Car Seat Review: Chicco NextFit

Rating: 5/5 stars

MSRP: $280

Chicco is a relative newcomer to the US convertible car seat market. The NextFit arrived last year and has quickly become a favorite amongst parents interested in long-lasting seats for extended rear-facing. Its tall shell will allow almost any child to rear-face until they reach 40 pounds, which is the weight of an average 4-year-old. The NextFit is also surprisingly compact front-to-back and will fit well in most vehicles. As a bonus, it has a really cool space-age look to it, so your little one can feel safe, comfortable, and highly futuristic all at once.

Pros:

• High height and weight limits for both rear- and forward-facing (American Academy of Pediatrics and NHTSA recommend rear-facing to at least age 2 and as close to age 4 as possible)
• Very easy to install
• Multiple recline options to achieve a comfortable angle for child
• Compact front to back – allows for extended rear facing in very small vehicles
• No-rethread harness makes straps easy to adjust
• Adjustable headrest makes seat more compact for smaller children and then can extend as they grow
• Lock-offs make seat belt installation easier
• Sleek-looking and comfortable
• Fits most newborns well

Cons:

• Difficult to tighten harness
• High sides can make it hard to get child in and out of seat
• Heavy
• Expensive