Chicco Fit3x All-in-One Preview
The new Chicco Fit3x is the latest ultra-slim car seat to hit the market, and we’re blown away by everything that Chicco (pronounced Kee-ko) has managed to pack into this budget-friendly All-in-One car seat. They squeezed a lot of features into a skinny car seat with a very reasonable price tag!
Now that the 3 feet of snow that was dumped on my neighborhood in February has melted, we’ve been busy putting Fit3x through our rigorous review process. Full review is coming soon, but in the meantime, here is a preview that should answer many of your questions.
RF Chicco Fit3x & FF Graco SlimFit3 LX in 2018 Subaru Outback
Fit3x Specs
RF 5-40 lbs., up to 43”
FF 26.5 - 65 lbs., 38-54”
Booster 40-100 lbs., 44-57" tall, at least 4 years old, and child demonstrates the ability to sit relatively still throughout the ride
Features
Ultra-slim design fits 3-across in most mid-size vehicles
ClearTex fabrics and foams are free of flame-retardant chemicals & GREENGUARD Gold Certified
12-position, no-rethread harness with optional strap covers
2 buckle positions & flex-forward buckle feature
Lockoffs for both RF & FF beltpaths
6 recline positions
Bubble level recline angle indicators for RF, FF & Booster mode
Slim tether design
Unique “mini grip” hook-style LATCH attachments
Newborn insert for babies 5-11 lbs.
Side support insert is required for kids under 40 lbs. (Fit3x is engineered to meet the still-stuck-in-limbo FMVSS 213a side-impact crash test standard)
Steel-reinforced frame
Flexible, dishwasher-safe “cupfolders” can be pushed in if needed to make room for an adjacent car seat
Machine washable cover
FAA-approved for airplane use
MSRP $229
Installation Comments
We’re in the process of installing Fit3x in a variety of vehicles to get a feel for its overall compatibility. So far, we haven’t encountered any major issues. However, it’s important to note that while Fit3x has lockoffs for both RF & FF, this seat lacks belt-tensioning features such as SuperCinch and Leverlock, which are found on higher-end Chicco seats like OneFit LX & Fit360. The installation of Fit3x isn’t fussy or complicated, but it does require some effort to get the seatbelt or LATCH strap tight.
We’ve noticed that Fit3x sits lower than some other car seats, which increases its chances of fitting forward-facing in seating positions with fixed, angled head restraints.
We were pleasantly surprised to find that it installs well forward-facing in Heather’s Tesla Model X, which is notoriously NOT carseat-friendly. The integrated head restraints in the Model X did contact the back of the adjustable headrest on the Fit3x when positioned in its tallest height settings; however, Chicco approved the installation because the head restraint did not push the Fit3x headrest forward and out of its intended position.
LATCH Weight Limits
No LATCH weight limit for RF. You can install rear-facing with lower anchors up to the max RF limit of 40 lbs.
Forward-facing LATCH weight limit is 40 lbs. Once child hits 40 lbs., install Fit3x with seatbelt (using lockoff) + tether
3-Across Compatibility
We’re still testing Fit3x in multiple 3-across scenarios, but our experience so far is encouraging!
Here is a peek at two successful 3-across setups in a ‘23 Nissan Rogue with Fit3x, Graco SlimFit3 LX & Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 booster. Fit3x was installed RF in its most reclined position, suitable for a newborn requiring the infant insert.
Each seat was installed correctly, and they were all independently secure. The Viaggio Flex Booster on the passenger’s side is attached to the vehicle using rigid LATCH connectors, and there is still plenty of room to access the seatbelt buckle. Both Fit3x & SlimFit3 LX were installed with seatbelt since that installation method allowed a bit more flexibility in their positioning. With a seatbelt install, you can place the car seat in the outboard position a little closer to the door, which is often the key to a successful 3-across setup.
Left to Right: Peg Perego Viaggio Flex Booster, Graco SlimFit3 LX, Chicco Fit3x
Left to Right: Peg Perego Viaggio Flex Booster, Graco SlimFit3 LX, Chicco Fit3x
For a peek at how Fit3x compares visually to the Chicco OneFit LX & Graco SlimFit3 LX, check out our Fit3x preview video.
Complete Fit3x Review Coming Soon!