News and Updates from the 2018 JPMA Baby Show
Overall the trend in carseats for 2018-2019 is ease-of-use and technology. We saw that in abundance at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Baby Show this year. From mobile apps that tell you if your child has unbuckled their chest clip to QR codes that help you register your carseat and get installation help, to new seats with anti-rebound features, there were plenty of new and updated products on the show floor this year.
2018 Britax Updates:
This new fabric is designed to keep children cooler in their carseats. Teal fashion is a BuyBuyBaby exclusive for 6 months while the Grey fashion can be found at Amazon and other retailers.
NANOtex fabric
This new micro-technology fabric is naturally fire-retardant, and stain, moisture, and odor resistant. It’s a soft, not itchy fabric and made by Crypton, the same manufacturer as the fabric used on Clek seats, but without the texture. For small messes that don’t blot up, you can use a gentle cleaning solution or hand-wash the whole cover. Look for NANOtex covers in June with a small upcharge.
This new single stroller has tons of storage, including seven pockets and a basket that can be reached from the front or back. It has a single front wheel, a large canopy, and a 65-pound weight limit! MSRP is $359. B-Free is also available as a travel system with the Endeavours infant seat.
This lightweight, compact-fold new stroller comes with adapters for Britax rear-facing only infant seats. The bar in front serves as a carry handle when folded. MSRP $159.99
This new highback booster is just starting to ship to retailers and is currently available for pre-order. Highback only, back cannot be removed.
- 40-120 lbs., 38-63″
- SecureGuard™ Belt-Positioning Clip (converts 3-pt lap/shoulder belt into a 4-pt restraint by adding a crotch strap)
- External, side-impact cushions
- 10-position headrest
- LATCH attachments with push-on connectors
- 2 removable, dishwasher-safe cupholders
- Soft, knit fabrics
- 10-yr lifespan before expiration
- 3 fashions: Asher, Seaglass & Mulberry
- MSRP: $149.99
New in the “Essentials by Britax” Line:
This new booster from the “Essential by Britax” line is already shipping to retailers and will be widely available in the next week or two. It will come fully assembled out of the box and if you need a little extra space, you can use it without the dishwasher-safe cup holders. Highback only, back cannot be removed.
- 40-120 lbs., 38-63″
- 10-position headrest
- LATCH attachments with push-on connectors
- 2 removable, dishwasher-safe cupholders
- MSRP: $99.99
Do you have more info on the buckle that alerts a phone when it opens?
Hi Jasmine. You’re looking for the SensorSafe chest clip from Evenflo. There’s more information on it here: https://www.evenflo.com/gold/sensorsafe-gold.html.
Hi, I am finding that the slack when i pull the bottom latch strap that the seat is still somewhat loose. This is my first booster seat so I am use to very little or no movement from a carseat. Is this minimal, but still more than acarseat movement okay? Thanks.
Did you have any play in the back portion of the Skyline booster? Ours just showed up and the back seems loose, just wondering if this is normal
Hi Devon. Yes, there is movement so that the booster can conform to your vehicle’s seat back angle. The nice thing is that it stays together when you carry it so you don’t have to worry about it flopping.
What are the difference between the 2 seats. I am having problems finding why the Highpoint is more expensive. It must have more features…but what are they. We have tall kids and love the Britax for the heights they can accommodate.
The Highpoint has the external side impact cushions and the SecureGuard lap belt clip. The review for that booster is here and it has a link to the Skyline review too: https://carseatblog.com/45279/britax-highpoint-highback-belt-positioning-booster-review-the-next-generation/.
Hi Heather- How is the material on the highpoint? I am trying to decide whether I should wait until the new material comes out in July or not.
Hi Karen. It is polyester, so smooth. It’s nicely tailored.
In the high point is the crotch strap removable in the future?
Hi Kimberley. Yes, the SecureGuard strap is optional.
Is the highpoint side impact tested?
Yes, Britax performs side impact testing on their carseats.
Does anyone know the width of the Highpoint vs the Skyline? Not just at the base that the child sits on, but on the upper part with the side impact protection? I’m wondering if the Highpoint is really wide (we currently have both a Frontier and a Pinnacle, and the Frontier fits in our cars a lot better b/c it doesn’t have the extra layer of side-impact protection). Thanks!
Yes, I’ll get that for you tomorrow, Jen.
Jen, it’s really hard to tell because the side impact cushions curve off toward the back of the seat. I’d guess they add about an extra 1″-1.5″ overall. Here are the 2 seats compared: https://carseatblog.com/compareratings/5/292,291/britax-highpoint-vs-essentials-by-britax-skyline/.
Thanks!
Do you have more info on the buckle that alerts a phone when it opens?
Finally, soft fabrics for the Britax boosters. It’s too bad that the skyline only comes in 2 colors.
Any chance you have the measurement of the highest belt guide on the boosters?
I got 23.25″ when I measured.
Thank you–that is WONDERFUL news for me! Is that for both models?
Yep!
Vehicle head support required?
I got too excited and didn’t think to ask this before ordering…
Nope—it’s a Britax!