Chicco Keyfit 30
Chicco Keyfit 30 Review Facts
One of the most important things to think about before your baby is born is purchasing a car seat. Surely you have already purchased many of the other essentials that your child will need once he or she is born. But a car seat is key because not only are they required in all cars for infants, but it will also keep your child comfortable as they sleep and as you take them out. But how will you know which one to choose out of the thousands of options on the market?
A key feature that you will want to look at is the brand. Chicco is one of the most reputable brands in the world when it comes to children’s highchairs, strollers, and other necessary products. Originating in Italy, the brand has been able to sell its products in many countries across the globe and remains one of the most trusted by parents worldwide. Any car seat that you choose by Chicco is almost guaranteed to be one of the best out there.
The Chicco Keyfit 30 is no different. It will be comfortable for your baby, whether they are premature or a few months old, and you will be able to easily install it in your car. Other than that, you will also have an easy time buckling your baby in. There is EPS foam that is meant for impact protection, and the seat has received high scores on crash tests. The covers can also be washed, which is a lifesaver for parents when their babies have an accident. It also can be used with other Chicco strollers, so you will certainly be able to get a lot of use out of this product before your baby outgrows it.
In this review, we will talk more about the Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat and all the different features it offers in order for you to be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase it.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Has high scores on crash tests
Comes at a good price
Is comfortable and sturdy
Works for premature infants
Can be used with a compatible stroller
Easy to use and to install
Cons
Can only be used in American cars
Can’t be used for a long time
Canopy doesn't offer enough sun protection
Basic Features
One of the first things that we need to discuss when it comes to car seats are the size limits. Of course, since this is an infant seat, you will not be using it for a longer period within your child’s life.
When you use the newborn insert, which comes included with the car seat, it will be able to accommodate a child who weighs between 4 and 11 pounds. When you remove the newborn insert, the seat can accommodate a child who weighs up to 30 pounds. And the height limit is 30 inches.
So, you may feel as though you are not getting a lot out of the seat due to how little you will be able to use it. But the fact is that infant car seats are a lot safer because they are rear-facing, which has been proven to be the safest position for a child to sit in. You also will be able to use this quite frequently when you go out as it can also be used with strollers.
So, you can get a lot of use out of the Chicco Keyfit 30 in the short amount of time that you will be able to use it. It is also suitable for children who were born prematurely, which is not necessarily a feature that a lot of other ones have.
When you use the newborn insert, which comes included with the car seat, it will be able to accommodate a child who weighs between 4 and 11 pounds. When you remove the newborn insert, the seat can accommodate a child who weighs up to 30 pounds. And the height limit is 30 inches.
So, you may feel as though you are not getting a lot out of the seat due to how little you will be able to use it. But the fact is that infant car seats are a lot safer because they are rear-facing, which has been proven to be the safest position for a child to sit in. You also will be able to use this quite frequently when you go out as it can also be used with strollers.
So, you can get a lot of use out of the Chicco Keyfit 30 in the short amount of time that you will be able to use it. It is also suitable for children who were born prematurely, which is not necessarily a feature that a lot of other ones have.
Size
Many parents appreciated the fact that this car seat is lightweight and can be transferred place-to-place very easily. The seat itself is not too big and is not going to take up a lot of space in your car, particularly if you drive a larger vehicle. But for those who drive smaller sedans, you may find that it takes up a bit more room than you might have expected, and this is especially the case if you have to fit another car seat for another child in the back.
So, as we recommend with all of the seats that we review, you should measure the size of your backseat first before you make any purchases. The dimensions of this seat, in particular, are 17 x 27.5 x 24 inches.
So, as we recommend with all of the seats that we review, you should measure the size of your backseat first before you make any purchases. The dimensions of this seat, in particular, are 17 x 27.5 x 24 inches.
Ease of Use
It’s important to make sure that the seat is easy to use, especially by people who are newer parents. That is certainly the case here, as Chicco has done everything to ensure that even people who have no experience with babies will be able to install and use the product correctly. You will hear a click when you install the seat on the base, and there is also a ReclineSure system that uses level indicators to show you that the seat is in the correct position.
