat. Both of these problems are exacerbated with a heavier child, reviewers say.

The B-Nimble gets good marks for ease of folding and unfolding. It locks when folded and has a carry strap. Owners and expert reviewers say these features make it good for travel, especially with its 13-pound weight (without canopy, with canopy it's probably 14 or 15 pounds).

Lifestyle features

A versatile stroller for the long term. Unlike many lightweight strollers, the Britax B-Ready can be used from birth, with or without a car seat. It has a full recline and is compatible with two highly rated Britax car seats, the Chaperone and the B-Safe. It also has an upper weight rating of 55 pounds, so it should work for the long term. Owners say their children seem comfortable, and they particularly like the adjustable leg rest, which allows even older children to stretch out fully when napping.

Storage is iffy; there is a pocket on the back of the canopy and a medium-sized basket under the seat, but the basket is almost impossible to access when the seat is reclined.

Suburban parents say this stroller fits well in their car trunks and is easy to lift in and out, thanks to its light weight. Several parents say they bought it with a big vacation in mind, and it worked great. The advantage to a stroller like this is you can use it to carry your car seat, with baby, through the airport, gate check the stroller, transfer the car seat to an airplane seat, and then arrive at your destination with both a lightweight stroller and car seat. Car seat adapters are included. It also includes a parent cup holder and rain cover.

Customer service

Our rating: good. Reviewers who contacted customer service said their problems were dealt with quickly and efficiently. All Britax products carry a one-year warranty.

Bottom line

The Britax B-Nimble has too many ease-of-use issues to make it a top pick for us, but it seems to be a fairly sturdy, versatile stroller that is compatible with one of the best car seats on the market. However, keep a good eye on those brakes to be sure they're fully engaged. Don't just trust your ears.