Britax Diplomat Convertible Car Seat Onyx

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Average Customer Rating:	4.5
Brand:	Britax USA
Model:	E9L6669
Color:	Onyx
Weight:	24.5 pounds
Dimensions:	20 inches x 24 inches x 18.5 inches [Width x Length x Height]

Product Categories

Convertible; Boys; Girls; Unisex; Transportation; Convertibles

Product description

The Britax Diplomat Convertible Car Seat is the little brother of the Boulevard car seat. The Diplomat has all of the fantastic features of the Britax Boulevard, but comes in a smaller size for more compact vehicles. The differences between the two convertible car seats can be found in weight capacity, seat height and seat width. The Diplomat is both rear and forward facing and is suitable for a child weighing up to 40 pounds, whereas the Boulevard is a Britax convertible car seat which can support a child weighing up to 65 pounds. The Diplomat from Britax is loaded with benefits for mom and dad as well as baby. This Britax car seat uses the flexible LATCH system in both positions to make installation safer and easier. The Diplomat is equipped with built-in locks-offs for installation with the car's safety belts as well. The Diplomat is lined with plush padding, which is extra soft and washable. The Britax Diplomat convertible car seat also boasts True Side Impact Protection, a safety measure not found on other convertible car seats. Deep wings on both sides of the Diplomat's headrest and stomach area are lined with EPS and comfort foam. A tangle-free five-point safety harness keeps your child secure and snug!

Specially designed for use in smaller vehicles, the Diplomat from Britax is a compact, convertible car seat that's comfortable for baby on long drives, easy for parents to work with and--most importantly!--safe. It fits children weighing five to 35 pounds in rear facing and one year and up to 40 pounds in forward facing, with both positions able to accommodate a standing height of up to 40 inches.

The Britax Diplomat offers:

HUGS system for maximum safety.
True Side Impact Protection.
Light weight for easier transportation.

The HUGS system exceeds US safety standards. (Huntington color shown.) View larger.

Proper Positioning for a Safe, Comfortable Ride
Proper positioning helps keep your child secure in the car, and that's why the Diplomat is chock full of features that ensure your child is seated and strapped in at the safest angle. An easy-turn knob quickly adjusts headrest and harness height without requiring you to uninstall the seat, while the tangle-free, five-point harness ensures a snug and secure fit at multiple heights. There's also a rear-and forward-facing recline option and soft body pillow for child comfort and proper positioning. Convenient belt holders keep the harness to the side so you can comfortably place child in the seat, and premium push-button LATCH connectors provide a quick, simple and tight installation. Finally, built-in lock-off clips tightly secure the vehicle seat belt without the need for additional parts you could misplace.

True Side Impact Protection^TM and Versa-Tether for Peace of Mind
The Companion also gives you additional peace of mind by featuring engineered True Side Impact Protection^TM. Deep side walls and head support provide advanced shock-absorption and cushioning in side impact collisions, helping to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) impact foam lining around the baby's head and torso absorbs energy in side and rear impacts, cradles baby's head to keep it away from protruding parts, cushions violent side to side movements, and creates a comfortable resting spot. Secondly, the rear- and forward-facing recline allows the patented Versa-Tether, an energy management top tether, to anchor the top of seat to the vehicle in the event of impact, thereby reducing movement. Specifically, the Versa-Tether fastens the top of the car seat to factory installed automobile anchor points, minimizing the possibility of a head injury. This system also allows for rear-facing tethering to help keep the seat consistently stable.

HUGS for Optimum Safety and Support
When it comes to safety, the Diplomat truly delivers. First, the patented floating HUGS (Harness Ultra Guard) system exceeds U.S. safety standards by reducing forward head movement as it gently cushions the neck and chest with soft padding--a feature that's particularly important both in the case of an accident and during nap time. In addition, this system better distributes the webbing loads, reducing head movement and minimizing harness irritation on baby's neck in case of an impact. HUGS also reduces the chance of improperly positioning the chest clip.

Lightweight at 15 pounds, and measuring 19 x 25 x 23.5 inches (WxHxD), the Britax is also certified for air travel. The Diplomat comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

The Diplomat is also available in the following colors: Taylor and Huntington.

Features

5 point harness with patented Floating HUGS system and True Side Impact Protection

Built-in lock-off clips, Versa-Tether & Safe Guard LATCH Connectors

EPS and Comfort Foam for safety and comfort

Quick adjust headrest and recline

Rear facing: 5 to 35 pounds. Forward facing: At least 1 year old and 20 to 40 pounds

Customer reviews

« Nothing like it at a big box store »

We have four kids and this is our 5th car seat. We didn't skimp on the last seats and they served well, but this one blows the others out of the water. You can't find anything like it at your local big box store. The fit and finish is top, and it's super solid. All the adjustments work easily and properly, and it's super easy to PROPERLY install.

Our youngest howled non-stop in the $150 convertible we got at a big box. We decided to get this one as it is more versatile and top-rated for safety. He loves it. It cradles him deeply from all sides and certainly appears to provide nearly 360 degree protection. The size is just right, not too big, but plenty roomy for toddler + winter clothes. We have it in a three-seat row of our minivan, and it's narrow enough to comfortably fit without intruding on the neighboring passenger. I wish we would have gotten this brand for the older kids. Learn from our experience and start off right with this seat. Don't bother shopping at Wally or another big box, just get this seat and have a happy, safe kid.

I subtract one star for the airing-out this seat needed when it was new. It had a "new seat smell" that bothered me, although my wife said she couldn't smell it. A day in the sun and it was fine.

Rating: (4 out of 5) @ 2008-12-26

« Great Seat! »

Love the seat. It fits in the car well. I wish that the crotch strap were adjustable. Other than that - it's 100% spot-on.

Rating: (5 out of 5) @ 2008-10-28

« Great Seat! »

I am so pleased with this seat! I had read all the reviews and done a bunch of research, but the actual product is so much better than I could have hoped for. I am so glad that I decided to spend a little bit more and get the Diplomat...my daughter is so comfortable, the seat is so secure, and it is SO easy to install and adjust. It is also a really attractive seat. It fits really well in all cars small and large, even in the rear facing, reclined position. If you are still hesitant on this carseat, definitely go for it...you won't regret it!

Rating: (5 out of 5) @ 2008-10-24

« fancy seat »

It's a fancy seat. The side impact protection is what sold me. It goes well in Grandma's Luxury Lexus SUV. I'm afraid it'll get destroyed in my Toyota Sienna van with the usually food, drink and mishaps.