Chicco KeyFit 35
Face Rear
- Weight Limit (lb): 4-35 (RF)
- Height Limit: 32" (RF)
- Age Limit: Birth-12 or 18 months old
Reliability, affordability, and performance; some of the qualities you might look for in an infant car seat, the Chicco KeyFit 35 seems all that. Offering a top capacity of 35 lbs / 32″, adjustable 7 headrest positions and 6-position reclines, it stands out as a strong contender among affordable car seats brackets. It also manages to flaunt high spec features including an ergonomic design, easy-to use LATCH system, and wide stroller compatibility that make it a very exciting prospect. But, there’s a dark side to the KeyFit 35 lurking behind the makeup of a seemingly good infant car seat. Don’t worry, it’s not about practical functions on safety and comfort. It’s the price, the increased 5-lb and 2-inch in weight and height limit costs $50 more compared to its most popular KeyFit 30.
*Price may change due to e-commerce platform and brand sales promotion.
Chicco KeyFit 35 Review - Best Infant Car Seat
Pros & Cons
The good and the bad
What is it best for
Who we recommend it for
Value for Money
Is it worth the price tag?
Design
Dimensions, weight, color, etc
Safety Rating
Crash tests, FMVSS213, SIP
Performance
Weight/height limits, airplane, etc
Installation
Install with LATCH or seat belt
Alternatives
Other car seats to consider
1. Pros and Cons
Pros
- 35 lbs/ 32" capacity for growing infants
- Adjustable headrest and harness for safety and comfort
- More legroom
- SuperCinch LATCH for easy installation
- Anti-rebound bar for enhanced safety
- UPF 50+ shield canopy
- Removable infant insert for small babies around 4-11 pounds
- Wide compatibility with a range of Chicco strollers
- One-hand manoeuvrable handle
Cons
- High priced at $269.99
- A bit bulky
2. Who Is It Best For?
Will the Chicco KeyFit 35 Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?
Chico brought the KeyFit 35 into the affordable infant car seat market with the specs to rival the most popular Graco and Britax models.
Equipped with safety extras and exclusive techniques for easy and secure installation – including the SuperCinch LATCH connectors and LockSure seat belt locking mechanism – the KeyFit 35 sets itself up well as a safe and reliable infant car seat suitable for newborns and babies under 35 pounds until 32 inches tall.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 is an upgraded sibling for the KeyFit 30, with a few improvements in higher weight and height limits (35 lbs/ 32″ vs 30 lbs/ 30″), a larger body (17″ vs 16.5″ and 10-inch harness height vs 9-inch, meaning more room), more headrest adjustable position (7 vs 3), and more recline positions (6 vs 5). All these features make it more suitable for growing infants.
But this does not mean it’s not for tiny newborns. The KeyFit 35 includes body support and an infant positioner for babies between 4 and 11 pounds, making them sit stably, comfortably, and safely on car trips.
See also
3. Value for Money
Is the price tag worth it?
At $269.99, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is not a cheap infant car seat. It’s even more expensive than a few budget all-in-one car seats, like the Safety 1st Grow and Go ($179.99), Diono Radian 3R ($199.99), and Graco TriRide ($189.99).
However, if you’re a loyal Chicco fan, you’ll find this price is acceptable, compared to the price of $229.99 for KeyFit 30, which lacks competitive features to Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite or Britax B-Safe Gen2.
The KeyFit 35 is not the most expensive Chicco infant car seat. It has a higher-end sibling with a zip-off design and removable meshed privacy shield. Also, the Chicco Fit2 is another higher-priced infant car seat with a higher height limit.
