In-depth reviews guided by a Pediatrician

Chicco KidFit Review

Nicely priced, easy to use option with better crash test results
Best Value Award
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Price:   $100 List | $100 at Amazon
Pros:  Easiest to use, better crash test results, price
Cons:  Average quality, widest seat bottom
Manufacturer:   Chicco
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 18, 2017
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68
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#3 of 9
  • Crash Test - 35% 7
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 8
  • Weight/Size - 15% 5
  • Comfort - 10% 6
  • Quality - 10% 6

The Skinny

The Chicco KidFit is a very easy to use, high backed booster with better crash test results than some of the competition. This booster is comfy with dual cup holders and LATCH connectors with a front tightening system that is virtually effortless. We like that this booster 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. This booster 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.


Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
This Product
Chicco KidFit
Awards Best Value Award Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award   
Price $100.00 List
$99.99 at Amazon		$275.00 List$60.00 List
$53.99 at Amazon - 10% off		$110.00 List
$87.99 at Amazon - 20% off		$300.00 List
$299.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Easiest to use, better crash test results, priceGreat crash test results, high quality, rigid LATCHInexpensive, comfortable, easy to use, lightBetter crash test results, price, lighterEasier to use, narrow width, comfortable
Cons Average quality, widest seat bottomHeavy, hard to move, harder to useWider, doesn't LATCHLess padding, qualityHigher price, higher HIC crash test result
Bottom Line Better crash test results in an easy to use, inexpensive boosterQuality and great crash test results make this heavy seat more desirableBudget-friendly, easy to use booster that functions well and is lightweightInexpensive option that is lighter with better crash test resultsEasy to use, narrow option with high price and higher HIC crash test result
Rating Categories Chicco KidFit Clek Oobr Evenflo Spectrum Diono Monterey XT Peg Perego Viaggio...
Crash Test (35%)
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
6
10
0
7
10
0
6
Ease Of Use (30%)
10
0
8
10
0
6
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
7
Weight Size (15%)
10
0
5
10
0
5
10
0
5
10
0
5
10
0
6
Comfort (10%)
10
0
6
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
7
10
0
7
Quality (10%)
10
0
6
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
6
10
0
7
Specs Chicco KidFit Clek Oobr Evenflo Spectrum Diono Monterey XT Peg Perego Viaggio...
Modes High Back Booster,
Backless Booster		 High Back Booster,
Backless Booster		 High Back Booster,
Backless Booster		 High Back Booster,
Backless Booster		 High Back Booster
High Back Booster Weight Range 30 - 100 lbs 33 - 100 lbs 40 - 110 lbs 40 - 120 lbs 40 - 120 lbs
High Back Booster Height Range 38" - 57" 38" - 57" 44" - 57" 38" - 63" 39" - 63"
Width 20" 17.7" 19.8" 18.4" 17.3"
Weight 10.4 lbs 19.3 lbs 11.6 lbs 14.2 lbs 14.5 lbs
Backless Booster Weight Range 40 - 110 lbs 40 - 100 lbs 40 - 110 lbs 40 - 120 lbs n/a
Backless Booster Height Range 38" - 57" 40" - 57" 44" - 57" 38" - 63" n/a
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 No Yes Yes
Can you use LATCH in booster mode? Yes Yes n/a Yes Yes
Recline Positions 2 2 0 0 5
Foam Type EPS EPP Air/ Crumple Zone EPS EPS
Seat Lifespan 8 yrs 9 yrs 6 yrs 6 yrs 12 yrs

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. Started by Enrico 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.
The KidFit headrest has EPS foam for potential protection in the event of a crash, but it lacks additional softer padding for comfort.

Crash Test


The KidFit has better crash test results than much of the competition.


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 being better than most.

This graph is a comparison of the HIC crash test results for the Chicco and the Evenflo Spectrum which has the best data in the group for this sensor.
This graph is a comparison of the HIC crash test results for the Chicco and the Evenflo Spectrum which has the best data in the group for this sensor.

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 456; this result is less than half the maximum allowed.

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.
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.

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.

The Chicco is one of the easiest boosters in the review to use both for parents and children.
The Chicco is one of the easiest boosters in the review to use both for parents and children.

Ease of Use


The KidFit proved to be very easy to use in our tests.


This metric is where the Chicco shines. Little testers were able to use the seat and buckle themselves in without problems. Like most of the 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 has the quick release button style LATCH anchors that are easier to attach and remove.
The KidFit LATCH anchors store in the bottom of booster to keep out of the way when not in use

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 useful safety feature.

The KidFit LATCH anchors are tightened from the front which makes securing the booster easier than traditional car seats.
The bottom of the KidFit is the storage location for the shoulder strap retainer clip.

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 when it is without the back. The base is relatively smooth with no rough edges, and it has a slip-resistant edge.

The headrest/height is adjustable with a lever on the back but it can be used from the front so you can move it even after it is installed.
The shoulder strap retainer on the KidFit is attached and moves with the headrest.

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.
The KidFit has two cup holders attached to the seat bottom of the booster.

This booster has dual cup holders molded into the sides of the seat bottom. They are sturdier than much of the competition.

The KidFit is the lightest booster with a back in this review. However it is also the widest.
The back of the KidFit can be removed to create a backless booster that is smaller and lighter for easier transport from car to car.

Weight and Size


The KidFit scored lower than average for weight and size.


This result is directly related to the KidFit being the widest booster in the review. This width means it is unlikely it will 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".
The Chicco isn't as comfortable as some of the competition but kids did think the bottom was sort of "cushy".

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, and that improves the comfort over those without them.

The Chicco quality is average compared to the competition with a sturdy seat that has some disappointing material choices.
The Chicco quality is average compared to the competition with a sturdy seat that has some disappointing material choices.

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.

Manufacturer Video




— Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz