Selecting the right car seat for your child is an important decision for parents. With numerous options available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one.
Britax, a leading car seat manufacturer, offers two popular options: the Graphene and Graphene+ car seats. In this article, we will compare their features and specifications, helping you make an informed decision.
Important note: This article is solely intended to provide a comparison of the features of these Britax car seats. It is not intended to be taken as advice or guidance on which car seat to choose. We recommend that you visit the Child Car Seats website to evaluate car seat safety and consult a professional installer for advice on installation. We also encourage you to consult the manufacturer for specific queries.
Key Difference: Comfort
The main difference between the Britax Graphene and Graphene+ car seats lies in the comfort features they offer:
Graphene+
- Memory Foam: The Graphene+ car seat includes memory foam for added comfort. Memory foam is the key feature of all Britax “+” models which also includes the Millenia+, b-first ifix+, and b-first ClickTight+.
Graphene
- No Memory Foam: The standard Graphene car seat does not come with memory foam.
Why Choose Memory Foam?
Memory foam can be a valuable addition to a car seat for several reasons:
- Enhanced Comfort: Memory foam conforms to the shape of the child’s body, providing customized support and reducing pressure points. This can make the car seat more comfortable for the child, especially during long rides.
- Improved Body Support: The adaptive nature of memory foam may help distribute the child’s weight evenly across the seat.
- Temperature Regulation: Some memory foam materials are designed to regulate temperature, ensuring that the child stays cool in hot weather and warm in cold conditions. It can, however, sometimes have the opposite effect.
RELATED: Britax Graphene vs Millenia
Shared Features
Both the Britax Graphene and Graphene+ car seats share a range of features and specifications that make them reliable choices for parents:
1. Compliance
Both car seats comply with the AS/NZS 1754:2013 Standard, ensuring they meet the necessary safety requirements.
2. Age Suitability
The Graphene and Graphene+ car seats are suitable for children aged 0-4 years. They both offer rearward-facing options for 0-12 months and extended rearward-facing options for 0-36 months. In addition, both car seats can be used in a forward-facing position from 12 months to 4 years.
3. Size and Weight
The Graphene and Graphene+ car seats have a small footprint, allowing them to nest between seatbelt buckles. They are also compact, making it possible to fit three car seats across the back seat. Both models have a weight of 7.8kg and share identical dimensions in both forward and rearward-facing positions.
4. Convertibility
Both the Graphene and Graphene+ car seats can be converted between rearward-facing and forward-facing positions, providing flexibility as your child grows.
5. Installation Method
The Graphene and Graphene+ car seats can be installed using a seatbelt or the ISOFIX system. However, neither car seat is compatible with the ClickTight installation method. Both models also feature a top tether and are aircraft compatible.
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6. Side Impact Protection
Both car seats come equipped with EPS foam protection, an Active Head Restraint (AHR), and Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT) for torso protection. However, the Graphene+ model does not offer additional SICT for head protection.
7. Hardware Product Features
The Graphene and Graphene+ car seats have similar hardware features, including a rebound bar, forward-facing seatbelt lock-offs, and a hassle-free harness. Both models also have an adjustable headrest with a push-button mechanism. However, neither model includes a rear-facing level indicator, re-threadable harness, or adjustable backrest.
8. Additional Comfort Features
Both car seats use Thermo 5 performance fabric for enhanced comfort. They also have buckle tongue holders, EZ buckle crotch pads, and shoulder pads. Both come with a newborn insert for added comfort. Storage pockets are available on both models, but neither includes a vehicle seat protector.
Conclusion
When comparing the Britax Graphene and Graphene+ car seats, the primary difference is the inclusion of memory foam in the “+ Series” models of the Graphene+ car seat. Apart from that, the two models share a range of features that cater to the needs of parents and children alike.
