Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat Review

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The Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat is our top choice when it comes to the best narrow car seat on the market.

With a width of 16.75 inches, not only is this slim build car seat stylish, but it also uses an innovative design to provide parents and babies with the best experience possible.

From a simple and secure installation to superior comfort, the Chicco KeyFit 30 really does function as one of the best infant car seats on the market.

Whilst no car seat is perfect, as we’ll discuss in detail below, the number of pros far outweigh any potential cons with the KeyFit 30.

So, read on to discover all of the reasons why you should choose this the Chicco KeyFit infant car seat.

And if you love this Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat review, make sure to check out our guide on Britax Marathon vs Advocate,  Britax Advocate vs Boulevard and best stroller car seat combos! Or even these guides on car seats compatible with Uppababy Cruz and car seats compatible with Bob Stroller.

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Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat Review

Let’s look at why the Chicco Keyfit 30 is one of the best infant car seats on the market:

Designed Specifically For Carrying Infants

This car seat is specifically designed for carrying infants, which has some big advantages compared to an all-in-one convertible seat.

Safety experts in this particular field believe that any newborn that is 20 pounds and under is safest being sat in a rear-facing infant car seat.

Yet, a convertible seat makes it virtually impossible to fit the straps with precision whereas an infant car seat is far better equipped.

Infant seats like the Chicco Keyfit are also far more convenient as they tend to be both lighter and smaller than a convertible seat.

They tuck neatly into the grooves of your car and can easily be attached to a stroller so that your baby doesn’t become disturbed if they’re sleeping.

Infant seats like the Chicco Keyfit also come complete with extensive side impact protection so your newborn is contained in a safer environment with increased protection.

Installation And Adjustability

One of the standout features of the Chicco KeyFit 30 is the ReclineSure system.

The ReclineSure system is a 9-position leveling system provides that provides the most recline options to accommodate a wide range of vehicles.

Fitting a car seat can also be a highly daunting and stressful experience for first-time parents. However, the design of the KeyFit is fully intended to assist first time parents.

The bubble levelling on the base of the car seat also removes any worries that may arise regarding the angle of the seat. Whilst the SuperClinch Latch tightening tightens the fit of the seat in one pull, removing the stress of loading the car seat incorrectly.

The SuperClinch Tightener is a primary example of how the designers have made parent’s lives much easier as they are able to get a tighter installation that fits snugly without too much arrangement.

This is also only a single strap that is fixed to the middle of the base and has a loop so parents can easily grasp it to pull it tighter, thereby tightening the LATCH strap connector and clinching the seat close to the correct spot. This removes the need to slam the seat into position.

The spring-loaded levelling foot is also a godsend. All you need to do is push on the orange buttons on the base to release the ReclineSure foot, it will then be able to touch your vehicle seat.

The bubble levels will be able to guide you so it is easy to angle the car seat correctly. This also ensures that you are able to fit the infant car seat without waking your baby. Upon hearing a definitive click, you will know that your seat is firmly fixed to the base.

The bubble levels and ReclineSure system will also give you additional assurance, which is perfect if this is your first time installing a car seat. This car seat also comes complete with a manual with further instructions on how to install it.

These models are consistently changing so you should definitely refer to the manual regardless. If your vehicle is pre-00’s and doesn’t have a LATCH system, you should alternatively use a seat belt to ensure the base of the seat is secured.

However, we should note that there are some flaws to this particular seat and some reviewers have experienced issues with tightening the shoulder straps.

In addition, one click is not always a guarantee that the seat is firmly in position either, you need to press down on the seat until a second louder click is heard. You should also always pull up the car seat to ensure that it is tucked in correctly prior to driving the car.

Fabric And Color Choices

The Chicco Keyfit 30 boasts the option of eight color combinations for parents to select from. The fabric is high quality and each color looks stylish. The splash of color induced by the patterns in the footrest section adds additional style.

The handle, underside of the seat and base are all the same color. The fabric is easy to clean and can be removed for machine washing on a cold cycle if absolutely necessary. The remainder of the car seat is easy to clean using soap and warm water.

Canopy

The KeyFit 30 comes with a canopy to help keep your baby protected.

Whilst, some customers have stated that the fabric isn’t breathable enough resulting in unnecessary sweating, newer versions of the KeyFit has 3D AirMesh fabric to improve ventilation, making the ride far more comfier for your little one.

So, this may only be an issue with older models.

Again, other reviewers have expressed that the canopy doesn’t cover as well as they’d like, leaving your baby exposed to sunlight. So do not dress your child overly warmly when in the car and use thin blankets to avoid overheating during the summer.

Weight And Height

This infant car seat can easily and safely cater for infants that are up to 30 inches in height. The weight limit depends on whether the newborn insert is installed.

This limit is 4-11 pounds if the insert is included and 11-22 pounds if the insert is removed or not installed. There are also numerous modified models that include a larger weight limit e.g. the KeyFit 40.

The KeyFit has also been highly recommended by NICU nurses because of the insert which adds an additional layer of protection for premature infants. The seat is FAA approved and you can easily switch It around from the ground to air.

Optional Accessories

There are also optional accessories that come with this infant car seat to make your baby’s journey easier. Here are a few of these:

Chicco Keyfit and KeyFit30 Infant Car Seat Base

This works for both modern and older models and enables you to transfer the car seat from one car to another if you are the owner of two bases. This removes the need for reinstallation every time.

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

This device ensures that your baby stays asleep whilst the seat you strap your seat to the frame of the stroller. When they’re a little bit older, you will be able to remove the car seat and let them just ride in the stroller.

Check KeyFit Caddy Stroller Frame

If you’re already in possession of the KeyFit car seat, you’ll also be able to buy into the stroller frame. Click the seat on the frame and ride easily. It can be easily folded with one hand and fits snugly into any vehicle’s storage space. There is also a parent tray complete with cup holders and a large storage basket that makes it ideal for a pleasant trip to the park or a large shopping trip!

Final Thoughts on the Chicco Keyfit 30 Car Seat

Whilst this car seat isn’t 100% perfect (there aren’t any car seats that are!) It is renowned as one of the safest for a reason. It makes life a lot easier for first time parents to navigate and is easily installed without too much fuss or anxiety.

It is also not too large and easily fixed to your LATCH system. There are therefore many pros to this product including the fact that it’s performed incredibly well in crash tests and has an abundance of head support and side impact prevention.

The best aspect of this infant car seat is it’s easy installation and the way that it is easily able to be transferred from one car to another, you can rest assured that it is clicked properly into place and drives off without constant anxiety with regards to your newborn’s safety.

This is particularly beneficial for first-time parents who will also be trying to work their head around their own worries and concerns without the additional pressure of securely fixing a car seat!

It is highly recommended that you buy a second base if you will be regularly switching vehicles as this will further reduce your stress levels.

As outlined above, any flaws to this product are massively outweighed by the pro’s and you will be driving with limited stress if you purchase this infant car seat.

And if you’re looking for more great baby guides, then check out these guides on the best strollers compatible with Chicco Keyfit 30, car seats compatible with Uppababy Cruz, car seats compatible with Uppababy Vista, and best convertible strollers.