Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Chicco KeyFit 30 and the Safety 1st Guide 65.
Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!
At A Glance
Chicco KeyFit 30 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
Type | Rear-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
Currently unavailable
-
|
Rating | 4.87 | 4.58 |
Our Thoughts
Looking at the Chicco KeyFit 30, its reputation as a top-rated infant car seat is clear. Praised for its top-notch safety features, the seat is built with both convenience and peace of mind in check. The fact it's suitable for rear-facing configuration for children up to 30-pounds provides the safety your little ones need for an extended period while keeping comfort at the forefront.
The seat comes highly recommended due to its ease of use, particularly when it comes to installation – a crucial attribute ensuring that your child's safety is not compromised. The seat also boasts high-quality material and build, adding to its durability. This Chicco model is also a favorite for parents who are always on the go as it's light and compact, suitable for smaller cars, and can be integrated easily with Chicco strollers.
On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 provides a budget-friendly option without compromising essential safety features. As a convertible car seat, it covers a broad range of weights from 5-65 pounds, which means it could potentially be the only seat you need to buy to see your child through toddlerhood. However, the convertible feature heralds some concerns, particularly regarding installation and stability.
This car seat, although budget-friendly, is noted for its cumbersome installation, especially in its rear-facing configuration. The lack of sufficient legroom in this mode may also cause some discomfort for taller kids. Its light and compact design serves as a significant advantage, notably for families who need to fit multiple seats in a row or those with smaller cars.
When weighing both options, my recommended choice would be the Chicco KeyFit 30 if it's within your budget. It stands out with its excellent safety features, comfortability, and overall convenience of use. It may only serve you in the infant stage, but its benefits far outweigh its minor drawbacks, making it a worthwhile investment. The Safety 1st Guide 65 could suit you on a budget; however, remember that the potential difficulties faced during installation could challenge the peace of mind you seek when ensuring your child's safety.
Key Details
KeyFit 30 | Guide 65 | |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Brand | Chicco | Safety 1st |
Type | Rear-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.87 | 4.58 |
1 yr Price Range | $160.99 - $229.99 | $74.99 - $99.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
Currently unavailable
-
|
Value |
![]() Offers great quality and features for its price. |
![]() Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost. |
Safety |
![]() Highly praised for its safety features in various reviews. |
![]() Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability. |
Features |
![]() Well-equipped with necessary features for comfort and safety. |
![]() Basic features with no significant standout extras. |
Installation |
![]() Noted for its ease of installation in multiple reviews. |
![]() Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents. |
Cleaning |
![]() The removable cover makes it relatively easy to clean. |
![]() No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience. |
Size |
![]() Compact and lighter compared to many other models, making it suitable for small cars and easy carrying. |
![]() Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars. |
Review | Click here | Click here |
Comparison of Specifications
While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.
We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Chicco KeyFit 30 and the Safety 1st Guide 65. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.
Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.
Height and Weight Limits
Rear-facing
Chicco KeyFit 30 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 30 inches | 19 - 40 inches |
Weight Range | 4 - 30 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Chicco KeyFit 30 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 34 - 52 inches | |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.
Dimensions and Weight
Chicco KeyFit 30 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Width | 16.5 inches | 19.0 inches |
Height | 24.0 inches | 22.8 inches |
Depth | 27.0 inches | 27.3 inches |
Weight | 9.5 pounds | 11.6 pounds |
Core Specifications
Chicco KeyFit 30 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Model Year | 2018 | 2015 |
Made In | China | USA |
Frame Material | Plastic | Aluminum |
Safety and Compliance
Chicco KeyFit 30 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Rear-Facing |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
||||||||||
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
|
Not rated by NHTSA. | ||||||||||
Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Chicco KeyFit 30 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Attachment Methods |
LATCH Base Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders |
No cup holders |
Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
Chicco KeyFit 30 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 6 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Chicco car seats | See all Safety 1st car seats |
Full review of the Chicco KeyFit 30 Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65 |