In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Britax B-Lively Review

Easy to push with a fast fold but heavier weight is challenging for travel
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britax b-lively umbrella stroller review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $250 List
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Manufacturer:   Britax
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Dec 16, 2021
60
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 15
  • Weight/Folded Size - 35% 3.2
  • Ease of Use - 30% 7.7
  • Maneuverability - 25% 7.2
  • Quality - 10% 8.0

The Skinny

The Britax B-Lively is the replacement stroller for the Britax B-Agile, which was previously one of our favorite strollers but has been discontinued as a standalone model. This new version is larger when folded and heavier than the stroller it replaces, making it a poor substitute for a lightweight stroller. It is easy to use and has some useful features making it one of the best full-size strollers, but the almost 19 lb weight makes it harder to lift, carry and stow, functionality key to a top-ranked umbrella stroller. While you might consider the B-Lively for doing double duty as a full-size and lightweight choice, it might fit the bill with some compromise.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to use and push
Useful features
Quick fold
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier and larger
Editor's Note: This product review was updated on December 16th, 2021, with additional comparisons between products to help you with your purchasing decision.

Compare to Similar Products

 
britax b-lively umbrella stroller review
This Product
Britax B-Lively
Awards  Best Value Award Best Value Award   
Price $250 List$179 List$180 List$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$100 List
$82.71 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Easy to use and push, useful features, quick foldReasonable price, good quality, comfy napping, smaller foldEasy to carry, lightweight, stands on its ownInexpensive, easy to useInexpensive, hands only fold
Cons Heavier and largerBrake hurts the top of uncovered feet, harder to push and turn off-roadHard to push and turn, not for napping, convoluted foldPoor quality, harder to maneuverPoor sun protection, wobbly wheels
Bottom Line Easy to push with a fast fold but heavier weight is challenging for travelA high-scoring, reasonably priced option with nice features suitable for comfortable napping but harder to turn off-roadUpright seat with no adjust-ability that can be harder to push on uneven terrainThe cheapest option with disappointing functionalityDifficult to navigate stroller that is lightweight and budget friendly, but lower quality
Rating Categories Britax B-Lively Zoe Traveler UPPAbaby G-Lite Kolcraft Cloud Plus Summer Infant 3D lite
Weight/Folded Size (35%)
3.2
7.2
6.8
5.8
6.0
Ease of Use (30%)
7.7
6.2
5.1
6.2
4.7
Maneuverability (25%)
7.2
4.5
5.1
4.5
3.4
Quality (10%)
8.0
5.0
7.0
2.0
4.0
Specs Britax B-Lively Zoe Traveler UPPAbaby G-Lite Kolcraft Cloud Plus Summer Infant 3D lite
Weight 18.9 lbs 12 lbs 11.8 lbs 12.6 lbs 13.1 lbs
Folded Dimensions 24"W x 9.5"H x 29"L 17.5"W x 23"H x 13"L 13.3"W x 10.8"H x 42.5"L 18.6"W x 11.7"H x 34.7"L 13.9"W x 10"H x 42.6"L
Folded Volume 6,612 cu in 5,233 cu in 6,105 cu in 7,551 cu in 5,921 cu in
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/44"
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 45 lbs
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 55 lbs/45"
Minimum: Not Listed
Maximum: 50 lbs/44"
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs
Included Car Seat Compatibility Britax All Britax Seats None None None None
Click-in Car Seat Adapters Britax All Britax Seats None None None None
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters None None None None None
One-handed Fold Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Auto Manual Auto
Self-standing Fold No No Yes Yes No
Carry Strap No No Yes No Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 40" 40.5" 42.3" 38.9" 43"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes No Yes No No
Included Accessories None None None None None
Setup Time 5-10 Min 2-5 Min 2-5 Min 5-10 Min 5-10 Min

Our Analysis and Test Results

Britax created baby gear for over 70 years launching in the United States in 1996. In Europe, Britax has the best-selling car seat with a specialized interest in side impact protection (SIP), installation, and strollers. The Britax company now owns the BOB company as well.

Performance Comparison



britax b-lively umbrella stroller review - the fold on the b-lively is smaller than that of the b-agile and the...
The fold on the B-Lively is smaller than that of the B-Agile and the Baby Jogger City Mini.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


This stroller is heavy for a lightweight product but still lighter for a full-size stroller and potentially light enough to double as a travel option.


This stroller is heavier than the Britax B-Agile 3 it replaces and is one of the heaviest options in the review. It is, however, somewhat smaller with a size of 6,612 cubic inches when folded compared to 6,658 of the B-Agile.

britax b-lively umbrella stroller review - the b-lively has an automatic locking device that works well and...
The B-Lively has an automatic locking device that works well and keeps the stroller closed for easier transporting.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


Thanks to various features uncommon to traditional umbrella options, the B-Lively is easy to use.

The safety release button on the B-Lively allows you to fold the...
The safety release button on the B-Lively allows you to fold the handle only when you plan to.
The handle on the seat bottom quickly folds the B-Lively in half...
The handle on the seat bottom quickly folds the B-Lively in half when pulled.

