Chicco vs. Graco

RykersMommy · June 2010

I am new to the whole baby gear thing and have been browsing website and reading posts on here and think I have decided what I like (Chicco Keyfit Travel System), although this is just a thought and I do plan on spending a lot of time in the stores figuring out what works best for DH and I. But for those of you who have children or are knowledgable in this area....is one of these better than the other or are they both pretty good brands?

Allie30 · June 2010

Are you talking about the travel system specifically? I have never had any interest in purchasing a travel system so I couldn't tell you anything about that, but I've been doing a TON of research into these brands' respective infant car seat ratings. This was the pro-con list I ended up making up.

Chicco Keyfit 30:

Pros: higher safety rating in CR, better side-impact protection, more convenient handle use (you don't have to adjust the handle when you put the seat in the car), always has a front-adjuster and a 5 point harness, slightly nicer canopy and fabric, will hold a baby for longer -- up to 30 lbs. (an issue for me since my husband's family is predisposed to have ENORMOUS babies and my nephew grew out of his Snugride at 2 months!)

Cons: Heavier, doesn't fit in many generic stroller adapters (this may not be such a problem for you if you're looking at the travel system), limited colors

Graco Snugride:

Pros: Lighter to carry, good safety rating, as top selling infant seat, fits in almost every generic stroller adapter and snap & go, less expensive (by about $20), more color options, more accessory options (a swing, a bouncy seat, etc.)

Cons: Not as good side impact protection, baby might grow out of it sooner, doesn't always have a front adjuster for the belts, doesn't always have a 5 point latch, handle not as ergonomic or easy to move (with both hands, must be adjusted every time you go from car seat to "basket" use).

__________

For me, the higher safety rating on the Chicco was a no-brainer, especially here in DC, where people drive like MANIACS and the plethora of traffic circles increases the likelihood of side-impact car accidents.Chicco has the BEST rating for that.

I'm also not in a living situation where I foresee myself having to lug the seat around all the time outside , and I'm not going to be one of those moms who carts the child, still in the seat, from the stroller to the car to the stroller to the swing base inside the house, etc. Additionally, I am still uncertain how much the "carseat adapter" on my stroller is even going to get used, since my stroller CAN be used with an infant and I live in a walking city. Plus, the stroller I want (Baby Jogger City Mini) has an adapter that (fingers crossed) fits the Chicco.

So that's how I made my decision.

Also, I just wanted to point out that there's no law that says you have to get a travel system. I know some people on these boards actually love theirs, but I don't know anyone in real life who hasn't regretted dropping the money on theirs and had to go out and buy separate stroller-strollers as soon as their kid left the car seat. It doesn't matter so much with the Graco, which prices its travel system as the same price it costs someone to get JUST the car seat and a snap & go, but the Keyfit travel system is TONS more expensive.

Just make sure that if you DO go w ith a Graco travel system, that the car seat that comes with it is one that is front-adjusting with a 5 point harness. Because otherwise, it's a hassle and a half.

drakee · June 2010

I really do like the KeyFit 30. I don't care much for the Chicco strollers though. We had a Trevi which is like a smaller version of the Cortina, and I still thought it was too bulky and too heavy. There are stroller frames available that will work with the KeyFit 30.

Overall, I don't care much for Graco as a brand. None of the products that I have used by Graco have ever screamed quality at me. I've liked every Chicco product I've used except for the Trevi and the high chair.

LittleApple · June 2010

You cannot you compare a Chicco Key Fit 30 with a regular snugride as the snugride goes up to 22 lbs. You could compare it with a Graco snugride 32 or 35.

The Graco Snugride 32 has better side impact protection than the regular snugride (comparable to Chicco), all of the snugride32 and 35 have front belt adjusters (adjusting the straps from the front instead of the back) and I never have to adjust my car seat handle, not even when in the car.

Graco seats are more compatable with strollers and double strollers unlike the Chicco although more brands are coming around.

As for the higher safety ratings go, I really wouldn't put much trust in Consumer Reports. Stick to Baby Bargains or check out carseat.org

As for getting a travel system, most people hate the stroller that comes with it because they tend to be bulky. Most people end up just using a lightweight stroller like Baby Jogger City Mini or Maclaren.

I for one like the Graco seats better than the Chicco, but they are both excellent seats.

