Car Seat Showdown: Chicco Keyfit 30 Vs Fit2 Comparison

They are in the same family which one is the right fit?

I normally don’t make comparisons in the same brand. The main issue is that the important things are all the same.

Since it was a special request, here we go.

Look:

Here’s the bird’s eye view of the Chicco Keyfit 30. It’s one of the highest-rated car seats in Consumer Reports. It has all the safety features you will ever need. Plus, it’s super comfy for the baby.

Here’s the bird’s eye view of the Chicco Fit2. It’s very similar to the Keyfit 30. It has a two-stage base. It’s good for toddlers up to 2 years of age. Very spacious and comfy.

Direct Comparison Chicco Fit2 Vs Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat

Breaking it down

As a parent, this is the most important thing to check out when buying a new car seat. First of all, safety. Now some low budget car seats barely pass the government standards. That’s not the case with the Chicco brand. They go the extra mile.

The next important thing to know is the size limits. How long can you use the car seat? In the current economy, it’s great to get the most mileage possible. Next on the list is installation. There are some nightmare products out there, and we’re in luck with Chicco. They make it look easy.

After that, I talk about the material. This is important because you know that kids are messy, and accidents happen. So you have to have a clear picture of how easy or hard it is to clean.

Last but not least, I tackle the small features that make a difference.

Safety

Whenever I look at a new car seat, this is the first thing I check. Chicco is top of the line when it comes to safety. They come highly recommended even on Consumer Reports.

Typically I compare the two-car seat side by side. Since they are in the same family, they have the same safety protection. The only difference is that the Fit2 infant car seat is the newer improved version.

The Chicco Keyfit 30 has been around for many years; it has earned the trust of parents. And it’s one of the highest-rated car seats on Consumer reports.

Both car seats use the same safety technology. By getting either of the car seats, your little one will be safe from the rear, frontal, and side-impact. And to reduce the impact force, the shell is surrounded by energy-absorbing foam.

Both car seats secure your baby with the 5-point harness. This slowly became the industry standard. This is the safest way to keep your baby in place.

Winner

Size Limits

This is the second thing that I check when I’m looking for a new car seat. These carriers don’t come cheap. So it’s a good idea to get the best mileage out of them.

For the first couple of months, you will be carrying both this seat and your baby as well. So make sure you check the infant car seat weight or your back might be killing you.

Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat

The Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat is meant to serve your child from 1 day old up to 9-12 months. This is the perfect seat to get your little one home from the hospital. The lower limit is 4 pounds. And thanks to the baby padding, your little one will be safe and comfy.

The maximum height limit is 30”. So this car seat will serve you well in the first year. After that, you will have to switch to a convertible.

This infant carrier isn’t light and comes in at 9 pounds without the base.

Chicco Fit2 Infant Car Seat

The Chicco Fit2 infant car seat has two functions. It caters to infants and toddlers as well. After the infant maximums have been reached, you have to pull the lever, and you’re in toddler mode.

The strongest point of the Chicco Fit2 car seat is that you get decent mileage out of it. As in from infant stage up to two years. The upper limit is set to 35 pounds, and as for height, it’s 35”. Most other brands only allow 32”.

Since this car seat is for bigger kids, then it’s heavier. The carrier is 11 pounds. If you have to carry it around, you will feel the weight, especially if you have a heavy baby.

Winner

Installation

This is the third important thing that I look at when I’m buying a new car seat. You can buy the ultimate bells and whistles car seat, and if you don’t manage to install it correctly, then it won’t do its job.

It’s good to know if you will need acrobatics classes or a decent warm-up before you start the mounting process.

Chicco Fit2 and Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Seat

I can’t separate the two. It’s the same. Since the Chicco Fit2 car seat is the newer version, then the leveling guide is a bit different. That’s it.

The rest is the same. As in you level the seat first and then you connect the latches. After that, you pull the strap until it’s nice and snug.  Once that’s done, you connect the carrier. And you’re set.

The Chicco brand has the fastest, and easiest car seat installs so far.

Winner

Fabric/Material

The next important thing I check before buying is the material. Yes, of course, I always choose something that comfortable and plush. I know some brands have a scratchy fabric which resembles sandpaper.

Besides this, I always check how easy it is to remove it and how you can wash it. You see, there are car seats that only allow hand washing and other spot cleaning. These might not be the best solution in case of accidents.

Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Carrier

The Chicco Keyfit 30 car seat delivers here. The material is nice and soft. The removal and reinstall are easy to do. Plus, it’s a washing machine friendly. So no matter the stain, you can clean it with ease.

Chicco Fit2 Infant Carrier

The Chicco Fit2 car seat is a newer version, and it disappoints somewhat. You can’t remove the fabric. This means that spot cleaning is the only option.

For infants, this is not a big issue. But this car seat caters to toddlers as well. So when there’s throwing up accident,s getting the material clean isn’t easy.

Winner

Bonuses and Features

In this section, I always go into detail. The little things matter a lot. Usually, there is some small difference, which might be a bonus for some. Also, here you can see if there are some annoying features.

Since these baby carriers are from the same brand and mostly cater to the same audience, the differences are slim.

First of all the both of them come with padded inserts for newborns. So if you’re taking your baby home from the hospital, both of these seats will do the job and keep them safe.

