In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Chicco Fit2 Review

If the price is within budget, it is one of the easiest-to-use infant seats with some comfort features
gearlab tested logo
chicco fit2 infant car seat review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $330 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Chicco
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 20, 2023
72
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 15
  • Crash Test - 40% 7.1
  • Ease of Install - LATCH - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Install - Belt - 10% 6.8
  • Ease of Install - w/o Base - 5% 6.5
  • Ease of Use - 15% 9.0
  • Comfort/Quality - 5% 7.0
  • Weight/Size - 5% 5.8

The Skinny

The Chicco Fit2 is a good top-rated car seat that is easy to use and has a straightforward LATCH installation. It is comfortable compared to the competition and is compatible with some of our favorite strollers. We like the Fit 2, but we like other Chicco seats better that have higher performance results and lower prices. This Chicco is priced high for the group and the Chicco family of options and doesn't really offer anything to justify the cost. With a heavier carrier weight, a poorly designed handle grip, and below-average crash testing analysis results, we think there are top-ranked infant car seats to be had, even if this one isn't bad.
REASONS TO BUY
Very easy to use
One-handed handle adjustment
Simple LATCH install
More comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Poorly designed handle grip
Heavier
Higher price point
Editor's Note: We tested this seat alongside 16 others in our brand-new infant car seat review on October 1, 2023. another update occurred on the 20th of October to include removing two discontinued options form the lineup.

Compare to Similar Products

 
chicco fit2 infant car seat review
This Product
Chicco Fit2
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Value Award 
Price $330 List
$329.99 at Amazon
$480 List
$499.99 at Amazon
$270 List
$183.99 at Amazon
$400 List
$399.99 at Amazon
$120 List
$107.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
72
80
75
74
59
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line The price is more than some better-scoring seats with higher crash test analysis scoresWith impressive crash test results, this seat is a top contender for those with the right budgetGreat overall seat with high stroller compatibility and better than average results all aroundThis seat is high on quality and comfort, with good scores all around, but there are better crash tests for a lower price to be had elsewhereIf your budget is small, this seat has impressive crash test results
Rating Categories Chicco Fit2 Clek Liing Chicco KeyFit 35 UPPAbaby Mesa Max Graco SnugRide 35 L...
Crash Test (40%)
7.1
8.7
7.6
7.3
8.4
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
3.0
Ease of Install - Belt (10%)
6.8
8.3
7.0
6.5
3.5
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
6.5
7.8
6.8
7.0
3.8
Ease of Use (15%)
9.0
5.5
8.5
7.0
5.5
Comfort/Quality (5%)
7.0
6.0
7.5
9.0
3.0
Weight/Size (5%)
5.8
6.8
6.9
6.8
8.5
Specs Chicco Fit2 Clek Liing Chicco KeyFit 35 UPPAbaby Mesa Max Graco SnugRide 35 L...
Aircraft Certified Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Minimum Weight 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Maximum Weight 35 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs
Maximum Height 35 in 32 in 32 in 32 in 32 in
Belt Routing Style European European European European American
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 12.3 lb 10.5 lb 10.4 lb 10.6 lb 7.6 lb
Number of Recline Positions 6 7 6 4 4
Shoulder Harness Positions 6 3 5 Infinite 4
Crotch Strap Positions 2 1 1 1 2
Built in Lock Off Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Anti-rebound Bar Yes No Yes Anti-rebound handle position No
Load Leg No Yes No Yes No
Locking Handle Positions 3 3 3 4 4
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Stage 1: Any
Stage 2: Base Storage Position (behind the seat)
Upright Position Any position Position 4 (all the way forward) Any position
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Newborn Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Non-rethread Rethread Non-rethread Non-rethread Rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Level Indicator On Base Bubble, both sides Bubble, in middle Bubble, both sides Bubble, both sides needle, one side
Level Indicator On Seat Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Chicco brand is the largest baby-centric brand in Europe as part of the Artsana Group. Artsana is a holistic lifestyle company offering various products, from baby gear to medical supplies. Pietro Catelli founded the Chicco (kee-ko) brand, which offers baby products from pregnancy to preschool and is currently available in more than 120 countries. We've tested some of their bottle warmers, various strollers, some of our favorite car seats, and more.

