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Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Review

Chicco KidFit 2-in-1
0
Overall Score
Ease of Install - Latch
Ease of Install - Belt
Ease of Use
Comfort & Quality
Weight & Size

Bottom Line

Chicco KidFit 2 -in-1 booster car seat is safe and comfortable to install using SuperCinch Tightener. It’s also very comfortable and can easily be converted from a high back to a backless booster. Although sometimes its cover may fall off, its a small issue, and low price makes it affordable for many families.

What We Like

  • Easy, stable installation
  • Height adjustment from the base
  • Two removable cupholders
  • Machine washable fabrics and seat pad
  • Friendly price

What We Don't Like

  • Sometimes the cover keeps falling off
  • Limited child weight range

For most parents whose babies outgrow their infant car seats, finding befitting boosters can be quite challenging. The challenge is partly due to a lack of knowledge on the best boosters and partly due to many alternatives available. We have empowered many parents to make the right choices for car seats through our objective reviews. This Chicco KidFit 2 in 1 review will help you decide whether it’s right for your child.

Overview of Chicco KidFit

The KidFit 2-in-1 car seat is a stable, comfortable, and safe Chicco model, which is popular among parents. It comes with excellent LATCH connectors and a SuperCinch one-pull tightener, which provides strong stability to the seat.

Its DuoZone safety system is made of EPS energy-absorbing foam that improves side-impact protection. This protection covers the child’s head and torso. Besides, Chicco offers ErgoBoost Comfort to the kid.

This comes as a double foam padding and contoured seat to ensure that your child gets maximum support and comfort during the ride. With an easily removable backrest, you can use Chicco KidFit either as a high-back booster or a backless booster seat. This is great for preschool and grade-schoolers because it serves them well as they grow.

Equipped with two cup holders, Chicco enables you to keep your child’s drinks within reach. And if you’re looking for a 2 -in-1 booster car seat whose fabrics are machine washable, this is it. However, if you’re a hand wash enthusiast, the seat is still good for you because the fabrics can also be hand washed.

See also: Best Booster Car Seats

Things to Consider before Buying a Chicco KidFit 2 -in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster

The KidFit is an easy-to-install booster seat that gives your kid sufficient comfort and safety. If your baby has graduated from infancy, you may go for a Chicco KidFit. This is because apart from safety and comfort, its price is also on the lower end.

But who is the ideal customer for a Chicco KidFit 2 -in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster car seat? This largely depends on your child. This car seat is suitable for children weighing in the range of 30-100 pounds with a height range of 38-57 inches. These restrictions fit children who are at least 4 years old.

If yours is a newborn or an infant, you may consider alternatives such as the Chicco KeyFit.

In a nutshell, most parents would want to consider the following before buying a Chicco KidFit booster car seat:

  • Height, weight, and age the child
  • Price of the car seat
  • Ease of installation
  • Ease of cleaning
  • Safety and comfort

Key Features of Chicco KidFit 2 -in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat

Purchasing a Chicco KidFit booster car seat one thing but using it correctly is another. Many parents often run into problems with car seats because they fail to understand how the seats work.

In this review, we’ll take you through the core features of the KidFit 2-in-1 showing how it works and how to install it properly. We’ll also show you how to clean this car seat, its safety features, the price, and its product specifications.

 Installing and Setting up Chicco KidFit

You can install this car seat either as a high-back booster or backless booster. However, before setting it up, you have to assemble it because it doesn’t come ready assembled. Assembling Chicco KidFit 2 -in-1 is nevertheless very easy with 4 simple steps:

  1. Insert the cup holders into their appropriate sides. They’re marked “L” for the left and “R” for the right side of the car seat. Make sure that they lift behind the groove located on the bottom of the booster seat.
  2. Fix the two armrests to the booster bottom, pushing on them firmly until they click into place.
  3. Hook the backrest on the seat bar hinge to attach it on the booster seat bottom.
  4. Slide the fabric panel’s edge between fabric cover and the back frame of the seat.
  5. Ensure that the panel is flat on the seatback frame so that it provides your kid with padding.
  6. Once the fabric panel is attached, turn the backrest up until it clicks into an upright position.
  7. After assembling the car seat, you may need to adjust the height of the backrest to fit your child. This is also very easy to do.
  8. Hold the booster seat tightly using one hand and squeeze the height adjuster lever with the other hand. The lever is at the back of the headrest, so you shouldn’t have issues locating it.
  9. Raise or lower the backrest appropriately to fit the height of your kid. To adjust it, release the height adjuster lever before pulling up or pushing down the backrest slightly until it clicks. A click signals that it’s locked into position and is ready for use.

