Chicco KeyFit 35 Review

As one of the biggest baby brands in Europe, Chicco (kee-ko) is a company that provides various types of gear. They make gear that includes items for feeding, traveling, some parents' favorite strollers, and more. Founded by Pietro Catelli, Chicco offers products for children ages pre-birth to preschool. You can find their products in over 120 countries across the globe.

Performance Comparison

Crash Testing

The Keyfit earned a crash test analysis result that is just above the average for the group. While all seats in this review should be considered safe and meet federal guidelines, we seek standout options that excel in crash tests with lower sensor test results (lower is better) than the average seat.

The Keyfit 35 has better chest sensor results than the average but a higher HIC score. While both scores are better than much of the competition, they weren't quite low enough to run with the big dogs in our tests for truly excellent performance. However, this seat did offer significantly better-than-average sensor data, which it should be proud of. When combined with the other metric scores, it is a Chicco we think most families will be happy with.

Ease of Installation LATCH

This installation method ties in with the ease of installation using the vehicle belt, with both of them offering straightforward installation and features to make the process easier, like a center pull strap. This seat does have an anti-rebound bar but does not have a load leg.

Installation of this base isn't hard, with ample straps and push-style connectors. The base has a single tightening strap, and while the anti-rebound bar creates some resistance to be fully tightened, we found a good knee in the base that helps snug everything in place with the center strap pull.

Overall, it is pretty straightforward, and the only thing that might be easier is rigid LATCH connectors. The base is very stable, with almost no movement in the test sedan and the compact SUV we used for installation.

Removing the base starts with a single-finger pull on the center lever, releasing the straps and getting them loose enough to unhook from the vehicle anchor points. Then you press on the connectors like you would a seat belt to remove the connectors.

Recline Adjustment

This base has a level angle adjustment with five positions located in the center of the base. It is one of the easier Chicco adjustment methods and is intuitive.

The base has bubble indicators on both sides, so you can install the seat from either side of the car and still see what you are doing.

Ease of Installation - Belt

Installing the Keyfit 35 with the vehicle belt and forgoing the LATCH connectors is pretty easy, with this seat scoring above average in this metric and earning a similar result to its LATCH installation method.

This seat base has a color-coded belt path with a built-in- lock-off. Threading was effortless, with blue slots to guide your way. There is plenty of visibility to ensure the belt doesn't get twisted. There are indicators on the lock/off so you know when it is tight enough, and the straps tighten in intuitive directions. The slits in our tests seemed to encourage curling of the shoulder strap, but this didn't seem to affect the overall process. We didn't need much pulling or a knee in the base to get a good, snug fit in the sedan and the SUV.

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base

While installation without the base is the worst installation method for the Keyfit 35, it still scored above average for this method, and it isn't hard, just less desirable than with the base options.

It features the European belt path of the vehicle belt over the carrier foot only, and it has a decal line on the seat to help find the right angle for installation.

The pathway is not color-coded but also evident if you know what you are doing. We needed two hands to push the belt through on one side and catch it on the other; it requires a little wiggling to get it through, thanks to the poorly placed fabric design, but it isn't a problem. We had no trouble tightening the vehicle belt or getting a secure finished product.

Ease of Use

This seat is one of the easiest options in the review to use, with a performance well above average and just below the high for the group. We think parents will enjoy the functionality that is straightforward and intuitive.

Buckle

This seat has a square buckle with red indented button. It's somewhat flush for better access with longer nails. It is slightly textured to help prevent slipping. The shoulder strap prongs do not pop out when you press the button, and you must pull them out yourself. The chest clip is the average clip with a center-round button to push. It moves smoothly and should be usable even with a spit-up on it. It's nothing fancy, but in fairness, it doesn't need to be to get the job done.

Harness Tightening/Loosening

The standard tightening strap and release button on this Chicco are similar to other seats from this brand. The strap moves smoothly without too much force, and the button presses easily to release without a hiccup. The shoulder strap padding can get in the way, but it's fine if you plan ahead.