Allie30 · June 2010

LittleApple:

The Graco Snugride 32 has better side impact protection than the regular snugride (comparable to Chicco), all of the snugride32 and 35 have front belt adjusters (adjusting the straps from the front instead of the back) and I never have to adjust my car seat handle, not even when in the car.

I'm pretty sure not all. I saw a 35 (or maybe a 32?) in the baby store last week that isn't. (I'm only looking at the larger Snugrides because of the large baby issue.) It's worthwhile to check which one you're getting in person!

LittleApple:

As for the higher safety ratings go, I really wouldn't put much trust in Consumer Reports. Stick to Baby Bargains or check out carseat.org

The CR retraction was five years ago and they have done more recent studies. Baby Bargains actually takes that into account in their recent version.

Baby Bargains doesn't actually do their own safety testing, and they report the Chicco as having better side impact protection as well. I suppose they are getting their data from the CR? A website called carseat.org does exist, but does not, as far as I can tell, include any rating information about specific car seats brands. Are you sure you aren't talking about a different website?

There is also a website called carseatdata.org. It is also NOT an independent testing site, but instead includes user-supplied data. It links to a site called elitecarseats.com that has site reviews - I don't know what kind of testing they do, but they praise the high safety ratings of the Keyfit, too. It is possible htey are also citing the CR study.

This is the National Highway Safety Admi ratings of the Graco Snugride 32 and the Chicco Keyfit 30:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/nhtsa_eou/info.jsp?type=infant&i=123

https://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/nhtsa_eou/info.jsp?type=infant&i=34

Note, these focus on "ease of use" not "safety ratings." Keyfit has a higher overall rating, though. (not sure why, reading the breakdowns).

There is also in-depth reviews here:

https://carseatblog.com/?p=5364

https://carseatblog.com/?page_id=401

No "drawbacks" are listed for the Keyfit, and the ones for the Graco are pretty minor, IMO.

So yep, it's Baby Bargains that clued me in to the better side-impact ratings of the Keyfit. But you're right. WHERE did they get that info, since they didn't do their own testing. Consumer Reports, which you say not to trust? It's all a little overwhelming and I'm trying ot be as well read as possible on the info.

LittleApple:

I for one like the Graco seats better than the Chicco, but they are both excellent seats.

Why is that? I think I'm all decided on one and then someone comes in and argues for the other, so I'm very curious...

lzybeanie · June 2010

They are both very good brands. The Graco has much more variety - both in price and quality I think.

The reason I personally chose Chicco was b/c:

1) I felt like the stroller drove/steered much smoother than the Graco ones I tried

2) The infant seat is top rated by Consumer Reports and super easy to install.

3) I liked the way the Chicco folded better than the Graco (Graco: squeeze and twist, and on some models you had to manually lock the stroller into the fold using a latch; Chicco: squeeze and lift the handle, no latch to stay folded).

4) Chicco has an adjustable handle, but I'm not sure some models of the Graco don't.

My only two complaints about the Chicco stroller are these:

1) When the infant seat is attached, the seat has to be fully reclined, which makes the basket underneath inaccessible. Some Graco models have a 'fold down' basket that you can still get to when the seat is fully reclined.

2) Even at it's most upright, the seat is still reclined somewhat, so DD doesn't sit straight up unless she's doing it on her own. She doesn't seem bothered by it, but I think it would be nice if it had one more upright position.

Good luck! It can certainly be overwhelming!

chloeelyn · June 2010

The graco was a monster of a stroller I hated it in store. The chicco is smaller and easier to use.

Lina1030 · June 2010

Allie30:
Are you talking about the travel system specifically? I have never had any interest in purchasing a travel system so I couldn't tell you anything about that, but I've been doing a TON of research into these brands' respective infant car seat ratings. This was the pro-con list I ended up making up.
Chicco Keyfit 30:
Pros: higher safety rating in CR, better side-impact protection, more convenient handle use (you don't have to adjust the handle when you put the seat in the car), always has a front-adjuster and a 5 point harness, slightly nicer canopy and fabric, will hold a baby for longer -- up to 30 lbs. (an issue for me since my husband's family is predisposed to have ENORMOUS babies and my nephew grew out of his Snugride at 2 months!)
Cons: Heavier, doesn't fit in many generic stroller adapters (this may not be such a problem for you if you're looking at the travel system), limited colors