Installing Chicco KidFit as a High Back Booster Seat

  1. Set the booster seat on your vehicle back seat and push its backrest against the vehicle seat’s back. Ensure that the vehicle’s head restraint doesn’t interfere with the booster’s headrest.
  2. If you’re not using LATCH connectors, pull the LATCH tightening strap snug to prevent them from interfering with the seat belt.
  3. Sometimes you may want to use LATCH connectors. In this case, release the LATCH adjustment strap, push in the button on the car seat bottom and pull them out.
  4. Attach the LATCH connectors to the vehicle’s lower anchor bars.
  5. Pull the LATCH adjustment strap and then push back on the car seat bottom. This will snug up the booster seat to the back of the vehicle seat.

That’s it! Your car seat is set for use.

Securing the Child

  • Sit the child in the booster seat with his back against the backrest.
  • With the belt guide at or slightly above the child’s shoulders, adjust the seatback height appropriately. The belt should lay across the shoulder and over the center of the chest while the lap belt lays over the thighs.
  • Route the lap belt below the first armrest over the thighs. Route the shoulder and the lap belts below the second armrest that’s closest to the vehicle buckle.
  • Buckle the seat belt.
  • Slide the shoulder belt through its orange guide, ensuring that it is below the belt guide clip.
  • Make sure that the lap belt is flat and snug across the thighs. The shoulder belt should lay flat and snug across the chest when it’s pulled up.

Installing Chicco KidFit in a Backless Booster Mode

  1. Remove the backrest from the seat. To do this, turn it over and press down on the backrest connection release. The connection release is under the seat bar at the base of the seatback.
  2. While still pressing the backrest connection release, rotate the seat back and disconnect the backrest from the booster bottom.
  3. Once you remove the backrest, tuck the fabric panel nicely between the seat surface and the fabric cover.
  4. Place your booster seat on the selected vehicle seat.
  5. If you choose not to use LATCH connectors, ensure they don’t interfere with the seat belt. Do this by pulling the LATCH adjustment strap snug. Then secure your kid in the booster.
  6. In case you want to use LATCH connectors, release the LATCH adjustment strap first.
  7. Then push in the button on the seat bottom and pull out the two LATCH connectors.
  8. Identify the location of lower anchor bars and attach the LATCH connectors to them.
  9. Snug up the booster seat to the seatback. To do this, pull the LATCH adjustment strap and push back on the seat bottom.

Securing your Child in the Car Seat

  • Place the kid in the booster seat with the back against the vehicle seatback.
  • Ensure that the ears are below the vehicle seat back or head restraint. Use it in high-back booster mode if the ears are above the vehicle seatback or head restraint.
  • Route the lap belt below the front armrest and cross it over the thighs. Route the shoulder belt and the lap belt below the second armrest that’s closest to the buckle.
  • Buckle the seat belt.
  • Adjust the shoulder positioning clip by pulling it up or down. Ensure that it settles at the child’s shoulders or slightly above them.
  • Slide the shoulder belt through the clip and adjust accordingly. The seat belt should lay flat and snug across the chest, and the lap belt should lay flat and snug over the thighs.

Your youngster is now well secured!

Age Range Chicco recommends children who are at least 4 years old for its KidFit 2-in-1. At this age, children can generally:

  • Sit still and remain so throughout the ride.
  • Leave the seat belt properly positioned on their laps and shoulders.
  • Weigh in the range of 30 – 110 pounds.
  • Measure in the range of 38 – 57 inches tall.

Any kid who is at least four years old can use the seat in its high-back or backless mode. However, the child’s weight and ear positioning relative to the headrest and vehicle seat determine which way to use.