We have compared it with other siblings, hoping this helps you find the best fit among them.
| Car Seats Comparison | Chicco KeyFit 35 | Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex | Chicco KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.99 | $269.99 | $299.99 |
| Weight limits (lb) | 4-35 | 4-35 | 4-35 |
| Height limits (in) | 35" | 35" | 35" |
| SuperCinch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newborn insert | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Easy adjustable headarest | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended leg room | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ClearTex No Chemicals | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full Coverage Privacy Shield | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Convenient EZ ZIP Features | - | - | ✓ |
| Height adjustable position | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Recine position | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Width | 17 inches | 17 inches | 17 inches |
| Car Seat Weight | 10 lb. | 10 lb. | 10 lb |
| Machine-washable fabric | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cup Holder | No | No | No |
4. Design
Dimensions and Width
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat measures 27.5 inches in length, 17 inches in width, and 24 inches in height. In terms of its overall design, it is definitely not the most compact infant car seat. Some parents even complain that it is a bit bulky – My friend Jessica has the same opinion.
But the 17-inch width is still a narrow profile, making the KeyFit 35 a good option if you have to install multiple car seats in the same row.
This upgraded KeyFit infant car seat is designed with safety and convenience in mind, and its size reflects this. It is larger and more spacious to provide ample cushioning and room for growing infants while still being portable and easy to transfer between cars.
Like all Chicco car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 35 has a slightly curved design, allowing it to fit snugly in the back seat of a car, without taking up too much space. This ergonomic design makes it feel good for kids. Along with the adjustable headrest and recline, the seat ensures your child’s comfort and its removable infant body and head support ensures that the baby is comfortable and positioned properly.
One potential downside that some parents may have noted is that the Chicco KeyFit 35’s canopy doesn’t provide full coverage from the sun and wind, and it may not be enough in some situations. If you want full coverage, the Zip ClearMax version is good. It comes with a meshed privacy shield that extends to the canopy.
See also
Portability
Considering its carrier weighing about 10 pounds -data given by the manufacturer, the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat is not a lightweight car seat. The 10-lb weight is not easy to carry for a long time, but not a biggie if you just need to carry it for connecting to the stroller or take it from the garage to the door porch. That’s a very common case where you use an infant car seat.
In terms of its weight compared to other infant car seats on the market, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is not lightweight, at least not compared to the lightest infant car seats between 5 to 8 pounds. But the 2-pound gap does not affect its portability anyway. For example, if you have a 20-pound baby, the total weight would be between 25 (in lightest infant car seat) and 30 pounds (in KeyFit 35), will you feel the 5-pound difference? Not really.
The weight gap between infant car seats is not as big as those between convertible car seats. So they’re all considered fairly portable, no matter if you take them for travel or need to switch them from one car to another.
However, if portability is the top priority for you, then the Doona is the best option. It’s heavier, but features a folding design and includes four wheels for easy strolling. It’s the only car seat with wheels on the market right now.
See also
Canopy
The canopy is an essential feature that provides an additional layer of protection for the baby, especially when traveling on sunny or windy weather days. It protects the baby from the sun, wind, and other external elements.
The KeyFit 35’s canopy is a decent size, providing adequate coverage without being too large or bulky. However, some parents may find that the canopy does not provide full coverage for the child, especially if the sun is at a low angle.
If you prefer full coverage, its premium sibling – KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex would be a good option. It packs with a meshed privacy shield to work with the canopy for 100% coverage. I guess this design is the inspiration for the Nuna Pipa car seats’ Sky Drape.
The materials used for the canopy are durable and high-quality, with a waterproof and durable fabric that stands up well to the elements. The canopy’s fabric is also easy to clean, which is especially important as infants are prone to spilling or making a mess during car rides.
The canopy is easy to adjust and provides a see-through mesh window, which allows parents to check on their baby without disturbing their sleep. The canopy also features a zippered opening that can be used to provide additional ventilation to the baby when needed.
One potential downside to the Chicco KeyFit 35’s canopy is that it may be difficult to adjust in some situations, especially for shorter parents or caregivers. The canopy’s adjustment button is located at the back of the seat, which may make it hard to reach some users.
Overall, the Chicco KeyFit 35’s canopy is a solid feature of the car seat, providing good coverage and durability. While it may not be perfect, it is a handy feature for providing additional protection for the baby during car rides.