Graco Snugride:
Pros: Lighter to carry, good safety rating, as top selling infant seat, fits in almost every generic stroller adapter and snap & go, less expensive (by about $20), more color options, more accessory options (a swing, a bouncy seat, etc.)
Cons: Not as good side impact protection, baby might grow out of it sooner, doesn't always have a front adjuster for the belts, doesn't always have a 5 point latch, handle not as ergonomic or easy to move (with both hands, must be adjusted every time you go from car seat to "basket" use).
__________
For me, the higher safety rating on the Chicco was a no-brainer, especially here in DC, where people drive like MANIACS and the plethora of traffic circles increases the likelihood of side-impact car accidents.Chicco has the BEST rating for that.
I'm also not in a living situation where I foresee myself having to lug the seat around all the time outside , and I'm not going to be one of those moms who carts the child, still in the seat, from the stroller to the car to the stroller to the swing base inside the house, etc. Additionally, I am still uncertain how much the "carseat adapter" on my stroller is even going to get used, since my stroller CAN be used with an infant and I live in a walking city. Plus, the stroller I want (Baby Jogger City Mini) has an adapter that (fingers crossed) fits the Chicco.
So that's how I made my decision.
Also, I just wanted to point out that there's no law that says you have to get a travel system. I know some people on these boards actually love theirs, but I don't know anyone in real life who hasn't regretted dropping the money on theirs and had to go out and buy separate stroller-strollers as soon as their kid left the car seat. It doesn't matter so much with the Graco, which prices its travel system as the same price it costs someone to get JUST the car seat and a snap & go, but the Keyfit travel system is TONS more expensive.
Just make sure that if you DO go w ith a Graco travel system, that the car seat that comes with it is one that is front-adjusting with a 5 point harness. Because otherwise, it's a hassle and a half.

THIS EXACTLY! I actually did research online and then went in the store to see, touch and feel both...it made my decision for the Chicco even stronger. I am not getting the travel system. Just the Chicco Keyfit infant seat with the Baby Jogger City Select stroller and Chicco car seat adapter. I am going with the City Select for various reasons....lightweight, easy fold, great features and different ways to use it including making it a double later on.

Lina1030 · June 2010

Allie30:
Are you talking about the travel system specifically? I have never had any interest in purchasing a travel system so I couldn't tell you anything about that, but I've been doing a TON of research into these brands' respective infant car seat ratings. This was the pro-con list I ended up making up.
Chicco Keyfit 30:
Pros: higher safety rating in CR, better side-impact protection, more convenient handle use (you don't have to adjust the handle when you put the seat in the car), always has a front-adjuster and a 5 point harness, slightly nicer canopy and fabric, will hold a baby for longer -- up to 30 lbs. (an issue for me since my husband's family is predisposed to have ENORMOUS babies and my nephew grew out of his Snugride at 2 months!)
Cons: Heavier, doesn't fit in many generic stroller adapters (this may not be such a problem for you if you're looking at the travel system), limited colors

Graco Snugride:
Pros: Lighter to carry, good safety rating, as top selling infant seat, fits in almost every generic stroller adapter and snap & go, less expensive (by about $20), more color options, more accessory options (a swing, a bouncy seat, etc.)
Cons: Not as good side impact protection, baby might grow out of it sooner, doesn't always have a front adjuster for the belts, doesn't always have a 5 point latch, handle not as ergonomic or easy to move (with both hands, must be adjusted every time you go from car seat to "basket" use).
__________
For me, the higher safety rating on the Chicco was a no-brainer, especially here in DC, where people drive like MANIACS and the plethora of traffic circles increases the likelihood of side-impact car accidents.Chicco has the BEST rating for that.
I'm also not in a living situation where I foresee myself having to lug the seat around all the time outside , and I'm not going to be one of those moms who carts the child, still in the seat, from the stroller to the car to the stroller to the swing base inside the house, etc. Additionally, I am still uncertain how much the "carseat adapter" on my stroller is even going to get used, since my stroller CAN be used with an infant and I live in a walking city. Plus, the stroller I want (Baby Jogger City Mini) has an adapter that (fingers crossed) fits the Chicco.
So that's how I made my decision.
Also, I just wanted to point out that there's no law that says you have to get a travel system. I know some people on these boards actually love theirs, but I don't know anyone in real life who hasn't regretted dropping the money on theirs and had to go out and buy separate stroller-strollers as soon as their kid left the car seat. It doesn't matter so much with the Graco, which prices its travel system as the same price it costs someone to get JUST the car seat and a snap & go, but the Keyfit travel system is TONS more expensive.
Just make sure that if you DO go w ith a Graco travel system, that the car seat that comes with it is one that is front-adjusting with a 5 point harness. Because otherwise, it's a hassle and a half.

