Chicco KeyFit 30 vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

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
Chicco KeyFit 30 Safety 1st 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
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 2 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 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 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