Handle
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat features a sturdy, curved carrying handle that is designed for ease of use and comfort. The handle is ergonomically designed and can be positioned in multiple positions, enabling parents to find the most comfortable grip.
The handle is made with solid material and high-quality construction, making it durable, strong, and easy to grip. Its shape distributes the weight of the car seat evenly, which makes it easier for parents to carry the car seat for extended periods without experiencing hand fatigue.
The Chicco KeyFit 35’s handle is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. It features a quick-release button that makes it simple to remove the car seat from the base, while a one-pull harness loosens the straps to make it easy to place your child in the car seat.
One potential feature of the Chicco KeyFit 35’s handle is its ability to work as an anti-rebound bar. An anti-rebound bar is a safety feature that helps prevent the car seat from rotating in the event of an accident. The Chicco company states that the rounded handle can be used as an anti-rebound bar when the seat is installed without the base.
Stroller compatibility
It seems that there is a hidden wall for the stroller compatibility between different brands. The infant car seats only work with strollers from the same manufacturer. So does the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat.
It is only compatible with a range of Chicco strollers, making it easy for parents to create a travel system that meets their needs. When used with a compatible Chicco stroller, the car seat can easily snap into place and be released with the push of a button.
When using the KeyFit 35 with a compatible Chicco stroller, parents can enjoy benefits such as a streamlined travel system that is easy and comfortable to use, smooth maneuverability, and one-hand fold features.
This compatibility between a car seat and a stroller is especially useful when traveling with an infant, as it reduces the need to take the baby in and out of the car seat repeatedly.
Chicco KeyFit 35 compatible stroller list
- Chicco Viaro Travel System
- Chicco Activ3 Air Travel System
- Chicco TRE Jogging Travel System
- Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
- Chicco Bravo LE Trio Travel System
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat can quickly and easily snap into place on each of these strollers, making it easy to create a travel system that meets the needs of parents and caregivers. The strollers offer a range of features, from jogger-style options to more traditional strollers, and all are designed with comfort, safety, and convenience in mind.
By using a Chicco travel system, parents can benefit from having a smooth and easy-to-use stroller that is compatible with their car seat. The travel system can be especially useful for parents of infants, as it can eliminate the need to take the child in and out of the car seat repeatedly.
Color option
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat is available in a range of colors to suit different parent and family preferences. Find one from the color list:
Onyx
Cove
Shadow
As you can see, many of the color options do not have a distinct gender association, allowing parents to choose the color they prefer without regard to their child’s gender. This is very useful if you’re having your first baby but don’t know the gender.
If you prefer a bright-colored infant car seat for baby girls, pink or purple would be better. Check our post on the best purple car seats and best pink car seats to find one.
Headrest and Harness
The headrest in a car seat are crucial components that ensure the safety and comfort of a child while traveling in a car. To fit for growing babies, the Chicco KeyFit 35 allows for 5 position adjustment, along with the top harness slot height is up to 10 inches, providing spacious room.
It also features a no-rethread harness, which means that parents can adjust the height of the harness without having to manually rethread the straps each time.
The car seat also comes with a removable infant head and body support system that provides added protection and comfort for smaller infants. The support system helps keep the infant’s head and body properly aligned, preventing the child from slumping forward or to the side.
Overall, the headrest and harness in the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat are designed with safety and comfort in mind. These features play a critical role in keeping the child safe in the event of an accident while providing comfort and support during travel. Parents should follow the car seat’s instructions for installation, use, and adjustment to ensure maximum safety and comfort for their child. It is essential only to use a car seat that is appropriate for the child’s age, weight, and height, and always follow the car seat’s manufacturer instructions.
Reclines - 6 Positions
The reclining happens in the base, which allows 6-position reclines, providing a comfortable and safe fit for infants of different sizes and ages.
Having a 6-position recline on the Chicco KeyFit 35 ensures several advantages:
Customized Angle: With multiple recline angles, parents can adjust the car seat to achieve a comfortable and supportive angle for their child’s body. This feature is especially important for infants who cannot hold their head up on their own.