THIS EXACTLY! I actually did research online and then went in the store to see, touch and feel both...it made my decision for the Chicco even stronger. I am not getting the travel system. Just the Chicco Keyfit infant seat with the Baby Jogger City Select stroller and Chicco car seat adapter. I am going with the City Select for various reasons....lightweight, easy fold, great features and different ways to use it including making it a double later on.

jd80 · June 2010

I am a FTM so I don't have any actual experience, but we have put a lot of time into researching these carseats/strollers and we decided on the Chicco Cortina travel system.

Both carseats are ranked highly for safety If you want a stroller other than the travel system the Graco carseat is compatible with a lot more strollers. A lot of people get the Graco with a Snap N Go for the first six months and then switch to another lightweight stroller. We looked at this option because I was concerned that the Cortina would be too bulky/heavy. However, we looked at other lightweight strollers and none of them jumped out at as being great for us.

For us and what we anticipate using the stroller for, we decided the Cortina stroller would probably be most comfortable for our child and most convenient for us and I don't think the weight/size will be a big deal. We might eventually buy a cheap umbrella stroller for really short strolls.

Also, although we were open to the Graco carseat, we liked the Chicco carseat slightly more. We just thought the buckles and different buttons and handle seemed to work more smoothly and seemed a little higher quality.

JenPVH · June 2010

They are both good carseats so you can't go wrong either way. While selecting the one that feels more "userfriendly" to you would be a good way to go about it, I would also considter what stroller you want before purchasing.

I know that I really want the BOB stroller and the stroller will outlive the infant carseat(as long as baby likes being in the BOB) for a longer period. this was more important to me than having a specific infant carseat that may last for about a year. Chicco keyfit is not compatiable with the BOB, so we chose the BOB stroller instead of the Chicco infant carseat. We opt for the Graco Snugride32.

happy-honey · June 2010

I like Chicco when it comes to car seats and strollers for sure. We have a graco pnp and a Chicco highchair. I have just been more impressed with the quality/functionality of the Chicco products. PNP was the only thing I liked Graco better for. I think it had to do with amenties and folding size.

j&j1999 · June 2010

chicco bc the fabric of both the carseat and the stroller is removable and machine washable! that SOLD it for me! gl

TulipsAndChampagne · June 2010

Quite a few things sold me on the Chicco KeyFit30 and Cortina Stroller over the Snigride32? and the Quattro Tour Deluxe...(and I REALLY wanted the Graco Rittenhouse pattern)

The keyfit30's base had a much more user friendly latch system and it got better ratings in CR. It also fit in our back seat (giving us more leg room) than the Snugride.

The Cortina actually fit in the trunk of my car a lot easier than the QTD. I drive a BMW 335 Sedan and could not believe how hard it was to get the QTD into my trunk. The Cortina folded and unfolded easier and I also liked the fact that the seat snapped in to the stroller in 3 places versus little clips attached to material (that were totally shredding) on the sample at BRU on the QTD.

It all depends on your needs. You can actually take the samples out to your car and try them out at BRU. Just check with the front desk first. Had we not done this, we would have gone with Graco and been really disappointed.

wifeofaussie · June 2010

FTM so can't speak from experience yet but based on the research we put into it and just playing around with what we bought, I like the Graco carseats. Disliked both the Graco and Chicco strollers for the travel systems (both too bulky and heavy, I'm small and have a small car with a small trunk). We wound up buying a lightweight Peg Perego stroller and our Graco Snugride is compatible with it. Also liked how lightweight the Graco is. My only complaint with it is that it seems bigger than some of the other infant carriers on the market - it won't fit into the small part of a shopping cart the way some will, it has to go in the basket. Small complaint though.

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