Chicco NextFit Zip vs. Safety 1st Crosstown: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Chicco NextFit Zip and the Safety 1st Crosstown.

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 NextFit Zip and the Safety 1st Crosstown are both convertible car seats with different features and benefits, aiming to suit various preferences and needs.

The Chicco NextFit Zip, a sturdy and feature-rich car seat, is designed to grow with the child from infancy through preschool. With its high sides and solid build, it provides parental assurance of security and safety. An additional charm of this car seat is the Zip & Wash seat pad, providing ease of maintenance and cleaning. It comes with multiple recline positions, SuperCinch LATCH tightener, and DuoGuard protection, offering two layers of side-impact protection enhancing child safety. Though users have reported some minor issues such as challenging strap adjustment and confinement in rear-facing mode for larger children, its overall appeal is its solid construction and straightforward installation. For parents wanting a long-lasting, secure, and easy-to-clean car seat, the Chicco NextFit Zip could be a fitting choice.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Crosstown, from the budget-friendly category, serves as a 3-in-1 convertible car seat. Transitioning from rear-facing infant seat, to forward-facing seat, and then to a belt-positioning booster, it potentially stands as the only car seat you might need. While the fabric is reported to be easy to clean and the installation user-friendly, there are concerns about its plastic structure feeling flimsy. However, with its reasonably priced tag and essential features, many parents found it sturdy and reliable for daily use, making it an excellent choice for growing families seeking an uncomplicated extended convertible car seat.

Analyzing the maximum weight allowances, both seats demonstrate parity in the rear-facing mode, maxing out at 40 pounds. The Chicco NextFit Zip takes the lead in the forward-facing mode with a maximum weight allowance of 65 pounds, compared to Safety 1st Crosstown's similar limit. However, the Crosstown extends its usability by featuring a booster mode that can accommodate children up to 100 pounds, a feature the NextFit Zip lacks.

In terms of FAA approved modes, both seats can be utilized in the forward and rear-facing positions for travel. However, the Crosstown's high back booster configuration is not FAA approved, hence it would not be an available option during air travel when your child graduates to this configuration.

Considering each car seat's features and offerings, if you are in search of a seat that comes with notable safety features and is easy to clean, we recommend the Chicco NextFit Zip, if it fits your budget. However, the Safety 1st Crosstown could be a compelling choice if budget constraints lean your preference towards a car seat that is cost-effective, covers essential features, and provides an extended use as a high back booster.