Britax Allegiance Review – Is it the right seat for you?

Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat Review
When they listen to parent and child feedback…

The market is flooded with car seats. Choosing the right one can take up months of your time. This is why I’ve created this blog to help you narrow down choices.

Look:

You can’t skimp on the child’s safety. This is why I only review car seats that keep the little ones safe. Yes, there are a few cheap ones on the market that fit the bill. And in most cases, you will need a budget if you want to drive your kids in safety.

What I like about the Britax brand is that they use the feedback from parents to improve their products. This is the case with the Britax Allegiance. They are making it easier and easier to use car seats. Plus kids love it because it’s so comfortable.

Not to mention the high ratings that can be found on Consumer Reports.

Before we get any further, let me give you a quick preview. This car seat is a 3 in 1. So you will be saving money since you’re buying just one seat instead of three. The main reason why I’ve picked this car seat is that it’s easy to install thanks to the latch system.

It’s built on a steel frame and has both side impact protection and impact absorption for maximum safety. Last but not least, the fabric is removable and washable.

Let’s get this Britax Allegiance review started. If you stick with me until the end, I will tell you the pros/cons. Some of them are unexpected.

For other top rated Britax car seats take a look at this post.

Who is the Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat for?

This car seat is excellent for parents who value rear-facing as long as possible. For safety-conscious moms and dads, this is a great choice.

Since it’s a 3 stage convertible car seat, it will serve your kids for many years to come.

What can the Britax Allegiance car seat do for you?

Finally, there’s no rocket science when it comes to mounting the car seat. With the latch system, you can’t go wrong. Once you hear the click, you know it’s done.

To my surprise, it’s not that heavy. It has a steel frame for protection, and you can still move it from car to car though I would advise on not taking it on a plane. It’s not that light.

The biggest selling point for me was the strap system. There’s no manual rethreading. That’s a real life saver. When you have a fussy child, and you have to rethread, it’s a nightmare. With the Britax Allegiance, on the other hand, it’s automatic.

It’s a sturdy, well-built chair. Some parents said that extra padding would’ve been nice. Either way, kids love this seat. Five and seven-year-olds reassuringly approve of this choice.

Hot Tip: when you’re buying to go for a darker color. It helps a lot with stains.

Britax Allegiance shortcomings

So far, the perfect car seat hasn’t been invented yet. Even the Britax Allegiance has some flaws. Now let’s see if these are a deal-breaker for you.

It’s easy to install. There’s no doubt about that. But why is the manual confusing? I mean, they should streamline it for easy understanding.

It’s true that you can remove the fabric to clean it. But and this is a big one, it’s not machine safe. So every time you wash with the machine, you will reduce its lifespan. Food and beverages are ok to clean, but puke is beyond my capabilities.

Speaking of beverages, it doesn’t come with a cup holder. Usually, that’s a great distraction while you strap your little one in. If you need one, then you have to buy it as an attachment.

There are no level indicators. Even some stickers would’ve been nice to help with the leveling. Last but not least, there are no pictures for the tilted positions. Now for parents isn’t a big deal. But what about grandparents?

They will have a hard time finding the right angle.

So these are the flaws of this car seat. If you’re still with me, let’s continue, shall we?

You can check out the Britax emblem vs allegiance comparison post too.

How To Get The Most Out Of Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat?

After you got the car seat, you need to do one important thing. Watch the installation videos. If you do, then the installation will be a breeze.

Make sure after installation the chair doesn’t move an inch. If you want to mount it fast and efficiently, repeat the install ten more times. You will get the hang of it. Just to be on the safe side, do ask a registered professional’s help.

Secondly, the safest spot to place the child seat is in the middle. It might not be practical, so do choose the second safest spot, which is behind the driver.

The good news is that this car seat comes with infant cushion included. Not like other brands who charge for it. If your child is bigger than you, simply remove it.

At first glance, this chair looks intimidating. Whatever keeps the kids safe.  It has memory foam so that comfort won’t be an issue.

They think of everything. This car seat has a Velcro holder for the straps. This means that you won’t have to fish it out from under your child’s bum every time you drive somewhere. I hadn’t seen this option anywhere before, so it was a pleasant surprise. They pay close attention to details.
Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat Review

Pros
  • It comes with a simple adjustment feature without manually retreading the straps
  • Great Velcro holder for the straps no more wasting time trying to find it
  • This three stages convertible car seat saves you money because you buy it once
Cons
  • The manual is confusing you’re better off with YouTube videos
  • The fabric is not machine washable you can imagine the rest

Related: Britax Grow with You Review – Last Car Seat You Will Ever Need?