Performance Comparison



This is the Chicco Fit2 crash test video from MGA Research, commissioned by GearLab to find the best-performing seat.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Testing


The crash test analysis result for the Fit 2 is below the average for the group. Like all seats in this review, the Fit 2 is considered safe, but it did not perform better than some seats in our crash testing.

The Fit2 head sensor results are shown here in a graph comparing...
The Fit2 head sensor results are shown here in a graph comparing them to the Clek Liing.
This graph compares the chest sensor results for the Fit2 with one...
This graph compares the chest sensor results for the Fit2 with one of the best-performing seats in the group, the Clek Liing.

In tests where the lower the result, the better the performance, the Fit2 struggled to keep up with the competition. The G forces for the HIC and chest clip were average for the group, with scores that outperformed many competitors but failed to match the standout seats in this review. While the Fit 2's results are not disappointing, they are also not a compelling reason to purchase this Chicco. Other seats performed better overall and for crash test analysis and cost less, including two other Chicco seats.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - installing the fit 2 using latch is one of the easiest installation...
installing the Fit 2 using LATCH is one of the easiest installation procedures of any seat we tested.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation LATCH


The Fit 2 installation using LATCH is the easiest method for this seat. It performs better than the average seat in this metric, but not by much, and it isn't as easy as it is with some competitors.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - the fit 2 latch connectors are push-style connectors with plenty of...
The Fit 2 LATCH connectors are push-style connectors with plenty of straps that makes them easy to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Fit 2 has loose strap LATCH connectors with a push-style connector that is easier to use than the clip style. It has an anti-rebound bar but no load leg. Plenty of reviews call this seat dummy-proof, and we agree. We'd add that it is far less exhausting than much of the competition. The connectors are easy to use, and there is ample strap length to make your connections.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - tightening the fit 2 latch installation requires pulling on a...
Tightening the Fit 2 LATCH installation requires pulling on a central strap and pressing down on the base.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

It has a one-strap pull to tighten, and we used our knee in the base to ensure a snug fit. It was not hard to achieve.

Installing the Fit 2 using LATCH couldn't be much easier if it tried.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Overall, the seat is stable in both the sedan and SUV. The only real drawbacks are that the LATCH connectors awkwardly disconnect from the storage space, and tightening requires a knee on the base.

Releasing the Fit 2 to uninstall it is a one-finger lift of the central lever to loosen the strap so you can disengage the LATCH connectors.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Releasing the LATCH straps so you can disconnect them and remove the base is also straightforward and one of the most user-friendly we've seen, with the pull-up of a single lever and one-finger operation.

Bubble inductors on the Fit 2 make it easy to know if you have the...
Bubble inductors on the Fit 2 make it easy to know if you have the right installation angle or not.
The level adjustment on the Fit 2 is nicely placed in the center of...
The level adjustment on the Fit 2 is nicely placed in the center of the base instead of a poorly placed lever against the vehicle seat.

Recline Adjustment


The angle level indicator is a bubble style, and one is located on each side. There are six possible positions.

Ease of Installation - Belt


The second hardest installation method for the Fit 2 uses the vehicle belt. While easier to do than the average seat, it isn't the most straightforward, and we think most parents will prefer the simplified LATCH installation.

Installing the Fit 2 with the vehicle belt includes using the...
Installing the Fit 2 with the vehicle belt includes using the built-in lock-off to secure the belt tightly.
The belt pathway on the Fit 2 is wide open and easy to use and see.
The belt pathway on the Fit 2 is wide open and easy to use and see.