Correct Installation: A correctly installed car seat requires a proper angle, and a 6-position recline helps to ensure secure installation, which can impact the safety of the child during a collision.
Preventing Head Slump: With different recline positions, parents can adjust the car seat to prevent their infant’s head from slumping forward and impairing the airway, which is an essential feature for newborns.
Accommodate for different vehicles: The multiple recline positions make it easier to install the car seat in different vehicles, which can provide versatility to families that own or use multiple cars.
Impacts Safer Sleeping Positions: More upright angles are safer for babies in car seats due to reducing suffocation, this is particularly relevant if a baby is sleeping in a car seat that is not in a car.
Overall, the 6-position recline on the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat provides parents with adjustable and versatile features that provide greater comfort, support and safety for their child.
Infant Insert
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat comes with several infant accessories that are used to enhance the comfort of the child during travel. These accessories include a removable body and infant head support, soft fabric materials, and an adjustable canopy.
The removable body and infant head support provides added cushioning that ensures the child’s head, neck, and body are adequately supported during the ride. The headrest is adjustable and can be customized to fit the child securely and comfortably.
Additionally, the Chicco KeyFit 35 features a soft, machine-washable fabric cover that is made from premium materials. The soft fabrics help keep the child comfortable during long car rides, and the machine-washable feature makes cleaning the car seat easy and straightforward.
Furthermore, the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat has an adjustable canopy that provides protection against the sun, wind, and other outdoor elements. The canopy can be easily adjusted to different positions, providing the child with the ideal amount of shade for optimal comfort.
Padding
There are a few features that will make you believe that the Chicco KeyFit 35 is worth its $269.99 high price tag, including the decent amount of padding. The padding is thick enough to provide cushioning without compromising the safety of the child.
Made of high-quality, breathable fabrics that are soft and cozy for the child, the padding in KeyFit 35 provides necessary support and comfort for the child during the car trips.
Furthermore, the padding is often removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning, which is essential for maintaining the car seat’s cleanliness and comfort.
In conclusion, the padding in the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat is decent in thickness and made of soft, high-quality materials. The padding is designed to be breathable, ensuring the child stays comfortable during the ride. Parents should follow the car seat’s instructions for installation and use to ensure maximum safety and comfort for their child. Additionally, they should regularly clean the car seat to maintain its cleanliness and ensure their child’s comfort.
5. Crash Tests and Safety Rating
Is it safe to use Chicco KeyFit 35?
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat is a safe and reliable option for parents who want to transport their children safely and comfortably. The car seat has undergone rigorous testing and is certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
The car seat has numerous safety features designed to protect the child in case of an accident. For instance, the car seat has a five-point harness system, which means the child is secured by five straps that go over the shoulders, around the hips, and between the legs. This system ensures that the child is held securely in place and reduces the likelihood of injury.
Additionally, the KeyFit 35 car seat has an excellent impact-absorbing base that helps minimize the effects of a crash on the child. The base’s design also ensures that the car seat stays stable and secure in the car, further reducing the risk of injury.
Finally, there is an anti-rebound bar in the base for enhanced protection in case of crashes from the rear. The handlebar on the carrier works as an anti-rebound bar when used without the base.
It is essential to note that the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat’s safety also depends on proper installation and usage. To help parents achieve a tight and secure installation, the KeyFit 35 comes equipped with SuperCinch LATCH connectors and a LockSure belt locking system. As long as you follow the car seat’s installation instructions closely and use it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the KeyFit 35 should work as expected to ensure optimal safety.
Side Impact Protection
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat has side impact protection to provide an extra layer of safety for the child. The car seat’s side impact protection is designed to distribute crash forces away from the baby and reduce the risk of injury.
The KeyFit 35’s side impact protection is made up of energy-absorbing foam that lines the car seat’s shell. This foam is designed to absorb and distribute the energy from side impacts away from the child, minimizing the risk of injury.
