Chicco KeyFit 30 Review: Infant Carseat Nirvana
Let me preface this review by saying “Finally, something that Consumer Reports and I can agree on!” In case you missed it – they recently rated the KeyFit and KeyFit 30 as the two best overall infant carseats among the models they tested. Now, if you follow this blog, you’ll understand how unusual it is for me to completely agree with Consumer Reports on anything related to child restraints. However, the KeyFit is a well-thought-out, well-designed and well-constructed infant carseat and CR was right to load heaps of praise upon it.
The KeyFit and KeyFit 30 are infant carseats from Chicco (pronounced KEEK-koh). The original KeyFit model (aka the KeyFit 22) is generally only sold with the Chicco Cortina stroller as a “
The original KeyFit is rated for babies from 4 to 22 pounds and 30” or less in height. The newer
The model I have is the KeyFit 30 in the “Romantic” pattern. This demo model is strictly for training purposes and was provided by Chicco for use in our local Child Passenger Safety Technician certification courses. The fabric is 100% polyester in a nice, neutral black/gray color scheme. 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. This particular model comes with a seasonal boot cover, which is easy to snap on and off. It also comes with a newborn insert, a head support insert and harness strap covers. The KeyFit 30 retails for around $179.
The newborn insert that comes with both the KeyFit and KeyFit 30 models is used for babies who weigh between 4-11 lbs. The insert provides additional support, as well as a secure harness fit for smaller infants. It should be removed once the baby weighs more than 11 lbs. In the near future, KeyFit manuals will allow the newborn insert to be used beyond 11 lbs (as long as the harness is still in the bottom harness slots), however this change will NOT be retroactive. If your KeyFit manual states to discontinue usage of the insert after 11 lbs – you should comply with those instructions. It’s worth mentioning that the head support cushion can still be used, if desired, even when the newborn [body] support cushion has been removed. The head support pillow may be used until the child needs to use the top harness slots. The velcro attachments that secure the head support to the shell of the seat must be threaded through the unused harness slots above the ones currently being used for the child. Therefore, once the child needs to use the top slots for the harness – there’s no safe place to attach that head pillow anymore.
Measurements:
Harness slot heights with newborn insert (approximate): 7”, 9”, 11”
Harness slot heights without newborn insert: 8”, 10”, 12”
The combination of the bottom harness slots and the newborn insert help the KeyFit and KeyFit 30 models to fit newborns of all sizes and even small premature babies very well. On the opposite end of the spectrum – the KF30 model can accommodate many babies up until their 1st birthday, or even beyond that – although obviously there are no guarantees. My youngest son (now 5 years old) would have exceeded the 30” height limit by 9 months old but he was way above average in both weight and height as a baby.
“Key” Features of both KeyFit models:
- 5-point harness with nice straps that aren’t prone to twisting
- Energy absorbing EPS foam
- Small, unobtrusive chest clip
- Standard metal buckle (nothing funky or difficult to use)
- Premium “push on” lower LATCH connectors
- Unique, single strap, one-pull LATCH strap adjuster
- Built-in lockoff for lap/shoulder seatbelt installations
- Smooth-bottom base won’t damage vehicle leather or upholstery
- FAA-approved for airplane use
- Can be installed without the base
- 6 year “lifespan” from date of manufacture
Installed in airplane
The KeyFit and KeyFit 30 models have all the important bases covered when it comes to features. In addition to everything mentioned above, these seats also have the following comfort & convenience features:
- Handle can be left up while in the vehicle
- Well-padded, machine washable covers (cold water, delicate cycle, mild detergent – hang to dry)
- Easy to attach and detach carrier from base and from compatible Chicco strollers
- Super-smooth harness adjuster makes it easy to tighten and loosen harness straps
- Easy to rethread harness straps to different height positions
- Extended canopy visor
- Cold weather boot (on certain models)
Installation Comments:
The KeyFit instruction manual is clear and well-written with plenty of good diagrams. The manual is English on one side & Spanish on the other. As long as you read and follow the instruction manual carefully – the KeyFit and KeyFit 30 models are generally VERY easy to install properly regardless of whether you are using your vehicle’s lower LATCH anchors or the seatbelt. FYI – use only one method of attachment. Do not install the carseat with both LATCH & seatbelt. Use of lower LATCH anchors in the center seating position with non-standard spacing between the bars (more or less than 280 mm) is prohibited.
