A car seat base makes it more convenient for parents to install or uninstall a car seat inside a car. Parents (especially new moms) have a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the use of car seat bases.
Specifically, we shall be looking at Chicco car seat bases and dozens of questions about these bases that need answers.
Are Chicco car seat bases universal? how long are Chicco car seat bases good for? Can you install a Chicco infant car seat without a base? Do Chicco car seats come with bases? Can you buy an additional Chicco base? etc.
These are some of the questions we will answer in this write-up.
Recommended: How safe are Chicco car seats? Find out!
Table of Contents
Are Chicco Car Seat Bases Universal?
Chicco car seat bases are not universal – you can’t use Chicco car seat bases on other brands of car seats. Also, Chicco has different car seat bases and they are only compatible with certain Chicco car seats (Chicco car seats are not interchangeable).
Below are the Chicco car seat bases and the car seats they are compatible with.
Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat Base
The Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat base is compatible with all KeyFit, KeyFit 30, and KeyFit 35 infant car seats. Therefore, if you have any Chicco car seat that has the word “KeyFit” on it, it is compatible with the KeyFit car seat base.
For clarity, below are the car seats compatible with the KeyFit 35 infant car seat base:
- KeyFit 35 ClearTex
- KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex
- KeyFit 35
- KeyFit 30 ClearTex
- KeyFit 30
- KeyFit
- KeyFit 30 Zip
- KeyFit 30 Zip Air
The only car seats that are not compatible with the KeyFit 35 car seat base are Fit2 infant car seats.
Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat Base
The Chicco KeyFit infant car seat base is designed for use with KeyFit and KeyFit 30 infant car seats. That means if you have a Chicco KeyFit 35 or Chicco Fit2 car seat, you can’t use it with the KeyFit car seat base.
Below are the car seats to use with the Chicco KeyFit infant car seat base:
- KeyFit 30
- KeyFit 30 ClearTex
- KeyFit
- KeyFit 30 Zip
- KeyFit 30 Zip Air
Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car seat Base
The Chicco Fit2 infant & toddler car seat base is compatible with Fit2 infant car seats – you can’t use the Fit2 car seat base for KeyFit infant car seats.
The following are Chicco car seats that are compatible with the Fit2 infant & toddler car seat base:
- Fit2 Adapt infant & toddler car seat
- Fit2 infant & toddler car seat
- Fit2 Air infant & toddler car seat
Summary: Chicco has 3 types of car seat bases – KeyFit, KeyFit 35, and Fit2. Each of these bases is compatible with some particular Chicco infant car seats. The KeyFit 35 is the most versatile and can be used on all KeyFit infant car seats.
Related: Do Chicco car seats expire? (Read this first!)
Do Chicco Infant Car Seats Come With A Base?
Yes, you will get a base when you purchase a Chicco infant car seat – the car seat and the base are sold as a single package.
However, you can decide to purchase another Chicco car seat base for your other car. When buying another car seat base, you should go for the one that is compatible with the car seat you own.
For example, if you own a Chicco Fit2 infant car seat, you should only buy a Fit2 infant car seat base. Similarly, if what you have is a KeyFit, KeyFit 30, or KeyFit 35 infant car seat, you should go for the KeyFit 35 base.
Read about Chicco car seats and stroller compatibility
Can You Install A Chicco Infant Car Seat Without A Base?
You can install a Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 35, or Fit2 infant car seat with or without a base. Just ensure you choose an installation method that is more convenient and safer for your little one.
Nevertheless, if you must install a car seat without a base, your vehicle MUST have a locking belt for secure installation. You must also make sure the car seat has a good reclining angle to stop your child’s head from falling forward.
Failure to properly recline the car seat could affect your child’s breathing system and leave your child at risk of injury or death. In some cases, you may need to use a rolled-up towel to help level the car seat properly.
Having said that, we recommend that you install a car seat without the base only if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t find a base to use. Using a car seat base is more convenient and removes any guesswork during installation.
If you need an extra Chicco car seat base for your other car or parents’ car, you can purchase it online or at any available store or outlet around you.
You might want to read: How much do Chicco car seats weigh?
How Long Are Chicco Car Seat Bases Good For?
Chicco infant car seats and Chicco car seat bases have the same expiration date. Typically, a Chicco car seat base expires about 6 years from the date of manufacture.
You have to check your car seat base to be sure of how long it is good for. To find this information, there is a label on Chicco car seat bases that contains the expiration or manufacture date.
Ensure to stick to the expiration dates of your baby’s products to avoid any safety concerns. Once the base has reached its useful lifespan, you should dispose of it and buy a new one from the manufacturer.
Related: Where are Chicco car seats made?
Conclusion
At the time of writing this article, Chicco has 3 types of car seat bases – KetFit, KeyFit 35, and Fit2. You will get a base whenever you purchase a Chicco car seat. You can also decide to buy an additional Chicco base if needed.
Make sure you go through the manufacturer’s instruction manual and stick to the guidance given by the manufacturer.
