Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat Reviews

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Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat Reviews

The Chicco KeyFit and Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat are infant car seats from the company Chicco (pronounced KEEK-Koh).  The original KeyFit model (aka the KeyFit 22) is generally only sold with the Chicco Cortina stroller as a “travel system” while the KeyFit 30 model is typically sold separately but can be paired with any compatible Chicco stroller (see “Stroller Compatibility” table below) to create a perfect travel system, if desired.  The Chicco KeyFit Caddy is a great option if you want a snap-n-go type solution that has many of the same great qualities found in a full-featured stroller.

The original KeyFit is rated for babies from 4 to 22 pounds and 30” or less in height.  The KeyFit 30 model is rated for babies from 4-30 lbs and 30” or less in height.  Both seats are the same size and shape – the only differences are the maximum weight limits (22 lbs. vs 30 lbs.), cover options, and a small difference in price.  With either model, you should discontinue usage once the child reaches either the weight limit OR the 30” height limit OR if the top of the child’s head is less than 1” from the top of the restraint.  Current models of both the KeyFit and KeyFit 30 utilize the same Chicco KeyFit Car Seat Base.  These bases have a sticker on the side indicating that they can be used with either the 22 lb or 30 lb models.

The KeyFit 30 model used in this review is the “Lila” pattern, however, the Keyfit 30 comes in several different color/fashions. It’s not a soft fabric like a cotton or plush microfiber but it does seem like it would be fairly resistant to frequent spit-up. It also comes with a newborn insert, a head support insert and harness strap covers.  The KeyFit 30 retails typically between $179 to $199 depending on color/fashion.

The newborn insert comes with both the KeyFit and KeyFit 30 models and is used for babies who weigh between 4-11 lbs. The insert provides additional support for the babies head, as well as a secure harness fit for smaller infants.  The insert should be removed once the baby outgrows it, typically when their weight is more than 11 lbs. It’s worth mentioning that the head support cushion can still be used, if desired, even when the newborn [torso] support cushion has been removed. The head support pillow may be used until the child needs to use the top harness slots in the seat.

We gave this Chicco car seat an Editors’ Choice Award for offering parents a better than average infant car seat for a reasonable price that is compatible with most car seats including most award-winning options.

Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat Fashions
Chicco KeyFit 30 Fashion 1
Chicco KeyFit 30 Fashion 2
Product Information

The #1-rated KeyFit car seat is the easiest infant car seat to install: simply, accurately and securely. Every time.

Now with premium zipper accents for added style and convenience, KeyFit 30 Zip includes a zip-off canopy, zip-on visor, and zip-around boot! And for easy washing, KeyFit 30 Zip includes a machine-washable, quick-remove seat pad.

EPS energy-absorbing foam lines the shell of the car seat, and the five-point harness has a one-pull adjustment for quick, easy fitting. For comfort and security for smaller babies (4-11lbs.), an infant insert provides support. The vehicle base features the ReclineSure Spring-Loaded Leveling Foot, RideRight Dual Bubble Level-Indicators, and the SuperCinch One-Pull LATCH Tightener for simple, accurate and secure installation!

The KeyFit 30 Zip in Hydra makes a modern statement, showcasing a tranquil hue of aqua blue in a soft, striped knit. Grounded in rich, charcoal grey, and complete with aqua zipper accents, Hydra embodies contemporary class.

Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat

  • Seat interior lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam for improved impact protection
  • For use from birth up to 30 lbs
  • Infant insert for smaller babies from 4-11 lbs
  • 5-point harness with one-pull tightener
  • Adjustable, multi-position canopy
  • Easy one-hand removal from base
  • Ergonomically designed carry handle with comfortable grip
  • Conforms to FMVSS 213
  • Compatible with Chicco Bravo, Cortina, TRE, Activ3, Cortina Together, Liteway Plus, and KeyFit Caddy strollers
  • Accommodates vehicles without Latch using a built-in, belt routing, lock-off system
  • Smooth underside of base protects against damage to vehicle seats

Proper installation is the Key to making your baby’s world safer. #1-rated Chicco KeyFit is the easiest car seat to install: Simply. Accurately. Securely. Every time.

