Britax, a trusted name in child safety, introduced its innovative ClickTight technology back in 2013. While initially featured in convertible car seats and the Frontier series, Britax has now expanded this user-friendly installation system to a rear-facing only option – the Britax Willow Brook Travel System. For years, parents have relied on Britax for secure car seats, even without ClickTight in their rear-facing models. However, the Willow Brook Travel System, comprising the Willow infant car seat, Aspen car seat base, and Brook stroller, now fills this gap, offering enhanced ease of installation. We received the complete travel system, delivered in an impressively large box, ready for thorough testing.
Understanding that our expertise lies primarily in car seat safety rather than strollers, this review will focus predominantly on the car seat and base components of the Willow Brook Travel System. While we’ll touch upon the stroller, our primary goal is to provide you with in-depth information about the safety and usability of the Britax Willow infant car seat and Aspen base.
To clarify, the Britax Willow Brook Travel System is composed of three key components: the Willow infant car seat (referred to as the carrier or infant carrier), the Aspen car seat base (referred to as the base), and the Brook stroller (briefly mentioned). This review will delve into each component, with a strong emphasis on the car seat and base.
CSFTL Quick Stats
- Lowest harness slots: 5.5 inches
- Highest harness slots: 11.5 inches
- Weight range: 4 – 30 pounds
- Height range: 32 inches or less, and the top of the child’s head is 1 inch or more below the top of the shell, and the harness straps are located in the closest harness slot below the child’s shoulders. This is different from most rear facing car seats.
- Crotch buckle positions: 2.25 and 5.5 inches from the seat back. This buckle should be in the slot closest to, but not under the child.
- 2 harness slots at the hips: the optional inner slot has a maximum child weight of 11 pounds, the outer slot can be used from 4 – 30 pounds. The hip straps should NOT sit under the child.
- Seat pan depth 12 inches from the seat back
- Seat pan width: 9.5 inches
- Carrier weight: 9 pounds
- Base weight: 9 pounds
- Stroller weight: 22 pounds
- Expiration: 6 Years
- Machine wash and dry
- Warranty: 1 Year
Unique Features
- ClickTight installation on the base
- Chemical-free fabrics
Here’s the Stroller
Britax Brook stroller folded, showcasing its compact design for easy storage and transportation.
The Britax Brook stroller, Aspen base, and Willow car seat are exclusively available as a travel system set. The stroller frame is designed to accommodate the Willow infant car seat, easily transforming into a complete travel system. It’s notably lightweight and offers smooth maneuverability. While not exceptionally compact when folded, it folds down to a reasonable size. This stroller could be a suitable option for many families, though it might not be ideal for vehicles with limited trunk space.
Using the ClickTight
It’s crucial to remember that the ClickTight system negates the need to lock or switch the vehicle belt retractor. Do not lock/switch the vehicle belt retractor when installing the Aspen base. ClickTight is designed to simplify and secure the installation process without these traditional steps.
Adjusting the Harness
Britax Willow car seat unpacked, highlighting the initial padding configuration as it arrives straight out of the box.My fundamental belief regarding car seats is that proper installation and usage are paramount, irrespective of price or features. That being said, certain price points naturally lead to feature expectations. One minor surprise with the Willow infant car seat is that the harness requires manual rethreading as your child grows. In this price range, a no-rethread harness would typically be expected, along with buckle tongue holders for added convenience.
Upon unboxing, the infant padding in the carrier appeared somewhat disarranged. While easily corrected, this raised a slight concern about potential caregiver misinterpretation. If the padding appears prone to shifting, there’s a risk that caregivers might assume this is the correct configuration and place their child incorrectly.
Infant Padding
Britax Willow infant padding neatly arranged, demonstrating the correct and tidy positioning for optimal infant comfort and safety.The Willow infant car seat includes two separate pieces of infant padding: one designed to be placed behind the child’s head and another for the torso. While the manual doesn’t specify weight restrictions for the head padding, it does state that the body pillow is intended for use only for infants weighing 11 pounds or less.
