Today Chicco, USA unveiled their new prototype NextFit 65 convertible carseat at the Kidz In Motion (KIM) Conference in Orlando. We’ve been waiting for this seat for a looong time and it looks very, very promising! *UPDATE – Chicco NextFit is now available for pre-order on Amazon! It will make its way to Canada eventually but US will get it first.
Some of the innovative NextFit 65 features include nine recline angle options; 2 bubble level angle indicators (one for rear-facing; one for forward-facing); SuperCinch LATCH tightening system which is so easy even my elderly mother-in-law could get a solid LATCH installation quickly and without effort; 2-position chest clip (more narrow setting for babies, wider setting for older kids).
Overall, it looks like a great new convertible and I’m looking forward to the final production model which we will be reviewing as soon as possible!
*Please keep in mind that all details and images below are preliminary. This flyer was distributed at the 2012 Kids in Motion conference and may not be representative of the final version.
More info on the Chicco NextFit Convertible can be found on our update from the ABC Kids Expo.
I just attended a Baby Basic class and this car seat was discussed. According to our instructor who is an expert on car seats, this seat is good for 4lbs to 65lbs and CAN be used rear facing. We are soon to become grandparents are were going to purchase a base for the car seat our daughter has already gotten. However, this particular seat, even tho it is more expensive will be well worth it due to not having to buy both the base and the seat later on. I’m hoping we can find it in our local stores so I can purchase it online and save some money.
@Kristina – the external width of the NextFit at its widest point is 19″. The width of the base is 14.5″. HTH!
Anyone know the external width on this seat?
I was told by the Babies R Us in Richmond, VA that they expected delivery tomorrow 3/19/2013.
The manual says it has internal belt lockoffs for forward AND rear facing. I want it for the rf belt lockoffs alone.
Looks easy to install with LATCH but any idea about how it installs with a seat belt?
@Stephanie – expected availability isn’t until 2nd Qtr 2013.
When do they expect this to be in stores? I am returning the Radian RXT I just bought and looking at the Graco Size4Me. I don’t really NEED a seat now and if this is coming at least the start of 2013 I may just wait. It looks awesome!
Can this seat detach like an infant carrier? The picture kinda looks like it.
On the topic of the looming 65lb LATCH limit (child + seat), why oh why have we not come up with a better alternative to the locking clip? Remember the little red ones on a string on the Nania seats? What about the little blue lock-off with the Cocorro? With the exception of the Go Hybrid, I will only buy seats that I can easily install with seatbelt or LATCH. I’m not sure I’ll buy another Radian unless something changes.
this sucker looks AWESOME
There is a looming federal labeling requirement that may limit LATCH use to 65 pounds, less the weight of the carseat. So, manufacturers may be reluctant to go beyond 40 pounds rear-facing unless the carseat itself weighs 20 pounds or less. It is sad how a poorly-considered federal standard has unintended effects, isn’t it? Not only are they essentially telling parents that LATCH may be unsafe because of a low weight limit, simply to ease the testing burden upon auto manufacturers, but they are also reducing the potential for extended weight limit products, especially rear-facing.
How I wish this seat would Rear-face to 45 (or more!) pounds!
wahooooo!!!!!
That seat looks nice and deep for little legs to be comfortable for extended RFing. I hope it stays that way!
I need two of these NOW. Wish they were available.
Sucks this seat isn’t out for the Babies R Us trade in event in September! I’d totally get this seat! I can’t wait to see it in stores!
nice! It kind of looks like the Peg.
Thanks Wendy- I’ll add a disclaimer that this is preliminary data from a trade show.
According to the rep, the lockoffs in the picture WILL be changing. The chest clip on the prototype was different from this picture (and not working in the two stage process. Unknown if it’s a design problem, or a too many eager techs handling it problem).
It’s definitely an awesome seat, though. The SuperCinch (everyone has Super something nowadays!) really was easy. But what else would you expect from Chicco?
A pic! Thanks!