Chicco MyFit Harness Booster – Most Comfortable Combination Car Seat

Chicco MyFit

Overall Rating

 4.6/5

Face Front

How does the best-in-class ride quality sub $200 sound? Well, that’s what it delivers. With a front sprint built to cushion your kid’s body from the impacts of plenty of padding used in the car seat, and multi-position adjustable headrest and reclines, it boasts a combo you don’t see on any other harness booster seat below $200. Just as I liken MyFit’s reliability to a Toyota Prius, its build quality is that of a Rolls Royce. Everything from the headrest to the frame and seat pad seamlessly flows into each other and the attention to detail for the design of components like the armrest and attachable cup holders – that sit flush to the combination harness booster while retracted – is a tell-tale sign of quality that other budget models simply lack.

Chicco MyFit Harness Booster Review - Best for 3-Across Fit for Big Families

Pros & Cons

The good and the bad

What is it best for

Who we recommend it for

Value for Money

Is it worth the price tag?

Design

Dimensions, weight, color, etc

Safety Rating

Crash tests, FMVSS213, SIP

Performance

Weight/height limits, airplane, etc

Installation

Install with LATCH or seat belt

Alternatives

Other car seats to consider

1. Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

2. Who Is It Best For?

Will the Chicco MyFit be a good option for your child and your family?

If you’re looking for a forward-facing to booster combination seat sub $200 and don’t want to settle for a cheaply made model, but instead want one that oozes safety and quality, along with comfort and reliability, the Chicco MyFit fits the bill.

As per its moniker, the Chicco MyFit 2-in-1 Harness Booster is a combination child restraint that combines a toddler car seat with a booster for big kids.

Ultimately, it’s Chicco’s entry-level harness booster that is best suited to those kids who are at least 25 pounds in weight until they grow up to 100 pounds at most, with the necessary protection features in all Chicco products.

Premium models with additional functions are also available for choice. You can check if you like them or not and have a few more budgets for them.

3. Value for Money

Is the price tag worth it?

At a budget price under $200, the Chicco MyFit is one of the most affordable entry points into the Chicco brand. Aside from its reputation as a provider of superbly designed car seats, all models from Chicco offer excellent build and ride quality.

Chicco MyFit is designed to grow with your child with the best protection. It works as a forward-facing car seat with the 5-point harness for optimal protection for small toddlers.

As your child grows, it can be switched into a belt-position high back booster – the backrest is made of reinforced steel for solid lasting.

The Chicco MyFit is like the Toyota Prius of the car seat industry. Just as the Prius was voted as the most reliable car, the MyFit’s detailed design, well-crafted frame, tons of padding and energy-absorbing foam deliver the car seat that has the pedigree of a premium model packed into an affordable price tag.

If we put the performance of the MyFit under scrutiny, though, you may think its value for money is less than comparable models.

While the MyFit delivers on extra features like the easy zip-off seat pad and Air-flow materials – which is rare in the world of car seats where manufacturers bloat the figures – few models can deliver the same at this price tag, most cost much more to outperform it.

Although the MyFit has a higher price tag than other scooters that are equipped with same weight and height ranges and two-layers of side-impact protection, the MyFit is one of the few affordable models that is built to last.

If you want a model that both you and your kids can rely on for long-lasting performance with great protection and ultra comfort, the MyFit is the one to go for.

4. Design

Dimension and Width

It seems very bulky at the first glance of the Chicco MyFit. Is this wrong? Not exactly. That should be the right illustration caused by the wide shoulder rest. But not the total truth.

The real width of the MyFit seat pad is just 17.5-inch, very similar to Diono Radia 3R’s 17-inch width to fit 3 across. That’s why we say the possibility to achieve 3-across fitting as one of its positive features.

But as you have found that the shoulder rest part of Chicco MyFit is truly wider than the seat pad, the MyFit’s ability to fit 3 across depends much on the conditions that you may have a large-space vehicle or you place the three car seats in a very right order in the back seat.

The 27-inch maximum height of MyFit is quite average. After all, the purpose of Chicco MyFit is to grow with your child from toddler to tween. This seat height should be suitable for big kids up to 57-inch tall.

The 21-inch depth (or length) is acceptable for a harness booster seat. Along with the 17.5-inch width, the MyFit gives a lot of space for growing children to comfortably stay in the car seat.

As a forward-facing positioned-only car seat, the Chicco MyFit won’t influence the front passenger or driver’s sitting experience, as it won’t take any space from the front seat in the vehicle.

Portability

Even it’s great probability of fitting 3 across, the Chicco MyFit is not portable. It gets the lowest score among the three harness boosters, only at 6 – compared to 7 of Graco Atlas and KidsEmbrace, for its heaviest weight of 25-pounds.

That means you’d better use this car seat in one vehicle and not install it between different autos. The heavy weight increases the difficulty for most moms and dads to take it along.

At this point, the MyFit is not friendly for air travel families, even though it’s approved for aircraft use in forward-facing mode.

It’s not as light as other two combination boosters, nor as foldable as Diono Radian 3R

Two Cup Holders

Obviously, the Chicco MyFit has two slots on both sides for attaching cup holders, which are friendly for both kids as well as anyone else sitting in the back seat.

They’re just near the armrest and within easy reach even for toddlers.

The full-sized cup holders are large enough for carrying drinks and snacks, even some toys for your kids, keeping the trip in the car seat comfortable and fun.

If they get dirty, don’t worry! You can clean them with a dishwasher. The cup holders are dishwasher safe.

Just make sure you have the top rack mode turned on to wash and clean the MyFit’s cup holders.

The cup holders are removable to reduce the seat width if needed. We’ll talk about the installation and uninstallation of cup holders in the next part.

How to install and remove cup holders on Chicco MyFit?

Attaching and removing the cup holders are very simple.
Attach the cup holder:
The cup holders are different with ‘R’ and ‘L’. So you should match them correctly.
Slide the cup holder into the child restraint and make sure the cup holder lip fits behind the groove on the car seat.
Push down on the cup holder until it clicks into place
Repeat for the other side.
Remove the cup holder:
Press the button located on the bottom edge of the cup holder and lift up to remove it from the slot.

Headrest and Harness

The Chicco MyFit comes with a 9-position headrest that is adjustable along with your child’s growth.

Including plenty of padding, the headrest gives the little passenger not only optimal protection but also the best comfort.

The thick-padding headrest enhances the MyFit’s DuoGuard that provides two layers of protection with a rigid shell and EPS energy-absorbing foam that surround the head and torso. The seat shell is also reinforced with a steel frame.

They together perform well to help avoid sudden shockness in case of any crashes.

The large headrest on both sides gives your child great support without preventing them from having a view outside.

A lot of parents praise MyFit’s big headrest for its extra support for the kid’s sleep. They won’t fall ahead from now on!

The padded, no-rethread harness with a one-pull tightener provides reassuring security for growing toddlers when in the forward-facing mode.

You can effortlessly adjust the headrest and harness to find the most comfortable fit position for your child.

Reclines

You won’t believe this – the Chicco MyFit features up to 4-position reclines.

It’s rarely seen in a harness booster combination seat for big kids. The 4-position reclines are good for parents to find a perfect fitting angel for most comfort, during your kid’s growth from a small toddler at 2 years old to a big preteen up to 10 years of age.

This wide range of adjustment offers improved child comfort and a better vehicle fit.

How to find a proper fit recline angle?

Squeeze the Recline Adjustment Handle on the front of the Child Restraint and adjust to an upright or reclined position, as desired (1a).

Make sure the seat is in a locked position and that the bubble level is between the lines for the appropriate installation mode

Armrest

The armrests on both sides are certainly another plus for the Chicco MyFit’s performance in comfort.

They are designed to be longer than most car seats have, matching its concept to grow with your kids.

The design of armrests and cup holders are very brilliant and practical. With your kid’s arms on the armrest, the drinks or snacks in the cup holders within easy reach.

That should be a royal enjoyment for the car trip, no matter where you go and when you ride.

5. Crash Tests and Safety Ratings

Chicco car seats are safe, thanks to the manufacturer’s patented DuoGuard technique. So does MyFit.