Hip Harness Slots
Britax Willow hip harness slots detail, clearly showing the inner and outer harness slot options for customized fit as the baby grows.The Willow carrier features two sets of harness slots at the hip level. The innermost slot is optional and designed for babies weighing under 11 pounds to achieve a snug fit. The outer slots are suitable for children weighing between 4 and 30 pounds. Additionally, there is a center slot, but this is exclusively for anchoring the harness retainer. Adjusting these hip straps isn’t strictly necessary since the outer slots accommodate the entire weight range of the seat. However, for demonstration purposes, let’s walk through the adjustment process.
To adjust, first unbuckle the harness and remove the carrier shell cover, following the detailed instructions in the manual. Locate the hip strap retainer beneath the cover and detach it from the car seat shell to loosen. Angle the retainer so the shorter side can pass through the slot in the carrier shell. Push the hip strap retainer through the designated slot under the seat shell, maintaining the hip strap’s current path. Next, guide the hip strap through the desired slot in the seat shell, then push the retainer upwards through the center anchor slot. Repeat this process for the other side of the harness. Finally, reattach the carrier shell cover.
It’s important to remember that once your child reaches 11 pounds, you must switch back to using the outer hip harness slots for safety and proper fit.
Carry Handle Position
Britax Willow carrier release handle, pointing out the location and function of the handle for easy carrier removal from the base.When used in a vehicle, the Willow carrier’s handle must be in a locked position. While it’s not immediately apparent why you would unlock it otherwise, the manual recommends using position 1 (the most upright position) when in the vehicle. This is because position 1 engages ReboundReduce, a feature designed to minimize car seat rebound in the event of a collision, enhancing safety.
Removing the Carrier from the Base
It’s often joked among car seat experts that removing an infant carrier from its base is a rite of passage for new parents. While most systems operate similarly—typically involving pressing a button on the base or squeezing a handle on the carrier before lifting—this action isn’t always intuitive for first-time users. The Willow carrier releases from the Aspen base using a handle located directly below the Euro routing bracket.
Recline Angle Indicator
Britax Willow recline angle indicator, clearly showing the blue marker and lines that ensure proper recline angle for safe infant positioning.To ensure correct installation, the recline angle indicator on the Aspen base must be properly aligned. The entire blue marker must be completely visible between the two indicated lines on the recline angle indicator. This ensures the infant is reclined at a safe angle.
ClickTight Tension Indicator
Britax Aspen ClickTight indicator in green, signaling correct closure and secure installation of the base.The ClickTight tension indicator window is designed for clear visual confirmation. It will display entirely green in two scenarios: (a) when the ClickTight mechanism is fully open and (b) when it is correctly closed and securely installed. This crucial warning is repeated throughout the manual, emphasizing its importance for safe installation.
Britax Aspen ClickTight mechanism closeup, providing a detailed view of the ClickTight system and its components for vehicle seat belt installation.Despite the ClickTight system’s reputation for ease of use, I encountered more difficulty than expected during the vehicle seat belt installation. The mechanism itself feels somewhat cumbersome. Aligning the small tabs at the top and bottom with the slots on the base proved to be more error-prone than I would have liked.
Achieving a completely green indicator was also more challenging than promotional materials suggest. Similar to other car seats featuring ClickTight or comparable lock-off systems from other brands, I found a very narrow “sweet spot” in vehicle seat belt (or lower anchor webbing) tension required to turn the indicator green. Finding this precise tension point, holding the belt in position, and then aligning the ClickTight handle to close correctly required some trial and error. In comparison, I found installation using the lower anchors to be significantly easier in terms of achieving the green indicator.
Britax representatives suggested keeping the vehicle seat belt relatively loose during this type of installation. While not explicitly stated in the manual, this tip was indeed helpful in achieving proper ClickTight closure.
Installing with the Base: Vehicle Seat Belt
Britax Willow and Aspen base installed with the vehicle seat belt, demonstrating a secure rear-facing setup in a vehicle using the vehicle's seat belt system.Before detailing the vehicle seat belt installation, it’s important to note a few key warnings. The number of warnings is reminiscent of Happy Fun Ball, yet the installation process is ultimately straightforward. These warnings include:
- ClickTight replaces the need for a locked/switched vehicle belt. Do not lock the vehicle seat belt.