Additionally, the car seat features a removable head and body support system that can be adjusted to fit the child’s size and shape, providing a snug and secure fit. The support system also helps keep the child’s head and body properly positioned and aligned, further reducing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
6. Performance
Weight and Height Limits
Its weight limit can be easily detected from its name – 35 means the 35-pound top weight limit. To work with this, the KeyFit 35 has a 32-inch, just like the majority of infant car seats.
The weight and height limits provide parents with the flexibility to use the car seat for an extended period, ensuring that they get the most out of it.
Kids probably approach the top 35 pounds or 32 inches around their 1 year of age. If you’re living in a US state that requires children to stay rear-facing when younger than 2 years old, like the New York, Virginia, Illinois, and Washington etc, you’ll need some car seats with extended rear-facing. Chicco Fit2 has a higher height limit up to 35 inches, making it a good infant car seat for tall babies. But that is probably not as high as the convertible and all-in-one car seats.
Additionally, The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat uses a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system that has a weight limit. The LATCH system is designed to provide a secure and easy way to attach the car seat to the car, but the weight limit of LATCH usually varies between 30 to 35 pounds. Once the child weighs more than this limit, parents should use the vehicle seat belt instead. However, parents are advised to always consult their car seat and vehicle manuals for specific weight and installation guidelines before fitting the restraint.
See also
Stage / Modes -1st
The Chicco KeyFit 35 is designed for use during the infant car seat stage. It is specifically intended to be used for newborns and small kids who weigh between 4 to 35 pounds and are up to 32 inches tall. This stage usually lasts from birth up to around 12 months, depending on the child’s growth rate.
Infant car seats are the first stage of car seats, and they offer significant benefits, including enhanced protection and comfort for infants. The Chicco KeyFit 35 offers numerous features that make it an excellent option for the infant stage. For instance, the car seat is designed to fit newborns snugly and securely, with removable head and body support for smaller infants.
Infant car seats are also particularly important because they are rear-facing. Rear-facing car seats provide added protection for infants in the event of an accident, as they absorb the majority of the impact during a crash. The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat can be installed both with the base and without it, providing parents with even more flexibility and convenience.
Once the child exceeds the height or weight limits of the infant car seat, parents should transition the child to the next appropriate car seat type, typically a convertible car seat (including 2-in-1 and all-in-one) or a combination booster car seat.
See also:
Age Range
While the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat does not have a specific age limit, it has height and weight limits that will ultimately determine when the child can no longer use the car seat.
The maximum weight capacity is 35 pounds, while the maximum height limit is 32 inches. That means, children will start to outgrow the KeyFit 35 around 12 months – at most 18 months for most cases, or when they reach the maximum weight or height limit, whichever comes first.
It’s best to keep children in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, up to the height and weight limits of the car seat. But you will need to transition the child to a convertible or all-in-one car seat for extending the rear-facing, or switch to a combination booster car seat for forward-facing, whichever is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height, and most important – the local laws.
Some states, New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, require kids to stay rear-facing under 2 years of age. If this is your case, using a car seat with extended rear-facing is a perfect solution.
Overall, the age limit for the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat will vary based on the child’s growth rate and whether they reach the height or weight limit first. Parents should monitor their child’s growth and ensure they are always safely and properly secured in their car seat until it is time to transition to the next car seat type.
See also
Airplane
Is Chicco KeyFit 35 approved for use on a plane?
Yes, the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat is FAA-approved for use on airplanes. Parents can use the car seat to secure their infant during takeoff, landing, and turbulence on both domestic and international flights. However, it is important to note that not all airlines allow parents to use infant car seats on board.
When traveling with an infant car seat, parents should contact the airline beforehand to confirm their policies for using car seats on board. Parents should also ensure that their car seat is appropriately labeled and certified for use on aircraft.
To help facilitate the use of car seats on aircraft, Chicco also offers an optional KeyFit Caddy Air Stroller that is designed to be lightweight and compact for easy travel. With the stroller, parents can easily transport the infant seat through busy airports and on board the plane.
