Chicco MyFit Reviews: A 2-in-1 Master of Safety!

If your toddler is transitioning to a forward-facing harness car seat and will need a belt-positioning booster seat soon?

Did you know that Chicco offers a spectacular harness and booster car seat suitable for children older than two years?

That's right!

The MyFit car seat is the perfect pick for growing toddlers, and they can use it until ready for a backless booster. You get to save money and install more car seats in the back as the frame is slim and narrow!

If you have a bigger family, it's time you get to know what Chicco MyFit can do for you!

Chicco MyFit harness booster car seat is a great model for parents of a toddler transitioning from a rear-facing mode to a forward-facing car seat.

It can accommodate younger children, and its narrow frame even allows for three across installation in some vehicles. With excellent safety ratings and plush padding, your toddler will love their new seat!

Thick padding also works as a safety mechanism by incorporating ErgoBoost and EPS foam that keeps the child safe at all times. In addition, it's user-friendly, which is why many parents opt for it for everyday rides!

PRICE: Under $200

Quick Summary:

This Chicco MyFit car seat is one of the best harness belt-positioning booster car seats you can get on the market! 

The price is more than affordable considering all the beneficial features it offers, such as both latch and vehicle seat installations, the possibility to install three across, and cupholders your kids will love!

Chicco has earned high ratings for safety and even earned the Best Bet Booster title for its incredible safety mechanism and thick padding with side impact protection.

In addition, it's great for growing toddlers and big kids as it has an adjustable headrest made to accommodate the growth of your child.

An Overview of the Chicco MyFit

Over the years, Chicco has delivered phenomenal models!

Some are easy on the budget while others belong in the high-end category, but all of them share one thing in common: incredible quality and parent-friendly design!

Their "Fit" line includes many top-rated models such as Chicco KeyFit, NextFit, Next Fit iX, and our model for the day Chicco MyFit! We will also compare the upgraded version of the popular car seat, the Chicco MyFit Zip Air 2-in-1 Harness + Booster Car Seat.

Chicco MyFit is rated as Best Bet Booster by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). It also received approval from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

This is a 2-in-1 car seat, meaning it can transform from a harness mode to a belt-positioning booster in a matter of seconds! It also has a large weight range, accommodating children from 25 to 100 pounds!

Besides including one of the best safety systems, Chicco MyFit has an expiration date of 8 years which is superb! So there will be years of using it before your kid is ready for backless booster fun!

1. Specifications of the Chicco MyFit

Based on these dimensions, the Chicco MyFit may be installed in some bigger vehicles in three-across mode! In addition, the narrow profile seat can also be modified more due to the cupfolders that minimize space.

However, the 25-pound weight of the car seat does not make it suitable for traveling. It's also challenging to move it between vehicles if you and your partner share the car seat. In this case, it's probably better to opt for a lighter version, such as the Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Booster Car Seat.

2. Installing the MyFit

All parents who had the pleasure of using the Chicco MyFit car seat have commented on how easy it is to install it!

The harness+booster can be installed either with a LATCH system or a vehicle belt.

Before, I thought that there was no way I could get an easy-to-install and secure car seat I would have no problem with. Luckily, the MyFit proved wrong with the straightforward installation and setup.

When installing the LATCH system seat, you should know that it's only suitable until your kid is 40 pounds of weight. If the child is between 40-65 pounds of weight, it's best to use vehicle seat belt installation and tether straps and avoid latch connectors.

Plus, when you no longer use latch straps, you can store them in their storage compartments so they don't get in the way.

However, if you move to the booster mode, you can secure the car seat with the LATCH connectors and continue further with the vehicle seat belt installation. 

The LATCH connectors allow for secure installation as they include a neat release button which is great for those days when you lack patience with buckling.

Installing the MyFit car seat is even easier with the vehicle seat belt! The vehicle seat belt includes the LockSure lock-off with a wide belt path so you can get the most secure installation.

On a side note, you have to know that Chicco cannot be installed with inflatable seat belts. Ford vehicles often use these types of inflatable seat belts, so that the Chicco seat won't be a good choice in this case.

If you are not handy with installing the car seat, you will appreciate the bubble level indicator! No matter if you install the Chicco car seat with the vehicle seat belt or the Latch, you can check if you reached the proper angle. The system has worked like a charm for me every time!

- Installation with the seatbelt

- Installation with the LATCH

3. Design & safety features

Chicco MyFit car seat is finely designed in the category of harness booster car seats. Even when you first look at it, you will notice it has thicker padding than most of the other convertible car seat models.

The Chicco car seat is structured with the ErgoBoost dual-density foam.

The foam does not only work in favor of comfort, but it's also safe in absorbing the crash energy and dispersing it evenly. Furthermore, the inside of the car seat is lined with a rigid steel frame and heavy-duty shell contoured in all the right spots to offer the best comfort.

However, as I mentioned, the steel frame does contribute to the 25% weight of the seat, so it will be challenging if you plan on moving it around from car to car.

The EPS energy-absorbing foam is an integral part of the torso and head protection, protecting your kiddo in every seating position. The deep winds also include the dual-density padding, so if your kid happens to fall asleep in their car seat, at least they will be supported and comfortable.

I found the chest clip comfort pads unique in the MyFit harness booster car seat. They are not removable and will always have to stay there. However, it can make the overall installation a bit difficult the first few times until you get the hang of it.

On the other hand, if your toddler loves to unbuckle themselves out, then this may not be so bad as it will make an attempt practically impossible for their little hands.

4. Is Chicco MyFit suitable for traveling?

Traveling with kids can be a hoot! Until you realize you have to carry a bulky car seat to the airport.

The Chicco MyFit car seat is FAA approved, meaning you can use it in the aircraft travel but only in the harness mode! Its frame is relatively narrow, so it fits nicely in airplanes.

However, it is bulky and heavy! For a harnessed car seat, you can find a lot better and lighter options suitable for traveling.

But, if you are car traveling, you will be glad to know that the Chicco MyFit car seat fits nicely in three across installations.

However, it may be a better fit in cars with more room in the back. Still, you will be able to install at least two car seats and have room for one more passenger in the back.

How Does the MyFit Compare to MyFit Zip Air?

As I mentioned previously, the MyFit Zip Air is an upgraded version of the regular MyFit car seat.

The Chicco car seats are pretty similar, but the latter version has improved qualities you should know about.

The price difference is going to be the first thing you will notice, but the high price of the Zip Air also allowed for numerous improvements. 

So let's see how these two compare.

1. What's new?

The Zip Air is considered a premium harness booster car seat for starters. However, this model's fabric is much more comfortable since the car seat features breathable mesh fabric.

With the help of these air mesh panels, your kid will have less chance of getting sweaty and hot in their car seat. The Zip Air allows for optimal airflow and is perfect for warmer days.

It also features a machine-washable seat cover Zip+Wash.

The car seat also includes a cup holder for those long road trips! I'm telling you, as much as they look basic, kids love cup holders on their toddler seat! It gives them a terrific hiding spot for keeping their toys and snacks safe. Of course, this means more cleaning time for you, but hey, we can't have it all, can we?

With the cup holder, you will also receive a kid console t with a closed top so the kids can put some other necessities in there. For traveling, I would suggest you go with the Zip Air version! The comfortable and breathable fabric is a safe bet if you travel to humid climates and need lots of storage!

The Zip Air brings along a new feature: the comfortable waist belt pads. The waist pads are pads on the harness straps that keep them comfortable at pressure points and make sure the buckles don't slide down.

2. Installation of the Zip Air

Chicco is known for its easy installation, so the Zip Air is no challenge to install!

Like the regular MyFit car seat, this harnessed forward-facing seat can be installed with the premium Latch connectors or the vehicle seat belt (shoulder belt or the lap belt).

Oh, but there is one thing you should know! Chicco patented the much-needed SuperCinch LATCH system. This force-multiplying latch system works fantastic if you have difficulties getting the right tightness.

But, like the other version, the LATCH is only suitable for kids up to 40 pounds of weight, so you might not get the most extended use out of it.

3. Which one is the better option?

If you value easy clean-up, go with the Zip Air!

It's much easier to take the seat cover off and throw it in the washing machine than to spot clean every time your kid gets a bit messy. Besides, the SuperCinch installment is easier to work with if this is your first time installing a car seat.