- Avoid routing the seat belt through the ClickTight handle opening.
- Ensure both the lap and shoulder belts are completely tucked under the ClickTight mechanism.
- If the seat belt is overtightened, the ClickTight may be difficult to close.
Now, for the installation steps: To install the base using a vehicle seat belt, first place the Aspen base on the vehicle seat with the belt path facing the vehicle seat back. Open the ClickTight by grabbing the handle and squeezing the button, then lift the ClickTight handle. The indicator window should turn green when ClickTight is fully open and the button is released.
Ensure the vehicle seat belt is not twisted. Pull the lap and shoulder belt across the base, tucking the vehicle belt under the ClickTight and belt guides. Buckle the vehicle seat belt. Remove any slack from the vehicle seat belt. Push down firmly on the ClickTight handle to close it. Confirm that the indicator window is entirely green. A distinct click sound should confirm that the ClickTight is securely closed.
Installation with the Base: Lower Anchors
Britax Willow and Aspen base installed with lower anchors, showing a secure installation using the vehicle's lower anchor system.Installation using lower anchors also comes with its own set of important warnings:
- The lower anchor webbing must be completely tucked under the ClickTight.
- Ensure the connector strap is not obstructing ClickTight’s locking point.
- Overtightening the lower anchor webbing can prevent the ClickTight from closing properly.
To install the base with lower anchors, begin by placing the Aspen base on the vehicle seat with the belt path directed towards the vehicle seat back. Open the ClickTight by grabbing the handle, squeezing the button, and lifting the handle. The indicator window will show green when ClickTight is fully open and the button is released.
Open the storage compartment lid to access the lower connectors, remove them, and extend the webbing. Close the storage compartment lid and thread the lower webbing under the ClickTight and belt guides. Attach the lower connectors to the vehicle’s lower anchors until you hear a click, confirming secure attachment. Tug on the lower connectors to double-check they are firmly attached. Then, pull the tail end of the webbing to remove any slack. Finally, close the ClickTight by pushing down on the handle until it clicks.
Installation without the Base
Britax Willow car seat installed without the base, demonstrating the baseless installation method using the vehicle seat belt.The Willow carrier offers the flexibility to be installed without the base, using either Euro routing or standard routing. We generally recommend Euro routing for a more secure baseless installation and suggest trying this method first if feasible. To install the carrier baseless, place it on the vehicle seat facing the rear of the vehicle. Thread the vehicle seat belt through the designated belt guides and buckle the seat belt. Carefully and slowly pull out the shoulder portion of the seat belt and thread it around the back of the carrier shell for Euro routing. Insert the shoulder belt into the belt guide on the back of the carrier before the retractor engages and tightens.
Britax Willow baseless installation with canopy extended, showcasing the canopy coverage and appearance when installed without the base.Once the seat belt is threaded through all three belt guides, if it’s not already locked, pull out any remaining slack from the retractor until the seat belt begins to click, indicating it’s locking. Then, feed the slack back into the retractor to achieve a tight installation. Here, you can see the carrier with its canopy fully extended when installed without the base.
Britax Willow baseless belt guides closeup, highlighting the easy-to-use belt guides for secure baseless installation.It’s worth noting that the belt guides on the Willow carrier are exceptionally well-designed. They are easily identifiable and straightforward to use correctly, simplifying baseless installation. They also serve as a convenient place to tuck the harness ends out of the way before placing your child in the carrier.
Check your Work
After installation, always check your work. Give the base or carrier (for baseless install) a firm handshake at the belt path. It should move less than one inch when properly installed, ensuring a secure and safe setup.
Fit to Child
Preemie Doll
With Infant Insert
Britax Willow Brook with preemie doll and infant insert, demonstrating the snug and secure fit for a 4-pound preemie with the insert in place.Given the Willow Brook’s 4-pound lower weight limit, we used our Huggable Images preemie doll to test the fit. This doll weighs 4 pounds and measures 19 inches in length. Since the Willow Brook doesn’t have a minimum height requirement, our preemie doll was well within the guidelines. Here’s the doll with the infant padding in place. The fit is excellent, leading us to confidently recommend this seat as a strong option for even the smallest newborns.
