Chicco NextFit Zip vs. Clek Foonf: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Chicco NextFit Zip and the Clek Foonf.

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 NextFit Zip Clek Foonf
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
In stock
$319.99
In stock
$579.99
Rating 4.79 4.70

Our Thoughts

The Chicco NextFit Zip and the Clek Foonf are both high-quality convertible car seats, designed to grow with your child from infancy through to preschool. Manufactured by renowned companies, these car seats boast of excellent build and advanced features aimed at ensuring maximum comfort and safety.

The Chicco NextFit Zip stands out for its easy-to-clean, Zip & Wash seat pad, which ensures simple maintenance. Furthermore, it offers multiple recline positions for enhanced comfort at different stages and sizes of your child's growth. Its construction is indeed built to last with DuoGuard protection, offering two layers of side-impact protection with a deep, rigid shell and EPS energy-absorbing foam. The SuperCinch LATCH Tightener simplifies the installation process, contributing to its high safety ratings. However, it's important to note that this seat is somewhat heavy and bulky, factors to consider if you frequently transfer car seats between vehicles.

On the other hand, the Clek Foonf has a narrower design allowing more room in your vehicle, a feature to admire if you're looking to fit multiple seats. Its extended rear-facing use that accommodates children up to 43 pounds adds an extra layer of safety. The Foonf's high seating position gives your child better visibility and comfort during rides. Equipped with advanced safety technology, including a steel anti-rebound bar and energy-absorbing foam layers, it is a top pick for safety-conscious parents. However, cleaning the Clek Foonf may be a challenge as it requires disassembly for thorough washing.

The Chicco NextFit Zip car seat allows for a maximum weight of 65 pounds in forward-facing mode, a feature that gives it an edge over the Clek Foonf with the same forward-facing weight limit but is more expensive. Both are FAA approved for both forward and rear-facing travel modes.

For families on a budget, the Chicco NextFit Zip offers excellent value for its price point, balancing safety, comfort, and usability. It's perfect for those who prefer a straightforward installation process and appreciate the convenience of machine-washable seat pads. However, if your budget can accommodate it, and if safety features, sleek design, and the advantage of a narrow construction are your top priorities, then the Clek Foonf could be the ideal fit. It's significant to remember that both these seats are weighty, limiting their portability when switching between vehicles. Therefore, consider these factors before settling on a choice.

Key Details

NextFit Zip Foonf
Chicco NextFit Zip Clek Foonf
Brand Chicco Clek
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.79 4.70
1 yr Price Range $199.81 - $319.99 $529.99 - $579.99
Current price
In stock
$319.99
In stock
$579.99
Value

Offers extended use with convertible features, justifying its price point.

Considering its durability and longevity, it offers good value over time.

Safety

With high sides and a sturdy build, parents feel confident in its protective design.

With advanced safety features, it stands out as a top choice for child car safety.

Features

The Zip & Wash seat pad and multiple recline positions add convenience and comfort.

Equipped with innovative features for comfort and convenience.

Installation

Equipped with SuperCinch tightener and LockSure belt-tightening system for secure installation.

Installation can be challenging but secure once in place.

Cleaning

Zip-off seat pad simplifies maintenance and cleaning.

Cleaning is cumbersome, requiring disassembly for thorough washing.

Size

Fits in compact cars, but its sturdy build may take up more space and limit front passenger legroom.

Its narrow design is advantageous for fitting in vehicles but is tall and heavy.

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 NextFit Zip and the Clek Foonf. 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 NextFit Zip Clek Foonf
Height Range 0 - 43 inches 14 - 50 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 25 - 43 pounds

Forward-facing

Chicco NextFit Zip Clek Foonf
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 30 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Chicco NextFit Zip Clek Foonf
Width 19.0 inches 16.9 inches
Height 26.0 inches 26.0 inches
Depth 21.0 inches 12.5 inches
Weight 25.0 pounds 38.0 pounds

Core Specifications

Chicco NextFit Zip Clek Foonf
Model Year 2022 2019
Made In China Canada
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Chicco NextFit Zip Clek Foonf
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Chicco NextFit Zip Clek Foonf
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Base
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Chicco NextFit Zip Clek Foonf
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 8 Years 9 Years

Additional Links

See all Chicco car seats See all Clek car seats
Full review of the Chicco NextFit Zip
Full review of the Clek Foonf