In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Britax B-Lively Combo Review

Budget-friendly and straightforward but only works with Britax brand
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Britax B-Lively Combo Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $400 List
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Manufacturer:   Britax
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 14, 2019
72
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 13
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat - 30% 8.0
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size - 25% 7.0
  • Quality - 10% 6.0
  • Maneuverability - 5% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Britax B-Lively is the replacement option for the popular Britax B-Agile, and 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 a 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.
REASONS TO BUY
Works with canopy
Compact
Price
REASONS TO AVOID
Only works with Britax seats
Heavier
The B-Lively is currently only available as a travel set. We now link to this set.

Compare to Similar Products

 
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 Best Value Award
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Price $400 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line Inexpensive and multipurpose, but is only compatible with Britax seatsGreat frame stroller with parent console and easy carrier attachmentHard to push and turn stroller with poor car seat attachmentBudget-friendly, multi-seater with easy car seat connections for up to two infant carriersRelatively universal with multiple strap installation that has too much room for errors
Rating Categories Britax B-Lively Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy Graco SnugRider Elite Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Baby Trend Snap-N-G...
Ease Of Attaching Car Seat (30%)
8.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
3.0
Ease Of Use (30%)
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
6.0
Weight/Folded Size (25%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
2.0
9.0
Quality (10%)
6.0
3.0
4.0
6.0
4.0
Maneuverability (5%)
6.0
4.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
Specs Britax B-Lively Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy Graco SnugRider Elite Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Baby Trend Snap-N-G...
Weight 19.6 lbs 11.7 lbs 13.3 lbs 24.3 lbs 10.9 lbs
Folded Dimensions 24"W x 9.5"H x 29"L 19.8"W x 11.5"H x 33.5"L 19.7"W x 10.3"H x 31.9"L 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L 19.5"W x 11.75"H x 37.8"L
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/44"
Minimum: Birth

Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat.
Minimum: Birth

Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat.
Minimum: Infant - Toddler

When stroller seat is in infant mode: birth - 6 months


Maximum: 55 lbs/38"
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 45 lbs
Included Car Seat Compatibility Britax All Britax Seats Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
Graco
all SnugRide Classic Connect seats, all SnugRide Click Connect seats, Infant SafeSeat
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax Claims to fit most seats
Click-in Car Seat Adapters Britax All Britax Seats Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
Graco
all SnugRide Classic Connect seats, all SnugRide Click Connect seats, Infant SafeSeat
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
None
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters None None None None Claims to fit most seats
One-handed Fold Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Auto Auto Manual
Self-standing Fold No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 40" 36"/42" 37.25"/41" 33"/44.7" 39.75"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Storage Basket Size Large Large Large Extra large Large
Included Accessories None None None None None
Setup Time 5:04 8:28 5:59 5:15 5:09

Our Analysis and Test Results

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



britax b-lively combo - the b-lively works well with the b-safe car seat as it sits snuggly...
The B-Lively works well with the B-Safe car seat as it sits snuggly inside the toddler seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Attaching Car Seat


Attaching car seats to the B-Lively is one of the easiest in the review. 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...
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 on the B-Lively require the user to align the carrier...
The adapters on the B-Lively require the user to align the carrier sides over the adapters before simultaneously pressing down on both sides.

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.

britax b-lively combo - the fold on the b-lively is smaller than that of the b-agile and the...
The fold on the B-Lively is smaller than that of the B-Agile and the Baby Jogger City Mini.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


The B-Lively gained about 2 lbs over the B-Agile with a weight of 19.6 lbs. 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 suitable for small spaces or cars.

The B-Lively has foam filled plastic wheels and a dual wheel design...
The B-Lively has foam filled plastic wheels and a dual wheel design that historically isn't that good at moving over off-road surfaces.
You can lock the front wheels on the B-Lively in place by pressing a...
You can lock the front wheels on the B-Lively in place by pressing a button. This functionality can make it easier to negotiate uneven surfaces.

Maneuverability


With plastic wheels and the dual wheel on a single leg design, The Lively's ability to traverse uneven terrain could improve 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 long as it struggles with bumps and rocks.

britax b-lively combo - the seat back on the b-lively has two small pockets and a larger...
The seat back on the B-Lively has two small pockets and a larger zippered pocket.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The B-Lively may be somewhat difficult to use, but it still manages to be easier than most of the competition.

The B-Lively folds with the pull of a strap located on the seat...
The B-Lively folds with the pull of a strap located on the seat bottom.
The B-Lively has an automatic locking device that works well and...
The B-Lively has an automatic locking device that works well and keeps the stroller closed for easier transporting.

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.

britax b-lively combo - the single action brakes on the b-lively is a press to set and...
The single action brakes on the B-Lively is a press to set and release pedal near the wheel.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

britax b-lively combo - the larger storage bin on the b-lively holds up to 10 lbs and has...
The larger storage bin on the B-Lively holds up to 10 lbs and has unique front access.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

britax b-lively combo - the canopy on the b-lively can work in conjunction with the car seat...
The canopy on the B-Lively can work in conjunction with the car seat offering additional protection from the elements or lookie-loos.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

britax b-lively combo - the b-lively is a middle of the road stroller when it comes to...
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.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


While the B-Lively is nice enough, it struggles to meet the competition. This stroller has canvas fabric and a narrow plastic footrest with foam-filled, plastic wheels. The frame is angular with more parts than other Britax options, 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