For the high back mode, the children should weigh between 30 and 100 pounds. They should also be between 38 and 57 inches tall. The child’s ears should be below the booster’s headrest.

In the backless mode, children should weigh between 40 and 110 pounds with the same height as in the high back booster mode. However, the child’s ears should be below the vehicle seat back or below the head restraint.

 Design: Safety, Comfort, and Convenience

Whereas most manufacturers concentrate side-impact protection around the headrest, Chicco does more. Its KidFit 2-in-1 belt-positioning booster has a DuoGuard. This is a rigid shell made of energy-absorbing EPS foam that protects the child throughout the 10 height positions.

Additionally, the height for KidFit Belt-Positioning Booster is adjustable from the waist instead of the neck. This enables it to protect your child’s head and torso at all stages of growth.

Chicco KidFit has a 2-position backrest that is very easy to recline in such a way that it mimics the vehicle seat.

Furthermore, the seat uses ErgoBoost comfort technology. It’s made of a double-foam seat pad and a contoured seat for improved comfort in all areas.

For stability, Chicco uses the SuperCinch Tightener system on most of its car seats. It consists of premium LATCH connectors with a force-multiplying tightener.

SuperCinch Tightener ensures that the installation of the KidFit is steady. Its backrest is easily removable. This is great because it allows you to convert the seat into a backless booster when your child grows bigger and taller.

The KidFit also comes with 2 cup holders on either side to keep your child’s drinks close. They’re removable dishwasher-safe cup holders that you can easily fold out of the way when not in use. This can save up some space.

Cleaning and Maintaining Chicco KidFit

Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster is a road-trip-ready car seat that’s convenient for many families. Its cup holders, fabrics, and armrest covers are easily removable. They’re both hand and machine-washable. If your car seat is dirty and you want to clean it, here are the instructions.

Hand-wash the fabrics using mild soap and water. You can alternatively machine wash them in cold water on a delicate cycle using mild detergent. Once they’re done, hang dry them.

Hand rise the foam insert and then air dry it as for the plastics, sponge clean them using warm water and mild soap. Once you’re done, wipe them with a clean towel to dry.

How about the LATCH connectors and Straps? Sponge clean them using warm water only, and air dries them.

Cup holders are equally easy to clean. Simply wash them as you would wash ordinary dishes.

For your booster car seat to last long, never use bleach, household cleaners, or solvents. They can weaken the plastic parts and straps.

And since the LATCH connectors and straps are irreplaceable, never use lubricants or soaps on them. Soaps and lubricants can cause these parts to malfunction.

See more: How to Clean Baby Car Seat

Safety of the KidFit

Chicco’s car seat exceedingly meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Its crash test rating is excellent.

With Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster, safety is in how it protects children against side-impact. It uses side wings coated with EPS energy-absorbing foam that shields the kid from impact energy in case of a crash. This protection covers the head down to the torso across the 10 positions in the DuoGuard.

In every car seat review, we remind parents that the safety of children doesn’t depend much on the car seat. It largely depends on how well you follow instructions in the user manual. The accuracy of installing the seat and securing the child in it has a bearing on the child’s safety.

What are some of the safety guidelines that you shouldn’t ignore?

  • Always read the user guide before using this car seat.
  • Don’t use the seat if your little one doesn’t meet all the child specifications.
  • Don’t use the seat on a vehicle seat with a frontal airbag; always install it on the back seat.
  • Never use a Chicco KidFit booster with a lap belt only.
  • Never use it without its armrests attached.
  • Always verify that the belt is properly buckled.
  • Never use any material between the child and the booster seat or between the booster seat and the vehicle seat. At all times, avoid bulky clothing for the little one because they may interfere with proper belting.
  • Never use it without its fabric cover.
  • Don’t use hot liquids in the cup holders.
  • Discontinue its use once it reaches its expiry period.

Price Range for the KidFit 2-in-1

Chicco KidFit boosters are among the most competitive car seats on the market. The company has a way of balancing quality with product prices to suit most families. Parents never feel shortchanged after purchasing Chicco boosters.