Harness Adjustment

The harness height adjustment is a non-rethread style adjustment with five settings. We prefer this style because it is a quicker adjustment you might be able to do with your baby in the seat when you realize there is a need. It is accomplished with a pinch of buttons to move the assembly. This assembly moved smoother than most competitors, and the pinch didn't require significant finger strength.

Carrier to Base Connection

Attaching the carrier to the base is better than average, and we didn't see a way you could do it wrong, and we didn't have to jostle it around to hear the comforting click as it connected. Releasing the carrier includes pulling up on the lever at the back, which is wide enough to use your thumb. The back of the canopy can get in the way of reaching and properly grasping the lever, which is a bummer.

Handle

The handle has three positions, and all three are acceptable while driving. It does collide with an open canopy, and we are disappointed because it didn't in the past, and we find this design frustrating.

Canopy

The canopy has an odd design that allows it to sort of fold in itself, which could lead parents to think it is smaller than it is. As little ones grow, you might have to tuck the extra fabric on the canopy out of the way of curious hands. With the canopy fully closed, the handle is hard to get past it. When open, it rubs less.

LATCH and Manual Storage

The manual storage has its own pocket on the base on the forward-facing end. It keeps it free of messes and is handy for use, but it means you won't have it if you travel without the base. The LATCH connectors have their own cubbies with a friction fit instead of doors. You do need all the webbing you can get to turn the connector to push it in. The area is somewhat tight thanks to the anti-rebound bar, but it works and keeps the connectors contained.

Comfort/Quality

Often, you get what you pay for; in quality, we typically see this theory shine through. The Keyfit is a more reasonably priced option, and the equality is somewhat better than you'd expect in this range, which is a nice plus, but it isn't as nice as some other seats with similar pricing.

Fabric and Padding

The fabric is slightly rougher when we rub it on our cheeks. While it isn't the roughest, it isn't as skin-friendly as you might want for a newborn. It has more head padding than much of the competition, and there is more comfort padding in the bottom seat area than some. It might look average, but it offers more than the other car seats, and the subtle differences matter. The crotch and shoulder straps also have some light padding.

Handle and Canopy

The canopy is only average in size with a UPF 50+ rating. The material feels lighter, which could keep little ones cooler over the heavier material that feels like a heat trap. The handle is round, making it easier and more comfortable to grip. The center has a rubberized feeling cover for comfort on your hands and the inside of your arm where you might carry this.

Shell

The outer shell on the Keyfit 35 is smooth and won't be a problem to wipe clean. The handle and belt guide are pretty low, so there is less chance for gunk to find its way back there with few exposed areas with crevasses.

Weight/Size

The Keyfit 35 has an average weight compared to the rest of our test seats. With a carrier weight of 10.4 lbs, it is neither heavy nor lightweight and could be a potential contender for those who plan to carry their little one in the carrier regularly. If this weight feels like too much, the highest is closer to 17 lbs, and the lowest is closer to 8.

Should You Buy the Keyfit 35?

Once upon a time, we thought we loved the Chicco Keyfit 30, but then along came the Keyfit 35. Fickle friends? We might be, but you'll forgive us, given all the Keyfit 35 brings to the table. The Keyfit 35 is definitely a seat we would recommend to a friend. We think there is much to love about this seat, with slightly better-than-average crash test results and relatively easy LATCH installation. It is also highly compatible with a variety of different strollers (assuming they accept infant car seats with adapters).

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?

While the Chicco Keyfit 35 is a good seat, no question, it isn't the best seat, and the recent cost hike is a disappointment given how it fares next to the competition. If you want the best all-around seat, our favorite is the Clek Liing, which earned top marks in our crash test analysis metric and LATCH installation tests. The Liing is a high-quality seat that has an impressive overall score and includes fool-proof rigid LATCH connector installation with load leg. If you like the Keyfit 35 but the price is somewhat higher than you want to go, the Chicco Keyfit 30 has a similar overall performance and higher crash test rating with a somewhat lower price. While it isn't a perfect seat, it gets you similar stroller compatibility to the Keyfit 35 while keeping some money in your pocket.

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