Chicco Keyfit 30 VS Britax B Safe 35

Searching for an infant car seat can be intimidating because of the many options available. We evaluated two of the best infant car seats to make your decision a little easier.

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The main difference between the Chicco Keyfit 30 and Britax B safe 35 is that the latter weighs slightly less, and is thus more portable.  However, they offer many similar qualities, making it difficult for new parents to choose between the two brands.

About the Chicco Keyfit 30

The Chicco Keyfit 30 is highly recommended by doctors and nurses for its ability to fit and carry little newborns. Consumer Reports named it a top-rated infant seat because it passed the latest crash test and is simple to install. The Chicco infant car seat’s SuperCINCH latch technology is renowned for its simplistic usability. This inexpensive infant car seat will not let you down.

The compact size and slim design of this car seat will appeal to you, as it allows you to place more than one baby carrier in the vehicle. The Chicco Keyfit 30 is the one to get if you want a soft and cozy infant insert for your infant car seat. Invest in a second car seat tray for your children since it will keep them occupied for a longer period. 

Specs of the Chicco Keyfit 30

Chicco Keyfit 30	Specs
Size of seat	27.5″ x 16.5″ x 24″
Weight (carrier only)	9.5 (16.5 with the base)
Weight capacity (lbs)	4-30
Recommended height (inches) maximum	30
Date of expiry	Six years after manufacturing

Features of Chicco Keyfit 30

• Easiest infant car seat to install with a spring-loaded leveling foot and two bubble-level indicators
• One-hand release and two-position carry-handle 
• Removable and machine-washable seat cover
• The safety harness has a one-pull tightener (threaded, 5-point)
• LATCH connectors that are rigid
• For the LATCH system, a super-cinch strap is available
• zipper embellishments that are fashionable
• Seat pads and canopy are both detachable
• A boot with a zipper
• 3D AirMesh backrest featuring airflow channels is breathable

Pros

• It has a narrow and compact form
• Many strollers are compatible with it
• It has a huge sun cover
• It has a soft padding for newborns
• The #1 Infant Car Seat according to Consumer Reports
• Different color and style variations available

Cons

• The canopy on some models/colors is quite tiny
• It has a broader base, which occupies more space
• For larger babies, the compact form is a disadvantage
• It’s quite hefty

About the Britax B safe 35

Despite its high price, the Britax B Safe 35 is a top-rated parental option for its safety and aesthetics. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded this car seat five stars. This newborn car seat comes in five different colors. 

The base of this baby seat is made of honeycomb material, which compresses for absorbing energy in the event of an accident. The latch straps’ center access point is useful for cinching them securely. The company prides itself on producing car seats that seem simple to install. This car seat has a base with latch technology to make it simple to tighten the straps.

The Britax B Safe 35 seems to be the perfect infant car seat for you if you want a wide sun canopy and a car seat that is exceptionally easy to install. It would also be the one if you may not want to jeopardize the safety and comfort of the infant. This child seat even comes with infant warming pad cushions that are removable.

Specs of the Britax B Safe 35

Britax B Safe 35	Specs
Size of seat	26.5″ x 17.75″ x 25″
weight (carrier only)	9 (19 with base)
weight capacity (lbs)	4-35 pounds
recommended height (inches) maximum	32
date of expiry	Six years after manufacturing

Features of the Britax B Safe 35

• Safe center LATCH installation
• A convertible infant car seat that converts to a high-back belt-positioning booster for teenagers
• Built-in lock-offs
• Spring-assisted recline & dual level indicators
• Safe Cell Technology acts as a crumple zone
• Removable infant pillow
• Extra-large canopy
• Easy-release harness button
• Premium push-button lower anchor connectors
• Easily accessible belt path for baseless installation

Pros 

• It provides a large canopy
• Safe for air travel
• Perfectly fits with Britax Strollers
• Offers bubble level indicators
• Offers a removable infant heat pad cushion
• Safety at its best
• Slimmer base
• Numerous fabric options like meadow, red, black, and sapphire

Cons 

• This car seat is heavier
• The base’s tightening straps are placed in the center, making installation difficult
• Do not provide a no-rethread harness
• More on the expensive side

Differences Between the Chicco Keyfit 30 Vs. Britax B Safe 35

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• Car Seat Dimensions and Weight

The car seat measurements differ between the two variants. Britax B safe 35 is 26.5″ by 17.8″ by 25″, while the Chicco Keyfit 30 is 27.5″ by 17″ by 24″. When it comes to weight, Britax is less bulky, weighing only 12 pounds, whereas Chicco Keyfit 30 is somewhat heavier, at 17 pounds. Despite the minor differences in dimensions, we find the two car seats to be compact. When compared to other cars, the weight isn’t as oppressive.

• Height and Weight Restrictions

The Chicco Keyfit 30 is great for babies weighing between 4 to 30 pounds. It is recommended that the baby’s height not exceed 30 inches. The Britax model seems to have a wider weight range, accommodating newborns weighing between 4 and 35 pounds when rear-facing.

It also outperforms the Chicco brand in terms of kid height, as it can accommodate children who are 32 inches or shorter. In practice, though, the two seats appear to be about the same height from the shell to the top. You may not notice the change.

• Washing Characteristic

The Chicco Keyfit 30 covers seem to be machine washable and detachable. In the incidence of diaper spills, milk drops, and other mishaps, the material is easily washable. Although you may remove the strap covers and search for detachable ones, we desire the strap covers could be removable for cleaning.

These belts aren’t washable to protect the fire-retardant characteristics, which could be compromised if washed. Britax B safe 35’s are not washable in the washing machine. However, they are hand washable, which can be a pain if you use them frequently.

• Installations

You can install the Chicco model in three different ways. Chicco Keyfit 30 installation is simple through the use of super Cinch LATCH, travel correct bubble levels, or the recline sure leveling foot. Britax B Safe 35 repair is nearly identical to the Chicco model, although in two aspects. To tighten the baby car seat, utilize seat belt locking offs or a safe center latch.

Assembling the base at the proper level and reclining angle is simple in both models, albeit the LATCH pull-strap system on the Chicco makes it a lot easier than the Britax B Safe 35. Dual-level indicators are built into every car seat to assist you in setting the right reclining angle. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, an easy setup handbook can help you comprehend the setup process and car seat capabilities.

Similarities of the Chicco Keyfit 30 and the Britax B Safe 35

• A number of Harness points

Each car seat has five harness points to ensure safety and a precise fit. On both variants, the harness end is near the shoulder for a better fit. The fastening belt connects without difficulty. When fastening the youngster in, adjusting the buckles is also simple. When comparing the straps, the Britax B Safe 35‘s are a little thinner, and as a result, they twist more frequently. The buckles on the Chicco Keyfit 30 are a touch thicker, so they don’t twist as readily while you’re removing the infant.

• Comfort

For comfort and convenience, both car seats have proper pads safety. Each model has a machine-washable soft cloth. Because the material is airy, the baby does not swat during long car rides in hot weather. Even when it brushes against the baby’s skin, it isn’t itchy.

• Protection From Side Impacts

In the case of a crash, the crumple zone cushioning is soft enough to cushion the baby’s head and body. For impact management, the sidewalls have fine coats of energy absorption material. Because the Britax B Safe 35 only has one layer of protection, we think the Chicco Keyfit 30 offers more sophisticated side impact protection.

• Compatible With a Stroller

The two-car seats work with specific stroller models. With the help of a stroller adapter, the With the Keyfit 30, you can use the Urban, Chicco Bravo, Neuvo, activ3, Cortina, Cortina Magic, and many other strollers that are not Chiccos. Only Britax B series strollers, as well as all Duallie as well as BOB single strollers, are compatible with the Britax B Safe 35. The click-and-go connector mechanism may not operate with other strollers besides these types.

• Detachable Canopy

A retractable canopy comes in both car seats. The Britax B Safe 35 canopy is wider and longer than the Chicco Keyfit 30 canopy, and it can shield up to two kids in car seats next to each other while still providing enough shade when completely expanded. Chicco’s Keyfit 30 is too short and may not stay extended all of the time. It isn’t quite as good as the Britax B Safe 35, yet it provides excellent shade for the baby.

• Color and Price Choices

Both the Chicco Keyfit 30 and the Britax B Safe 35 have a similar price range. Each model comes in various colors to meet the preferences of different users.

Conclusion 

Our top pick is the Chicco Keyfit 30. Despite the products having a similar price range, we notice that the Chicco model has additional features not available here on Britax B Safe 35.

Chicco Keyfit has the advantage of superior side shock absorbent and a more straightforward base installation technique. We like that it’s compatible with non-Chicco stroller models and that the straps are thicker and don’t twist like the Britax models. Chicco’s covers may be machine washed. However, Britax cannot.

On the other hand, Britax is the clear choice in terms of its large canopy that remains put and provides a nice environment for vehicle naps.

Regardless, we hope this comparison clears up any confusion about whether the brand is better: Chicco Keyfit 30 vs. Britax B Safe 35. However, both brands are safe and have fantastic recommendations for the baby or newborn.