Best Infant Car Seat Review: Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat

The Chicco KeyFit 30 is the epitome of what the best infant car seats should entail. This car seat is an infant bucket seat and hooks into a base that can be connected to the seat with the LATCH system or the seatbelt. It also covers a wider range of weight for children with the addition of a full body insert for newborns.

The seat is the top rated infant seat in the United States and has a 5-point harness that you can adjust with one hand. Preemies can begin using this car seat as soon as they reach four pounds, and after the insert is removed, a child can use it until they are 30 pounds. This will help parents keep the child rear facing until at least age two, as is now recommended.

To ensure that you have installed the seat properly in your vehicle, there is a bubble level that will be green when it is at the right angle. The leveling foot is spring-loaded and has a push-button style of adjustment. This will allow you to adjust the angle without having to lift the base constantly. Finally, the tightener for the LATCH system is at the top of the base, allowing you to pull it tight once the anchors are attached.

The five-point harness adjusts easily and there are three different height settings. The seat itself has an energy-absorbing foam that is designed to cocoon the child during an accident. It is compatible with four Chicco strollers, the Cortina, Together, Caddy Frame, and Liteway Plus.

With this car seat, you can leave the handle at any angle, allowing you to hang toys to keep your child entertained while on the road or in the stroller. You can use this car seat until the child is 30”, which is usually when a child reaches two years of age.

Statistics:
Weight Range: 4-11 pounds with newborn insert, up to 30 pounds with insert removed
Height Range: Up to 30”
Carrier Weight: 9 lbs
Base Weight: 17 lbs
Carrier Width: 17”
Base Width: 15”
Overall Length: 27”

Features

Latch System:
The LATCH system on the ChiccoKeyFit 30 is one of the reasons this seat is the best infant car seat. You can keep the belts loose, making the attachment into the car easier. After you have it secured in the vehicle, you will pull the center-pull adjuster to ensure the buckles are installed correctly on both sides of the base.

Travel System Compatible:
The ChiccoKeyFit 30 is compatible with four types of strollers, the Chicco Cortina, Trevi, CortinaTogether, and the S3. If you are looking for something that is lightweight for short trips, then you can infant car seat will snap into a ChiccoKeyfit Caddy. It has a lightweight aluminum frame, large basket, four-position adjustable handle, and easy one-hand fold system.

Toy Compartment:
In the front of the base, there is a small compartment to hold toys. Simply open the front plastic flap and insert your child’s favorite toy or emergency diaper and clothing.

Five-Point Harness with Single Pull Adjuster:
Loosely buckle the chest clip and then clip in each buck over the hips. When you have the buckles adjusted where you desire, pull the strap in the lower front of the seat until properly tightened.

Rear-Facing:
This infant car seat is only for rear facing. When your child reaches the peak weight or height limit, you will need a convertible car seat or a booster depending on the age. However, this seat has an extended weight and height limit to give extra time in the seat.

Newborn Insert:
A thick padded insert will cuddle small infants from four pounds to 11 pounds. This insert is easy to remove and wash. It offers additional protection and the ability to allow premature infants to go home early when they do not fit in other seats. Simply remove the insert after child reaches 11 pounds and use the seat as is until 30 pounds.

Other Features:
• Re-Thread harness height adjustment
• Bubble leveler
• Recline level indicator on both sides
• Adjustable base
• Belt lock-off
• Carrier can be used without base
• Foam lining to protect kids during accident

Pros:
~ Cocoons children during accidents
~ Five-point adjustable harness for comfort
~ Belt lock-off to prevent shoulder strap from causing seat to tilt
~ Spring level foot for easy installation
~ Can be used longer than most seats
~ No restrictions on the handle placement
~ Compatible with travel systems by Chicco

Cons:
~ Wide car seat, makes it difficult for narrow seats or multiple car seats
~ Harness has to be re-threaded to change the height
~ Fabric is not breathable, causing children to get warm in the vehicle in the warmer weather
~ Small canopy