Choosing a car seat for your baby is tough. It needs to be safe, durable and suitable for your baby for quite some time. Especially when a car seat is not cheap.
There are thousands of different types of car seats out there, which one best suits your baby?
You might have done your research and you narrowed it down to the 2 top rated car seat brands: Chicco and Graco. You heard they got great feedback and highly recommended by their previous users.
Then you frown again.
Among tens of different car seat models for each brand, which one should you go for?
We feel you mami.
We were confused and hesitant because it is a safety device after all. It will ensure your child’s safety while you are busy looking at the street and focus on driving. It is not a 5 dollars sippy cup for you to just shrug your shoulders and go for the most visual one, and switch to another after a few days.
So in this post, we are going to compare Chicco vs Graco car seat, between some of their most popular and top rated items, just to give you at least something to refer to, when it comes to choosing the best car seat for your baby.
Ready?
Let’s dive in.
What defines a good car seat?
A specific car seat may be good for one person but not good for the other. So even using the same car seat, the definition of “good one” still varies. The variety is due to your car, your baby’s age, weight and conditions.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding what a good car seat is.
Your car and a clear instruction
Car seats can be attached to your car by 2 different ways: seatbelt or LATCH system.
Make sure you read the instructions of your car clearly to decide which way you want to attach the car seat to your car, then you decide which car seat to go for.
Some car seats are relatively big and might not fit your car. Measure your back seat to know how much room there is for a car seat. Cross-refer to your baby’s age and weight and take notes to compare with the car seat that you are targeting.
Your baby’s age, weight and size
The car seat needs to be compatible with your baby’s age and weight.
Your budget
How much money you plan to invest on the car seat greatly impacts on choosing the right one. You can consider getting a convertible car seat, so that it grows with your baby. A convertible car seat can face the rear of the car at first, and turn toward the front later.
Always get a new car seat - safety comes first
The most important feature of a car seat is its safety. Nobody cares about how pretty it is if it doesn’t guarantee the safety of your baby. All car seats on the market have been tested and approved for the current safety standards.
The safety technology also changes quickly. Make sure you check the JPMA stamps on the box and get a brand new car seat.
Ease of cleaning
The car seats should be cleaned easily to reduce the workload of parents while offering comfort to your little one. Get a car seat that is made of smooth fabric, so you can wipe it more easily than a textured fabric.
Additional features
For car seats that are generally cheaper (less than 200 dollars), choose a car seat with 5 point harness, inside-impact protection and compatibility with a LATCH system.
For premium car seats (more than 200 dollars), look for the additional features, such as the anti-rebound bar at the foot of the seat, cushier fabrics and accessories.
The straps of the car seats need to be adjusted easily as your baby grows so they can always offer comfort.
How long can you use one car seat?
If you don’t buy a convertible car seat, you will need 2 car seats in your baby’s childhood: an infant car seat and a toddler car seat. Once your baby is big enough to grow out of the car seat, a booster seat is optional to provide your baby with some comfort during the ride.
If you buy a convertible car seat, you only need 1 car seat for your baby’s childhood.
Therefore, choosing a car seat is an important decision. Make sure you do your research and pick well.
Chicco vs Graco car seat: best infant car seat
Chicco and Graco both mark their names with many infant car seat models. But their top rated and most famous are Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 and Chicco Keyfit 30. In each model, they diversify it into a few more products, ranging from affordable to premium one.
In this comparison, we will be comparing some of their top rated products back to back.
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat vs Chicco Keyfit 30
Below is the quick comparison of some key features between these two.
FEATURES | Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX | Chicco Keyfit 30 |
|---|---|---|
5-point harness | ||
inside-impact protection | ||
compatibility with a LATCH system | ||
Infant insert for smaller babies | ||
Adjustable, multi-position canopy | ||
Easy-to-read level indicator | ||
1-Hand Adjust handle | ||
One-Pull Harness | ||
Can build into a travel system |
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
What we like:
What we don't like:
GRACO SNUGRIDE SNUGLOCK 35 LX
What we like:
What we don't like:
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat vs Chicco Key Fit 30 Zip Infant Car Seat
FEATURES | Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite | Chicco Keyfit 30 zip |
|---|---|---|
5-point harness | ||
inside-impact protection | ||
compatibility with a LATCH system | ||
Infant insert for smaller babies | ||
Adjustable, multi-position canopy | ||
Easy-to-read level indicator | ||
1-Hand Adjust handle | ||
One-Pull Harness | ||
Can build into a travel system |
CHICCO KEYFIT 30 ZIP
What we like:
What we don't like:
GRACO SNUGRIDE SNUGLOCK 35 ELITE
What we like:
What we don't like:
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Platinum Infant Car Seat vs Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip Air Infant Car Seat
FEATURES | Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Platinum | Chicco Keyfit 30 zip Air |
|---|---|---|
5-point harness | ||
inside-impact protection | ||
compatibility with a LATCH system | ||
Infant insert for smaller babies | ||
Adjustable, multi-position canopy | ||
Easy-to-read level indicator | ||
1-Hand Adjust handle | ||
One-Pull Harness | ||
Can build into a travel system |
CHICCO KEYFIT 30 ZIP AIR
What we like:
What we don't like:
GRACO SNUGRIDE SNUGLOCK 35 Platinum
What we like:
What we don't like:
Chicco vs Graco car seat: best convertible car seat
Chicco NextFit Zip Max vs Graco Extend2Fit
FEATURES | Graco Extend2Fit | Chicco NextFit Zip Max |
|---|---|---|
5-point harness | ||
inside-impact protection | ||
compatibility with a LATCH system | ||
No of headrest positions | 10 | 9 |
Weight range | 5 - 65 pounds | 4 - 65 pounds |
Easy-to-read level indicator | ||
1-Hand Adjust handle | ||
Number of recline position | 6 | 9 |
Chicco NextFit Zip Max
What we like:
What we don't like:
Graco Extend2Fit
What we like:
What we don't like:
Chicco Fit4 4-in-1vs Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1
FEATURES | graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 | Chicco Fit4 4-in-1 |
|---|---|---|
5-point harness | ||
inside-impact protection | ||
compatibility with a LATCH system | ||
No of headrest positions | 10 | 10 |
Weight range | 4 - 120 pounds | 4 - 100 pounds |
Easy-to-read level indicator | ||
1-Hand Adjust handle | ||
Number of recline position | 6 | 9 |
Chicco Fit4 4-in-1
What we like:
What we don't like:
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1
What we like:
What we don't like:
Chicco vs Graco car seat: best booster seat
Graco TurboBooster Highback vs Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster Car Seat: the most affordable option
Graco TurboBooster Highback
What we like:
What we don't like:
Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster
What we like:
What we don't like:
Final thought
There you go. You have it now.
Above is our monster review of the most popular car seats of Chicco and Graco based on your baby’s age and weight.
The rest is all yours.
Pick the one you think is the best for your baby. Watch him closely to make sure he is comfortable with it.
Both of you deserve some good time while driving.