The belt pathway is color-coded, and it has a built-in lock-off. The base has instructions on how to tread the vehicle belt, which is a nice touch. To lay the vehicle belt flat, you must first tighten the LATCH connectors' webbing to get them out of the way. The threading pathway is deep and wide; most adult hands should have no trouble with the openings. The path around the base is unrestricted and offers more room than many competitors. This seat has sort of slit-like locks-offs, and it feels like a more natural positioning with where the shoulder strap on the vehicle belt wanted to lay. We found getting the belt tight if we sat on the base during installation was easier. We could get it tight and feel very stable in the sedan and the compact SUV.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - the fit 2 routing path is color coded for installing the carrier...
The Fit 2 routing path is color coded for installing the carrier without the base.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base


Installing the Fit 2 without the base is its hardest installation method, but it is still easier than much of the competition, with a better performance score than the average for all the seats we tested.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - the fit 2 utilizes the european pathway for installation without the...
The Fit 2 utilizes the European pathway for installation without the base. This method includes using the vehicle shoulder strap around the backside of the carrier.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This carrier has a line decal to ensure it is level and utilizes the European belt path across the carrier foot and around the back of the carrier shell. There is color coding to help ensure you get it right.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - our petite tester didn't have too much trouble wrapping the vehicle...
Our petite tester didn't have too much trouble wrapping the vehicle shoulder belt around the Fit 2 carrier.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This carrier has installation instructions in English on both sides, which is nice so you can install it on either side of the car. The belt threading is smoother than some of the competition as it more or less goes where it needs to, thanks to a useful design. Still, the slits are somewhat smaller and on the sides instead of the top of the carrier, making threading a little more complicated if you can't see the slit from your position. It felt stable in both our sedan and compact SUV test cars.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - the chest clip on the fit 2 is not as intuitive as most of the...
The chest clip on the Fit 2 is not as intuitive as most of the competition, with a strange underside button to press. However, it is easy to use even if it is awkward at first.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Fit 2 is one of the easiest seats in the review to use, with a high score unrivaled by most competitors.

Buckle


The buckle has a square flush button that is easy to press without much pressure. The two side prongs come loose and detach simultaneously, even though they don't really pop out. It does take a little more force than average to push the prongs into the buckle, but nothing unmanageable. The prongs have metal interiors that give enough friction to avoid easy sliding up and down the straps.

The chest clip release button is sort of on the underside, bottom of the clip, perhaps to avoid pinching or collecting drool. The tab is not intuitive, and you have to use precise movements to get it to work. While it isn't straightforward at first, we do think parents will get used to it and likely have no trouble over time.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - the harness tightening strap and release button on the fit 2 are...
The harness tightening strap and release button on the Fit 2 are easy to locate and use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Tightening/Loosening


The harness is tightened with the strap at the foot of the carrier, and the release button in the same location allows you to pull the shoulder straps to make them looser. Both are easy to use and work as expected.

Adjusting the harness height adjustment on the Fit 2 isn't difficult, but it isn't smooth either.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Adjustment


The harness is a non-rethread style adjustment. The top of the headrest assembly has a pull tab to disengage the assembly and allow it to move up or down to the desired height location. This operation can be done with the baby in the seat when you notice a need for a new height. There are six possible shoulder positions and two crotch strap positions to ensure a good fit.

Making the carrier to base connection on the Fit 2 is smooth, and we couldn't find a way to do it incorrectly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Carrier to Base Connection


The carrier is easy to connect to the base and can potentially be done with one hand. It clicks in place, and we don't see how you can do it wrong or think it is connected and isn't. The release lever is on the back of the carrier and is easy to use and grip to disconnect the carrier and lift it off the base.
chicco fit2 infant car seat review - the fit 2 handle has a one-hand adjustment which is both unique and...
The Fit 2 handle has a one-hand adjustment which is both unique and very convenient for parents whose hands might be full.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Handle


The handle has three positions possible, with one per stage for use during travel. So, users need to know which position is allowed for safety reasons. It only takes one hand to adjust this handle, which is unique and functionality we like. The buttons on the handle are easy to press, which is not something we see in all competitors.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - the fit 2 canopy is a nice-looking shade that attaches to the back...
The Fit 2 canopy is a nice-looking shade that attaches to the back and doesn't conflict with the handle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Canopy


The canopy brushes the underside of the handle when you try to use both at the same time. It isn't enough to move the canopy when the handle brushes back like some of the competition, which is nice. We think you should be able to have your canopy open and move your handle without it taking the canopy with it.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - the fit 2 manual storage is on the underside of the base in a...
The Fit 2 manual storage is on the underside of the base in a dedicated pocket. This means you won't have it should you be traveling without the base.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

LATCH and Manual Storage


The manual on the Fit 2 stores at the end of the base and slides into its own pocket, keeping it out of the way but preventing you from taking it with you if you travel without the base.

