The 30 is a great entry-level seat that only lacks a no-rethread harness. Choosing a seat based on carrier weight is not the best idea. Copyright 2012 - 2022 BabyGearLab LLC Note that the base model also comes in a ClearTex (what is ClearTex?) We are here to guideyou with any issues you have with items under warranty. (Can you tell I dont like heavy strollers? Not so much. carrier clicks securely into compatible Chicco strollers, Premium LATCH connectors for easy attachment & removal. This seat is best known for ease of installation, safety, and fit (trust me, after doing many car seat checks for my CPST certification, I totally concur). A five-point harness with one-pull tightening helps keep baby secure and the carrier shell is lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam for improved impact protection. However, we still prefer it over most of the cheaper options, and it suits the price point. The fit and finish of this product are below average. Western Union), cashier checks, money orders, shipping. Just checking). You can update your browser from the link below. Lol. Customers are encouraged to select package insurance at checkout. Claims must be filed directly with the manufacturer. After attaching the LATCH anchors to the vehicle, a single middle strap is used to tighten them. The Keyfit has energy-absorbing foam for side impact protection (SIP) as its one marketing claim for an additional safety feature. The car seat carrier includes removable head and body support to accommodate newborns as small as 4 pounds. The two upgrade models are the Zip and AirZip. The exception to my distaste for Chicco strollers: The KeyFit + KeyFit Caddy($109, below) is a classic combination youll see everywhere. Got feedback? Three main differences: bigger (taller) seat, a no rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar. This difficulty means the Keyfit 30 is a poor choice for parents that frequent public transportation and may need to install their seat without the base. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. While this gets them out of the way and prevents interference with connecting the carrier to the base, the tightening strap for the LATCH anchors needs to be rolled up and stowed to avoid interference with the carrier attaching to the base. The bubble level indicator (above right) on the base helps parents find the proper installation angle. Winner! This seat has a belt lock-off, but unlike some competition, the belt path is not color-coded. Get a weekly email with practical advice and insights as your baby grows. The shell underneath the padding and fabric is above average and feels like it will hold up over time. This seat has extremely high user ratings and I almost never hear about defects. Most likely until Ive memorized it all. Something to consider if you think this process of changing the strap heights every few months will be annoying (I personally dont think its a big deal, but some parents like to have every bell and whistle). Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We feel the most stable installation is the LATCH system. For more detailed information please read ourshipping policy. It has a no-rethread harness, so the height adjustment happen at the push of a button (unlike the 30 models). It does not have any rough edges or a strange design that prevents it from being used or held comfortably. It is a good thing the Chicco is so easy to install using the LATCH method because it isn't that easy to install using a vehicle seat belt. This FR free thing is a newer trend in the baby product/car seat world, as parents have begun to care more about the toxic chemicals some juvenile products are treated with in order to meet flammability standards. It is a little bit heavier than some competitors, but not excessively so, and the fabric, while durable, is a bit less soft than some options. Unfortunately, we cannot handle the claim on your behalf. The Cybex Aton 2 has the best crash test results for the chest sensor with a 44, while the Chicco earned a 51 where 60 is the maximum allowed, and a lower result is better. See the FAQs page for answers to commonly asked questions. *You help support BabyGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. The KeyFit 35 is a newer, upgraded model line altogether. The Chicco LATCH anchors tuck into pockets in the back of the base. This keeps it 100% reader supported and free of ads or sponsorships. The button is above the padding, which makes it easy to access. If a package isdelivered to the wrong address due to an incorrect address entered by customer, a refund will not be issued unless the product is returned in unused and brand-new condition. Chicco excels in car seats (of all types). We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. #1-rated Infant Car Seat in America with ClearTex Comfort. The customeris responsible for the return shipping fee. Yes, this seat is ridiculously easy to install whether you are using a seatbelt or LATCH and that, my friends, means a lot to a new (frightened?) Attaching the seat onto the base is simple, and the carrier seems to fall into place. Adjusting the shoulder strap height on the Chicco is challenging. Chicco (kee-ko) is the largest baby-centric brand in Europe and is part of the Artsana Group. While weight might be important, other aspects should rank higher such as ease of installation and crash test scores. We've detected you are using a browser that is missing critical features. This is the highest end model they offer ($299) and I believe it will rival any of the luxury seats out there. 