Chicco KidFit Review

Pros: Easiest to use, better crash test results, price
Cons: Average quality, widest seat bottom
Manufacturer: Chicco
The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
![]() This Product
Chicco KidFit | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $100.00 List $99.99 at Amazon | $275.00 List $319.99 at Amazon | $60.00 List $53.09 at Amazon - 12% off | $110.00 List $99.99 at Amazon - 9% off | $300.00 List $299.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Easiest to use, better crash test results, price | Great crash test results, high quality, rigid LATCH | Inexpensive, comfortable, easy to use, light | Better crash test results, price, lighter | Easier to use, narrow width, comfortable |
Cons | Average quality, widest seat bottom | Heavy, hard to move, harder to use | Wider, doesn't LATCH | Less padding, quality | Higher price, higher HIC crash test result |
Bottom Line | Better crash test results in an easy to use, inexpensive booster | Quality and great crash test results make this heavy seat more desirable | Budget-friendly, easy to use booster that functions well and is lightweight | Inexpensive option that is lighter with better crash test results | Easy 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%) | |||||
Ease Of Use (30%) | |||||
Weight Size (15%) | |||||
Comfort (10%) | |||||
Quality (10%) | |||||
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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