Chicco MyFit vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Chicco MyFit 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

Our Thoughts

The Chicco MyFit and Safety 1st Guide 65 car seats present two distinct options catering to different user needs. The MyFit is a versatile car seat designed to grow with your child. It comfortably carries children from 25 to 100 pounds in its forward-facing and high-back booster modes. This longevity and adaptability offer value over time, allowing for an extended usage period. The MyFit also boasts of strong safety features, including side-impact protection and a steel-reinforced frame which promotes confidence. Additionally, the convenience of the removable and washable seat cover earns plus points with parents prioritizing cleanliness. However, this seat may not be ideal for parents frequently switching car seats between cars owing to its heavy weight.

On the other hand, the Guide 65 by Safety 1st, another convertible offering, is designed to be budget-friendly, compact, and lightweight. It caters for young children from 5 to 65 pounds, offering both rear and forward-facing configurations. Its slim footprint, thanks to a compact frame, makes it suitable for smaller cars or for situations where multiple seats are needed in a row. However, this car seat has received mixed reviews pertaining to its installation process, particularly when installed in the rear-facing mode. Troublesome setup and stability concerns in this configuration may not appeal to safety-conscious parents.

One of the notable differences in the specifications of the two car seats is the maximum weight allowed in common configurations. The MyFit permits a greater weight limit in forward-facing mode (65 pounds) versus the Guide 65 (also 65 pounds). This implies that a child can continue to use the MyFit in the forward-facing mode for longer. Definitely a win for MyFit, especially for families looking to maximize utility over time. However, the Safety 1st Guide 65 allows for a longer period in the safer rear-facing mode with its 40-pound limit, compared to no rear-facing option for the MyFit. This disparity is certainly something to consider for parents who wish to keep their children rear-facing for as long as possible.

As for air travel, both seats are FAA approved for forward-facing travel, though the Safety 1st Guide 65 also tosses in rear-facing into the mix. However, considering the MyFit's heavier nature and the Guide 65's challenging installation process, neither stands out as a convenient travel companion.

In conclusion, if safety, comfort, and longevity are paramount, and the seat is intended for semi-permanent placement in one vehicle, the Chicco MyFit would make a strong choice despite its higher price bracket. However, for families with pressing budget constraints, multiple young children, and/or smaller vehicles – and who are prepared to tackle a more complex setup process – the Safety 1st Guide 65 might fulfill their needs adequately.