Fold and Unfold


Folding the B-Lively requires one hand, and it automatically locks and self-stands. Folding is a two-step process of releasing the frame lock (above left) and pulling the seat handle (above right).

britax b-lively umbrella stroller review - the brake pedal on the b-lively is small and located close to the...
The brake pedal on the B-Lively is small and located close to the wheel. It is easy to set and release but a larger pedal or better placement would be nice.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The brake pedal is large enough with an easy-to-press design that engages single-action brakes and takes a second press to disengage.

The B-Lively storage bin is large and has good access from the back...
The B-Lively storage bin is large and has good access from the back and front.
The back of the B-Lively canopy has two open pockets and one...
The back of the B-Lively canopy has two open pockets and one zippered pocket for quick access items.

Storage


The bin fits a large diaper bag and has a 10 lb weight allowance. It has easy access from behind and a unique front access portal behind the leg rest. The canopy back has two small pockets and a medium-sized zippered pocket that can help you stay organized and avoid losing essential items.

britax b-lively umbrella stroller review - the b-lively has a ventilation strip in lieu of a traditional...
The B-Lively has a ventilation strip in lieu of a traditional peek-a-boo window and there is no cover, requiring the canopy to be shortened to keep it closed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


The canopy is large with a mesh ventilation strip that doubles as the peek-a-boo window. The mesh strip doesn't have a traditional cover, and the canopy fabric folds over the opening to close. You can't check on your baby while strolling without letting extra air under the shade.

britax b-lively umbrella stroller review - the b-lively buckle is somewhat convoluted but the straps are easy...
The B-Lively buckle is somewhat convoluted but the straps are easy to tighten and adjust.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The 5-point harness is the same as the B-Agile predecessor. It is an average two-piece buckle that is harder to connect. Straps slide easily for adjustment, but the padding could get in the way. The height adjustment is a rethread design by pushing plastic pieces through the desired slot.

The seatback on the B-Lively reclines far enough for a comfortable...
The seatback on the B-Lively reclines far enough for a comfortable napping environment.
The plastic adjustment toggle for seatback recline on the B-Lively...
The plastic adjustment toggle for seatback recline on the B-Lively can be operated with one hand to recline but it needs two to raise it back up.

Seat


The B-Lively seat reclines deeply for napping with a plastic back toggle that requires two hands to operate. The sling-style seat is padded and has a non-adjustable leg rest and narrow footrest.

Car Seat Compatibility


This stroller comes with adapters for the Britax car seats. Currently (March 2019), the Britax website makes it difficult to tell which adapters are compatible with this stroller. Even after attempting to purchase the adapters, there is no description of which seats work with it. The user manual directs you to buy a frame for other brands on the Britax website, but the website doesn't offer any information.

Ease of Setup


The B-Lively took us just over 5 minutes to assemble. You have to snap the three wheels and install the canopy with no tools required.



The manual instructions start a few pages in and are not as good as those with the quick start instructions.

The plastic wheels of the B-Lively are better than lower quality...
The plastic wheels of the B-Lively are better than lower quality plastic found on much of the umbrella competition.
The B-Lively dual front wheel design makes it challenging to move...
The B-Lively dual front wheel design makes it challenging to move over uneven terrain like grass and gravel, but you can lock the front wheels in place to make it somewhat easier.

Maneuverability


The B-Lively is surprisingly agile given the dual wheel design we traditionally find hard to move. It provides impressive maneuverability for the umbrella category compared to the competition, even if it isn't great. You can lock the swivel front wheel in place (above left) for better traction over rough terrain, and the smaller footprint allows it to move easily through narrow spaces. It is best on flat surfaces with more struggling over grass and gravel.

britax b-lively umbrella stroller review - the b-lively is nice quality compared to the competition in the...
The B-Lively is nice quality compared to the competition in the lightweight lineup, but it isn't as nice as Britax products from the past.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The B-Lively is okay, but in our opinion, not as sturdy as Britax products of yore. Though, compared to the competition, it still scored well. The frame doesn't flex, but it has more parts than the old B-Agile 3. The fabric is ripstop, but the padding and stitching aren't as nice as in previous versions. Britax has made some minor changes we noticed, like the lack of a window cover with magnetic closure, removal of larger zippered pockets, and Velcro on the front storage access instead of the higher quality zipper it used to have.

Should You Buy the Britax B-Lively?


The B-Lively falls in the upper half of the group in terms of score. It is a good choice if you want a lighter stroller for everyday use and you plan to use it with your Britax car seat. It does not fold down small enough to fit in an overhead bin for airplane travel, so it may not be the best option for families who fly frequently. But if you want a lightweight product with better features than are traditionally found in umbrella strollers, the Britax B-Lively fits the bill.

What Other Umbrella Stroller Should You Consider?


The Baby Jogger City Mini 2 is a comparable stroller we tested. It has the functionality of a full-size product and is compatible with many more infant car seats than the B-Lively. While it is slightly bigger, heavier, and more expensive, it is worth considering if you are looking for a crossover product.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz
 

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