How much does the KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster cost? It retails roughly in the range of $100 and $110. This is a reasonable price, not too low to question the quality or too high to afford it. Most parents would find this price range quite friendly.

The KidFit Specs

  • Product Name: KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat
  • Product Brand: Chicco
  • Shipping Weight: 13.4 lbs
  • Package Dimensions: 8.5” X 19” X 28”
  • Product Weight: 10 lbs
  • Total Product Width: 17”

High-Back Booster

  • Assembled Dimensions: 16.5” X 18.75” X 32.75”
  • Assembled Weight: 10.2 lbs

Backless Booster

  • Assembled Dimensions: 15” X 17” X 5”
  • Assembled Weight: 6 lbs
  • High-Back Booster Mode: 30 – 100 lbs
  • Backless Booster Mode: 40 – 110 lbs
  • Total Belt-Positioning Clip Height: High-Back 19”; Backless 27” Height Adjustment
  • Positions: 10
  • Booster Child Height Capacity: 38 – 57”
  • LATCH: SuperCinch
  • Color: Assorted (Jasper, Celestine, Gravity, Atmosphere, and Horizon)
  • Expiration Date: 8 years from the date of manufacture
  • Warranty: 1 year

Competition: Outstanding for Safety, Convenience, and Comfort

How does Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 compare with other car seats on the market? Let’s take a brief review…

Britax One4Life ClickTight Car Seat

This is one of those booster seats that are designed to grow with your kid and move with you when you travel. It can transition from an infant seat to a booster.

As a booster, it can accommodate children weighing between 22 and 65 lbs. In its high back mode, the weight range increases to between 30 and 100 lbs. On the other hand, the backless way is meant for children in the weight range of 40 – 100 lbs. Unlike the KidFit that has 10 height adjustment positions, One4Life has 8 height adjustment positions.

In terms of price, the One4Life retails at a slightly higher price range than the KidFit 2-in-1. So, why would you choose One4Life over KidFit 2-in-1? If you need a seat that grows with your kid, go with Britax One4Life. But if you need more advanced safety features, go for the Chicco KidFit.

Evenflo Chase Harnessed Booster Car Seat

This is also another one that can grow with your youngster. It’s also a 2-in-1 booster car seat suited for children from 22 – 110 lbs. It can easily convert to a belt-positioning car seat enabling you to use it for a longer period.

Compared to Chicco’s KidFit, Evenflo Chase Harnessed booster has a wider child weight range. It can accommodate younger children compared to Chicco KidFit.

The Chase Harnessed Booster is among the lowest priced booster seats in this category. It retails between $65 and $70, which is way below Chicco KidFit. However, some parents who have used it complain that it doesn’t offer stable installation like the KidFit. Other parents have reported that its cup holders don’t stay in place. Moreover, the seat doesn’t recline, so your kid will feel a little too uncomfortable.

Evenflo Maestro Booster Car Seat

Evenflo Maestro is a super light car seat that you can quickly move from one car to another. In its forward-facing mode with the harness, it fits children from 35 to 65 lbs. As a belt-positioning booster, it fits children in the range of 40 to 100 lbs. Like the Chicco KidFit, its fabrics are also machine washable. It also has 2 cup holders; one on either side.

In terms of price, the Evenflo Maestro is light years behind the KidFit. Its retail price ranges from $60 to $95.

However, a critical review of this seat reveals a few issues that Chicco addresses. For instance, its armrests are so short that one doesn’t find their need. Secondly, it doesn’t offer a fast and secure installation that comes with Evenflo Maestro. Additionally, the seat is hard, with virtually no seat pad. Therefore, it may be uncomfortable for your kid during a long ride.

Verdict

Based on our review, Chicco KeyFit 2-in-1 stands out among booster seats. It comes with better safety features for the protection of your children. Its DuoZone provides a side-impact to the head and torso while its SuperCinch provides a secure and stable installation. The 10 height adjustment positions with 2 recline points and the ErgoBoost makes it super comfortable for children.

Even though there are cheaper booster car seats on the market, Chicco KidFit beats them in terms of safety, stability, and comfort. Caring parents won’t mind spending an extra dollar on the safety and comfort of their little ones.

See also: Best Car Seat Buying Guide

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