The Chicco Fit4 4-In-1 Convertible Car Seat is new to the Chicco line. It is a 4-in-1 car seat, meaning that the seat can transition into 4 separate stages as your child grows, starting from the newborn stage up to 100lbs (or 57″ tall).
Below is my review of this new multi-use car seat broken down into a few categories: Installation, Safety, Transitioning, and Comfort. Be sure to also check out the Buying Considerations and FAQs category before making a final decision.
Four Transition Stages
The Chicco Fit4 4-In-1 Convertible Car Seat is created to meet your child’s car seat needs for years beginning as a rear-facing seat and ending as a booster seat.
The four transition stages (of the 4-in-1) are:
- Stage 1 (Infant): Rear-facing (4-16lbs)
- Stage 2 (Toddler): Rear-facing (12-40lbs)
- Stage 3 (Preschooler): Forward-facing (25-65lbs)
- Stage 4 (Big Kid): Booster (40-100lbs)
Installation
To install the car seat, you can use either the LATCH system or the seatbelt. With the ReclineSure® leveling system and RideRight® bubble levels, you will know that the car seat is at the correct angle when installing. This allows for 9 positions of recline for comfort in the car for your child.
The force-multiplying SuperCinch® LATCH tighteners are marked to show you which belt to pull (one says pull first, one says pull second). Customers love how easy it is to tighten the straps without using a ton of strength.
You can also use the seat belt for installation with LockSure easy-thread belt paths and the built-in lock-offs.
Safety
Safety is a huge consideration when purchasing a car seat. The Fit4 Adapt is set up with DuoGuard® head and torso side-impact protection which means that EPS energy-absorbing foam and steel-reinforced frame is surrounding the head and torso no matter what stage the seat is in. Two layers of protection are better than one!
Transitioning
Don’t fear transitioning this convertible car seat to the next stage – Chicco has you covered! There is a QR code on the side of each car seat that you can scan for quick transition instructions and tutorials at your fingertips (or you can visit www.Fit4Stages.com for quick tutorial videos).
Each stage includes a certain amount of seat layers that are easy to remove and re-install again. This is called the 4-Stage FitKit System.
There is a label on each seat’s layer so you don’t have to run to the instruction manual to figure out which layer you need to remove. Customers say that transitioning this car seat into different stages is super easy and a huge relief.
Comfort
A comfortable car seat is super helpful for long drives and makes even short trips easy-peasy. As your child grows, this car seat adjusts for optimal comfortability.
With ReclineSure, the seat can recline and adjust to 9 different positions. Labels help make adjustments fast and easy.
There is the option to place the headrest in 10 different positions. This may be an easy way to fix cramped legs or prevent your child’s head from falling forward when napping.
The jersey knit fabric is also comfortable and is paired with a Toddler Pad for cozy seating.
Buying Considerations
- Size. The Fit4 measures 21.5″ x 19″ x 27″ and weighs approximately 25lbs.
- Price. Higher than many options, but worth the price in my opinion. For more affordable car seats, check out our inexpensive car seat article.
- Use. The Fit4 is not compatible with strollers nor can you remove the infant seat to carry. If this is important to you, the Fit4 is not a good choice.
- Multiple Children. Since the Fit4 can transition between 4 different stages, this seat is certainly versatile if you need to share it every now and then with a child of a different stage.
Fabric
Chicco uses adaptive fabric patented with 37.5 technology and breathable mesh. This allows the fabric to adapt to your child’s microclimate, hence the name Chicco Fit4 Adapt. Not many car seats adapt to your child with innovative humidity regulating fabric.
Chicco Fit4 vs Graco 4Ever DLX
The Graco 4Ever DLX is quite a bit cheaper, able to hold up to 120lbs, and includes a backless booster compared to the Chicco Fit4. But, Graco is not as label-friendly, which could make transitioning more difficult. The seat is also 2.5″ wider, which may make it harder to sit next to other car seats.
Chicco Fit4 vs Britax One4Life
The Britax One4Life is very similar to the Chicco Fit4 in price, size with the option to adjust the headrest and recline levels. There are labels on this car seat but it doesn’t seem as straightforward and helpful as the Chicco Fit4.
FAQs – Chicco FIT4 Convertible Car Seat
What age and weight is the Chicco Fit4 car seat made for?
The Fit4 is made for ages newborn-1o years and 4-100lbs.
Will the Chicco Fit4 car seat fit my vehicle?
The Fit4 is a space-saving and slim seat that includes push-in cupholders (known as CupFoldersâ„¢). At just 19 inches wide, it can fit in a variety of vehicles with ease.
Is the Chicco Fit4 car seat easy to install?
Yes, labels on the car seat and easy tutorial videos makes correct car seat installation a breeze!
Is the Chicco Fit4 cat seat easy to transition between stages?
Yes, labels are on each layer so you know which layer to remove when transitioning between stages.
Can you purchase a base separately for the Chicco Fit4?
N.o, because there is not a separate base. The base is part of the 4-in-1 construction of this seat.
Is the Chicco Fit4 compatible with a stroller?
No, you cannot use this seat with a stroller of any brand.
Pros
- Ease of transitioning
- Belts don’t easily twist
- Snug fit is easy to obtain without super strength
- Marked well for easy transitions/adjustments
- Machine washable layers (lay flat to dry)
- Push-in cupholders
- Can easily share seat with child of a different stage if needed
Cons
- Cannot detach newborn seat (not portable)
- Storing unnecessary layers may be inconvenient
- Cannot use with strollers
Wrap Up
The Chicco Fit4 4-In-1 Convertible Car Seat is my pick for a great 4-in-1 convertible car seat that is super easy to transition, saves on space, and is comfortable. The best part of this car seat is that it’s a one-time buy. No more having to buy a bigger seat as your child grows – this one grows with your child!
