The Britax B-Lively is the replacement option for the popular Britax B-Agile ad it shares almost everything in common with its predecessor. This stroller is somewhat heavier than the B-Agile but folds smaller and comes with similar useful features including front access storage bin and a giant canopy. The B-Lively currently is only compatible with Britax infant car seats which hurt its overall chances for an award, but if you don't mind being locked into Britax brand seats, it might be a good choice for a combination product as well as a full-size stroller. The B-Lively performed well in our review for lightweight strollers and full-size options.
Britax B-Lively Combo Review
Budget-friendly and straightforward but only works with Britax brand
Price:
$230 List | $230 at Amazon
Pros: Works with canopy, compact, price
Cons: Only works with Britax seats, heavier
Manufacturer: Britax
Pros: Works with canopy, compact, price
Cons: Only works with Britax seats, heavier
Manufacturer: Britax
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Apr 23, 2019
The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
The B-Lively works well with the B-Safe car seat as it sits snuggly inside the toddler seat.
Britax is a European company that came to the US in 1996. The company has been making products for babies for over seventy years including their popular best-selling car seats. Britax also owns the BOB company and together they make a variety of stroller types and infant car seats.
Performance Comparison
The Britax B-Lively (in blue) gives an impressive performance in this review scoring above the average for the group.
Below are the details of the B-Lively's performance during testing.
The adapters on the B-Lively require the user to align the carrier sides over the adapters before simultaneously pressing down on both sides.
Ease of Attaching Car Seat
Attaching car seats to the B-Lively is one of the easiest in the review with a score of 8 of 10 for this metric. The upside is the stroller comes with adapters for the Britax seats, but the downside isn't compatible with any other car seat.
The car seat adapters for the B-Lively click into attachment points on the sides of the frame and the small straps snap on for safety.
The adapters click easily in place on the sides of the frame and the toddler seat and canopy remain in place. The car seat carrier needs to be aligned with both sides simultaneously before you press it into place. Attachment takes little pressure over the weight of the baby and it almost feels like it installs itself. You can use the canopy of the B-Lively in conjunction with the car seat. The carrier is easy to attach and very easy to release, but it isn't as secure feeling as you would suspect a brand-specific combination to be.
The fold on the B-Lively is smaller than that of the B-Agile and the Baby Jogger City Mini.
Weight and Folded Size
The B-Lively gained about 2 lbs over the B-Agile with a weight of 19.6 lbs earning a 7 of 10 for weight and folded size. It measures 6,612 cubic inches when folded making it one of the smallest in the group including some of the frame strollers. With several options weighing less, it isn't the best if you are looking for a lightweight stroller for car seat transport. However, its smaller size makes it good for small spaces or cars.
Maneuverability
The Lively only earns 6 of 10 for maneuverability. With plastic wheels and the dual wheel on a single leg design, its ability to traverse uneven terrain could be improved with a single wheel and rubber tires. The shorter wheelbase and tighter design make it easy to navigate narrow spaces or tight turns. While it manages hard, flat surfaces relatively well, you won't want to take it off-road for very long as it struggles with bumps and stray rocks.
The seat back on the B-Lively has two small pockets and a larger zippered pocket.
Ease of Use
The B-Lively earns a 6 of 10 for ease of use in a review where the high is only 7.
Fold and Unfold
The B-Lively is easy to fold, can be managed with one hand and has few steps. With a quick release pull handle (above left) and auto-lock (above right), it is quick and straightforward to fold. Unfolding is also simple and easy.
The single action brakes on the B-Lively is a press to set and release pedal near the wheel.
Brakes
The B-Lively has single action brakes that are some of the easiest in the review to use both for setting and releasing. The brake is press only and good for bare or sandaled feet.
The larger storage bin on the B-Lively holds up to 10 lbs and has unique front access.
Storage
The large storage bin has front and rear access with enough space for our large diaper bag. It has a maximum weight allowance of 10 bs which isn't impressive but is average. The B-Lively also has two small pockets and a medium zippered pocket on the back of the canopy. While convenient, the smaller pockets aren't as useful as the one with a zipper.
The canopy on the B-Lively can work in conjunction with the car seat offering additional protection from the elements or lookie-loos.
Sunshade
The B-Lively canopy stays attached when you use it with the car seat and works well to cocoon little ones in the car seat carrier. The peek-a-boo window can help you keep an eye on your baby.
Ease of Setup
The B-Lively is easy to set up taking just over 5 minutes to unbox and assemble. Set up includes attaching wheels and installing the canopy.
It doesn't require any tools and the manual would be better with a quick start guide.
The B-Lively is a middle of the road stroller when it comes to quality, but it used to be considered a more high-end brand so we are disappointed with the decrease in attention to detail.
Quality
While the B-Lively is nice enough, it struggles to meet the competition earning only 6 of 10 for quality. This stroller has canvas fabric and a narrow plastic footrest with foam filled, plastic wheels. The frame is angular with more parts than the B-Agile but it still looks nice and has minimal flex. Britax has replaced the magnet cover on the canopy with nothing and Velcro for the front storage access instead of a zipper. While not the end of the world, it shows less attention to detail than previous Britax offerings. This stroller has a stationary handlebar, padded sling style seat and stiff suspension creating a relatively comfortable ride for passenger and parent.
Manufacturer's Video
— Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz