REASONS TO BUY
Easiest to use
Better crash test results
Price
REASONS TO AVOID
Average quality
Widest seat bottom
Chicco KidFit Review
Nicely priced, easy to use option with better crash test results
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Skinny
The Chicco KidFit is a very easy-to-use, high-backed booster with better crash test results than some of the best booster seat competition. This booster is comfy with dual cup holders and LATCH connectors with a front tightening system that is virtually effortless. We like that it is close to 10 lbs making it easier to lift and carry, but it has the widest seat bottom making it a poor choice if you need to fit three kids in the backseat. The KidFit is nicely priced considering the added features, but the quality is also on par with the lower price, which is a disappointment. This booster is a great choice for families on a budget who don't want to sacrifice safety or ease of use in favor of saving money.
Editor's Note: The Chicco KidFit review was updated on December 21, 2021. This update provides new information on the multiple tests within certain metrics for better comparison across products in the metrics that matter the most.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Chicco KidFit | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $110 List $109.99 at Amazon | $160 List $149.99 at Amazon | $180 List $179.99 at Amazon | $30 List $34.99 at Amazon | $45 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Easiest to use, better crash test results, price | Better crash test results, price, lighter | Reasonable price, better crash test analysis, super comfy, high-quality | Lightweight and portable, budget-friendly | Portable, nicer quality, lower price |
| Cons | Average quality, widest seat bottom | Less padding, quality | Heavier, can't go backless | Harder to use, lower quality | Lowest crash test results, hard to use, uncomfortable |
| Bottom Line | Nicely priced, easy to use option with better crash test results | Budget-friendly choice with better crash test results | This high-quality booster is super comfortable, with better crash test analysis and a reasonable price | Acceptable performance for a travel friendly, inexpensive choice | Super easy to travel with but it has the lowest crash test results |
| Rating Categories | Chicco KidFit | Diono Monterey XT | UPPAbaby Alta | BubbleBum | mifold |
| Crash Test (35%) | |||||
| Ease Of Use (30%) | |||||
| Weight/Size (15%) | |||||
| Comfort (10%) | |||||
| Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Chicco KidFit | Diono Monterey XT | UPPAbaby Alta | BubbleBum | mifold |
| Crash Test HIC Score | 557 | 556 | 390 | 603 | 733 |
| Crash Test Chest G Clip | 46 | 42 | 53 | 45 | 48 |
| Modes | High Back Booster, Backless Booster |
High Back Booster, Backless Booster |
High Back Booster | Backless Booster | Backless Booster |
| High Back Booster Weight Range | 30 - 100 lbs | 40 - 120 lbs | 40 - 100 lbs | n/a | n/a |
| High Back Booster Height Range | 38" - 57" | 38" - 63" | 38" - 57" | n/a | n/a |
| Width | 20" | 18.4" | 18.5" | 14" | 9.4" |
| Weight | 10.4 lbs | 14.2 lbs | 16.1 lbs | 1 lbs | 1.5 lbs |
| Backless Booster Weight Range | 40 - 110 lbs | 40 - 120 lbs | n/a | 40 - 100 lbs | 40 - 100 lbs |
| Backless Booster Height Range | 38" - 57" | 38" - 63" | n/a | 40" - 57" | 40" - 57" |
| 5 pt Harness Weight Range | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 5 pt Harness Height Range | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| LATCH Equipped | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Can you use LATCH in booster mode? | Yes | Yes | Yes | n/a | n/a |
| Recline Positions | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Foam Type | EPS | EPS | EPP | None | None |
| Seat Lifespan | 8 yrs | 6 yrs | 10 yrs | Not Listed | 7 yrs |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
As part of the Artsana Group, a lifestyle company, Chicco (kee-ko) is one of the most popular baby-centric brands in Europe, with products like some of our favorite car seats to bottle warmers. Started by Pietro Catelli, Chicco creates a variety of baby gear for little ones from before birth to preschool age. Chicco sells in more than 120 countries.
Performance Comparison
The KidFit headrest has EPS foam for potential protection in the event of a crash, but it lacks additional softer padding for comfort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Crash Test
The KidFit has better crash test results than much of the competition top-ranking booster seats.
