Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat and Base for Babies-chicco keyfit 35 cleartex
$73.22
$125.95
This seat is well worth the investment to have something that is extremely safe, easy to use, looks sharp, and will outlast other systems with its slightly higher weight rating. The learning curve on using this seat is very easy, and installation is a snap once you’ve sorted out the latch points in your vehicle for the base, which is included. There are also easy-to-follow instructions for installation without the base, if you may be traveling in someone else’s vehicle. The interoperability with stroller systems is very nice as well. The sun shade is nice and much bigger than expected and does a very good job of protecting our girl from the sun, especially in combination with the stroller system: the two combined interlock and provide 100% coverage. The seat is going to start showing markings quickly: every bump and every rub will leave a mark, but it is cosmetic and isn’t a big deal, and most can be cleaned off with a damp rag. Overall, the travel system is a solid set and a good choice for people willing to spend the money for a solid, reliable, and safe system over a bargain product. The major con is that it is a little large: while it isn’t too heavy, the size and latch positioning make it a little difficult to take out of smaller cars. Our mid-size sedan requires us to move the passenger seat back and forth to accommodate space to unlatch the car seat. However, this is a trade off we expected for getting a car seat designed to last longer, and so it isn’t something I would lower a rating because of. It alto requires two hands to hit two switches in order to adjust the handle position, and the handle is a tight fit over the sun shade, but these issues really only occur when the seat is empty or else you’re finishing putting it in or about to take it out of the car, in which case you should have both hands free anyway. Again, the safety this adds is f the handle not accidentally swinging free while carrying it outweighs the challenge this provides.
