Chicco is a top name in baby gear for a reason. Their car seats are easy to use, earn high safety ratings, and are a great value compared to their competition. We’re taking a closer look at one of their most popular car seats in this Chicco KeyFit 35 review to help you decide if it’s the right model for your family. (>>> Check on PishPoshBaby.com)
Chicco KeyFit 35 Review of Specifications:
| Chicco KeyFit 35 | |
|---|---|
| |
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| Maximum child weight | 35lbs |
| Installation Type | Latch |
| Dimensions (WxLxH) | 28” x 16.5” x 22.5” |
| Weight | 17.2lbs |
| Country of origin | China |
| Price | Pishposhbaby.com BabyCubby.com Find on Amazon |
Installation
The LATCH system is the easiest way to install the KeyFit 35. The base uses push-style anchors that are easy to tighten and pop out easily when you need to move it. The bubble-style level indicator helps install the seat at the ideal angle, and it’s helpful that there’s one on both sides of the base.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 can also be installed using vehicle seat belts, though that’s a bit trickier than the LATCH system. The pathway isn’t color-coded and can be tricky to thread, and it’s difficult to get the seat fully secure with over-the-shoulder belts. On the plus side, the belt installation method is equally secure to the LATCH install—it’s just more of a hassle.
You’ll definitely want to use the base to install the KeyFit 35. The seat can be secured with a seat belt without the base but it doesn’t feel very stable, even when the belt is locked off correctly.
Child Comfort
The Chicco KeyFit 35 is designed to grow with your infant, from the day they’re born until they’re 32” tall. The headrest extends to comfortably fit kids at any point in the range, with a larger leg area than most car seats that gives taller babies more leg room. The removable newborn support provides extra padding for babies as small as 4 pounds.
The sun canopy on the KeyFit 35 is well-designed and made of durable, high-quality materials. It extends to give babies full coverage from the sun, providing UPF 50+ protection. The interior padding has the same high material quality and is nice and soft so it won’t irritate sensitive skin. It uses Chicco’s proprietary ClearTex material, which is easy to clean and stands up well to daily wear and tear.
Pros
- Easy and secure installation with LATCH base
- No-rethread harness system
- Anti-rebound bar improves stability
- Clicks into base with one-hand
- Removable newborn support
- Extendable headrest and ample leg room
- Easy compatibility with Chicco strollers
Cons
- A bit bulky and heavy to carry
- Doesn’t work well without the base
Safety
The Chicco KeyFit 35 performs better than average in crash tests. Its built-in anti-rebound bar helps here, directing the crash energy away from the seat to reduce the G-forces on the baby riding inside. The energy absorbing foam in the shell also gives it excellent side impact protection.
The safety harness of the KeyFit 35 is well-designed, too. The shoulder strap height can be adjusted without rethreading and the straps tighten smoothly, with no padding in the way to impede the straps or buckle. Parents can quickly get the harness snug and comfortable, and it has a stiff enough buckle even squirmy kids won’t unlatch it or wriggle free.
Ease of Use
The KeyFit 35 is among the most user-friendly car seats out there. Along with the ease of installing the LATCH base and adjusting the harness, it’s a snap to attach the carrier to the base, with a squeeze release that makes it just as easy to remove.
As to carrying it around, the KeyFit 35 has a textured, sturdy handle that’s comfortable to carry for short distances. The seat is on the heavier side, though, weighing around 10 pounds before you put your child inside, so it’s not a model most will want to carry by hand for long. That said, the KeyFit 35 works easily with any Chicco stroller that has car seat compatibility, with a one-step click-in attachment process and no adapters needed, so if you do need to go further with it there are travel systems you can use.
The Final Word: Chicco KeyFit 35 Review
The Chicco KeyFit 35 is easy to use with high safety ratings, and a great value at the price. That said, it does have its limitations. It’s on the heavier side and harder to install without the base, so it’s not a great option for users of public transportation. If that’s not an issue for you, the KeyFit 35 is a great choice for keeping your baby safe and comfy while you’re on the go. (>>> Find on Amazon)
