Chicco Nextfit users or carseat gurus come in!!

jnsmith85 · June 2014

We are moving LO into his convertible seat this week. We have the Chicco Nextfit. I have a couple questions about it. Here is what he looks like strapped in.

Since he's rear facing, the shoulder straps are supposed to be below his shoulders, correct? Well when the headrest is at the level it is in the picture, the straps are pretty much even with his shoulders, maybe a smidge below. When I move the headrest down to the next notch, the shoulder straps are about 2" below his shoulders. Which option is better? Or what am I doing wrong?

Also, the waist straps, aren't really across his waist, they come across his lower legs. Is that how it's supposed to be in the convertible? I don't see any other option.

Third question, I feel like the straps are really snug on his chubby neck. He doesn't seem bothered by it though. Normal? Not normal?

Y'all help me! Any advice would be very much appreciated! We are using the Britax B-Safe right now and I want to make the switch before our 6 hour drive this weekend.

TREDgirl · June 2014

I'd check out the FB group Car Seats for the Littles (I think they have a website as well.) They have trained technicians who answer questions and asses photos.

From what I know-the straps have to be equal or lower than their shoulders rear facing-so you seem good there. I can't remember if the Chicco allows you to take off the shoulder pads or not. If so that may help. And I think the lower straps are more across their legs in a convertible.

BUT I am not a technician so I would check out that site.

TREDgirl · June 2014

But on a side note how do you like that seat? We are between that one and the Peg Perego one.

jnsmith85 · June 2014

TREDgirl said:
But on a side note how do you like that seat? We are between that one and the Peg Perego one.

Thanks for the input. It seems relatively easy to use and install. We haven't actually installed it in the car yet or used it obviously so I don't know yet if I like it or not!

shelley1002 · June 2014

I was also going to suggest asking Car Seats for the Littles.

And yes, the waist straps are supposed to be move over their upper thighs than around their waist/very low abdomen. Seatbelts for adults are supposed to be that way too.

jnsmith85 · June 2014

breadandbutter07 said:
We use the nextfit, too, and your pictures look pretty much just like how we have our LO strapped in. I had the same problem of not being sure the straps were below the shoulder, but I think that's because she was right at the same level when we first started using the seat.

The shoulder straps do rub her neck some... idk what to do about it, besides pull up her shirt a little bit around the shoulder straps to make a barrier.

Have you found that it's difficult to tighten the straps all the way? It seems like with the angle of our bucket seat, it takes 2 hands to properly pull the tightening tab.

I haven't noticed it being hard to tighten the straps, but we don't have it installed yet either. Just been playing with it in the living room right now.

jnsmith85 · June 2014

shelley1002 said:
I was also going to suggest asking Car Seats for the Littles.

And yes, the waist straps are supposed to be move over their upper thighs than around their waist/very low abdomen. Seatbelts for adults are supposed to be that way too.

Oh yeah I never really thought about it being that way for adults. Duh!! lol

kimbo1216 · June 2014

I'm not an expert but he looks fine to me. Straps should be AT OR BELOW the shoulders when rf. So his strap height should be good. I also don't see anything bring with the leg straps. They don't look abnormal to me. In fact I think you want them more on the legs. If on the waste, they are more likely to squish vital organs in a wreck.

[Deleted User] · June 2014

I was reading that Chicco came out with different shoulder pads that are able to be purchased...they are softer and smaller it looks like...but honestly I watched the video on installing these replacements pads and it looked like such a PITA that I stuck with the original ones (it's not a safety issue, just a comfort issue I believe)

https://www.chiccoshop.com/parts/car-seats/nextfit-shoulder-pads----infiniti/gravity/12793190200.html

sweettooth87 · June 2014

Love our nextfit! We moved the crotch buckle to the setting further away from the center of the car seat so that it doesn't dig into his thigh rolls.

Tightening was difficult at first, but we found that if we pulled the strap covers down (away from the place the seatbelt meets the back of the car seat), it is a lot easier to tighten.

mancila60 · June 2014

I agree with the other ladies. I would suggest pulling the tightening strap up when you install it. That will help you br able to tighten it easier. I will also agree with the suggestion of pulling the strap pads down when tightening them it really does help. Also make sure LO is sitting up all the way, DS tries to slide down some in the seat when we strap him in and it makes a difference on how the straps fall on him.

Other than that it looks right to me. After a little while it won't look so weird and LO will "grow into it".

CatieG · June 2014

I didn't read the other responses yet so I apologize if I repeat anything.

Straps must be at or below shoulder for rear facing. If it's just barely at, I'd move it down. 2" below is fine, even a smidge above is not

Added benefit? The harness might not be as tight on his neck (DD's fits a little better when it's well below her shoulders).

Harness placement on the thighs is fine. It's different on every seat but it's more common on convertibles for the harness to be placed like that. Once LO is older and the crotch strap has to be moved out it'll be in a different spot again. Perfectly normal!

If you want, you can take the harness covers off. Not sure if you have a newer model with the velcroed covers. If not, there is a YouTube video of how to take the covers off without cutting them off. It's been approved for use without.

Also, tight in the neck again, which position is the chest clip in? First or second click? First will keep the harness a little wider.

CatieG · June 2014

Looks like you did a good job strapping him in! :-bd

jnsmith85 · June 2014

baconface said:
Just be careful if you go ask Car Seats for the Littles.... word your question extremely carefully, or they will scold you like a child.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I am a member in the group and sometimes they are a little ridiculous!

DisneyMamaToBeTTC · June 2014

I've been using the nextfit for about 2 months and when DS was smaller I took the shoulder/neck pads off but recently when I was tightening the straps he got a neck burn.

I think they are ok. The strap is def hard to tighten. Takes me two hands and multiple times of tightening then Adjusting to get right.

I'm taking mine to an installation inspection with CHP later this month but I'm having a problem getting the seat tight enough and level. I can pull latch 2 tight but latch one isn't so it's lopsided. Anyone else have this problem?

[Deleted User] · June 2014

@DisneyMamaToBeTTC‌ I used the seatbelt to install the car seat so I don't have advice about tightening the latch belt in this specific seat, but have you tried the trick of pulling the latch belt on the inside of the seat rather than the outside? I've read that could help get a tighter fit

DisneyMamaToBeTTC · June 2014

TaterTat3 said:
@DisneyMamaToBeTTC‌ I used the seatbelt to install the car seat so I don't have advice about tightening the latch belt in this specific seat, but have you tried the trick of pulling the latch belt on the inside of the seat rather than the outside? I've read that could help get a tighter fit

I'll have to try this. It might help! Thanks!

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