The base has a spring-loaded “foot” that adjusts to several different heights in order to achieve an appropriate recline angle in wide variety of vehicle seating positions. Adjust the foot on the base until the bubble in the level is positioned somewhere between the black lines with the base installed tightly.
If using the vehicle’s lap/shoulder seatbelt, thread the shoulder belt portion of the belt through one of the lock-offs on the base. It’s optional, but if the vehicle’s lap/shoulder seatbelt has a switchable retractor, you may switch the seatbelt into locked mode after sliding the shoulder belt through the lock-off.
If using a lap-only seatbelt to install – do NOT use the built-in lockoff device.
If installing the carrier directly (without the base), use the red line on the sticker label to guide you in achieving an appropriate recline angle. Use a tightly rolled towel, if necessary, to help achieve or maintain the appropriate recline angle. Make sure seatbelt is locked (see vehicle owners manual for details).
The handle can be in any locked position when the seat is in the vehicle. If it’s more convenient to just leave it up, then leave it up. If you’d rather put it down – that’s fine too.
Chicco prohibits the use of most additional add-on products not made specifically by them for this carseat. Items such as Bundle-Me type covers, additional head-support cushions, toys that hang from the handle, Mighty-Tite seatbelt tighteners, etc., are all currently prohibited. It isn’t just Chicco, almost all carseat manufacturers prohibit using these types of products with their seats (for many good reasons that I won’t go into right now) but unfortunately that doesn’t deter parents from using this stuff. To their credit, Chicco recently began to approve specific after-market accessories in an attempt to steer parents towards some sensible products that are unlikely to have a negative impact on crash performance. The FAQ section of the Chicco website has all the details.
Disadvantages:
These aren’t necessarily problems, but I list them here to inform potential consumers of specific KeyFit issues.
It’s made in China. Then again, almost all other infant carseats are too. Realistically, if it were manufactured in the USA or in Europe it would probably cost a lot more than it does. Despite its geographic origin, the quality of the construction and components are high grade. Nothing about the KeyFit seems cheap, flimsy or lacking.
Carrier weighs 9.6 lbs with the infant insert and head support (according to my digital bathroom scale). Some might consider this on the heavy side but it’s comparable to other well-made, popular infant carseats. Truthfully, all infant carseats are heavy to lug around when you have a 15+ lb baby inside it. Spare your back, arms and thighs by using a stroller or invest in a good sling/baby carrier and leave the carseat in the vehicle.
Also, since I’m on the subject – please remember that babies shouldn’t spend too much time in their infant carseats. With the rising popularity of the carseat/stroller “travel system” it seems that more and more infants are practically living in their infant carseats. Consider: all the time spent in the car, plus all the time spent in the stroller (when using the carseat instead of the stroller seat), plus all the time spent napping on the living room floor, etc. No one is suggesting that you shouldn’t let baby finish his/her nap in the carseat but try to make a concerted effort to limit the amount of time that baby spends in the carseat each day. As an alternative, consider using a sling or other type of baby carrier or just leave the carseat in the car and use a stroller with an appropriate recline.
The canopy is not as big as some other carseat models but the extended visor on the KeyFit 30 model does help.
Removing the cover can be a little cumbersome. The main issue in the removal process is getting the fabric out from under the plastic adjuster cover. What worked best for me was to pull the bottom portion of the cover loose and then start at the top of the adjuster cover and work the fabric free from that point down. When putting the cover back on – start by sliding the openings in the cover over the seatbelt guides on the shell (where you would thread the seatbelt if you were installing without the base), first. Then work the fabric back under the plastic adjuster – again starting at the top and working your way down. It takes a little bit of work but isn’t too complicated (although I was having flashbacks to the old FPSE convertible – LOL). The rest of the removal/replacement process is simple if you follow the instructions in the manual.
Finally, an important disclaimer: If this is your first carseat, it may spoil you and make other future carseats seem difficult and annoying to use by comparison. Consider yourself warned! 
Reader Comments
Nice review.
Someday I’m going to have to buy one of these for someone!
Hmm, I wonder if any baby over 11 lbs would actually still use the bottom slots with the insert? My 7lb 11 oz newborn needed the second slots from the beginning when using the insert.
