In our Chicco Fit4 review, we do a deep-dive into Chicco’s latest convertible car seat model.
Here’s a quick rundown of this model:
In sum, the Chicco Fit4 offers parents a modern and stylish convertible car seat, with comfort and safety for your child.
Now let’s get into the details!
Chicco Fit4 Overview
The Fit4 offers four different stages for transition. The first is the rear-facing stage for infants between four and 16 pounds. The second is the rear-facing stage for toddlers between 12 and 40 pounds. The third stage is rear-facing for preschoolers between 25 and 65 pounds. The final stage is the booster for children between 40 and 100 pounds.
The car seat includes protection for side and head-impacts called DuoGuardA. A frame reinforced with steel, and energy absorbent EPS foam surrounds the torso and head for all stages. Nine different reclining positions are available with ReclineSure. Adjustments are quick and simple. The headrest offer 10 positions to help prevent the head of the child from falling forward during a collision or a nap.
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Chicco Fit4 Video Overview
Chicco Fit4 Specs
Chicco Fit4 Features
Safety Features
Design Features
Installation Features
Usage Features:
The door to the crotch buckle is then closed, so the buckle can be threaded through the correct slot located in the cover. The cover is then replaced onto the shell of the Chicco Fit4.
Who is the Chicco Fit4 Most Suitable For?
The car seat is suitable for different heights and weights depending on the mode selected. The rear-facing mode can be used for new babies only five pounds until the child is 45 pounds. The forward-facing mode includes a five-point harness for children a maximum of 65 pounds. The booster seat is designed for a child from 50 to 120 pounds. The height limit for all three modes is 44 inches.
What is Included with the Chicco Fit4?
The car seat includes:
The manufacturer offers a range of accessories for the Fit4 as well.
Pros and Cons of the Chicco Fit4
Pros
Cons
Chicco Fit4 Installation
Tutorial installation videos are available at:
Chicco Fit4 Manufacturer's Manual
The manufacturer's manual is available at:
Chicco Fit4 vs Chicco Nextfit
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There are some notable differences between the NextFit and Fit4 car seats. Despite both models being a convertible car seat, there are differences in the way the child can ride. The Chico NextFit offers two different ways to ride, but there are four options with the Chicco Fit4. The Fit4 also provides both a booster mode, and a rear-facing stage for infants.
The Fit4 provides a rear-facing stage appropriate for taking a baby weighing a minimum of four pounds home from the hospital with a maximum weight limit of 16 pounds. Although the NextFit does include a removable positioner for newborn babies a minimum of five pounds, the rear-facing stage for the Fit4 is much more advanced. The Fit4 is also convertible to a booster with a high back for a child between 40 and 100 pounds.
Both models are equipped with numerous positions for the headrest. The headrest position for the Fit4 is more advanced than the NetFit. The Fit4 provides a headrest adjustable to ten different positions, while the NextFit only offers nine. There is a foldable cup holder standard on both sides of the Fit4, but there is only one cup holder with the NextFit.
The seat pad for both models can be removed and machine washed. The difference with the NextFit is the seat pad is zip-and-wash. This means the pad is more easily and conveniently removable for cleaning. One of the major differences between the two models is the price tag. The cost of the Fit4 is higher than the NextFit. Due to the consistent changes in both models as time passes, the price will change.
For parents interested in a great option offering excellent safety and comfort, both the Fit4 and NextFit are good choices. Due to the added padding, inserts, and extras, the Chicco Fit4 is worth the additional cost. Parents will appreciate the simplicity of switching from one stage to another. The Fit4 also lasts for a longer period of time due to the booster stage.
Babylist's Chicco Fit4 Review
The Bottom Line
Convertible car seats such as the Chicco Fit4 are one of the most popular options for parents. Even if the parents prefer purchasing a separate infant seat, the Fit4 is still an excellent option because the car seat offers peace of mind until the child is approximately 10 years old. Parents purchasing the Fit4 once the child is a little older will still benefit from the ease of installation and longevity.
The Fit4 is one of the easiest car seats to install regardless of the stage required. The child remains suitable for the booster mode provided they remain in the range of the angle indicator. This makes determining the correct stage for the child very simple. The leveling system, nine reclining positions, and headrest offering ten positions including a no-rethread harness make the car seat extremely versatile.
Radian 3RXT (click image for more info)
Parents will enjoy the additional features including the removable and collapsible cup holders, two buckle positions for the crotch, and approval of the FAA for all stages except the booster mode. All of the instructions, fasteners, and adjustments are simple and intuitive. The easy installation combines with the longevity to make the Fit4 car seat an excellent choice for parents.
Growing up I was a carefree male going about life like there was no tomorrow. Naturally, I ‘grew’ up, settled down and started a family.
Going from an independent carefree male to a family man was somewhat of a U-turn and required a lot of learning. Luckily for me, my wife works in education and has always been the shining light always ahead of me on all factors kids related.
Initially, my wife didn’t have a driving license (luckily this has now changed and it does make life easier), and all things car related were my task. Child locks were the obvious starting point which lead me down a rabbit hole.
So far we have personally tested dozens of convertible car seats and have owned five despite neither of our kids having reached the age of 5! Simply put, a car seat can be great on paper, work great on trying out but can fail on you in real life.
This is why I have put together this website – to help inform and educate you!
Of course, as I mentioned above, at the end of the day your experience will be the best test so I’d love to hear your experiences and feedback in the comments.
To contact me personally, please do so through my contact page.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Peter
P.S. If you click a link on my site and end up buying a car seat on Amazon, I’ll get paid a small commission (or as the Amazon lawyers put it: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases”)
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