jsg
11-03-2005, 02:06 PM
So, based on its specs, seeing it in the store, and some positive word of mouth (including posts here), I'm flirting with the idea of choosing the Chicco Key Fit as our infant seat.
I had been pretty set on the Britax Companion (despite the heavier weight, etc.), but it now seems impossible to get one in stock anywhere in the time we need it (at this point, within 2-3 weeks). The Snug Ride had always been the second choice, but I'm very tempted by the Key Fit. It seems very solidly made, the height/weight specs are great, it's attractive, not too heavy.
Realizing that nothing can be put on the market without safety testing, meeting standards, etc. it still makes me quite nervous to get a seat SO new that there are not yet any official reviews (such as Consumer Reports) and very few comments from people using it or news of how it has sustained in crashes. I've always seen the advice that--especially with things like car seats--newest is never better and it's risky to buy something that hasn't had much of a market run (nor has Chicco in the past been particularly noted for its car seats, right?).
Are there any additional places to look for safety ratings on the Key Fit? Results of the government's original crash tests, etc.
My additional (much smaller) concerns:
- From what I can tell (or what they're telling me in the store), it will only fit into a Chicco stroller base (Cortina?) and not any of the frames (Combi, Snap 'N Go, etc.) We had wanted to wait on the full stroller, and I'm not keen on the extra $100 plus investment right now. Does it fit any other stroller base?
- It can (like the Snug Ride or the Companion) be used (plane, taxi, etc.) without the base and has the appropriate slots. But, unlike those others, the side slots are hidden underneath the cover, which must be lifted off the sides to expose them, which is both a real pain and seems not the safest (to lift off the padding on the bottom/sides in that way). Am I missing something about how to use those clips?
I'd love to hear from anyone who's using it, or who can point me to additional safety testing sites or reviews. I'd hate for its newness to keep me from getting a great seat.
Thanks all!
I had been pretty set on the Britax Companion (despite the heavier weight, etc.), but it now seems impossible to get one in stock anywhere in the time we need it (at this point, within 2-3 weeks). The Snug Ride had always been the second choice, but I'm very tempted by the Key Fit. It seems very solidly made, the height/weight specs are great, it's attractive, not too heavy.
Realizing that nothing can be put on the market without safety testing, meeting standards, etc. it still makes me quite nervous to get a seat SO new that there are not yet any official reviews (such as Consumer Reports) and very few comments from people using it or news of how it has sustained in crashes. I've always seen the advice that--especially with things like car seats--newest is never better and it's risky to buy something that hasn't had much of a market run (nor has Chicco in the past been particularly noted for its car seats, right?).
Are there any additional places to look for safety ratings on the Key Fit? Results of the government's original crash tests, etc.
My additional (much smaller) concerns:
- From what I can tell (or what they're telling me in the store), it will only fit into a Chicco stroller base (Cortina?) and not any of the frames (Combi, Snap 'N Go, etc.) We had wanted to wait on the full stroller, and I'm not keen on the extra $100 plus investment right now. Does it fit any other stroller base?
- It can (like the Snug Ride or the Companion) be used (plane, taxi, etc.) without the base and has the appropriate slots. But, unlike those others, the side slots are hidden underneath the cover, which must be lifted off the sides to expose them, which is both a real pain and seems not the safest (to lift off the padding on the bottom/sides in that way). Am I missing something about how to use those clips?
I'd love to hear from anyone who's using it, or who can point me to additional safety testing sites or reviews. I'd hate for its newness to keep me from getting a great seat.
Thanks all!