Chicco Keyfit 30 vs. Keyfit 35: Infant Car Seat Review & Comparison

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This article was reviewed by Amanda Brown, CPST.

Most new parents shopping for an infant car seat are looking for all the extra safety features and affordability — and that’s exactly why Chicco car seats are so popular. These seats boast all the safety bells and whistles, are easy to use, comfortable for baby and affordable, to boot.

But the brand’s top two seats are extremely similar — even in name — so how do you decide which one is the best choice for your family? Our gear experts tested and reviewed the Chicco KeyFit 30 vs. KeyFit 35 to help you make the right decision.

Main Differences Between the Chicco KeyFit 30 and 35

At first glance, the main difference between the Chicco KeyFit 30 and the Chicco KeyFit 35 is price. The KeyFit 35 costs about $40 more than the KeyFit 30, largely because the KeyFit 35 has a higher height and weight range, plus has a few additional bells and whistles. While the Chicco KeyFit 30 is a perfectly safe seat, the Chicco KeyFit 30 has the added benefit of an anti-rebound bar. It also has a canopy made with UPF 50+ fabric.

Chicco KeyFit 30: Pros & Cons 

• Retail Price: $230
• Amazon Price: $230 
• Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $143
• Seat weight: 9.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 27.5 x 16.5 x 24 inches
• Child Height Limit: 30 inches
• Child Weight Limit: 4-30 pounds

Best for: Families who want extra safety features, convenient and comfortable seat at a great price

The Chicco KeyFit 30 has long been a top-selling car seat. It’s a relatively affordable seat, but is comparable to more luxury models like the Nuna Pipa and the UppaBaby Vista in terms of added safety features.

The infant car seat comes with a two-piece removable infant insert complete with head and neck support, plus three different adjustments for the harness strap to suit your little one’s size. The seat also has improved side impact protection and a five-point harness with one-hand tightening to keep baby secure.

It’s easy to install on your vehicle’s seat, as well, thanks to the LATCH system and LATCH connectors, easy-to-read bubble level-indicators and a proprietary spring-loaded leveling foot to help verify the seat is installed at the proper angle.

Parents love the stroller compatibility. The seat clicks seamlessly into Chicco brand strollers to make a travel system, but can also be used with a multitude of other brands’ models — some of which require adapters (sold separately) — like Britax and Cybex. The fabric on the seat, though a simple polyester, is also machine-washable.

Pros 

• Additional safety features
• Great stroller compatibility
• Easy to install
• Machine-washable fabric

Cons 

• Lower height and weight capacity

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Chicco KeyFit 35: Pros & Cons 

• Retail Price: $270
• Amazon Price: $270
• Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $124
• Seat weight: 10 pounds (without the base)
• Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 24 inches
• Child Height Limit: 32 inches
• Child Weight Limit: 4-35 pounds 

Best for: Families who don’t mind paying a little extra for better longevity and added features

The Chicco KeyFit 35 has all of the same great features the Chicco KeyFit 30 has — and then some. While you’ll have to spend about $40 more on this infant car seat, it's important to note that it can be used for a bit longer, adding to the overall value of the baby gear. The KeyFit 35 can be used from 4-35 pounds or up to 32 inches, whichever comes first; The KeyFit 30 can only be used from 4-30 pounds or up to 30 inches, whichever comes first. At this stage of life, that’s actually a pretty big difference, and some parents love the extra time it buys them to keep their little one in an infant seat.

One of the biggest benefits to this is that an infant car seat clicks seamlessly into compatible strollers, so you don’t have to transfer from car to stroller — a timesaver, but also a bonus if baby is snoozing. The Chicco KeyFit 35 nestles onto the brand’s strollers without any adapters, plus works with many other types of strollers — including jogging strollers — with adapters (sold separately). It’s worth noting, though: It’s 0.5 pounds heavier than the KeyFit — an already heavy seat — so it’s not great for carrying, especially as your kiddo grows.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 has the no-rethread harness that the 30 does not, a key differentiator. The Chicco KeyFit 35 also has some improved features, including the added security of an anti-rebound bar and higher-end UPF 50+ fabric on the canopy. It also has more recline and headrest positions. Finally, it has more legroom space than the 30. 

Pros 

• No-rethread harness
• Higher height and weight limits
• Anti-rebound bar
• Great stroller compatibility
• Easy to install
• Machine-washable fabric

Cons 

• More expensive
• Two pounds heavier

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KeyFit 30 vs. KeyFit 35: Infant Car Seat Comparison Chart 

Which is Better, the Chicco KeyFit 30 or KeyFit 35? 

Importantly, both the Chicco KeyFit 30 and the Chicco KeyFit 35 are perfectly safe infant car seats for your little one. Both seats exceed U.S. safety standards and can be trusted to offer a high level of protection.

That said, many parents say the extra $40 you’ll pay for the Chicco KeyFit 35 is a worthy expense considering how much extra it offers. The Chicco KeyFit 35 has better longevity, thanks to the higher weight and height limits, plus has a few additional safety and comfort features — like an anti-rebound bar and more recline positions.

FAQ

Do the Chicco KeyFit 30 and 35 Have the Same Base?

Chicco manufactures two infant car seat bases — one called the KeyFit Infant Car Seat Base, another called the KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat base. Both seats come with one base, but some parents opt to buy additional ones for their other cars, or for a grandparent or caregiver’s car. When purchasing, it’s important to note that The Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat Base is compatible with all KeyFit, KeyFit 30, and KeyFit 35 infant car seats, but the Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat base is only compatible with the KeyFit and KeyFit 30 infant car seats.

How Long are the Chicco KeyFit Car Seats Good For? 

Both the Chicco KeyFit 30 and Chicco KeyFit 35 are good for 6 years after their manufacture date — a time period that you’ll find on a sticker affixed to your car seat. This is best-case scenario. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it’s important to discontinue use of any car seat that’s been in even a minor car accident. You should also retire your kiddo’s seat as soon as they meet the height or weight limit outlined in your car seat’s manual. For Chicco KeyFit 30, this occurs when your little one reaches either 30 inches or 30 pounds; for the Chicco KeyFit 35, this happens once your little one is either 32 inches or 35 pounds.