Chicco company boasts of DuoGuard for optimal protection with the combination of two layers of side impact protection, deep rigid shell that is constructed with reinforced metal frame, and tons of energy-absorbing foam in the backrest and seat base.

Of course, they add points to MyFit’s safety performance.

But basically and most importantly, the Chicco MyFit meets or exceeds the child restraint criteria for a frontal crash test under the US FMVSS 213.

The 5-point harness is required and excellent for small toddlers. Because car seats with a 5-point harness should be tested for occupant retention with the built-in 5-point harness system. This test must be done for all the car seats with a 5-point harness.

That’s why the child safety seat laws ask the parents to ride toddlers and babies in a 5-point harness for as long as possible.

6. Performance

Weight and Height Limits

The manufacturer boasts that the Chicco MyFit is designed to grow with your child from toddler to preteen.

From its specifications, the minimum weight requirement is 25 pounds for harness mode. That’s a bit higher than most car seats with a 5-point harness that are able to ride a child as light as 22 pounds, even though parents won’t switch them as early as this weight.

So this should not be one drawback for Chicco MyFit, which makes it clear that only a toddler at least 2 years old can ride in it.

The top weight for using the 5-point harness is the same as all the child restraint – it’s 65 pounds when the child grows to preschoolers at the age of five or six.

The 54-inch top height limit for forward-facing absolutely adds points to its performance in the limit part. Most kids grow a bit faster in height than in weight. That’s why they commonly reach the height limit more easily than approaching the weight limit.

Can’t wait to remove the harness and turn MyFit to a booster? You’d better not. The experts from both AAP and NHTSA recommend keeping your child in the 5-point harness as long as possible.

But if your kids or you insist on removing the harness and switching the Chicco MyFit to booster mode, make sure your kid is 40 pounds or more, or 38-inch or taller. That’s the lowest weight and height requirements for traveling in a booster seat, just as other models.

The 100-pound top weight, 57-inch top height, and 4-year-old minimum age requirement are the same as most booster seats on the market.

Age Range/Longevity

Chicco MyFit is a combination harnessed booster. Even though it boasts of growing with your child, it lacks the ability to carry a newborn baby.

As required in the MyFit’s manual, the MyFit is suitable for toddlers at least 2 years or older. After all, it supports only the forward-facing position.

Thanks to its 100-pound top weight and 57-inch top height, this car seat might be good enough to let your child travel in it when they are 7 years or older.

Stages

Just as its name indicates, the Chicco MyFit combines two car seat stages – forward-facing and booster, into one.

It’s designed for toddlers and big kds, missing the first stage to ride an infant who is 2 years or younger in the rear-facing stage.

Your kid does not need a car seat in the fourth stage. They are ready to wear the vehicle’s seat belt as an adult.

Airplane

Is a Chicco MyFit 2-in-1 Harness Booster allowed on planes?

Yes, of course. The Chicco MyFit is certified for use in aircraft, ONLY for use with the 5-point harness mode.

When traveling by airplane with your child, Chicco recommends taking the Child Restraint on the airplane with you so that you can use it with your child.

Not only will it protect your child during take-off, landing, and turbulence, but also allow your child to be more comfortable.

But you can’t use the Chicco MyFit on the airplane in Booster mode. The airplane seat only has a lap belt, no shoulder belt, which is required to securely and safely install a booster seat.

It’s STRONGLY recommended to call the airline to make sure this car seat can be installed on their planes before onboarding.

Further Information

12 tips to travel with kids in a car seat on airplanes

Lifespan

How long is Chicco MyFit 2-in-1 Harness Booster good for

Chicco MyFit features 8 years of lifespan.

But this does not mean you can use it for 8 years. The lifespan is generally calculated from its manufacturer date.

The 8-year lifespan is not as long as the 10-year of those all-in-one car seats, but still good long lasting to match its performance to ride a child from toddler to tween, until your child is ready to use the vehicle’s seat belt for safety.

Here might be the real case, you purchase the car seat for a toddler at 2 years, then it goes though less than 8 years of usage. After that, your child grows to 10 years or younger, but guessing older than 8 years of age.

Whilst all US states do not require a child older than 8 years to travel in a car seat, the real usage is quite long.

