Britax Poplar vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

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
Britax Poplar Safety 1st 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