Without Infant Insert
Britax Willow with preemie doll without infant insert, showing the fit for a 4-pound preemie without the insert, still providing a secure harness position.Although the infant insert is not mandatory (but must be removed after the child exceeds 11 pounds), we also tested the doll without it. While the black harness and seat make it slightly harder to see, the harness fit remained excellent even without the insert. We are consistently pleased to find car seats that accommodate preemies well, and the Willow carrier is definitely a winner in terms of fitting tiny babies safely and comfortably.
Newborn Doll
With Infant Insert
Britax Willow with newborn doll and infant insert, illustrating the comfortable and secure fit for a 7-pound newborn with the insert in use.Our newborn doll weighs 7 pounds and is also 19 inches long. Being under the 11-pound weight limit for the infant insert, we tested the doll with the insert in the seat. Similar to the preemie doll, we observed an excellent and appropriate harness fit, ensuring safety and comfort.
Without Infant Insert
Britax Willow with newborn doll without infant insert, demonstrating the appropriate fit for a 7-pound newborn even without the infant insert.To provide a comprehensive view, we also tested the newborn doll without the infant insert. The doll again demonstrated a great fit, with plenty of room to grow within the carrier, suggesting longevity and adaptability as the baby develops.
16 Month Old Doll
Britax Willow with 16-month-old doll, showing the car seat's capacity to accommodate an older infant nearing the maximum height limit.This doll represents a 16-month-old, standing 31 inches tall — just one inch shy of the seat’s stated maximum height limit of 32 inches. We assessed if the doll also met the additional criteria: the top of the child’s head being at least 1 inch below the top of the shell, and the harness straps positioned in the closest harness slot below the child’s shoulders. The Willow Brook accommodates older infants well within its design parameters.
Important Information: Where to Find
Manual storage: The manual for the Willow Brook Travel System can be found in two locations: one compartment under the cover of the Willow car seat itself and another on the end of the Aspen base, ensuring it’s always accessible for reference.
FAA approval label: As detailed in the manual, “Baseless Installation with Lap Belt (see page 40)” – while instructions for using the carrier without the base are actually on page 38, the manual correctly references page 40 for FAA approval information. The manual also notes: “Your child may experience discomfort if the buckle is located in the seating area of the child restraint after installation.” Given that baseless installation involves routing the lap-only belt over the child, the relevance of this discomfort warning may be limited.
Britax Willow date of manufacture label on the carrier, indicating the location of the manufacturing date for the car seat component of the travel system.Date of manufacture label: The date of manufacture label for the Willow carrier is discreetly tucked away on the deepest part of the carrier’s backside.
Britax Willow date of manufacture label on the base, showing where to find the manufacturing date on the Aspen car seat base.A second date of manufacture label is located inside the lower anchor compartment on the Aspen base. While a cleaner look with fewer visible labels is aesthetically pleasing, hidden labels can pose challenges. Technicians often struggle to locate these discreetly placed labels, and I have frequently been called upon at car seat check events to assist in finding Britax labels. It’s likely that the hidden label on the Willow Brook will present similar challenges.
Britax Willow Aspen manual storage compartment, showing the convenient storage location for the user manual within the Aspen car seat base.Manual storage: The user manual for the travel system is conveniently stored in a designated slot at the back of the Aspen base, ensuring it remains readily accessible whenever needed.
Overall Thoughts
The Britax Willow Brook Travel System, particularly the Aspen base and Willow carrier, presents a robust option in the travel system market. While pinpointing specific scenarios where it would be unequivocally recommended over all competitors is challenging, it’s a solid contender. The carrier itself is well-made, featuring a plush cover, and appears to offer extended usability thanks to its high top harness slot at 11.5 inches. The baseless belt guides are also a standout feature, being both easy to locate and use effectively. However, at this price point, the absence of buckle tongue holders and a no-rethread harness is somewhat unexpected and might be considered minor drawbacks by some parents.