See also
Lifespan
How long is Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat good for
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat has an expiration date that is typically six years from the date of manufacture. The expiry date is set by the manufacturer and is based on the expected lifespan of the materials and components of the car seat.
After the expiration date has passed, the car seat should not be used anymore, and parents should replace it with a new car seat. Using an expired car seat can compromise the safety and protection that the car seat provides in the event of an accident.
Additionally, the car seat’s materials and components may deteriorate over time, affecting the car seat’s structural integrity and safety in a crash.
When disposing of an expired car seat, parents should ensure that it is made unusable by cutting off the straps and covering the car seat with a permanent marker or other identifying label. This helps prevent someone else from unknowingly using outdated and potentially unsafe car seat.
See also:
Warranty
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat comes with a limited one-year warranty from the date of purchase. The warranty covers manufacturer defects, workmanship defects, and material defects during manufacturing. The warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents, misuse, abuse, commercial use, or normal wear and tear.
7. Chicco KeyFit 35 Installation
Before starting to install the car seat, you may where to put it. The center of the back seat is probably the safest position to install a car seat.
If possible, install the car seat on that spot. If that seat is not applicable for a proper installation, for example lacking a shoulder belt, either seat on the side would be safe. You may choose any of them based on your family’s and kid’s needs.
Chicco KeyFit Base installation
With the base setup
- Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface. Place Base on selected vehicle seat. Make sure it is not blocking the vehicle seat belt buckle.
- Locate the Bubble Level Indicator and adjust the Recline Foot by lifting the Recline Foot Adjuster and lifting or lowering the base until the Bubble falls between the arrows on the Bubble Level Indicator
Install Chicco KeyFit 35 Using LATCH
- Pull up on the LATCH Release Lever and loosen LATCH straps to their full length.
- Locate the LATCH Connector storage compartments. Remove both LATCH Connectors.
- Locate the LATCH anchor bars in your vehicle. Attach both LATCH Connectors to the vehicle LATCH anchor bars.
- Tighten LATCH straps by pulling up on LATCH Pull Strap while pressing Base firmly into vehicle seat.
- Roll LATCH Release Strap and store in Release Strap Storage Compartment.
Install Chicco KeyFit 35 Using Lap/Shoulder Belt
- Thread vehicle seat belt up through the belt path on the side of the Base.
- Pull vehicle seat belt down through the vehicle seat belt path on opposite side of the Base. Buckle the vehicle seat belt.
- While pushing down on the Base, pull up on the vehicle shoulder belt to remove all slack from the vehicle lap belt.
- While holding the shoulder belt tight, slide the shoulder belt strap firmly into Shoulder Belt Lock-Off. Always use the Lock-Off on the opposite side of where the vehicle seat belt is buckled.
Install Chicco KeyFit 35 Using Lap Belt
- Thread vehicle seat belt up through the belt path on the side of the Base.
- Pull vehicle seat belt down through the vehicle seat belt path on opposite side of the Base. Buckle the vehicle seat belt.
- While pushing down on the Base, pull up on the loose end of the vehicle lap belt to remove all slack.
Attach carrier to the base
- Insert the Carrier into the Base.
- Push down on the Carrier to make sure it locks onto the Carrier Attachment Hooks on the Base.
- Check to make sure the Carrier is securely attached to the Base.
Chicco KeyFit 35 Baseless Installation
Using Lap/shoulder blet
- Thread vehicle seat belt up and slide into the Seat Belt Guide on the side of the Child Restraint.
- Pull vehicle seat belt down and slide into the Seat Belt Guide on opposite side of the Child Restraint. Buckle the vehicle seat belt. Pull out all of the shoulder belt webbing and activate the locking mode of the vehicle belt. If belt does not lock, do not use that seating position to install the carrier.
- While pushing down on the Carrier, pull up on the vehicle shoulder belt to remove all slack from vehicle lap belt.
- With the Child Restraint placed and buckled without the Base and using the vehicle lap-shoulder belt in un-locked mode – pull the shoulder belt out and slide it around the back of the Child Restraint.
