Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Poplar and the Safety 1st Guide 65.
Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!
At A Glance
Britax Poplar | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Current price |
In stock
$279.99
|
In stock
$89.99
|
Rating | 4.68 | 4.58 |
Our Thoughts
Analyzing the Britax Poplar and the Safety 1st Guide 65, it's clear both seats offer some appealing features to consider.
The Britax Poplar definitely stands out in terms of safety, easy installation, and its convertible design. This seat has a powerful reputation for safety and ease-of-use features, like the ClickTight installation system, which simplifies securing the seat in a vehicle. The Poplar is also convertible, transitioning from a rear-facing seat suitable for infants to a forward-facing seat for toddlers, all dependable on the child's growth from birth to 65 pounds or 49 inches in height.
On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 does have its advantages, particularly in weight, size, and price. This car seat is light and compact, making it portable between vehicles. It's also great for smaller cars or families needing to fit multiple seats in a row due to its compact frame and ability to fit 3 car seats across in most vehicles.
When it comes to weight limitations, both can accommodate a growing child, but the Britax Poplar shines a little brighter. It allows for rear-facing support up to 50 pounds, which is 10 pounds more than the Guide 65, allowing for a safer orientation for longer.
However, it's noteworthy that families have expressed a few concerns with the Safety 1st Guide 65. The primary issue is around its installation, especially when it's rear-facing. There were also some doubts around safety when needing to adjust the recline angle using towels or pool noodles as instructed by the manual. In contrast, the Britax Poplar seems to inspire trust - and while it's on the pricer side, parents have consistently noted that the quality matches the cost.
From these insights, if the budget allows, the Britax Poplar would be a stronger recommendation. It has an effective balance of safety, quality, and user-friendly features. It's worth it for parents prioritizing security and comfort for their child, plus the added bonus of simpler installation, it stands out. The Safety 1st Guide 65, meanwhile, could be an option for families with a tight budget, looking for lightness and compactness in a seat, and who are willing to give more time and attention to its installation.
Key Details
Poplar | Guide 65 | |
Brand | Britax | Safety 1st |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.68 | 4.58 |
1 yr Price Range | $299.99 - $299.99 | $74.99 - $99.99 |
Current price |
In stock
$279.99
|
In stock
$89.99
|
Value |
Offers a robust set of features at a competitive price point, balancing quality and cost effectively. |
Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost. |
Safety |
Safety is a hallmark of Britax, and the Poplar is no exception, with its sturdy construction and reliable performance in safety tests. |
Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability. |
Features |
With its convertible design and user-friendly installation, the Poplar stands out in its category. |
Basic features with no significant standout extras. |
Installation |
The ClickTight system is frequently praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, making installation a breeze. |
Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents. |
Cleaning |
The seat is designed with easy-to-remove fabrics for convenient cleaning, which is a boon for busy parents. |
No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience. |
Size |
The slim profile of the Poplar is advantageous for fitting into compact cars without compromising on comfort or safety. |
Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars. |
Review | Click here | Click here |
Comparison of Specifications
While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.
We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Britax Poplar and the Safety 1st Guide 65. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.
Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.
Height and Weight Limits
Rear-facing
Britax Poplar | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 19 - 40 inches |
Weight Range | 5 - 50 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Britax Poplar | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 34 - 52 inches |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.
Dimensions and Weight
Britax Poplar | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Width | 17.0 inches | 19.0 inches |
Height | 20.5 inches | 22.8 inches |
Depth | 23.5 inches | 27.3 inches |
Weight | 27.2 pounds | 11.6 pounds |
Core Specifications
Britax Poplar | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Model Year | 2023 | 2015 |
Made In | USA | USA |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Aluminum |
Safety and Compliance
Britax Poplar | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Federal Safety Standards | Does not meet standards | Meets all standards |
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Britax Poplar | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
Britax Poplar | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Britax car seats | See all Safety 1st car seats |
Full review of the Britax Poplar Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65 |