My neighbor just got one and I’m excited to see it. Thanks for the well-detailed review.
So glad to hear this since I bought one to use with my baby girl due in March! I already installed the base in my car when it came just to make sure it fit and it was one of the easiest installs I’ve ever had. Now if only they would release an awesome convertible seat in the U.S.
We have/had a KeyFit22 for our son. He just turned a yr old, just last week. He still fits in the KF by both height and weight. He’s 19 pounds, 14 oz and 28 inches. He’s right at 1″ of shell above his head. He’s mostly in his RF convertible now, but it’s nice to have the infant seat at times.
And yes—it has spoiled me! It’s a dream to install and use. I haven’t found a convertible that’s nearly as easy to use yet.
I’ve been using the Keyfit30 for about 2.5 months (that’s my daughter in the first two pics up there
) and have been extremely happy with it. It fit her well even when her weight dipped down to 5 lbs. 15 oz., and it’s so easy to install and use. I wouldn’t mind a bigger canopy, and I’m not as in love with the lockoff as others are, but this seat is absolutely a dream compared to the other infant seats I’ve used regularly (and compared to most that I’ve installed during seat checks, too).
Awesome review, Kecia! Thanks so much for providing the airplane install pic! I’ve never seen one.
Bookmama, I prefer the barrette-style lockoffs myself. The shoulder belt never fails to loosen on me as I try to slide it into the KF’s lockoff. But since most people seem to find it easy to use, I figure the problem must be mine
.
Great review! I agree – I loved using the KF. Not sure if they changed the KF22, but one difference (at least between the KF30 and the original KF) is that the belt path for installing without the base is covered by the cover on the original KF. It is not for the KF30. Do you know if they changed this?
Bensmom, i do believe the uncovered beltpath IS a change from the KF22.
Great review! We have just transitioned from this car seat to the Britax Marathon. My husband is always complaining about how much he misses the Chicco, so I read the disclaimer from the last paragraph to him and he felt completely validated for despising the Britax.
Thanks for all you do!
The disclaimer at the end made me smile–my daughter is 15 1/2 months old, 18.5 lb and just now hit the 30″ mark so it’s *finally* time for us to move on from our KF30. We have loved this carseat from day one, and it’s been the object of some serious carseat envy from friends.
The only possible drawback this infant seat has compared to others I’ve seen is the size of the sunshade. Even the “flip out” extension portion doesn’t do much to actually shield your baby’s face from sunlight coming straight in the rear window. On the upside, the shade is adjustable–I’ve just been known to drive a little erratically as I’ve got one hand in the backseat trying to pull the shade forward and backward as we keep changing directions and the sun comes blaring in.
However, I wouldn’t swap this carseat out for any other. Now I just wish Chicco made a convertible carseat.
So does Chicco manufacturer all the car seats and strollers that are sold in the USA in China or does its Italian plant also make some of the products?
What company/manufacturer makes the car seat for Chicco? How can we be sure its made from “quality materials” since more and more products made in China (especially for kids) are turning out to be dangerous?
I have this seat and travel system. My son fit very well in it from birth. I love it! We have just recently switched him over to a convertible seat (the Evenflo Triumph Advance) and I miss the KeyFit 30 so much! He outgrew the height limit (he’s 22 lbs and about 28 inches – but his head is less than an inch from the top of the seat).
The only complaint I have about the Key Fit 30 is that the fabric is hot. We live in the south and it gets pretty hot here in the summer time! Everytime I took my son out of the seat, during the summer, he was soaking wet. But when the weather turned cold, he stayed nice and cozy warm. So I guess it’s a trade off!
I miss it and wish that I could have used it longer than the 7 months we did. Maybe they should make one go to 35 inches?!
Question for experienced users of this seat: how much side-to-side movement should there be? We recently installed this seat (using LATCH) in our 2008 CR-V for our soon-to-be-born son, and the base seems to move quite a bit. I’m planning to bring a pillow and try to wrestle the base in tighter while kneeling in it, but I was wondering what I’m really aiming for: the belt doesn’t seem to have any slack, so I don’t know how much tighter I can get it.