- Thread the shoulder belt through the Shoulder Belt Guide. Then guide the shoulder belt around the carrier. Switch the shoulder belt into locked mode. Do not use this seating position if the vehicle belt does not lock.
- While pushing down on the Child Restraint, pull up on the vehicle shoulder belt to remove all slack from the vehicle lap and shoulder belt.
Using Lap belt only
- Thread vehicle seat belt up and slide into the Seat Belt Guide on the side of the Child Restraint.
- Pull vehicle seat belt down and slide into the Seat Belt Guide on opposite side of the Child Restraint. Buckle the vehicle seat belt.
- While pushing down on the Child Restraint, pull up on the loose end of the vehicle lap belt to remove all slack.
Chicco KeyFit 35 Manual
You should always read the user manual before starting to install and use it for riding your child.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 car seat manual is stored in a small storage slot at the bottom of the car seat, but you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.
8. Specification and Comparison
| Brand | |
| Brand | Chicco |
| Type | |
| Suitable for | Newborns and infants |
| Positions | Rear-facing |
| Design | |
| Portability (1-10) | 8. Compact and a bit heavy |
| Weight (pounds) | 10 |
| Weight limits (lb.) | 4-35 |
| Height limit (inch) | 32” |
| Dimension | 28″ x 16.5″ x 24″ LWH (without base) |
| Cup holder | None |
| Performance | |
| Age Range | Birth-12~18 months old |
| Stage | 1st |
| Installation | LATCH and seat belt |
| Headrest Positions | 7 |
| Recline positions | 6 |
| Airplane | Yes |
| Lifespan | 7 Years |
| Extra Features | Anti-rebound bar |
Chicco KeyFit 35 vs 30 vs Fit2
| Car Seats Comparison | Chicco KeyFit 35 | Chicco KeyFit 30 | Chicco Fit2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.99 | $229.99 | $319.00 |
| Weight limits (lb) | 4-35 | 4-30 | 4-35 |
| Height limits (in) | 35" | 30" | 35" |
| SuperCinch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newborn insert | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Easy adjustable headarest | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended leg room | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| 1-Hand Adjustable Carry Handle | - | - | ✓ |
| 2 Stage Base | - | - | ✓ |
| Height adjustable position | 7 | 3 | 7 |
| Recine position | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Width | 17 inches | 17 inches | 17 inches |
| Car Seat Weight | 9.6 lb. | 10 lb. | 11 lb |
| Machine-washable fabric | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cup Holder | No | No | No |
*About the height limit for rear-facing: The top of the head must be 1” (2.5 cm) below the headrest adjustment lever.
9. Alternatives
What other infant car seats should you consider?
Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller
- Weight Range: 4-35 lbs.
- Height Limit: 32 inches
- Lifespan: 6 years
- Type: Infant
- Stage: 1st
- Suitable for: Birth to 1 year old
Why is it better than the Chicco KeyFit 35?
- Combine a stroller
- Foldable design
- The only car seat with wheels
- Advanced safety features
Why is it worse than the Chicco KeyFit 35?
- More expensive ($500 vs $269.99)
- Heavier (16.5 lbs vs 10 lbs)
Chicco Fit2
- Weight range (lb): 4-35 (RF)
- Height limits: ~35” (RF)
- Stage: 1st
- Lifespan: 7 years
- Suitable: Birth-2 years old
Why is it better than the Chicco KeyFit 35?
- Higher height limit (35" vs 32")
Why is it worse than the Chicco KeyFit 35?
- More expensive ($329.99 vs $269.99)
UPPAbaby MESA
- Weight range (lb): 4-35 (RF)
- Height limits: 32” (RF)
- Stage: 1st
- Lifespan: 7 years
Why is it better than the Chicco KeyFit 35?
- More padding
- Look higher end
Why its worse than the Chicco KeyFit 35?
- Costs more (+$30; $299.99 vs $269.99)
- Lack anti-rebound