In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Comparing Infant Car Seats

Showing 15 products | Change
 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award    
Price $330 List
$279.99 at Amazon
$270 List
$229.99 at Amazon
$350 List
$349.97 at Amazon
$230 List
$209.99 at Amazon
$330 List
$329.99 at Amazon
Overall Score
72
75
64
73
64
Star Rating
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Pros Very easy to use, one-handed handle adjustment, simple LATCH install, more comfortableBetter performance across all metrics, nice padding, easy to buckle and tightenIntegrated tensioner/lock-off, easy-to-adjust shoulder straps, comfortableHigher crash scores, easy to use, good handle gripGood comfort, canopy fits with handle, retractable LATCH
Cons Poorly designed handle grip, heavier, higher price pointNon-rigid LATCH, rougher headrestBelow-average crash test analysis, tensioner/anti-rebound bar doesn't work in all cars, expensive for average performanceMinimal padding, small canopy, poor stability without baseLower crash test analysis, disappointing indicator, LATCH release is hard to press
Bottom Line If the price is within budget, it is one of the easiest-to-use infant seats with some comfort featuresNot much to dislike in this higher-performing seat, with above-average results in all metrics and high stroller compatibilityGenerally average or below average results for a seat that costs more than better-performing optionsImpressive crash test results but it isn't the most comfortable for a babyA hard to love seat given the lower crash test results and higher price given the higher-performing competition
Rating Categories Chicco Fit2 Chicco KeyFit 35 Baby Jogger City GO2 Chicco KeyFit 30 UPPAbaby Mesa v2
Crash Test (40%)
7.1
7.6
6.5
7.9
5.5
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)
7.0
7.0
6.0
6.8
6.8
Ease of Install - Belt (10%)
6.8
7.0
4.3
6.8
7.0
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
6.5
6.8
5.5
5.5
6.3
Ease of Use (15%) Sort Icon
9.0
8.5
8.0
8.0
7.5
Comfort/Quality (5%)
7.0
7.5
7.0
5.5
7.0
Weight/Size (5%)
5.8
6.9
6.8
7.2
6.8
Specs Chicco Fit2 Chicco KeyFit 35 Baby Jogger City GO2 Chicco KeyFit 30 UPPAbaby Mesa v2
Aircraft Certified Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Minimum Weight 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Maximum Weight 35 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs 30 lbs 35 lbs
Maximum Height 35 in 32 in 32 in 30 in 32 in
Belt Routing Style European European European American European
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 12.3 lb 10.4 lb 10.5 lb 9.8 lb 10.5 lb
Number of Recline Positions 6 6 4 5 4
Shoulder Harness Positions 6 5 17 3 5
Crotch Strap Positions 2 1 2 1 1
Built in Lock Off Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Anti-rebound Bar Yes Yes Yes No Anti-rebound handle position
Load Leg No No No No No
Locking Handle Positions 3 3 4 3 4
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Stage 1: Any
Stage 2: Base Storage Position (behind the seat)
Any position Any position Any position Position 4 (all the way forward)
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Newborn Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Non-rethread Non-rethread Non-rethread Rethread Non-rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Level Indicator On Base Bubble, both sides Bubble, both sides Bubble, both sides Bubble, both sides Dial, both sides
Level Indicator On Seat Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal