Chicco NextFit Zip vs. Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1: 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 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1.

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 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.79 4.70

Our Thoughts

The Chicco NextFit Zip and Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 car seats both aim to grow with your child, but take different approaches.

The Chicco is a convertible seat, working from infancy up to 65 pounds forward-facing. So you get both rear and forward-facing options. The Safety 1st runs from ages 1-10, starting as a forward-facing harness seat for 30-65 pounds. Then it transitions to a belt-positioning booster for up to 120 pounds. So while the Safety 1st doesn't work for infants, it can accommodate much heavier kids, potentially extending its use.

Parents often feel good about the Chicco's sturdy build - it has high sides, a steel frame, and dual side-impact protection layers. The seat pad is machine washable too, making clean-up easy. But it is on the bulkier side, which could limit legroom for front passengers in smaller cars. The Safety 1st is more lightweight and portable. And it's narrow enough to fit three seats across in most vehicles, a plus for bigger families.

So if you need a seat from infancy with robust safety features, the Chicco is probably your best bet. But if you have a toddler and want something lightweight, easy to clean, and portable that will last for years, the Safety 1st could be a good fit. Just remember proper installation is key for safety, no matter which seat you choose.

Key Details

NextFit Zip Grand 2-in-1
Chicco NextFit Zip Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Brand Chicco Safety 1st
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.79 4.70
1 yr Price Range $199.81 - $319.99 $74.99 - $79.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value

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

The price point combined with its dual functionality as a harness and booster seat offers substantial savings over time.

Safety

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

It meets standard safety requirements, but lacks advanced features like a steel-reinforced frame.

Features

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

While it covers the essentials, it may not include comfort extras found in higher-end seats.

Installation

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

Installation is straightforward with LATCH or seatbelt, but achieving a tight fit requires attention to detail.

Cleaning

Zip-off seat pad simplifies maintenance and cleaning.

The seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe, and the cup holders are dishwasher-safe, simplifying maintenance.

Size

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

The design is space-efficient, ideal for fitting multiple car seats in the back of a car.

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 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1. 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 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 0 - 43 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Chicco NextFit Zip Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 32 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 30 - 65 pounds

Booster

Chicco NextFit Zip Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Chicco NextFit Zip Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Width 19.0 inches 19.6 inches
Height 26.0 inches 30.2 inches
Depth 21.0 inches 18.3 inches
Weight 25.0 pounds 12.2 pounds

Core Specifications

Chicco NextFit Zip Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Model Year 2022 2021
Made In China USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Unknown

Safety and Compliance

Chicco NextFit Zip Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
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
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 2 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 1 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Chicco NextFit Zip Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Chicco NextFit Zip Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 8 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Chicco car seats See all Safety 1st car seats
Full review of the Chicco NextFit Zip
Full review of the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1