REASONS TO BUY
Smaller
Comparatively lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Harder to push and turn
Harder to use
Britax B-Lively Double Review
Basic side-by-side that struggles to keep up with similarly designed options
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: The Best Double Strollers of 2024
Our Verdict
The Britax-Lively Double is a side-by-side in our best double stroller review with enough features to keep most parents content. It has dual canopies, independently reclining seats, and a quick and compact fold. We like the straightforward fold and the lighter weight, but overall the stroller is more complicated than top-ranked strollers. It didn't perform well in our maneuverability tests, and the features aren't as simple as those of similar competitors. While we understand the appeal of the Britax name and tradition of quality, we think other side-by-side options offer more.
Editor's Note: This gear review was updated on April 20, 2023, when we added five new double strollers to the overall review.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Britax came to the US in 1996 after a long, illustrious run in Europe for over 70 years. They quickly become known for their infant car seats and quality strollers. Britax makes a variety of best car seats from infant to boosters and multiple stroller options. They purchased BOB strollers and now offer high-quality jogging strollers.
Performance Comparison
The B-Lively has what you need, but all of it is just slightly harder to use than the higher ranking choices.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
Thanks to stiff competition in this lineup of strollers, the B-Lively struggled to keep up and earned a lower-than-average score for ease of use compared to the competition.
Fold and Unfold
The fold is a quick and straightforward process of frame release and a handle pull. You'll need two hands, but it is easy enough to accomplish, and you can do it in a flash if you need to.
Storage
The under-seat storage bin on the B-Lively has limited access when the seats are reclined. You can access it from the front with the zippered leg rest panel lifted, but moving kids' feet out of the way isn't always easy.
The storage bin on the B-Lively can be accessed from the front, but we wonder how useful this will be with little legs in the way.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The bin is large enough for supplies for two, but the weight limit is only 10 lbs. This limit is average, but there are options with three times this limit. A bar through the center of the bin still inhibits use.
The B-Lively buckle is harder to use than the last version and we don't think it functions as well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
Each seat has a 5-point harness with padded shoulder straps. Britax has changed the harness and buckle of the new model, and we feel it loses some ground over prior models. The Harness tightening method feels more flimsy than it used to. Closing the buckle now requires two hands, and opening it requires removing the straps from the buckle individually.
The B-Lively has a press to set and release brake pedal on the right side of the stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Brakes
The single-action brakes on the B-Lively worked well in our tests and are easy to set. Releasing is also easy with a design that is pain-free to foot tops.
The front wheels on the B-Lively can be locked in place to help it stay true over uneven surfaces, however, this didn't help it much in our tests for maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Maneuverability
Due to the dual wheel on each front leg design of the B-Lively, it struggled in our tests for maneuverability. Historically, our tests show that this design, coupled with plastic wheels, usually results in a harder-to-push and turn stroller. While it manages well enough on flat surfaces, any bump or uneven surface causes issues with the ability to continue forward. Grass and gravel are even more challenging, and this isn't one you'd want to take very far off the beaten path.
The B-Lively is one of the lightest and smallest options in the review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Transporting and Storing
The size and weight of your stroller can impact your ability to lift it or fit it in your car.
Weight and Folded Size
Weight and folded size are where the B-Lively gets an opportunity to shine. When folded, this double measures 11,063 cubic inches, making it one of the smallest in the group.
It weighs just over 27 lbs, making it one of the lightest options in the lineup. If you have limited space or can't lift heavier items, this could be the game-changer you've been looking for.
Kid Ride
Your children's comfort is a priority and could impact your enjoyment of a stroller if the seats are dissimilar or have differing functions.
The recline adjustment on the B-Lively is a somewhat dated and less expensive option that works well enough, but it requires two hands to lift it.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Seat
The seats both recline on their own for individualized comfort. The leg rests and footpad are stationary but at a slight angle for comfort. The seatbacks recline with two straps and a plastic toggle. It can recline with only one hand, but you'll need two to raise it, and we prefer the push-button style of some of the competition.
The canopies on the B-Lively are large and feature mesh windows covered with a flap.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
Each seat on the B-Lively has an independent canopy. The sunshades are UPF 50 and have a medium-sized mesh window with a fold-forward cover and no closure mechanism. They are relatively large and stay tight when open.
Britax has created a mid-range product compared to the competition and the general quality of the B-Lively reflects this and is on par with the price point.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The B-Lively has average quality compared to the competition and is probably on par for the price. The fabric is ripstop, easy to clean, and feels skin-friendly. It has a better footrest than previous Britax options we've seen, and the storage bin material feels sturdy.
The B-Lively handlebar adjusts on a pivot point by rotating up or down. This design places a taller pusher closer to the rear axle within kicking range.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This stroller sports an adjustable handlebar covered in dense foam, and the bar is split in the middle with a strange triangle that will limit one-handed pushing. This lack of thoughtful design and attention to detail hurts the Lively compared to the competition. The wheels are plastic, and while potentially better than other plastic options in the review, they aren't great. This impacts durability and longevity as a dented plastic tire will hurt maneuverability down the road. Overall, the quality is good for the price, and we think most parents will be happy with it, but it isn't the best thing going.
Car Seat Compatibility
The B-Lively is only compatible with one infant car seat of the Britax brand, including an option in our best infant car seat review. The adapter is sold separately and comes with an attached snack tray for the second passenger. This design locks you into Britax-only infant car seats and a must-use snack tray.
Ease of Setup
The B-Lively Double comes mostly assembled, and it took us under 8 minutes to assemble it. The manual is useful and is good compared to the competition.
Our box came damaged and was missing a wheel, but once we got all the parts, we could get things rolling with the attachment of wheels and canopies.
Twins
The B-Lively might be suitable for older twins who can sit independently, but infants can't be pushed simultaneously as it only accepts one infant car seat carrier. While you can make that work by choosing to wear one of the best baby carriers, you will need to wear one child at all times. Also, it will only accept Britax brand carriers, so you must look elsewhere if you want an infant seat from a competing brand.
Should You Buy the B-Lively Double?
Perhaps. The B-Lively is not a stellar stroller and isn't as easy to push as some of the competition. However, it is lightweight and smaller when folded than much of the competition, making it a potential choice if those metrics are important. If you have older twins or siblings of similar age, this stroller could be a good choice as it is suitable for napping and has a large canopy. The single-action brakes and adjustable handlebar are nice features, but the storage bin isn't as helpful as we'd like. This could be a good choice for your family if you prize size and weight over moving off-road or higher storage for errands.
What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?
This stroller is similar to the Joovy Scooter X2 with Trays in design and looks. It is lightweight and compact when folded with deep recline seats and a single oversized canopy. If budget is a concern, and you do not need infant car seat compatibility, then the Joovy earned only one less point overall and is significantly cheaper.
Manufacturer Video
—
Wendy Schmitz
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