The LATCH connectors have their own cubbies and fit snuggly inside to avoid a problem connecting the carrier to the base. It sits between the anti-rebound bar and the back end of the base. Once inside, you can tighten the straps to keep them there.

The Fit 2 has a unique adjustment on the base called the stage 2 to help increase leg room for taller little ones in the rear-facing position. This feature might potentially provide a slightly longer use life as long as your little one falls in the manufacturer guidelines for weight //and// height.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Stage 2 Adjustment


The Stage 2 adjustment on the Fit 2 allows for the carrier to sit further away from the vehicle seat back, providing more leg room for taller kiddos. You still need to adhere to the manufacturer's limits for weight and size when using this feature.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - the fit 2 has a nicer overall look and feel, almost like a fancy...
The Fit 2 has a nicer overall look and feel, almost like a fancy handbag.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


The Fit 2 performs better than average for comfort and quality compared to the rest of the test group.

Fabric and Padding


The fabric and padding are average compared to the other seats. The material on the infant insert feels soft initially, but we determined it is somewhat scratchy when you rub it on more sensitive skin like your face or inner wrist. The primary seat fabric is nicer and feels more snuggly. The warning label is near the arms of the baby and could be an irritant over time, depending on your baby's skin sensitivity, as it has raised stitching around the edges. The cover is machine washable.

The padding is uniform and feels good all around. It appears thicker than it is when pressure is put on it, and there are no exposed plastic components.

The one-handed adjustment on the Fit 2 handle is a lovely design consideration.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Handle and Canopy


The handle grip is poor because the bar is sort of flat and not wide enough to grip comfortably. The flat shape puts more pressure on your arm and hand, increasing as your baby grows. Other Chicco car seat handles are superior to this one for comfort and ergonomics, so it's odd this more expensive option has a disappointing handle.

The canopy is larger than most and has a back flap to secure the canopy to the shell so it doesn't move when you open it. It is taunt enough to prevent sagging.

Shell


The Fit 2 has a nice finished overall appearance and a smooth outer shell on the carrier that can be wiped clean with a washcloth. The base has more nooks and crannies for gunk to hide, but it shouldn't collect much with the carrier in place.

chicco fit2 infant car seat review - the higher-end materials and extra padding likely helped increase...
The higher-end materials and extra padding likely helped increase the overall weight of the Fit 2 carriers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


The Fit 2 scores below the average for carrier weight with a weight of 12.3 lbs. This is potentially a prohibitive weight if you plan to carry your little one in their car seat. As your little one grows, your load will quickly exceed 25 pounds.

Should You Buy the Fit2?


The Fit 2 isn't our favorite seat or even our favorite Chicco. It isn't a bad seat, but the higher price doesn't seem to buy you better performance or better crash test results, making it an extra expense we find hard to endorse. While this seat has some interesting features and is easy to use, the crash test analysis is below average, and the carrier is heavier than much of the competition. There are better Chicco seats in this review that score better overall and in key metrics.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?


We like the Chicco Keyfit 35 and think most families will, too. It is an easy-to-use seat with a mid-range price point most families can fit into their budgets. We like the higher crash test analysis results and the lighter carrier. It costs less than the Fit2, and we don't think you'll miss anything the Fit2 has to offer. If your goal is the best seat in the group, or you want the seat with the best crash test analysis, and your budget is bigger, the Clek Liing should be on your shortlist. This seat has the highest crash test analysis and is super easy to install using the rigid LATCH connectors and load leg.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz