Child restraint systems are absolutely essential for adequate child protection in traffic. While incorrectly installed car seats are the leading cause of fatal injuries among children, low-quality car seats can also fail to deliver. With that in mind, it's the right time to ask yourself: Is Chicco Fit2 the right choice?
To answer your question, I have written the most extensive and detail-oriented of all Chicco Fit2 reviews in 2021. As a mother of two, and a CPS technician, I know what I am talking about, so stay if you're looking for trustworthy info.
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Chicco Car Seats are known worldwide for their quality and safety; hence the price is just as high as their reputation. Luckily, Amazon is offering a 25% discount at the moment, so you can save your money if you buy the car seat now (the offer can expire at any time). Check it out:
- 2-Stage base converts from Infant Position to Toddler Position, making it easy to stay rear-facing for the first 2 years
- Provides more upright, spacious seating with adjustability and extended leg room for toddlers 9-24 months - without taking up extra space in the vehicle
- Easiest to install with Recline Sure levelling foot, Ride Right bubble levels, and Super Cinch LATCH tightened. Do not use any Soaps or Lubricants to clean buckle and LATCH hardware
- Compatible with Chicco strollers for travel system use (sold separately)
Review: Is Chicco Fit2 Really That Good?
1. Design
When it comes to the complete design, this car seat is a rear-facing only infant child restraint system. What makes it unique is the innovative structure that allows riding in two positions: one designed for newborns and the other for toddlers.
The infant position supports children from four to thirty-five pounds, while the toddler position is suitable for kids from fifteen to, again, thirty-five pounds. With this weight range, you will be able to drive your child rear-facing for two years, which is the official recommendation.
The transition from one position to a toddler position is pretty straightforward and without any additional space-consumption.
To my mind, the general design is on-point yet pretty standard. There is nothing about it that wowed me, but unlike the market competition, this seat offers two adapted positions in a rear-facing mode, so design-wise, I'll give it a slight advance.
2. Installation
Now, the ease of installation is a feature that pushes this seat to the very top of the market.
It can be installed with the supreme LATCH connectors or a seat belt. It includes the patented ReclineSure leveling foot and two RideRight bubble level-indicators that help you position the seat at the right angle.
Additionally, the force-multiplying SuperCinch tightener makes it easier to get a tight fit every time, while the belt guide and incorporated lock-offs help with the seat belt installation.
Fit2 also includes a built-in stage-position lever that converts the seat from stage1 to stage2 at a moment's notice.
With all previously mentioned in mind, I can say that Chicco Fit2 has the most advanced and easiest to use installation system on the market, so I'll give it a 10/10 for this feature.
Installment videos:
3. Adjustability
Another fantastic benefit of Chicco Fit2 is the series of adjustments you can easily make.
First of all, it includes a removable infant insert that supports your newborn's head and neck in the first months. Then, as your child grows, one-hand carry handle adjustment makes more space for your toddler, along with convenient harness (no-rethread) adjustments.
Singlehandedly, you can also adapt the headrest, choosing between seven different positions. On top of everything, you can combine this infant car seat with Chicco strollers to create a functional travel system.
All in all, when it comes to adjustability, Chicco again imposes a clear dominance on the market; I give it 10/10!
4. Safety
Finally, all the advantages mentioned above are good for nothing if the car seat is not safe. Fortunately, this is not the case with Chicco Fit2.
All Chicco seats meet and exceed the federal safety standards, and this one is also FAA-approved. It includes a reinforced side impact protection with EPS energy-absorbing foam placed all over the carrier shell.
Additionally, an anti-rebound bar is integrated as well, limiting the rotation in the case of an accident and providing additional support and leverage for a secure installation.
It's needless to say that Chicco baby equipment is made with the topmost care for your child's safety, so this infant child restraint system is 100% safe.
More about federal state laws regarding car seats you can find on this page.
5. Comfort and Maintenance
Now, comfort is often considered a nice extra but not essential for car seats. I completely disagree with this. Personally, I'd rather pay some extra bucks and make sure my child is comfortable than compromise the comfort for affordability.
As for the Chicco Fit2, it is super-comfortable.
Made of premium Italian fabrics, it feels great on the skin and looks very stylish and chic. The padding is very thick, tailored with dual-density foam for maximum convenience. Materials can be machine-washed or spot-cleaned with mild soap and warm water, while the harness should not be machine-washed.
Here is a well-made video on how to remove the fabrics on your Chicco Fit2:
6. Side to Side Comparison
By now, we concluded that Chicco Fit2 is a high-quality infant car seat worthy of its high price and reputation. But how does it stand on the market with many more premium infant car seats?
Chicco Fit2 vs. UPPAbaby MESA
UPPAbaby MESA is within the same price range as Chicco Fit2 and pretty similar in quality. Both seats have the same weight range, from 4-35 pounds, and a rear-facing only mode. However, unlike UPPA, Chicco includes two different positions, so you can adapt the seat as your child grows.
Both seats weigh around 20 lbs with the base, but without the base, UPPA is lighter, weighing 9.9 lbs as opposed to Chicco's 1lbs. Installment features are nearly identical. The only difference is that UPPA has a green-to-red tightness indicator and storage pockets for buckles.
There is one big difference in safety, though. UPPA MESA is the only infant car seat on the market that is not treated with fire-retardants. On the contrary, it includes Merino wool, so it is entirely chemical-free.
Chicco Fit2 vs. Chicco KeyFit30
Another popular choice is the Chicco KeyFit30. Coming from the same brand, both seats have almost identical features. However, Chicco KeyFit30, as a more affordable choice, is more frequently both.
As opposed to the 35 pounds weight limit of Fit2, KeyFit30 has a 30 pounds maximum and no toddler mode. What is more, Fit2 has an adjustable headrest, while KeyFit 30 does not. On the other hand, KeyFit30 is lighter, thus more portable, and it can be combined with a stroller, as well.
To sum it all up, I recommend Chicco Fit2 as one of the best infant car seats on the market. It is incredibly optimized, easy to install, and, most importantly, safe. Here is a concise list of its pros and cons:
- Includes infant and toddler mode
- Optimized
- Adjustable
- Easy to install
- Unmatched safety
- Stroller compatibility
- Adjustable headrest
- No forward-facing mode
- A bit heavy
Read more —
Final Thoughts
As I have already pointed out, Chicco Fit2 is a genuinely reliable choice for your infant. This fantastic car seat goes above and beyond to provide the most secure and comfortable accommodation to your little one. It is well-optimized, easy to use, functional, and honestly safe.
You cannot go wrong with any model from Chicco offer, but this one comes with extra convenience and adjustability.
At last, whatever car seat you eventually buy, don't forget to register it, install properly and check the installation at the closest inspection station. Believe me when I tell you, as a CPS technician and a mother, all these steps genuinely make a difference on the road.
Your child's safety is at your hands; make sure you provide a tight grip!
- 2-Stage base converts from Infant Position to Toddler Position, making it easy to stay rear-facing for the first 2 years
- Provides more upright, spacious seating with adjustability and extended leg room for toddlers 9-24 months - without taking up extra space in the vehicle
- Easiest to install with Recline Sure levelling foot, Ride Right bubble levels, and Super Cinch LATCH tightened. Do not use any Soaps or Lubricants to clean buckle and LATCH hardware
- Compatible with Chicco strollers for travel system use (sold separately)
Hello, I have a Chicco fit2 for my 1.5 year old who is very petite for her age but have found that the shoulder straps are very narrow and hurts her neck/leaves marks on her. Sometimes she will take the shoulder straps off and it will leave cuts on her. Is there something I can do or should I just get her a new carseat? Thank you