And KeyFit Travel systems make traveling with a baby even easier. Choose from dozens of Chicco’s KeyFit compatible strollers for easy click-in travel

Chicco_KeyFit_Infant_Car_Seat011
Chicco KeyFit Base

Buy an extra base for convenient back-and-forth between vehicles

  • Easy one-hand car seat removal
  • Accommodates vehicles without Latch using a built-in lock-off system
  • Smooth underside of base protects against damage to vehicle seats
Features:
  • #1-rated infant car seat in America
  • ReclineSure Leveling Foot adjusts to fit vehicle seat angle
  • RideRight Bubble-level Indicators show when a proper fit has been achieved
  • SuperCinch One-pull LATCH Tightener achieves a tight, secure fit with a fraction of the effort
  • Infant insert for smaller babies 4-11 lbs.
  • Seat interior lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam for improved impact protection
  • Easy removal from both stroller and base
  • Adjustable, multi-position canopy
  • Smooth underside of base helps protect against damage to vehicle seats
  • Accommodates vehicles without LATCH
  • Conforms to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, FMVSS 213
  • FAA approved for use on an aircraft
  • Color description: a black-on-black fashion featuring a high-quality, woven jacquard in a stunning geometric pattern with a gorgeous sheen

Recommended Use:
Babies from 4–22 lbs.

Easy On/Off Zippers
Chicco Zip-On Visor

Zip-On Visor

Zip-on visor to extend canopy for increased coverage and shade from the sun.

Zip-Off Canopy

Zip-Off Canopy

Zip-off canopy and quick-remove seat pad are machine-washable.

Chicco Zip Around Boot

Zip Around Boot

Machine-washable, zip-around boot for all-season style and comfort.

The Easiest Car Seat to Install
Chicco_KeyFit_Infant_Car_Seat02

ReclineSure

Spring-loaded leveling system provides an accurate fit in a wider range of vehicles.

RideRight

RideRight

Bubble level-indicators on either side of the base indicate accurate seat angle.

Chicco SuperCinch

SuperCinch

One-pull Latch tightener with force-multiplying technology to help achieve a tight and secure fit with a fraction of the effort!

Chicco KeyFit #1

#1-Rated Infant Car Seat

Fits your vehicle. Fits your child. The KeyFit Infant Car Seat is #1-rated for its ease of installation and its comfortable and secure fit for babies 4-22 pounds.

Simply Secure
One-pull Harness Adjustment

One-pull Harness Adjustment

5-point harness has a one-pull tightener for easy adjustments.

Chicco Infant Insert

Infant Insert

Infant insert holds smaller babies comfortably and securely from 4 to 11 pounds.

Chicco Easy In/Out

Easy In/Out

KeyFit secures easily onto the base with a reassuring audible Click! And can be easily removed from the base with just one hand.

Stroller Compatibility
Chicco Stroller line
Dimensions
  •     Dimensions Assembled : 27.5L x 24H x 17W
  •     Assembled Weight: 17.15 lbs.
  •     Weight without Base: 9.6 lbs.Ship Weight: 20 lbs.
    Carton Dimensions: 17.32L x 27.95H x 14.96W
Product Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Fabrics:

  •     Fabrics may be spot-cleaned with mild soap and water, or machine washed in cold water on delicate cycle using a mild detergent. Hang to dry. DO NOT BLEACH.
  •     To remove the seat cover of the car seat, please refer to the product manual.
  •     NEVER remove Harness or harness components from Carrier. If the harness is extremely soiled or damaged, Call Chicco to order a replacement.

Cleaning Plastics:

  •     Sponge clean using warm water and mild soap. Towel dry. DO NOT USE BLEACH, solvents, or household cleaners, as they may weaken the plastics.