Conclusion for the Britax Allegiance review

Britax did an excellent job with this car seat. It’s fairly priced and offers both protection and comfort at the same time. It’s a well-made car seat sturdy and reliable. Since it’s 3 in 1, it means it will serve you for many years to come.

After safety and comfort, the ease of cleanliness is the most important factor. The material is easy to remove, but it can be only hand washed. If this doesn’t hold you back, then you can buy it.

We have reached the end of the Britax Allegiance review. Now you have a clear picture if this is the right choice for you.

If you have ideas on what I should review next. Comment below.

Catch you next time.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Britax car seat review

Which is the best Britax convertible car seat?

The best Britax convertible car seat is the Britax Advocate because it offers the most protection possible.

How do you recline a Britax Allegiance car seat?

This how you recline the Britax Allegiance car seat. In the front below the seat, there’s a red button. You press it and pull the car seat forward.

How do you install a Britax Allegiance?

This how you install the Britax Allegiance. Since it is one of many convertible car seats you can install it both front-facing and rear-facing mode. Either way you have to remove the cover to feed through the latch or the seat belt. For rear-facing you have to feed the belt at the bottom. You secure it with the plastic latches. For front-facing mode you have to feed the belt through the uppers side. You pull down to make it tight. That’s it.

What kind of side impact protection does this Britax car seat offer?

It’s called Britax safecell impact protection. As you know side impacts are one of the most dangerous crash impacts one can suffer. Our body wasn’t designed to handle them. This is why we have car seats to do impact absorbing for us. The safecell impact protection was designed during a side collision to provide the best side impact protection possible. The cells absorb the energy so it doesn’t travel up into your little one’s body. This is why you need good side impact protection from crash forces.

How can the Essentials by Britax Allegiance convertible car seat installed?

Essentials by Britax Allegiance convertible can be installed both in front facing and forward facing mode. No matter if you choose front facing or rear facing mode you can use the latch connectors or the vehicle seat belt. Parents prefer the latch connectors because of the ease of use. You can connect to the metal hook so it’s easy to use.

Which car seats are close competitors to the Essentials by Britax Allegiance convertible car seat?

For the Essentials by Britax Allegiance convertible car seat the main competitors are Nuna Rava and Chicco Nextfit. Both the Nuna Rava and the Chicco Nextfit are worthy contenders. Just in case if you need the Britax Allegiance convertible car seat urgently and it’s out of stock then the Chicco Nexfit and the Nuna Rava is an excellent replacement.

What are the weight recommendations for the Essentials by Britax Allegiance convertible car seat?

It can be used from 5 lbs all the way up to 65 pounds. For rear facing mode the weight recommendation is set to 40 pounds maximum. The front facing mode weight range is 20-65 pounds. The seat weight is 19.5 lbs.

What kind of safety features does the britax allegiance convertible car seat have?

The britax allegiance convertible car is jam-packed with all the safety features ever needed. When it comes to car seat security the 5 point harness and the impact protection is the most important safety feature to have. These safety technologies will keep your little one protected. Keep in mind that the back seat is the safest place for your child.

What are some other Essentials by Britax Allegiance convertible car seat features?

Besides the safety feature you can see that it has: easy to use latch connectors, multiple recline positions, 10-position harness, push of a button harness release, latch storage, strap covers, infant cushion, seat belt installation. The car seat cover can be easily removed and washed. The harness height will be sufficient for any growing child.

What about seat stability and the seat base?

Britax allegiance convertible car seat is as stable as the Britax Emblem. Sure the Britax Emblem is an older model still it’s worth it. The seat base is comfortable thanks to the recline position so head restraint is not needed. The recline options are just perfect. Having a great head rest makes it a good fit as an infant seat.

What the best feature of the Britax allegiance convertible car seat over the Britax emblem?

As you have read this car seat review you know it’s the ease of use. The Britax is a value brand and a quality seat. You also found out from this car seat review that it has lower anchors, belt latches, latch anchors, and harness system with harness adjuster. The chest pads make it all too comfortable. The main takeaway from this car seat review is the allegiance is known for ease of use.

Britax Boulevard vs Advocate which is the better choice?

Britax Advocate is the better choice for most people.

Last Updated on November 1, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Linda Reid

Hey there, I'm Linda, a mom of three cool kids. I've tried so many car seats, you could call me a "Car Seat Detective." Searching for the perfect car seat can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but don't worry! I've committed to researching and reviewing car seats that are super safe, cozy, and great for growing kids. Together, we'll find the perfect car seat that keeps your child safe and cozy, and makes you feel like a super-parent!