The harness is easy to adjust and to use because of the one button on the chest clip. When you want to have the right level for inclination, there are buttons on both sides of the base that you simply need to press in order to make adjustments.
The harness is easy to adjust and to use because of the one button on the chest clip. When you want to have the right level for inclination, there are buttons on both sides of the base that you simply need to press in order to make adjustments.
Accessories
As with most car seats, this does not come with any accessories. But you may want to consider getting a longer canopy to protect your child from the sun, as the canopy that comes with it does not extend to the leg area.
Safety
Even though every car seat that is sold must pass certain tests, some perform better than others. That is most certainly the case here with the Keyfit 30.
According to many of the crash tests, this seat scored much higher than seats need to in order to pass federal regulation. However, one important thing to note is that a car seat is safest when it has been installed properly. Some parents, especially new ones, might have difficulty with installing the seat correctly. But Chicco has done everything to ensure that this seat will not cause parents problems, which we have outlined in a previous section.
The base also has a SuperCinch Force-Multiplying LATCH Tightener, which works to make sure that the LATCH belt is even more secure than it already is, keeping the base in place. It also has a five-point harness to make sure that your baby is secure and comfortable in the seat. And finally, there is ample cushioning in the seat to provide impact protection and to protect your baby’s head and neck in case of an accident.
According to many of the crash tests, this seat scored much higher than seats need to in order to pass federal regulation. However, one important thing to note is that a car seat is safest when it has been installed properly. Some parents, especially new ones, might have difficulty with installing the seat correctly. But Chicco has done everything to ensure that this seat will not cause parents problems, which we have outlined in a previous section.
The base also has a SuperCinch Force-Multiplying LATCH Tightener, which works to make sure that the LATCH belt is even more secure than it already is, keeping the base in place. It also has a five-point harness to make sure that your baby is secure and comfortable in the seat. And finally, there is ample cushioning in the seat to provide impact protection and to protect your baby’s head and neck in case of an accident.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important features when you purchase a car seat. Your baby might not be able to verbally communicate with you that they are uncomfortable, but you will be able to tell based on things such as the softness of the cushions and how tight the seat belt is whether or not your child is feeling comfortable.
This seat will be somewhere that your child will sit for hours at a time, go on long car rides in, and sleep in, so you will want to make sure that you get the most comfortable option that you can.
The good news with this Chicco product is that it has been reviewed as being one of the most comfortable on the market for babies of all sizes, including premature babies and infants on the larger side. It comes with a newborn insert that is perfect for the tiniest of newborns. It’s soft and comfortable.
And the seat itself has enough protection for the area around your baby’s neck, which is the most vulnerable part of their bodies. There are three different height positions for the harness- 7, 9, and 11 inches when using the newborn insert, 8, 10, and 12 inches without the insert- so you will be able to adjust the harness accordingly as your child gets bigger.
The only issue that some people had in terms of comfort is that the canopy does not extend long enough to protect your baby’s legs from the sun. You want to make sure that your baby receives some sort of protection from the sun, not only so that they can avoid getting burned, but also so that they can sleep comfortably without the sun getting in their eyes. What many parents recommended is purchasing another canopy seat that will extend long enough.
This seat will be somewhere that your child will sit for hours at a time, go on long car rides in, and sleep in, so you will want to make sure that you get the most comfortable option that you can.
The good news with this Chicco product is that it has been reviewed as being one of the most comfortable on the market for babies of all sizes, including premature babies and infants on the larger side. It comes with a newborn insert that is perfect for the tiniest of newborns. It’s soft and comfortable.
And the seat itself has enough protection for the area around your baby’s neck, which is the most vulnerable part of their bodies. There are three different height positions for the harness- 7, 9, and 11 inches when using the newborn insert, 8, 10, and 12 inches without the insert- so you will be able to adjust the harness accordingly as your child gets bigger.
The only issue that some people had in terms of comfort is that the canopy does not extend long enough to protect your baby’s legs from the sun. You want to make sure that your baby receives some sort of protection from the sun, not only so that they can avoid getting burned, but also so that they can sleep comfortably without the sun getting in their eyes. What many parents recommended is purchasing another canopy seat that will extend long enough.
Weight
Another feature that you will want to consider is the weight. This is due to the fact that you will likely be transporting it from place to place, whether that be between different cars, different modes of transportation, or even to a stroller, so you will want to make sure that this process is as easy for you as possible.
The Chicco Keyfit 30 is surprisingly heavy when compared to other ones of its type that are available on the market, which could be a downside for some parents. It weighs 17 pounds, which does put it on the heavier side. Without the base, the seat weighs 9.2 pounds, which is relatively light but is still heavy in comparison with some others.
However, when you consider the fact that you will only be able to use it until your child weighs 30 pounds, this means that you won’t have to worry about the additional weight of your child being too heavy for you to carry. Also, the seat is made out of high-quality materials, which further add on to the weight of the overall device.
The Chicco Keyfit 30 is surprisingly heavy when compared to other ones of its type that are available on the market, which could be a downside for some parents. It weighs 17 pounds, which does put it on the heavier side. Without the base, the seat weighs 9.2 pounds, which is relatively light but is still heavy in comparison with some others.
However, when you consider the fact that you will only be able to use it until your child weighs 30 pounds, this means that you won’t have to worry about the additional weight of your child being too heavy for you to carry. Also, the seat is made out of high-quality materials, which further add on to the weight of the overall device.
Price
Many parents also are looking for a seat that is in an affordable price range for them. Not all families that are just starting out are able to afford some of the more expensive seats on the market, which is why it is important that they find something that is budget-friendly.
A lot of people did say that they felt this was a good price for what they got out of the deal, but it is important to consider the fact that it might not be so budget-friendly for some people, especially when you think about how you will only use the seat for a limited period of time. It costs $200 on Amazon, which does put it at the lower end for high-end seats, especially for Chicco ones.
And if you look at the fact that it has five-star ratings on online retailers, this could further make it an attractive option for you. There are many reviews that claim this is the best infant seat on the market for the price it is available at, and it’s also the infant seat that is sold the most in the United States. But in the end, this might be too expensive, so that’s something you will want to consider if you were thinking about purchasing this product.
A lot of people did say that they felt this was a good price for what they got out of the deal, but it is important to consider the fact that it might not be so budget-friendly for some people, especially when you think about how you will only use the seat for a limited period of time. It costs $200 on Amazon, which does put it at the lower end for high-end seats, especially for Chicco ones.
And if you look at the fact that it has five-star ratings on online retailers, this could further make it an attractive option for you. There are many reviews that claim this is the best infant seat on the market for the price it is available at, and it’s also the infant seat that is sold the most in the United States. But in the end, this might be too expensive, so that’s something you will want to consider if you were thinking about purchasing this product.
Key Features
Has level indicators to show you if the seat is at the right angle
It’s easy to install and use
It's made by a highly reputable brand
You can use it with a Chicco stroller for added convenience
Has a newborn insert for smaller babies
It can be used for six years after the date of purchase
It has plenty of advanced safety features
Has features to help even new parents install it correctly
It’s easy to install and use
It's made by a highly reputable brand
You can use it with a Chicco stroller for added convenience
Has a newborn insert for smaller babies
It can be used for six years after the date of purchase
It has plenty of advanced safety features
Has features to help even new parents install it correctly
Bottom Line
Overall, there’s a reason why the Chicco Keyfit 30 is considered to be the best-selling infant car seat in the United States. It has plenty of features to ensure that your child will stay safe at all times, it’s easy to install thanks to the level indicators, and it also has a lot of cushioning to keep even the smallest newborns comfortable. Parents have been trusting Chicco with their child’s products for years, so it’s no surprise that this product has received extremely high ratings on many different websites. It’s definitely a good option to consider for those who want a high-quality infant car seat.
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