Dads, choosing the right infant carrier should be right up there with picking the right tires for your car, or the right scope for your hunting rifle.  Yup, it’s that important! That being said, there are a myriad of choices out there, and it’s important to do your research.  As for me, I’ve always had good luck with the Chicco brand of car seats.  They are priced fairly, have all the latest safety features, are readily available to purchase, and meet the needs of most families.  But recently, when deciding on a gift for my brother and his girlfriend who had just had a beautiful baby girl, I was struggling to decide between two models of the Chicco infant car seat:  The Keyfit 30, or Keyfit 35.  

The Keyfit 30:

The Chicco Keyfit 30 starts at $209, and features a large canopy, machine washable fabrics, and a newborn positioner.  It weighs in at only 9 lbs, and even though we are tough strong Dads, weight matters when you’re carrying that thing around all day with a baby in it!  This carrier comes with a detachable base which can easily be transferred to another vehicle (so you don’t always have to take the minivan…it will fit in your Audi too!).  Other features include a super cinch latch, reversible newborn insert (remove as the kiddo grows), easy adjust headrest system, and (my favorite) a 1-hand adjustable carrying handle.  This seat is just easy to use, period.  I like simplicity, because getting the baby in and out while juggling all your other stuff, plus watching out for the other kids trying to run across the parking lot without you is a lot.   I was sold on this seat, until I discovered the latest version…

The Keyfit 35:

So, on the surface, it appears that this is a similar seat but costs roughly $30 bucks more.  Why pay more for this?  Well, let me tell ya Dads.  Buying car seats sucks.  On average, you’ll buy 3-4 car seats for each kid as they grow up.  The beauty of the Keyfit 35 is that is has a higher weight range.  Instead of going up to 30lbs, it goes up to 35lbs.  That means perhaps one less car seat you’ll have to buy.  This one will be useful for longer…meaning more value.  It comes with many of the same features as the Keyfit 30, plus a no-rethread harness, an anti-rebound bar, and great stroller compatibility.  The downer?  It weighs in between 1-2 lbs heavier than the Keyfit 30, depending on the model.  So, there’s that.  

Here are the stats for both seats:

	Keyfit 30	Keyfit 35
Retail Price	$210	$236
Carrier Weight	9.5 pounds	10 pounds
Dimensions	27.5 x 16.5 x 24 inches	28 x 16.5 x 24 inches
Child Height Limit:	30 inches	32 inches
Child Rear Facing Age & Weight Limit	4-30 pounds	4-35 pounds
Recline Positions	5	6
Headrest Positions	3	5
Stroller Compatibility	Multiple brands, adapter may be necessary	Multiple brands, adapter may be necessary
Material	Polyester	Polyester
FAA Approved	Yes	Yes
Harness	Adjustable 5-point harness	Adjustable 5 point no re-thread harness
Canopy	No UPF 50+ sun protection in canopy	UPF 50+ sun protection in canopy
Bases	1 base included	1 base included

Based on what’s important for my needs, and for those of my brother, I went with the Chicco Keyfit 30.  The main reason is the weight.  I think lighter is better, given most of the other features are the same.  Probably by the time most kids are 30 plus pounds, they will be ready for a bigger car seat anyway, so the extra 5 lbs of capacity in the Keyfit 35 wasn’t important to me.  Also I saved 30 bucks, which buys me guitar strings or a couple pounds of brisket.  

Keep in mind there are many other criteria that you can use to pick the right infant car seat.

Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:

1. Check Local Regulations: First, familiarize yourself with your local and national car seat regulations. These regulations may dictate the type of car seat required based on your child’s age, weight, and height.
2. Choose the Right Type: There are different types of car seats designed for various stages of a child’s development:
   • Infant Car Seat: Rear-facing seats designed for infants up to 1 year old or until they outgrow the height and weight limits.
   • Convertible Car Seat: Can be used as a rear-facing seat for infants and then converted to a forward-facing seat as your child grows.
   • All-in-One Car Seat: Similar to convertible seats but often allow for use as a booster seat when your child is older.
3. Check Weight and Height Limits: Pay attention to the weight and height limits specified by the manufacturer. Ensure that the seat you choose can accommodate your child’s current size and future growth.
4. Consider Ease of Installation: Look for a car seat that is easy to install correctly. Many car seats now come with features like latch systems, clear labeling, and online tutorials to assist with proper installation.
5. Safety Features: Safety should be your top priority. Look for seats that meet or exceed safety standards set by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Features to consider include side-impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, and a five-point harness.
6. Compatibility with Your Vehicle: Not all car seats fit in all vehicles. Check if the seat you’re considering is compatible with your car. Some manufacturers provide lists of compatible vehicles.
7. Ease of Use: Consider how easy it is to use the car seat, especially if you’ll frequently be taking your child in and out of the car. Features like adjustable straps, harness height adjustment, and easy-to-use buckles can make a big difference.
8. Comfort and Padding: Your child’s comfort is important, especially for long journeys. Look for a seat with adequate padding and cushioning.
9. Cleaning and Maintenance: Babies can be messy, so choose a seat with removable and washable covers for easy cleaning.
10. Read Reviews: Read reviews from other parents to get insights into real-world experiences with specific car seats. Look for reviews that mention ease of installation, safety, and comfort.
11. Check for Recalls: Before making a final decision, check if the car seat you’re considering has been recalled for any reason. You can do this through the manufacturer’s website or the NHTSA’s database.
12. Consider Your Budget: Car seats come in a range of prices. While safety is paramount, consider your budget and find the best option that meets your safety and comfort criteria.
13. Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about which car seat to choose, consider seeking advice from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) who can provide personalized recommendations and assist with proper installation.

Remember that car seats have expiration dates, so be mindful of the seat’s age and replace it if necessary. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use to ensure your child’s safety.

Conclusion:

Hope you found this helpful.  If you decide the Chicco Keyfit 30 or Keyfit 35 might be the infant carrier for you, and you buy through one of my links above, it won’t cost you anything and you’ll help a Dad out with the costs of maintaining this blog.  Peace Dads.