Britax Willow S Review

Britax's mission is to create smart and safe designs. For over 70 years, they have been making products for children, launching in America in 1996. Their umbrella company now also owns the BOB Gear stroller company.

Crash Testing

The Willow S earned one of the best crash test analysis results with combined sensor data for both HIC (head sensor) and chest clip that was better than most.

The Willow is one of the few seats with low recorded G forces for both the HIC and chest clip sensors. The HIC, or head sensor, result is one of the best in the group, with only a few seats with lower recorded forces (lower is better).

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The chest clip sensor shows similar results, with few being able to match the lower readings. Compared to the competition, the Willow S test results indicate it offers an additional margin of protection over the average seat in our tests.

We assume all of the seats in our tests have passed the federal guidelines and are safe. We run a slightly faster test on a sled seat that better mimics a modern car, intentionally to help weed out those seats that offer higher performance than the average seat.

Ease of Installation LATCH

Only a handful of infant car seats were easier to install using LATCH than the Willow S.

The LATCH connectors are push-style connectors, and the strap connecting them uses the same ClickTight lock-off as the belt installation. The base has a center pocket where the connectors are stored when unused, and the strap pulls across the lock-off when not tucked away.

The LATCH strap is narrower than a vehicle belt, so we had less difficulty sliding it under the mechanism and pushing the ClickTight closed. Once pressed closed, the base feels secure and stable.

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Recline Adjustment

The Willow S has a 4-stage recline that adjusts by using a push button on the end of the base near the anti-rebound bar. While this design is better than those that put the lever between the vehicle cushion and the base, it is still impossible to adjust with the carrier in place. There is a dial on both sides to check the installation angle.

Ease of Installation - Belt

The hardest installation method is installing the Willow S with the vehicle belt. However, it isn't particularly challenging; it was just not as straightforward as some competitors.

The belt path has sticker indicators inside the base that help guide the belt's path.

While we like the ClickTight process on the convertible car seats, the ClickTight variation on the infant base is harder to use.

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The design doesn't give much room to slide the belt under it, and there is limited visibility of what is happening under the lock mechanism.

The lock-off is effective at locking the seat to the belt, but the design limits the leverage you can use to tighten the strap. The depression the lock-off pushes into isn't very deep, and we ended up smashing our fingers a little to use it. We can see this might be challenging for those with larger hands or fingers.

The rest of the installation is straightforward and quick, except for using the ClickTight lock-off. The base feels stable, but the seat rocks slightly.

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base

The easiest installation method for the Willow S without the base.

The Willow allows carrier installation without the base, using the American or European belt path. The American path pulls the vehicle belt across the foot portion of the carrier through a designated pathway using only the lap portion of the belt.

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The European method extends the shoulder strap around the back side of the carrier and threads it through a designated clip to hold it in place.

The belt path is color-coded with a thin blue line and is easy to access without the fabric in the way. Wrapping the belt around the carrier is also easy, and we had no trouble with the canopy. The hardest part is getting the vehicle belt tight, but it feels stable once you do.

Ease of Use

The Willow S is an easy seat to use, but we wish it had certain easier-to-use features, like a non-rethread harness assembly. However, for the price, the rethreading feels acceptable.

Buckle

The buckle button on the Willow is square and somewhat recessed, making it harder to press if you have longer nails. It doesn't require significant effort, however, and is generally average.

The chest clip is also relatively straightforward and requires two hands. It has a center-placed button connected to the left side of the clip, making it easier to slide the clip open with the right hand than the left.

Harness Tightening/Loosening

The Willow offers the standard fare for strap tightening and button release near the foot of the carrier. The strap is easy to pull with no resistance. The release button is easy to reach and use, but we pinched our finger when we put it in too far.

Harness Adjustment

The harness adjustment is a rethread operation. There are four heights, and it requires removing the straps from a splitter plate, changing the level by threading the strap through a different slot, and reattaching them. You need to do it outside of the car with the seat empty. While it is not hard, it might get skipped if you are in a hurry. You must make the adjustment as soon as you see a need.

Carrier to Base Connection

The carrier is easy to connect to the base. We recommend giving it a good tug after hearing the click to ensure it is properly connected. We didn't have difficulty getting a good connection.

The carrier release lever is on the back of the carrier and can be used with the carry handle to lift the carrier off the base.

Handle

The handle rotates on a pivot point on either side of the carrier. Each side has a palm-side pressure button that you press simultaneously to turn. The canopy and the handle do not collide, and each will move independently. The sides of the handle somewhat rub the canopy sides, but it doesn't cause the canopy to move. There is enough space for your hand to grip the handle with the canopy open. The handle has three possible positions, and the manual says you can use it in the car in any position. Still, they recommend the “ReboundReduce” position, which is the carry position.

Canopy

The Willow's canopy is small. It is easy to pull out and has a pop-out visor. However, when closed, it kind of flops back and can fall behind the edge of the carrier, getting in the way of the carrier release handle.

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LATCH and Manual Storage

The center of the Willow base has a small pocket where the LATCH connectors reside when not in use. The box's cover has a finger hole to lift the lid off, and the connectors are tucked inside. The compartment works great for keeping things out of the way, but we suspect more than one parent has lost the lid, as it is not fixed to anything.

Comfort/Quality

The Willow is above-average for comfort and quality, and it is nice for the price. However, if this is your jam, it isn't the best.

Fabric and Padding

The Britax fabric is very soft, almost slippery to the touch. It feels like it would wipe clean easily for spills you catch quickly, and it is above average.

The padding is relatively plush and supportive, with pads on the shoulder and crotch strap. We wish the infant insert were a little more supportive, but most babies won't need it for long or ever, as the manual states it can only be used for babies up to 11 lbs.

Handle and Canopy

The handle is plastic, with sharper edges that make it less comfortable to hold. It has no center grip or padding. The canopy looks nice when deployed, but frumpier when folded. It is smaller than the average canopy on a car seat, and while it has a flip-out visor, it isn't enough to offer full coverage. While this might be fine for inside the car, it won't be great if you attach it to a stroller.

Shell

The Willow shell is solid and contained. It has the usual warning stickers and information on using and installing the seat. These seats seem to get more cluttered every year, and we aren't a big fan of the look, but the information is useful and could be timely.

Weight/Size

The Willow is lighter, with a carrier weight of only 9.7 lb.

While this is not the lightest seat in the review, it is one of the lightest higher-ranking selections. If you plan to carry your baby in a car seat carrier, carrier weight could be a factor in deciding which seat to purchase.

Should You Buy the Willow S?

We like the Willow S and all it offers for the price. Getting more and saving money is always nice. The Willow offers better crash test results and is easy to install using the LATCH. We think it is easy to use and lightweight enough for those who plan to carry it with little ones inside. This high-ranking seat is one we think most families will love. The Willow is incompatible with many strollers, making it a no-go if your goal is to pair it with most strollers outside the Britax lineup.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?

If you want the best car seat in the bunch, the Nuna Pipa RX is the top-scoring option in this group. The crash test results are impressive, and it is very easy to install. We like the comfort and quality, and think there are features here for little ones and parents alike. If you are stressed about installation, the Romer Juni is one of the easiest to install, with impressive crash test analysis results. It is remarkably similar to the Willow, but performed better in most tests. If you hope to pair your car seat with a stroller, the Chicco Keyfit 35 is an easy-to-install seat with better-than-average crash test results. This easy-to-use seat pairs with lots of award-winning strollers from different brands when you purchase adapters.

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