Although it has limited use, you will enjoy every minute of it.

Just like the MyFit model, this one includes chest clip comfort pads, but it also features an additional padded waist harness that prevents the buckles from sliding and moving around.

Also, Zip Air includes three layers of deep protection, while it has only two. Since the MyFit car seat is an affordable alternative, you won't go wrong with choosing either of them.

FAQs

Is the Chicco MyFit safe?

Yes, the Chicco MyFit car seat is safe! It has been rated as the Best Bet Booster seat by the IIHS and has passed all the rigorous Federal Safety Standards.

Chicco MyFit harness booster includes two layers of side impact protection, a padded chest harness, deep wings with dual-density padding that will allow for comfortable rides.

With the help of the bubble level indicator, the car seat is easy to install, and you will always know whether you have installed it securely or not.

How many years is a Chicco MyFit good for?

Chicco MyFit car seat has a significant weight limit of 25-100 pounds, meaning your child can use it from two until the age of 10. However, the expiration date for this car seat is eight years, so make sure you do not cross it and respect the limits.

On the tether storage compartment, you can find the label declaring the year of the manufacturer.

How wide is the Chicco MyFit?

Chicco MyFit harness and belt-positioning booster seat are 17.5 inches wide. Since the Chicco has removable cup holders, the total width with the cupfolders included is 22 inches.

Chicco is the perfect candidate for three across car seats with this kind of narrow frame design if you have a growing family or carpool often. However, it's rather heavy so it won't be easy to move it from car to car.

Is Chicco MyFit washable?

Fabrics on the Chicco MyFit can be washed with mild detergents by hand or machine-washed on a gentle cycle.

However, Chicco MyFit Zip Air includes a removable seat cover that can be quickly taken off and machine washed for a quicker clean-up.

Chicco MyFit vs MyFit Zip Air: What's the difference?

The main difference lies in a few benefits and additions that MyFit Zip Air offers.

Zip Air is known for its breathable and mesh-designed fabric that promotes airflow, for starters. As a result, it's much more convenient for warmer climates than the regular fit.

Zip Air also includes LATCH Connectors with SuperCinch, which makes the entire process of installing a whole lot manageable.

In addition, it comes with a kid console you can install instead of cupholders, as well as padded hip and waist straps.

Chicco MyFit vs Britax Grow With You: Which is better?

Chicco MyFit and Britax Grow With You are often compared because both are combination car seat that include harness and belt-positioning booster mode of installation.

If you want a car seat with a bigger weight limit, the Britax is a better option since it has an upper limit of 120 pounds. However, Chicco MyFit takes up less space, so if you want to install three across or have a smaller vehicle, Chicco is a safer alternative.

Britax also carries a bigger price point, while the MyFit harness booster car seat is cheaper yet high-quality. Choose a car seat that accommodates your family the best based on your preferences and needs!

Could Chicco MyFit use improvement?

Honestly, just like with every car seat on the market, the Chicco could use a big upgrade. Luckily, it has more benefits than flaws, but I didn't particularly appreciate that the chest pads are not removable.

I am someone who values easy cleaning in all baby gear, so having to spot clean the pads every time my kid got sick in the car or dropped a chocolate piece was a nightmare! But, to be fair, this is a minor flaw compared to other car seats with considerable disadvantages.

Another thing is the narrow fit. Although it is an absolute lifesaver for three across, it might not be great for bigger kids. It works for tall and slim, but it does not offer enough room for chubbier ones, in my opinion.

There are no other remarks besides these two! As I said, Chicco always brings high-quality and their A-game whenever they create a new car seat!

Final Words

The bottom line, I love this car seat!

My first impressions were surpassed the longer I used the car seat. My kid is super comfortable and, most of all, safe!

With high safety ratings, Chicco MyFit is one of the best options you can get if you need a forward-facing car seat and a belt-positioning seat.

It has a great system that accommodates the weight and height of your child, so you can rest assured knowing they are supported at every growing stage.

However, if you want to know its upgraded sibling, check out the Chicco MyFit Zip Air 2-in-1 Harness + Booster Car Seat! Either way, you won't make the wrong choice!