1 for Base Install (even with the top of the seat). When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Chicco is below average for installation using the vehicle belt. The regular 35 ($269) comes in regular and ClearTex fabric options. Applicable shipping fees will be calculated at checkout. Chicco KeyFit 30 ClearTex Infant Car Seat - Pewter, Up to 20% Off - Veterans, Responders, Medical, Receive Exclusive Promotions, Offers and Product Updates, #1-rated and engineered with innovative features that make it the easiest infant car seat to install correctly, ClearTex fabric features no added chemicals and is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions, contributing to healthier air quality around baby, Lightweight, 9.5 lb. Its not our favorite jogger, but a decent all-terrain stroller. The seat has three height options and one buckle strap location, and we found the process of getting the straps rethreaded annoying. It has a slightly higher price, but for that, you get easier installation in all methods, a lighter weight, a larger weight limit, and more features for comfort. With a higher rank and impressive test results where it counts like crash test and LATCH installation, it is hard not to love this budget-minded car seat. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, In-depth baby product reviews led by a Pediatrician, Crash test results and ease of install with a nice price make it a good choice for most families. This Chicco seat is compatible with Chicco brand strollers. We had difficulty with the handle and canopy rubbing in some positions, but the handle moves smoothly and works well. The Chicco is more challenging to install without the base than any other installation method. Exclusive savings for our newsletter subscribers. To help achieve the right angle, the base also comes with an adjustable foot. And we think you will too. That said, this is a seat we regularly recommend to friends without hesitation. Its also a favoritefor transporting preemies (babies 4+ lbs) home from the NICU. See also: Best Frame Strollers. This chart shows the crash test data for the head sensor on the test dummy. I affectionately call this full cocoon mode. I think you can do better). ClearTex fabric features no added chemicals for gentle, child comfort and parent peace of mind. No ads. Even when in the lock-off correctly, the base can still work its way up the side of the shoulder belt and tip slightly to the side. Bottom line: Outside of the Caddy, strollers are not Chiccos strong suit (that sounds harsh, but its true). I just wanted to email you and let you know how much I love your blog, and will continue to read it, and read it, and read it. The shoulder straps meet at a T-style splitter plate, and the small loops on the straps make it easier to get them through the slots than some of the competition but harder to reattach to the splitter. We purchased top infant car seats for crash tests and How to Select the Safest Car Seat for Your Infant. Its very possible youll have to mix and match brands to get your ideal combination. The KeyFit is a high-quality, beautifully designed car seat that wont break the bank. However, if we observe any damage to the product upon its return to us, the return may be refused or only a partial refund will be provided. If I were a betting woman, I would wager that all of their seats will soon be this way (ClearTex), and right now they are just phasing out the original version. #1-rated Infant Car Seat in America with ClearTex Comfort, Download the latest version of your prefered browser. If for any reason you would like to return a new item, Mega Babiesoffers a 30-day return policy with a 100% money back guarantee (with the exception of the return shipping fee and late fees). In our evaluation of the crash test results, the Chicco showed an additional margin of protection over much of the competition with results for G forces that were lower than most. This chart shows the comparison of the crash test data for the chest sensors for the Chicco Keyfit 30 and the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 40, which had the best chest score in the group, The Chicco had relatively thick dense foam compared to the competition, but boasted no additional side impact protection features, The Chicco scored well for ease of install using the LATCH method, Installation of the Chicco using the vehicle belt is easier with the lap only belt as opposed to the lap/shoulder belt common in newer passenger vehicles, The Chicco does offer a shoulder belt lock off threading point that helps make installation using a shoulder belt a little more secure, We had to use multiple towels to achieve the best possible installation without a base for the Chicco Keyfit, The Chicco uses the American belt path which threads the vehicle belt across the lower portion of the seat only, The Chicco buckle is easier to use than the Britax and Graco, but we found the chest clip to be more difficult than much of the competition, The Chicco release button is easy to use situated on top of the padding. Your email address will not be published. It is lighter than the heaviest products, which are closer to 12 lbs. The chart below shows a comparison of all the products' chest sensor results. Posted The KeyFit 30 delivered one of the top performances in crash testing and is also one of the easiest to install using the LATCH system. To find out more about our return policy you can read morehere. All KeyFit 30 seats are this way, even the 2 upgrade models. Any items received as a gift can be exchanged for store credit only. Meg!! BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents.