Chicco KeyFit 30 vs Chicco Fit2: One is Better

Chicco KeyFit 30 vs Chicco Fit2

Chicco is definitely one of the top brands where infant car seats are concerned, so if you find yourself comparing two of the brand’s major car seats, you aren’t alone.

But trying to figure out the main differences between the Chicco KeyFit 30 vs the Chicco Fit2, is not as easy as choosing the most affordable one.

They might seem quite similar at first glance, but when you look a little deeper, there are some big differences that set them both apart from one another.

The Fit2 is indeed more costly than the KeyFit 30, but there is more to both of these car seats than a difference in price.

Bottom Line Up Front: The stronger option of the two has to be the Chicco KeyFit 30. It might not be designed for children as big as those who can use the Chicco Fit2, but it is more lightweight, significantly cheaper, and it can still be used as a reliable infant car seat right from the start.

Main Differences Between the Chicco KeyFit 30 vs Chicco Fit2 are:

The main differences between the Chicco KeyFit 30 vs Chicco Fit2 are:

  • The Fit2 is also designed for babies up to 35 pounds, while the KeyFit 30 tops out at 30
  • The KeyFit 30 is a few pounds lighter than the Fit2
  • The Fit2 is a little smaller and more compact than the KeyFit 30
Our Pick
We Prefer the Chicco KeyFit 30

Although the KeyFit 30 is only rear-facing with a 30 pound weight limit, the Fit2 is only rated up to 35 pounds which is of limited value for most toddlers who quickly zoom past this weight limit. SO, the lower-priced and lighter-weight KeyFit 30 was the better choice for us!

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While the KeyFit 30 is designed for babies up to 30 pounds, for example, the Fit2 can be used for little ones up to 35 pounds. It’s not the biggest difference in the world of course, but it is a difference that some parents might appreciate. The Fit2 can also be used as a forward-facing, whereas the KeyFit 30 is only meant to be used as a rear-facing car seat.

On the other hand, you can KeyFit 30 has washable fabric, while you need to wipe clean the fabric of the Fit2 to get it clean every time. However, they are both certified for airplane use, which is always a benefit, especially for families who may need to travel with their infants.

The Chicco Keyfit 30 and Chicco Fit2 are both solid car seats that can be used until your baby is ready to transition to the next car seat option. But because they have so many similarities, you might find yourself wondering how they are different and which one to go with. So before you make any rash decisions, it’s important to take a closer look at both vehicle seat options.

Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat

Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat

 

The Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat is one of the top infant seats out there because of its size, safety features, and comfort. It’s designed for infants right from the start, but it can only be used as a rear-facing car seat, so you will eventually need to transition to other vehicle seat options to accommodate your little one as they enter the toddler stage.

It has a five-point safety harness tightener that can be adjusted with one hand and there are bubble levels to help you get the car seat in the base at just the proper angle for your baby’s comfort and safety.

Installing the car seat is relatively easy thanks to Chicco’s SuperCinch LATCH tightener. It’s just a tad easier than the installation of other similar car seats, so it can make the KeyFit 30 a little more approachable in that regard.

The base then stays in your car so all you have to do is click the infant seat in and out as you need to take it in and out of your car. And thanks to the convenient carrying handle, it’s relatively simple to carry the car seat wherever you need to go with your little one. The car seat also clicks into compatible Chicco strollers, so you can easily take your infant on walks without taking him or her out of the infant seat.

Key Features of the Chicco KeyFit 30

  • Chicco Fit Installation: You can install the car seat base using Chicco’s SuperCinch LATCH tightener to get a secure installation that you won’t have to worry about after initially installing it in your back seat.
  • Safety: It has bubble level indicators to keep the car seat positioned at the correct angle for your baby’s weight (infant position vs toddler position) and the infant insert (newborn insert) helps accommodate younger and smaller infants.
  • Child Weight Limit: The car seat is designed for babies from 4-30 pounds (infant seat).
  • Price: Check out the latest pricing directly at ChiccoUSA here.
  • Where To Buy: You can find it on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon or in-store at Buy Buy Baby.
  • Has This Been Recalled?: There was a 2018 recall on Canada-manufactured Chicco NextFit 30 Car Seats.

Pros

  • It’s easy to install and tighten the base of the car seat.
  • You can tighten the five-point safety harness just by pulling the harness strap between your baby’s legs.
  • It’s also easy to fasten and unfasten the chest clip, whereas on some other similar car seats the chest clip can sometimes clip.
  • The car seat itself is lightweight enough to carry with relative ease.
  • You will feel like your baby is secure, snug, and comfortable in the car seat.

Cons

  • The latch to actually release the car seat from its base can sometimes be hard to press down.
  • It is only a rear facing car seat and can’t be transitioned to a forward-facing car seat.
  • Unlike some other similar infant car seats, this one can be difficult to fit in shopping carts.

Our Pick
We Prefer the Chicco KeyFit 30

Although the KeyFit 30 is only rear-facing with a 30 pound weight limit, the Fit2 is only rated up to 35 pounds which is of limited value for most toddlers who quickly zoom past this weight limit. SO, the lower-priced and lighter-weight KeyFit 30 was the better choice for us!

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Chicco Fit2 Car Seat

Chicco Fit2 Car Seat

The Chicco Fit2 Car Seat is comparable to the KeyFit 30 in design since it too is an infant car seat that can also be used as a carrier, But unlike the KeyFit 30, the Fit2 is eventually used as a forward-facing car seat to accommodate your baby as he or she grows.

Like other Chicco car seats, it also has the SuperCinch LATCH tightener to properly and securely install the car seat base to then click the vehicle seat into each time you put it in your back seat. It has a seven-position headrest to grow with your little one (note: it’s not a removable head rest), at least until they grow out of the infant car seat.

Thanks to the fact that it can be used for babies up to 35 pounds and transitions to a forward-facing car seat, your baby can get more use out of this car seat than some other similar infant car seats.

The base can be used whether you have the car seat in the infant rear-facing position or toddler seat configuration. Speaking of getting the car seat installed correctly, this one has bubble level indicators to get it at just the right angle every time. It’s not exactly a convertible car seat, but it does take the infant car seat one step further than a lot of others (a good convertible seat compromise).

Key Features of the Chicco Fit2

  • Installation: You can install the base with Chicco’s SuperCinch LATCH tightener and it can be used whether the car seat is rear or forward-facing.
  • Safety: There are bubble level indicators to install the car seat at the right angle and a ReclineSure leveling foot to get the right base angle too.
  • Child Weight Limit: The car seat is designed for babies from 4-35 pounds and little ones from 15-35 pounds can use it in the forward-facing mode.
  • Price: Check the latest pricing for the Fit2 directly at ChiccoUSA here.
  • Where To Buy: You can find it on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon or in-store at Buy Buy Baby.
  • Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current product recall alerts on the Chicco Fit2.

Pros

  • The car seat is easy to install regardless of whether it is rear or forward-facing.
  • The fact that it can be used in both directions is a big deal for an infant car seat.
  • It’s also comfortable and cushioned enough for babies to enjoy being buckled in it on long car rides.
  • It’s fairly easy to push the button on the base that releases the car seat.

Cons

  • It is a little on the pricey side for an infant car seat.
  • The car seat is a little heavier than some other similar options, including the KeyFit 30.
  • Even with the headrest at the highest setting, some taller babies may outgrow it early on.

The Verdict: KeyFit 30 or Fit2?

It might be hard to figure out which car seat is best for your little one at first glance. To be fair, they do have so many of the same qualities, and being from the same brand doesn’t help distinguish them either.

Our Pick
We Prefer the Chicco KeyFit 30

Although the KeyFit 30 is only rear-facing with a 30 pound weight limit, the Fit2 is only rated up to 35 pounds which is of limited value for most toddlers who quickly zoom past this weight limit. SO, the lower-priced and lighter-weight KeyFit 30 was the better choice for us!

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Bottom Line Summary: But when it all comes down to it, the stronger option of the two has to be the Chicco KeyFit 30. It might not be designed for children as big as those who can use the Chicco Fit2, but it is more lightweight and it can still be used as a reliable infant car seat right from the start.

Since it is an infant car seat, you can also easily carry it by the convenient handle and because it weighs less than 18 pounds on its own, most parents will find it easy to carry and transport it.

Not to mention the fact that it’s more affordable than the Fit2. The KeyFit 30 is made to be easy to install, easy to adjust, and safe and comfortable for your growing baby.

It may not be one of those all-in-one car seats some parents swear by, but it will definitely get the job done for the first few months of your baby’s life.

Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Car Seat | Amazon
$219.97

The Graco® SlimFit® 3-in-1 Car Seat grows with your child, from rear-facing harness (5-40 lb) to forward-facing harness (22-65 lb) to highback booster (40-100 lb). It saves space in your back seat, while giving your child plenty of room to grow. 

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02/14/2023 01:05 pm GMT
Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat | BuybuyBABY
$269.99

The Anti-Rebound bar protects baby by minimizing forces and reducing rotation in case of a front or rear collision. The ARB is integrated and stow able. The ARB spacer allows for extended rear-facing use by increasing your child's leg room by 2 inches.

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Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car Seat | buybuyBABY

This is the only harnessed convertible car seat rated to 85 pounds (as of November 2016). Extended weight range keeps children safely harnessed longer: 5 to 40 pounds rear facing and 22 to 85 pounds forward facing.

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FAQs

Question: Is Chicco an American brand? 

Answer: Chicco car seats are made in China. No, Chicco is not an American brand. 

Question: Is Chicco an Italian brand?

Answer: Yes, they are! 

Question: Are Chicco car seats expensive?

Answer: No, that’s a part of what makes them so great. Chicco is affordable for many families and they offer a variety of products too!

Final Thoughts on the Chicco Fit2 vs KeyFit 30

Just because the Chicco KeyFit 30 is the strongest option here, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the Chicco Fit2 isn’t worthy on its own. But when comparing both options, it’s hard to ignore some of the superior features (and pricing) of the KeyFit 30.

If you are looking for affordability, safety, and comfort, then it is the perfect option for you and your baby. There is always the chance that it doesn’t quite work out for your little one, but in most cases, it is the perfect car seat for infants to get a snug and safe ride as soon as possible.

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat | ChiccoUSA

The Chicco Keyfit 30 has been at the top of consumer report's best car seat list for years, and for good reason! This infant seat is extremely user friendly, safe for your baby, and lightweight!

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How Do These Chicco Car Seats Compare to Others?

Our expert editorial team has also evaluating the KeyFit 30 (and other Chicco seats) compared to many peers. Check these comparisons out if you are still on the fence:

 

 

1 thought on “Chicco KeyFit 30 vs Chicco Fit2: One is Better”

  1. The Fit2 CANNOT be used forward facing. It is rear facing only. It has a “second stage adjuster” that allows baby to be a little more upright, but still rear facing.

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