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Chicco Keyfit 30 and Britax B Safe 35 are both infant car seats with overwhelmingly rising demand in the recent years. They have many comparable features that can be a little confusing for new parents to decide between the two brands.
Both are quality car seats on average price point. Not forgetting the adorable features. To remove the confusion, we’ll compare the features presented by each brand to help you make an outstanding choice.
If you’re in a hurry, we recommend Chicco Keyfit 30 because of the advantage of easier base installation, improved side impact protection and its ability to be compatible with non-Chicco strollers. Its buckles are also thicker and don’t stuck or give you difficult time when unbuckling.
Chicco Keyfit 30 vs B Safe 35: Differences
Dimensions of Car Seat and Weight
The dimensions of the car seat vary in the two models. Chicco Keyfit 30 measures 27.5” by 17” by 24” while Britax B Safe 35 is 26.5” by 17.8” by 25”.
When we look at weight, we find Britax to be less bulky weighing only 12 pounds while Chicco Keyfit 30 is a little heavy with a mass of 17 lbs.
We find the two car seats compact despite the little difference in dimensions. The weight isn’t overwhelming as well when compared to other car seats.
Weight Limits and Height
Chicco Keyfit 30 accommodates infants with a weight range between 4 and 30 lbs. The infant’s height should not go beyond 30-inches.
The Britax model has a slightly greater weight range, supporting babies from 4 up to 35 pounds on rear facing. It also beats the Chicco brand on child height, since it accommodates a child who is as tall as 32-inches or less.
However, in reality, both seats see to have the same height from the shell all the way to the top. You may not see the difference.
Are the Covers Washable?
Chicco Keyfit 30 covers are removable and machine washable friendly. The material washes easily in the event of diaper blow outs, milk spit ups and more. But we wish the strap covers were removable for cleaning although you can remove them and shop for detachable versions. The reason these straps are not washable is to safeguard the fire-retardant properties that may be destroyed when they’re washed.
Britax B Safe 35 are non-machine washable. But they are hand washable which may be quite a chore if they’re severely messed.
Installation
There are three ways to install the Chicco model. Installing Chicco Keyfit 30 is straightforward with the use of Super Cinch LATCH, Ride Right bubble levels or Recline Sure levelling foot.
Fixing Britax B Safe 35 is almost the same as the Chicco model albeit in two ways. Here, you can use seat belt lock offs or safe center latch to secure the baby car seat.
Installing the base at the right level and recline angle isn’t difficult in both models, though we find installation of base on Chicco a lot easier with the LATCH pull-strap mechanism than Britax B Safe 35.
Every car seat is integrated with dual level indicators to help you set it at the correct recline angle. But there’s an easy set up manual that will help you understand the installation process and the car seat features if you feel overwhelmed.
Country of Manufacturer
For parents who may have manufacturing issues, the Chicco model is manufactured in China. Britax B Safe 35 is a US model assembled at Fort Mill, South Carolina. You may check the Manufacturers information on the label where you’ll find the date of manufacture and other product specs.
How the Car Seats are Similar
Harness Points
Each car seat comes with 5-harness points to provide protection and accurate fit. The harness point is close to the shoulder on both models for a closer fit.
The fastener belt connects effortlessly. It’s also straightforward to adjust the buckles when fastening the child in.
When we compare the straps, they’re a bit thinner on Britax B Safe 35 and therefore they tend to get twisted quite often. Chicco Keyfit 30 buckles are a little thicker hence they do not twist easily when you’re removing the baby.
Comfort
Both car seats are sufficiently padded for comfort and convenience. Each model is constructed from soft fabric that’s machine washing friendly.
The material is breathable so the baby doesn’t sweat on long drives at warmer temperatures. It isn’t itchy as well even when it rubs against the baby’s skin.
Side Impact Protection
The side impact protection is soft to cushion the baby’s head and body in the event of a crush. The sides are lined with energy absorbing material for impact management.
We find side impact protection to be more advanced on Chicco Keyfit 30 since Britax B Safe 35 is only comprised of one layer.
Stroller Compatible
The two car seats are compatible with specific stroller designs. Chicco Keyfit 30 is compatible with Neuvo, Urban, Chicco Bravo, Activ3, Cortina Together, Cortina, Cortina Magic and a host of other non-Chicco stroller with the help of obtained stroller adapter.
The Britax B Safe 35 is only compatible with Britax B-Series strollers and all Duallie and BOB Single strollers. Apart from these models, the Click & Go adaptor mechanism may not work with other strollers.
Removable Canopy
Both car seats come with a retractable canopy. Britax B Safe 35 canopy is larger and fairly long than the Chicco’s Keyfit 30. It can cover up to two kids sited adjacent each other on the car seats and also provide ample shade when it’s fully enlarged.
Chicco’s Keyfit 30 isn’t long enough and may not always stay extended. It is not as great as the Britax B Safe 35, but it still does an amazing job in providing shade to the baby.
Removable Newborn Insert
There is a removable newborn insert on each model to cushion the infant’s head. The texture is amazingly soft and incredibly supportive. It isn’t too snug for the infants’ head leaving sufficient room to grow with the baby.
On both brands, the insert is only applicable for babies under 11 lbs and can only be used at the lowest harness position. The special inserts clean off easily when messed.
Price and Color Options
Both Chicco Keyfit 30 and Britax B Safe are on the same price range. Each model is available in multiple color options to suit the preference of different users.
Expiration
Both infants’ car seats expire in 6-years from the manufacturing date. There’s a sticker on the sides of Chicco Keyfit 30 that lists the manufactured date.
On Britax B Safe 35, the manufacture date is indicated on the serial label that’s located on the base of the baby car seat.
FAA Approved
Both Chicco Keyfit 30 and Britax B Safe 35 are FAA approved for use on airplane without the base. But you may get in touch with your airline of discretion and get to know the aircraft’s seat dimensions to ensure it is compatible with your car seat for proper installation.
My Recommendation
Chicco Keyfit 30 is our top preference. Even though the products are on corresponding price point, we find the Chicco model to have extra benefits unavailable on the Britax B Safe 35.
Chicco Keyfit 30 does have an advantage of advanced side impact protection and more simple base installation procedure. We like the fact that it’s compatible even with non-Chicco stroller models; not forgetting the thicker straps that never twist like the Britax model’s. The Chicco’s covers are machine washable while Britax covers are not.
However, Britax is the clear-cut winner in terms of its generous canopy that stays put creating a comfortable environment for car naps.
All the same, we hope this review eliminates the doubt with respect to the better brand between Chicco Keyfit 30 vs Britax B Safe 35. Nonetheless, both brands are safe and wonderful recommendations to choose for your newborn or infant.