Graco and Chicco are both great contenders in the world of car seats for your baby. In this article, we compare two of their models, the Chicco KeyFit 30 and the Graco SnugRide 35 to see their differences, as well as their pros and cons.
Comparison of the Chicco KeyFit 30 and the Graco SnugRide 35
Here are the features that we found out between the two baby car seats:
| Feature | Chicco KeyFit 30 | Graco SnugRide 35 |
| Weight | 10.5 lbs. | 7.5 lbs. |
When it comes down to the weight, the Graco SnugRide 35 has a lighter weight than the Chicco KeyFit 30, so it can be less bulky to carry from one place to another. This would appeal to parents who don’t like lifting a very heavy car seat or setting up with too much hassle.
- A lighter baby car seat can help a lot when you are traveling from place to place. Imagine having to lift a very heavy car seat when setting it up! The answer to having less hassle when you want to set up your baby car seat is to have one that is less in its weight.
| Feature | Chicco KeyFit 30 | Graco SnugRide 35 |
| Setup | Uses LATCH system, and has a single-strap LATCH adjustment | Uses LATCH system |
While both the Graco SnugRide 35 and the Chicco KeyFit 30 do have LATCH system compatibility, only the Chicco KeyFit 30 has a single-strap LATCH adjustment, which can make a difference when you want to set things up in a breeze.
- Having a harness system that is easy to adjust, easy to lock, and can be adjusted on the go can be helpful to both the child and the parent. While on a trip or in a hurry, a no-fuss system for connecting the baby car seat and keeping your little one strapped in.
| Feature | Chicco KeyFit 30 | Graco SnugRide 35 |
| Adjustment bubble level | Yes | None |
| Angle adjustment knob | None | Yes |
On the adjustment system of the baby car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 30 has an advantage over the Graco SnugRide 35 because it has an adjustment bubble level. This can help parents to adjust the car seat in the right reclining angle.
Meanwhile, the Graco SnugRide 35 has an advantage over the Chicco KeyFit 30 on the angle adjustment knob. This knob can also help with the reclining angle so that your child can sit or sleep comfortably.
- In terms of keeping your baby nice and comfy, the reclining position plays a key part. The adjustment bubble level has the purpose of helping you determine the best angle for your seat recline depending on your car or vehicle. On the other hand, the reclining angle can also be tweaked with an adjusting knob.
- Having a recline position makes it easy for smaller babies to lay down and sleep properly. This is especially the case for newborns as well as younger babies who can’t really sit upright just yet.
| Feature | Chicco KeyFit 30 | Graco SnugRide 35 |
| Infant insert | Yes | Yes |
Babies who are newborns, preemies or simply too young can benefit from the infant insert of both the Chicco KeyFit 30 and the Graco SnugRide 35.
- The infant insert is a kind of foam that can be removed from the baby car seat. It acts as a support pillow so that your little one doesn’t get uncomfortable and their head gets protected. After all, very young babies, such as newborns and preemies, need a lot of protection for their head when it comes down to bumpy rides.
| Feature | Chicco KeyFit 30 | Graco SnugRide 35 |
| Weight limit | 4 to 30 lbs. | 4 to 35 lbs. |
On the weight limit, since it only has one mode (rear-facing), both the Chicco KeyFit 30 and the Graco SnugRide 35 have a minimum limit of 4 lbs. per baby. However, the Graco SnugRide 35 can be used for babies up to 35 lbs. as compared to that of the Chicco KeyFit 30 at only 30 lbs. in its limit.
- Knowing the weight limit of any baby car seat is crucial before you buy it. Supposed you didn’t know or read about it – you could be putting your child in danger for a broken car seat! It’s important to make sure that your baby does fit the car seat.
- A higher range can mean less money spent on having to buy another seat to fit your baby in the future when they grow up.
| Feature | Chicco KeyFit 30 | Graco SnugRide 35 |
| Height limit | 30 inches | 32 inches |
The Chicco KeyFit 30 seems to be less on the height limit department at only 30 inches as compared to that of the Graco SnugRide 35, which can be used for babies even up to 32 inches.
- Having a higher range for the height limit means that even bigger or taller babies can fit in just fine without feeling awkward. If you know or feel that your baby could grow bigger or taller in the future, it may be best to give them the Graco SnugRide 35.
| Feature | Chicco KeyFit 30 | Graco SnugRide 35 |
| Color choices | 6 | 8 |
When it comes to color choices, the Graco SnugRide 35 has more options with 8 designs to choose from, as compared to the Chicco KeyFit 30, which only has 6 choices.
- Color choice is an optional thing for some. However, for other parents who like to match their baby car seats with the interior design for their car or vehicle, the design or color choice of the car seat could be important as well.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, we chose the Graco SnugRide 35 as compared to the Chicco KeyFit 30 due to its lighter weight, angle adjustment knob, wider weight and height limit, and more color choices to choose from.
The only cons that the Graco SnugRide 35 had against the Chicco KeyFit 30 is that it doesn’t have a single-strap LATCH adjustment and it doesn’t have an adjustment bubble level. However, both baby car seats do have an infant insert for little ones.
