Increasing the time a child can safely stay in their convertible car seat is a big issue and Britax engineers have come through in a big way with the introduction of the Britax Marathon with LATCH . A LATCH Compatible Convertible Child Seat, the Britax Marathon can be used rear facing 5 to 33 pounds and forward facing from 20 to 65 pounds. Compare the numbers and you will see it is hard to find a seat with these weight limits that is safe and functional.

The Britax Marathon is built on a shell with dimensions that are larger than the Britax Roundabout . Even with the larger dimensions, the Marathon is still approved for use on aircraft and will fit perfectly in just about every car out there. (Rear-facing installation may be more tricky. If intended for rear-facing use, please allow for 31″” of back seat space) Some standout features include a four-position adjustable shoulder straps that are easy to change as your child grows, easy to install IsoFit(TM) LATCH buckles, easy to adjust recline system, and floating HUGS that enable easy chest clip placement and distributes the harness load to avoid webbing edge irritation to a child’s neck in the event of a crash.

Trying to decide between the Britax Marathon and Britax Decathlon? The Britax Decathlon is identical in many ways to the Marathon. Updated features on the Decathlon include:

*3-position adjustable crotch strap
*Removable toddler head pillow and infant positioning system for newborn babies

If you are looking for your baby’s first car seat, the additional padding on the Decathlon will be an attractive feature. Or, if you’re searching for a second seat for your child who continues to come up at the top of the growth chart, the Decathalon’s adjustable crotch strap might come in handy as he or she grows even more. If these are not in your list of concerns, then the Marathon should work great.

*Please note: Use vehicle seat belt (not LATCH connectors) for installations with children weighing more than 48 pounds (21 kg.). Refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for the maximum weight rating for their LATCH anchors. Unless specified otherwise by the vehicle manufacturer, assume a 48 pound child is the vehicle LATCH anchor limit.