The BRITAX Boulevard ClickTight US Car Seat is a versatile and safety-focused product designed to accommodate children from infancy through toddlerhood. It features the ClickTight installation system, a 14-position quick-adjust harness, and multiple recline positions. This article provides a detailed, user-focused guide to installing the BRITAX ClickTight car seat using the vehicle seat belt. The instructions are based on information from official Britax manuals, user guides, and technical documentation.
Overview of the ClickTight Installation System
The ClickTight installation system is a hallmark of BRITAX car seats. It is designed to simplify and secure the installation process by using the vehicle's seat belt as a tensioning mechanism. The system combines a tensioner and a lock-off in one, ensuring a tight and stable fit without the need for additional tools or adjustments.
Britax emphasizes that the ClickTight system is intended to reduce the risk of improper installation, a common issue in car seat usage. According to the documentation, nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly, which can compromise child safety in the event of a collision.
The ClickTight system is available in several Britax products, including the BRITAX Boulevard and Advocate ClickTight car seats. These models are designed for both rear-facing and forward-facing use, with the ability to recline in multiple positions for added comfort and proper installation angles.
Installation Using the Vehicle Seat Belt
The majority of Britax documentation recommends installing the ClickTight car seat using the vehicle seat belt rather than the lower anchors (LATCH system). This is because the ClickTight system is optimized for use with the vehicle seat belt, and the lower anchors are stored in a less accessible compartment, indicating that the manufacturer prefers the former method.
The installation process involves the following key steps:
Open the ClickTight Panel: Squeeze the release buttons to open the compartment where the vehicle seat belt will be routed.
Thread the Seat Belt Through the Correct Path: Depending on whether the seat is installed rear-facing or forward-facing, the belt must be threaded through the designated path. For rear-facing installations, the belt path is located on the seat pan, under the area where the child’s legs would go. For forward-facing, the path is located behind the child’s back.
Secure the Belt and Remove Slack: After threading the belt, ensure it is not twisted. Remove any slack from the lap portion of the belt first, followed by the shoulder portion.
Close the ClickTight Panel: Once the belt is properly threaded and tensioned, close the panel until it clicks into place. A confirmation that the installation is secure is that the gray ClickTight release buttons remain visible after closing.
Test for Movement: After installation, test the car seat for movement by applying pressure at the belt path. The seat should not move more than one inch in any direction. If it does, the installation should be rechecked and adjusted as necessary.
For forward-facing installations, it is important to also attach the top tether. The tether must be connected to a designated anchor point in the vehicle, typically located on the ceiling or floor. The documentation notes that in some vehicles, the tether strap may be too short to reach the anchor, and in such cases, Britax can provide an extension.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Britax provides guidance for addressing common issues that may arise during installation. These include:
Difficulty with ClickTight Installation: If the panel does not close easily, ensure the vehicle seat belt is fully extended and not twisted. Apply firm downward pressure on the car seat before attempting to close the panel. If the issue persists, re-open the panel, re-route the belt, and try again.
Harness Not Tightening: Check that the harness straps are not twisted or caught under the child. Ensure the harness release button is not pressed while tightening. Pull the harness adjustment strap straight out, not upwards or downwards.
Harness Too Tight or Too Loose: Adjust the harness height so that the shoulder straps align with or are slightly below the child’s shoulders in rear-facing mode and at or above the shoulders in forward-facing mode. Use the Click & Safe Snug Indicator to ensure proper tightness.
Car Seat Wiggles After Installation: If the seat moves more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back, it is not securely installed. Reinstall the car seat following the ClickTight instructions carefully.
Installation Using Lower Anchors
While the ClickTight system is optimized for use with the vehicle seat belt, the BRITAX Advocate ClickTight model can also be installed using the lower anchors. This method is limited to specific seating positions with standard 11-inch lower anchor spacing. Additionally, the child must weigh less than 30 pounds when rear-facing or 35 pounds when forward-facing to use this installation method.
To install using lower anchors:
Retrieve the lower anchor webbing from the storage compartment. This compartment is designed to be somewhat hidden, emphasizing that the manufacturer recommends using the vehicle seat belt instead.
Thread the webbing through the appropriate belt path based on the installation direction (rear-facing or forward-facing).
Attach the lower anchors to the vehicle’s LATCH connectors.
Remove excess slack from the webbing and close the ClickTight panel.
It is important to note that the lower anchor installation method is not available for the BRITAX Boulevard ClickTight model.
Top Tether Installation
The top tether is a critical component of forward-facing installations. It should be used at all times and must be attached to a tether anchor in the vehicle. Britax recommends using the top tether regardless of the child’s weight, especially in harness mode for children weighing more than 65 pounds.
If the vehicle’s tether anchor is located in a position that makes it difficult to reach, the tether strap may be too short. In such cases, Britax can provide an extension to ensure the tether is properly connected.
Safety Features and Design
The BRITAX ClickTight car seats are equipped with several safety features designed to enhance protection in the event of a collision. These include:
ClickTight Installation System: Ensures a secure and stable installation using the vehicle seat belt.
14-Position Quick-Adjust Harness: Allows for easy adjustment of the harness height to accommodate the child’s growth.
SafeCell Impact Protection: Features a steel frame and impact-absorbing base to provide enhanced safety.
Side Impact Protection: Two layers of side impact protection help divert energy away from the child during a crash.
7-Position Recline: Adjustable recline settings ensure proper installation angles and child comfort.
The SafeCell impact protection system is a key feature of Britax car seats. This system, previously known as SICT (Side Impact Cushion Technology), has been redesigned to be more streamlined and less obtrusive while maintaining the same level of crash protection. This feature is currently only available on the BRITAX Advocate ClickTight model and not on the Boulevard.
Cover Removal and Cleaning
The car seat cover is composed of four separate pieces and can be removed without disconnecting the harness. However, the process is somewhat time-consuming. Some covers require hand washing and drip drying, while others, such as the SafeWash cover, can be machine washed and dried. Always refer to the product care label for specific cleaning instructions.
Warranty and Customer Support
Britax car seats are manufactured with high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing. For specific warranty details, refer to the warranty card included with the product or visit the official Britax website. If any issues arise during installation or use, customers are encouraged to contact Britax customer support for assistance.
Conclusion
The BRITAX ClickTight car seat offers a combination of ease of use, safety, and adaptability for children from infancy through toddlerhood. The ClickTight installation system simplifies the setup process while ensuring a secure fit, and the car seat is equipped with multiple safety features to protect the child in the event of a collision. Installation using the vehicle seat belt is recommended for optimal performance, and users are advised to consult the user guide for detailed instructions and safety warnings.