Both Chicco Fit2 car seat and Chicco Keyfit 30 car seat is compatible with strollers. They work best with Chicco strollers. With a few clicks, you will get the carrier out from the car and installed on the stroller. This is how you create your ultimate travel system.

There’s one big difference between the Chicco Fit2 and the Keyfit 30. That’s the harness rethreading. With the Chicco Fit2 car seat, when you adjust the headrest the straps are automatically adjusted. This is not the case with the Chicco Keyfit 30 car seat. For some, this would be a chore to adjust.

Winner

Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Carrier Seat

Chicco Fit2 Infant Carrier Seat

Final Recount

The other four categories were a tie.

Chicco Keyfit 30 vs Fit2 Verdict Infant Car Seats

Sorry to disappoint you. There’s no clear winner. So the decision comes down to you, dear reader. The main difference is that the Fit2 will help you protect up to two years of age and the Keyfit 30 taps out at around 9-12 months.

Since these carriers are from the same brand, no wonder it’s a tie. The safety features are just as good for both of them. The Keyfit 30 car seat comes highly recommended from Consumer Reports. Fit2 didn’t have the chance to earn its stripes because it’s a new addition to the Chicco family.

The size limits are where the Chicco Fit2car seat  takes the lead. This caters to both infants and toddlers at the same time, while the Chicco Keyfit 30 is for infants mainly. The Fit2 offers a wider range. The price is higher, which is expected. You pull one lever, and the carrier is perfect for a toddler.

The installation is the same. There’s a small difference at the leveling part, but if you time it’s just as fast as the original one. Then I’ve mentioned the fabric. Here the Chicco Keyfit 30 won because the cover is removable and machine washable while the Chicco Fit2 car seat is spot clean only.

The decision is not easy. On the one hand, you have the Chicco Fit2 car seat, which gets you longer mileage. But it’s more expensive, and it’s heavier. Plus, you can only spot clean it.

If you prefer to switch the seats earlier, then there’s the Chicco Keyfit 30 car seat. It’s lighter, and it’s budget-friendly. The material is easy to remove and washable. But you can only use it for 9-12 months.

We have reached the end of the Chicco Fit2 vs. Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat comparison. I know there’s no obvious winner here. Which one you choose to get it now because stocks are running low.

If you have ideas or feedback, I’m open drop me a line below.

Catch you next time!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicco Keyfit 30 vs Fit2

What is the difference between Chicco KeyFit and Keyfit 30?

There’s one key difference between the Chicco KeyFit and Keyfit 30 which is the upper weight limit. With the Keyfit you are limited to 22 pounds and with the Keyfit 30 the weight limit is set to  30 pounds. You’re getting more usage with the Chicco KeyFit 30.

What is the difference between Chicco fit2 and fit2 Le?

There’s only one difference between the Chicco Fit2 and Fit2 LE. The Fit2 LE has reversible infant support. This make the LE version more comfortable.

Is Chicco fit2 FAA approved?

The Chicco Fit2 carrier part is approved by the FAA but the car seat base is not. It’s ready for airplane use.

Do these infant car seats come with a infant insert?

Yes both infant seats have newborn inserts that are easy to install.

Is there a competing car seat next to these two?

These Chicco car seat are in the realm of their own. Still there’s competition the uppababy mesa is a good contender. If you want to see the full review of the uppababy mesa check it out here.

Is the Fit2 and the Keyfit car seat compatible with strollers?

Yes they are compatible with chicco strollers and if you have an adapter other stroller models will work as well.

Can these car seats used in toddler stage?

Yes both infant car seats can be used during the toddler stage. It’s not just an infant seat also a toddler seat as well. The toddler position comes handy when your little one outgrows the baby stage. In toddler position your child will be able to see more.

Does the Chicco keyfit 30 has product variations?

Yes it has multiple product variations. With the same product you can choose the magic, zip and zip air.

What kind of safety standards does the Fit2 vs Keyfit 30 have?

They are very similar infant car seats so the safety is similar as well. As we know car crashes are unpredictable this is why you need side impact protection. One of the biggest things that you need with an infant car seat is an anti-rebound bar this will protect your baby no matter what. Usually it’s easy to install. There’s EPS foam to absorb impact energy. Seat belt routing so things don’t get tangled.

How do you install one of these infant seats?

The procedure is the same for either car seat. First you have to check the bubble level indicators. Now here’s something to keep in mind the bubble level indicators shouldn’t have to be in the dead smack middle. If it’s in the zone then it’s sufficiently good. The base angle can be adjusted with that. Also if you need extra comfort with the base angle you can use a pool noodle. Before you start makes sure that the leveling foot is in the right position. After the leveling foot is adjusted I highly recommend the latch connector installation. All you have to do is remove the latch connectors from storage area. Once they clicked pull on the latch strap to make it tight, the latch tightener does the rest. By far chicco car seats have the best latch tightener on the market. Make sure the chest clip is below your baby’s armpit. Best of all there’s no-rethread harness to waste time with. There are multiple headrest positions for the best comfort. The lap belt installation is a bit trickier.

Can these car seats be used as a convertible car seat?

Well these two are just for rear facing only. The convertible car seat means that it has multiple functions. I have a detailed chicco fit2 review if you want to read it here.

Chicco Keyfit 30 vs Nuna Pipa which is better?

Chicco Keyfit 30 wins by far this one.

Last Updated on October 27, 2023 by Brian Beasley