Cleaning Harness and LATCH Straps:

  •     Sponge clean using warm water and mild soap. Air dry. DO NOT USE BLEACH, solvents, or household cleaners, as they may weaken the straps.

Cleaning Buckle and LATCH Hardware:

  •     Sponge clean, or rinse in a cup of warm water. DO NOT USE ANY SOAPS OR LUBRICANTS on Buckle or LATCH Hardware. It may cause them to malfunction.
Chicco Car Seat Installation Instructions

Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat Installation

Proper installation is the key to making your baby’s world safer. #1 rated Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat is the easiest car seat to install correctly. The Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat is the premier infant carrier for safety, comfort, and convenience. With its removable newborn insert, the KeyFit 30 car seat will accommodate your baby from four to twenty-two pounds. The KeyFit 30 thickly cushioned seat includes a five-point safety harness and is lined with energy-absorbing foam for increased safety and comfort. The KeyFit 30 base’s spring-assisted level foot, two precision bubble levels, and “center-pull” latch adjustment guarantee quick and correct installment from either side of your vehicle and give you confidence that your child is safely secured in your vehicle.

Chicco KeyFit Demo

Luann walks you through all the features of the Chicco KeyFit infant car seat.

Chicco KeyFit Car Seat Installation

Watch how easy it is to install a Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat.

Chicco Keyfit: Infant Car Seat Installation Without the Base

Learn how to install the Chicco Keyfit infant car seat without the base using your vehicles seat belt system. www.carseatinstallers.com.

KeyFit - installing the base with a vehicle belt

About Chicco

Chicco (kee-ko) is the largest baby brand in Europe and has been part of the Artsana Group for over 50 years. The Artsana Group is an innovative lifestyle company that offers a variety of products that include baby feeding, gear to medical supplies. Chicco was founded by Enrico Catelli, which offers baby related products from before birth to preschool age, their products are now in more than 120 countries over six continents.
Best Deals:

Chicco Help & Support

The Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat comes with a one-year warranty. The Chicco website offers excellent support, including a downloadable version of the instructional manual. If you need more help, customer support representatives are available by phone and email.

Safety Information

After purchasing any child car seat, you should always read the User Manual thoroughly before using it. It is also advisable to visit your local Fire Department or NHTSA Child Car Seat Inspection Centre to ensure that the seat is definitely suitable for your child’s specific requirements and that you have installed it correctly. These services are usually provided free of charge.

You can find your nearest NHTSA Centre here.

Summary

The Chicco Keyfit 30 car seat is a really great infant car seat and you can hardly go wrong with this one. It’s safe for infants and super easy to install. The ability to fit onto most of the strollers is a major selling point since most of us will probably own more than 1 stroller anyway. It’s not the cheapest infant car seat in the market, but it’s definitely an affordable one with great value for your money, considering it has nice features and the peace of mind when your baby sleeps and travels in it. The bottom line is, if you want a great car seat that looks great and compatible with your favorite stroller, you can invest in this car seat without having second thoughts.

Price Comparisons
  • All prices mentioned above are in United States dollar.
  • This product is available at Amazon.com.
  • At amazon.com you can purchase Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base, Lilla for only $199.99
  • The lowest price of Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base, Lilla was obtained on September 6, 2023 7:55 pm.
6.6 Total Score
Best All-Around Option

This seat earned a high score for ease of install and a good score for crash test results. With an easy to use LATCH system and unique features that help make installation easier this seat is a parent favorite.

Crash Test
8.1
Ease of Install - LATCH
9.7
Ease of Install - Belt
6.4
Ease of Install - w/o Base
4.3
Ease of Use
7.2
Comfort / Quality
5.5
Weight / Size
5.0
PROS
  • Easy LATCH installation
  • Better crash test results
  • Reasonable price
CONS
  • Heavier than the average car seat
  • Coarse fabric and does not breathe well
  • Hard to install with a belt