Katharine,
There should be less than 1″ of movement at the install point (where your LATCH connects). Try installing the base with your seatbelt instead of the LATCH system and see if you get a better install.
Also, visit http://car-seat.org/ and talk to the carseat techs there about how to improve the install and possibly find a local tech to check it out for you.
My apologies, my comment was directed to Christina, not Katharine.
Cristina – congrats on your impending arrival!
When the base is installed properly it will move 1″ or less from side to side when you check for tightness *at the beltpath*. It’s important to check for tightness only in the area of the base where the seatbelt or LATCH belt is routed. Tug on the base at the beltpath to see if it’s in there securely but don’t tug so hard that you’re forcing it to move.
As for the pillow – it isn’t usually necessary (especially with a KeyFit) to put your knee into the base. Generally, all is takes is pushing down on the base with one hand (compressing it into the vehicle seat cushion)while simultaneously pulling the LATCH strap with the other hand to tighten it. HTH! Good luck!
I have had the keyfit for almost 3 years. My daughter was 1.5 lbs at birth and 3 lbs when we finally left NICU, so she was in a carbed for the first several months and HATED it.
To install the KF base, I have to stand on it and press into seat while tightening the seatbelt since my Passport doesn’t have Latch.
Finally she was moved into the KF at 4 lbs (still not thrilled with being so restrained), and now at the age of 2.5 years she STILL fits in her KF. She is 29 inches and just barely 20 lbs, so we are looking at the options for a new seat. I am leaning toward the Britax Advocate, it had the best “Ease Of Use” ratings of the Britax but there are a few other seats that rated even better (but i haven’t looked into them yet)
Link to Ease of Use ratings at the nhtsa site for all styles/sizes of car seats.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.9f8c7d6359e0e9bbbf30811060008a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=4427b997caacf504a8bdba101891ef9a_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_4427b997caacf504a8bdba101891ef9a_viewID=detail_view&itemID=ce45e2542a964110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD&viewType=standard
Crystal – you’ve certainly put your KeyFit to good use haven’t you? I’m not sure if 2.5 years is a record but it could be!
As for the installation – it probably isn’t necessary to stand in your base to get it installed tightly. Actually, I’d be a little concerned about breaking the recline foot on the base if it’s engaged while you’re standing on it. But mostly I just don’t want other parents who read this review to think that this is generally necessary in order to install the KF base tightly. For what it’s worth, I have stiff leather seats in my vehicle and I often need to put a knee into my forward-facing carseats in order to compress them sufficiently into the vehicle seat cushion (while pulling all the slack out of the seatbelt or LATCH belt) but I don’t have to do this with the KeyFit. Just pressing down on the base with my hand does the trick every time!
How would this car seat fit in a smaller car like a Honda Civic?? We currently have an Eddie Bauer (not a recalled one) that we used with our first child and it was so big and was very hard to fit in the car. We now have our daughter in a True-Fit (thanks to your blog!) But now with the second one on the way we need something that will fit well in our car.
This carseat is the BEST. We’re sad to have to get a new one
but loved the time we had with it 
We used the Keyfit with my daughter (it came in the travel system) and loved it. It was heavy at times, but I used a snap n go stroller that I always kept in the car to transport her. We are expecting triplets and are borrowing my sister’s Keyfit for the second baby and was given a Keyfit30 seat from a friend for the 3rd. I am so excited to hear that they carseats themselves are the same size and use all the same bases. It will make our lives so much easier… especially after washing all the covers and getting them in and out of the car without worrying about accommodating the Keyfit30. Thanks for the review!
MANDY – Congratulations x3! Just remember that you cannot use an original KeyFit base with the newer KF30 models. The bases must have a sticker on them stating that they are good for both models (22 and 30) in order to be used with the KF30. Good luck to you!!!
I love this car seat and am waiting as long as possible to buy my next car seat.
Can you comment on if the keyfit 30 and the keyfit 22 weigh the same and have the same base measurement? It seems from the information I find online that this is the case. Also, do you know of double strollers that are compatible as I am having twins? Thank you!
