The Chicco KeyFit 30 is a well-thought-out, well-designed, well-constructed infant carseat and that’s why it’s been on our list of Recommended Seats for over a decade!
The original KeyFit model (aka, the KeyFit 22) is often sold with a stroller as part of a “
travel system”. Just be aware that this version in the “Encore” fashion has a maximum weight rating of 22 lbs. while the KeyFit 30 model is rated up to 30 lbs. and 30″ tall. The KeyFit 30 can be paired with any compatible Chicco stroller (see table below) to create a travel system, if desired. The Chicco KeyFit Caddy is a great option if you want a snap-n-go type stroller frame that has many of the same great qualities found in a full-featured stroller.
| Chicco strollers compatible with KeyFit 30 | |
|---|---|
| Corso; Corso LE | |
| Bravo LE; Bravo Primo; Bravo For 2 | |
| Vario | |
| Urban | |
| Activ3 All-Terrain | |
| Mini Bravo Plus | |
| Chicco KeyFit Caddy (stroller frame) | |
| Cortina Together (double stroller) |
Current models of both the KeyFit and KeyFit 30 utilize the same base. Extra bases are available separately if you want to purchase additional bases for other vehicles.
The review sample I have features a cold weather “boot” cover, which is easy to snap on and off. If you’re having a fall or winter baby, I would highly recommend a KeyFit model that comes with a cold-weather boot.
All KeyFit and KeyFit 30 models come with a newborn insert, a head support insert, and harness strap covers.
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. 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”
Fit to Child:
The combination of the bottom harness slots and the newborn insert helps 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 would have reached 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 KeyFit models:
- 5-point harness with nice straps that aren’t prone to twisting
- Energy-absorbing EPS foam
- Standard 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
KeyFit 30 on 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
- Cold-weather boot (on certain models)
2022 KeyFit 30 Fashions: Iron, Lilla, Nottingham, Oxford
KeyFit 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 anchor bars (more than 11″ apart) is prohibited.
The base has a spring-loaded “foot” that adjusts to several different heights in order to achieve an appropriate recline angle in a 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 JUST the shoulder belt portion of the belt through one of the lock-offs on the base.
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. 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 style sleeping bags, additional head-support cushions, toys that hang from the handle, etc., are all currently prohibited.
KeyFit Disadvantages:
These aren’t necessarily problems, but I list them here to inform potential consumers of specific KeyFit issues.
- It’s made in China. Unfortunately, almost all infant carseats are currently made in China. Despite its geographic origin, the quality and components are high-grade. Nothing about the KeyFit seems cheap, flimsy, or lacking. If you want to avoid buying a car seat made in China, consider the Chicco Fit2 which is made in Italy.
- Carrier weighs 9.6 lbs with the infant insert and head support (according to my digital bathroom scale). This is average for an infant carseat. It’s not lightweight but it’s not what I would consider heavy either. Spare your back and arms by using a stroller or invest in a good sling/baby carrier.
- Removing the cover to wash it 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. 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! 😉
CarseatBlog Experts Rating
Editors’ Pick Midrange Category: KeyFit 30
Also Recommended: KeyFit 35
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!
I love this car seat and am waiting as long as possible to buy my next car seat.
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!!!
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!
This carseat is the BEST. We’re sad to have to get a new one 🙁 but loved the time we had with it 🙂
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.
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!
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
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!
My apologies, my comment was directed to Christina, not Katharine.
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.
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.
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?!
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?
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.
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!
Bensmom, i do believe the uncovered beltpath IS a change from the KF22.
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?
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 :D.
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).
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.
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.
My neighbor just got one and I’m excited to see it. Thanks for the well-detailed review.
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.
Nice review.
Someday I’m going to have to buy one of these for someone!