While all of the boosters in this review have met or exceeded the federal guidelines for booster seat safety and are therefore considered safe, some earned better than average crash test results indicating an additional margin of protection. The KidFit is one such seat, with a portion of the crash test data better than most.
This graph is a comparison of the HIC crash test results for the Chicco and the UPPAbaby Alta, which has the best data in the group for this sensor.
Credit: MGA, BabyGearLab Staff
The Chicco crash test data for the head sensor (HIC) in the crash test dummy is 575 with a maximum federal limit of 1000, where a smaller number indicates better performance. The best result in the group is 390 for the UPPAbaby Alta; this result is less than half the maximum allowed. The chart below shows a comparison of all seat's HIC sensor results.
This graph is a comparison of the chest sensor (g) crash test results for the Chicco and the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex which has the best data in the group for this sensor.
Credit: BabyGearLab, MGA Research
The crash test data for the KidFit's chest sensor (g) is 46, where the maximum allowed is 60, and a lower result is better. The best result for the group is 39, and the high is 48. You can compare the individual results for the chest clip scores below.
The Chicco is one of the easiest boosters in the review to use both for parents and children.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The KidFit proved to be very easy to use in our tests.
This metric is where the Chicco shines. Little testers could use the seat and buckle themselves in without problems. Like most products with armrests, children need some practice to learn how to work around the rest, but the added comfort makes this learning curve worth it.
The KidFit installs using LATCH anchors (above left) that retract into the shell when not in use (above right). This attachment prevents the booster from moving freely in the car when not in use and is a helpful safety feature.
The LATCH straps tighten and release from the front (above left), making it easier to install than a convertible or infant car seat. The seat bottom houses the LATCH anchors and the shoulder belt retainer (above right) for the booster without the back. The base is relatively smooth with no rough edges, and it has a slip-resistant edge.
The KidFit headrest height is adjusted using a button on the back of the headrest (above left). This maneuver is possible from the front with your child in the seat. The shoulder strap retainer is on the headrest (above right) and moves with the headrest for proper seatbelt alignment.
The KidFit has two cup holders attached to the seat bottom of the booster.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This booster has dual cup holders molded into the sides of the seat bottom. They are sturdier than much of the competition.
Weight and Size
The KidFit scored lower than average for weight and size.
This result directly relates to the KidFit being the widest booster in the review. This width means it is unlikely to fit across the backseat with two other car seats. However, it is the lightest high-backed booster in the review, with a remarkable weight of only 10.4 lbs. This weight makes the Chicco more comfortable to carry, but the girth means it will be more challenging to move.
The Chicco isn't as comfortable as some of the competition but kids did think the bottom was sort of "cushy".
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort
The KidFit isn't the most comfortable option you can find in this lineup of products.
Little testers like the fabric of this booster and said the headrest is "sort of" comfortable, and the bottom is "cushy." They aren't wrong as the seat bottom is nicely padded, but the headrest is less so. The headrest is also shallow and splays out wider than it needs to, which creates possibly the least supportive in the group for napping. It does have armrests, though, which improves the comfort of those without them.
The Chicco quality is average compared to the competition with a sturdy seat that has some disappointing material choices.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The KidFit offers average quality compared to the competition.
The overall fit and finish of the booster are uninspired and nothing to crow about. The padding is adequate and better than some but not as thick as others. The fabric is only okay, but at least it isn't as rough as some competitors. The shell is self-contained and looks good without the nooks or exposed fasteners found in some of the competition. The booster feels sturdy; it is just the materials that seem lackluster.
Should You Buy the KidFit?
The KidFit earned a higher overall score and has a nice look and feel. This booster has a very budget-friendly price for what you get and comes with a good crash-test score and dual cup holders. It is easy to use, can go backless, and weighs around 10 lbs. This seat is a good option for those who want a good crash-test score for a reasonable price.
What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?
If your budget is still too tight for the KidFit, the Evenflo Spectrum is comparable to the KidFit with a lower list price and similar features and functionality. The Spectrum offers more for comfort and quality, but the Chicco has a slightly better crash test rating. If your budget is bigger and crash test results are your most important metric, the Clek Oobr earned top crash test analysis results and is comfortable with quality materials and a rigid LATCH system.
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz
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