JAMIE – Congrats on expecting twins! Yes, both the KF22 and the KF30 models weigh the same and currently both models share the same base. The new “Chicco Cortina Together” double stroller accepts 2 KeyFits and is definitely worth consideration: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ANXD9Y/?tag=carseatblog-20
However, the BabyTrend Snap ‘n Go double stroller frame is probably the most lightweight option that also accepts 2 KeyFits. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEI82W/?tag=carseatblog-20 Obviously, it’s useless once the babies outgrow their infant carseats but its weight and convenience factors can be priceless for that first year or so. Good luck!
Hi Kecia, I am contemplating using my keyfit30 for a trip to Hong Kong in December – do I need the base to install on the plane? my baby is a year old and not yet 30 lbs or 30″ tall, so hoping I can get away with travelling with this seat instead of a cumbersome Britax. can you let me know.
thank you.
We, too, have a KF30. We have it installed in the middle of the backseat of my Chevy Malibu, a mid-sized car but not huge – and a ’98 model, so not new, either – and you can still fit two (under 200 lb.) adults in the back on either side. My daughter is nearly ten months old and almost 28″ tall. We’re in the market for a new carseat, but aside from the fact that she’s nearly hit the height limit, even at just over 20 lbs., she fills up the seat; there’s very little (if any) room on either side of her shoulders. I’m not sure how a thirty pound baby would ever fit in here, but we’ve loved it. We had to tighten the seatbelt several times to keep the base in place, but we’ve loved the carseat. Soon, on to bigger (not necessarily better) things!
Hi. First time dad.
We are going to get the Chicco KeyFit 30. I know it comes with one base, but we need to get two extra bases (one for mom’s car, dad’s car and grandma’s car). Now I believe this is the right base:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3156653
My question is, once our baby outgrows the infant seat and we have to move to a convertible seat, are there any brands that will work with our existing bases (bases say they go up to 50lbs, yet Chicco does not make car seats that go up to that weight I believe).
Basically, will we have to purchase all new bases?
Thank you very much.
Joe
We have this car seat and love it. However, I’d like to note that we were told NEVER to leave the handle up while driving. This info came from our local police department who inspected the car seat installation for us. They said that in the event of an accident, the car seat would be designed to rock a bit, toward the front of the car intially and then rebound toward the back of the car and seat back, and if the handle were up, there would be a sudden impact which would injure the child. It seems to me this could cause the type of whiplash that you want to avoid–the reason why babies can’t face forward in car seats.
Hi Val,
That information is obsolite. A decade ago, many infant seats did not allow the handle to be upright. Today, most do allow it, but not all of them. The only way to be sure is to check the owner’s manual. The Chicco KeyFit is one that does allow the handle to be upright, according to the instructions. This blog might help! http://carseatblog.com/6156/infant-seat-handle-positions/
We have the keyfit30 for our seven month old twins. One of the reasons we chose it was that it was “approved for use on aircraft” however just prior to our take off, we were told that only forward facing seats could be used. Our return flight is next week. Is there a way to secure the seat forward facing?
@cam, you’re giving me palpitations! Jennie addressed this very issue in her blog: http://carseatblog.com/8037/guest-blog-flying-with-a-car-seat-know-your-rights. The KeyFit is an infant-only seat, which means it can ONLY rear-face. There’s no possible way to install it forward-facing, no matter what the flight attendants want you to do. On US airlines with flights originating in the US, you have the right to use the carseat as it is intended; in your case, that’s rear-facing only. I would like to say YAY for you for taking your seats on board with you! What did you end up doing with your twins on your flight there?
Hi Heather, We had the bulkhead so they gave us sky cots for while the seat belt signs were off. Apart from that we had to hold them.Fortunately our two year old was ok in her seat.
The flight was on BA to London so I guess they are regulated by the British or European rules rather than the FAA. I think the marketing of the seat should be more explicit if it is not universaly accepted. We have spent way more on the unused airline seats than the cost of the whole travel system.
CAM – Unfortunately you found out the hard way how awful British Airways is when it comes to flying with infants and toddlers. What they told you is not EU law, it is BA policy. You can read more about their ridiculous policies on flying with small children here: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/child/public/en_gb
Since there is no safe way to secure your KeyFit infant seats in the forward facing position and since BA does not allow rear-facing seats to be used on their flights (even though EVERY US Carrier would allow this) it seems that your only realistic option would be to request two of their infant seats (that they claim to offer) and hope they’re available. Or complain, demand a refund and travel home on a US carrier.