Britax Willow Review 2026: A CPST's Honest Take
The Britax Willow was the first in a new series of infant seats from Britax. This model only comes as part of a travel system. But since this seat is newer, the Britax strollers are some of the only compatible options, so don't let that deter you! The base features ClickTight technology to help you easily achieve a tight seat belt installation.
Need Help Choosing a Car Seat?
Seat is Good for You If:
You would like a car seat with flame-retardant-free fabric.
All of the Willow fabric options are free of flame-retardants, so you can choose any color that you prefer!
You want a seat with an easy installation.
Britax has added a Clicktight mechanism to the Willow's base that makes installation effortless. You really don’t have to do much except route the seat belt, buckle it in, and then close the Clicktight mechanism. The mechanism removes many inches of slack for you so you don’t even need to tighten the seat belt.
You need to fit 3 across
Like most infant seats, the Britax Willow is very narrow. Thanks to its 17″ width and easy installation, this could be a good option in a 3 across configuration.
Use Caution if:
You have a specific stroller in mind to use or if you already bought one.
This seat only comes as part of a travel system, so you will already have a compatible stroller to use it with. But if you are still interested in a different stroller, you can find a chart of which strollers are compatible here.
Child Fit Information
Installation Information
Airplane Use
The Britax Willow is a recommended choice for both domestic and international travel as it is FAA-approved. When traveling within the United States and Canada, installing the seat without the base is a breeze, as the seat belts in these countries have locking mechanisms that ensure a secure fit. For international travel, it is recommended to pack the base in your luggage and utilize its seat belt lock-off or lower anchors for installation because, typically, seat belts in other countries will not lock. If you choose not to travel with the base, you will need to contact the manufacturer for a locking clip and learn how to use it before you travel.
For help with all things airplane travel and car seats, check out our newest resource: Safe in the Sky.
SITS Bottom Line
The Britax Willow infant car seat offers several standout features for safety and convenience. It comes with flame-retardant-free fabric options and an easy-to-use ClickTight mechanism for effortless installation. This seat is also narrow enough to fit in a 3 across configuration, ideal for families with multiple young children. However, compatibility with strollers is limited, so consult the manufacturer’s chart if you have a specific stroller in mind.
Specifications
Product Information
Weight: 9lbs
Width: 17"
Rear Facing Limits
Height: 32"
Weight: 4-30lbs
Head Height Rules: at least 1″ below the top of the headrest
Forward-Facing Limits
No Back Booster Limits
Highest Belt Guide Settings
High Back Booster Limits
Other Important Details
Preemie Fit
good bet
Expiration Limit
6 years
Crash Replacement Policy
replace after a moderate or severe crash
Harness
rethread
Lock-off
yes
Handle Positions for the Vehicle
any locked position
Vehicle Seat Protector
This brand does not permit a vehicle seat protector.