Hallie Elizabeth & Mettie Anne

Comparing this rear facing until 35lbs car seat to others available in the Britax USA line, the Advocate seems to be the best available. The most obvious change beyond the Boulevard, is the air bag like cushions affixed to either side of the head area. Less obvious differences are: weight, the Decathlon weighs only 15.5 lbs, the much loved Marathon only weighs 16.5 lbs, the Boulevard weighs 19lbs, and finally the Advocate weighs a hefty 21 lbs; the depth/width measurements of the wider and deeper Decathlon are 9.5/11.5, the Marathon, Boulevard, and Advocate are all 9/11 inches; seating compartment height, the Decathlon is tallest, only by a fraction of an inch, the Marathon is the shortest by 1/4 inch; the Advocate and the Boulevard offer the most shoulder space, greater than 1.5" difference. However, after researching car seats, I am profoundly sorry to say, this *NEW(!)* car seat is still not as safe as those available in Sweden and in the UK which can cost less than half the list price of an Advocate. Let me rephrase this comment, Britax UK/Britax Sweden car seats are safer for children passengers, than Britax USA car seats, and they're ALSO less expensive on average. According to most recent research the most vulnerable areas of car crashes are the solidity of the base, and side impact. However, it is also important to note rear facing children are 5 times more safe than forward facing kids in a head-on collision. Safety experts say children's skeletons and muscles aren't able to cope with the forces in a head-on collision until they are four years old, which is why in Sweden, children are rear-facing until they weigh 55lbs. This appears to be an unfortunate corporate decision, rather than a decision based on regulation. US regulations state seats must meet a certain threshold to be deemed "safe", UK/Swedish seats exceed the threshold. Clearly deciding to sell less safe seats in the USA was not based on cost or market: it's less expensive to manufacture in the USA than in the UK or Sweden, free trade enables duty free importing, the US market supports a product line of seats which already exceed the cost of UK seats. What kind of company would make a decision to sell less safe car seats for substantially more money, to parents of American children, because there is a lower threshold of regulation in which to meet? For skeptical parents, please visit the Britax.co.uk website to compare side-by-side photos of (larger & more advanced) car seat bases, and the width and depth of side cushions on: the Eclipse, First Class plus, Evolve 1-2-3, the Baby Safe line, and all the others for that matter. Then visit the Britax.se site, to examine rear facing until 55lbs, Britax MultiTech, Britax Hi-Way, Britax Two-Way. I am disappointed that this appears to be the best seat available to US children, and look forward to one day buying a much better American made product. Most, if not all of us would prefer safe to sleek any day.