If your child grows slower than their peers, a cheaper backless car seat is also a good option if the car seat is expired. But this case rarely happens if you purchase this car seat for a 4-year-old toddler.

Further Information

What to do with expired car seats

When do Chicco car seats expire

All Chicco car seats from Infant to Booster

Warranty

The Chicco MyFit does not specify its warranty on the user manual. Its warranty is in accordance with the limited warranty of all the Graco products.

Typically, the warranty is at least 12 months for the major parts, but the manufacturer does not make this clear.

5. Chicco MyFit Installation

Which Installation Method Should I Use?

When in forward-facing mode, the car seat can be installed with LATCH and seat belt, even with Lap belt only.

To help parents install the car seat properly, the MyFit features two extra functions.

Bubble Level-Indicators

You can find the bubble level indicator on the back on the right side. It features two bubble levels that clearly indicate seat angle in the vehicle during installation.

Every time you finish the installation process, you should check if the bubble level indicator is in the right position or not to make sure your installation is correct.

After all, correct installation is the determining factor to ensure your child’s safety.

LockSure Belt System

The Chicco exclusive LockSure feature is another plus for double confirmation of safe installation.

If you’re planning to install the car seat with the vehicle seat belt, the LockSure belt system provides easy routing to guide you to install it correctly, and then lock-offs work to simplify the installation.

Forward-Facing Installation

Install Chicco MyFit with LATCH

Do not use the LATCH anchors of the Child Restraint anchorage system with the internal harness of the child restraint when restraining a child weighing more than 40 lbs (18.1 kg).

Always use the Top Tether.

When installed with LATCH in vehicles equipped with inflatable seat belts, the unused seat belt should NOT be buckled behind the Child Restraint System as this will engage the inflatable portion of the belt.

If LATCH anchors are out and in correct position skip to Step 6. Undo the snap attaching the Armrest Fabric to the Backrest Seat Pad. Repeat this step for the other side.

Pull forward on the Seat Bottom Pad and lift up on the Backrest Seat Pad to locate the LATCH Storage Compartment.

Open the compartment door and remove LATCH straps.

Thread the LATCH connectors behind the seat fabric and out the side openings on the seat back, as shown.

Loosen BOTH LATCH Adjuster straps to their full length. Make sure the LATCH straps lay flat against the seat back (5a). If the straps are twisted they will not move freely from side to side. Then close the LATCH Connector Storage compartment door and replace BOTH seat pads (5b).

Make sure to re-attach both snaps on the Backrest Seat Pad to the Armrest Fabric.

Locate the LATCH anchor bars in your vehicle. Attach both LATCH Connectors to the vehicle LATCH anchor bars.

While pushing down on the Child Restraint (7a), pull on the LATCH Adjuster strap to tighten (7b).

Locate Tether anchor in your vehicle. Attach Tether Hook and pull Tether Adjuster strap to tighten.

Install Chicco MyFit Using Lap-Shoulder Belt

Undo the snap attaching the Armrest Fabric to the Backrest Seat Pad. Repeat this step for the other side.

Route vehicle lap-shoulder belt through the red HARNESS MODE seat belt path on the side of Child Restraint.

Lift up on the Backrest Seat Pad. Pass the vehicle belt along the back of the Child Restraint and pull the vehicle belt down through the red HARNESS MODE seat belt path on the opposite side of the Child Restraint.

Buckle the vehicle belt. Replace the Backrest Seat Pad, make sure to re-attach the snaps on the Backrest Seat Pad to the Armrest Fabric.

While pushing down on the Child Restraint (5a) pull the vehicle shoulder belt (5b) to tighten the vehicle lap belt.

While still pulling the shoulder belt tight, slide the vehicle shoulder belt into the Lock-Off. Always use the Lock-Off on the opposite side of the vehicle belt buckle.

Locate Tether anchor in your vehicle. Attach Tether Hook. Pull the Tether Adjuster strap to tighten.

Install Chicco MyFit Using Lap Belt Only

Undo the snap attaching the Armrest Fabric to the Backrest Seat Pad. Repeat this step for the other side.

Route vehicle lap belt through the red HARNESS MODE seat belt path on the side of Child Restraint.

Buckle the vehicle belt. Replace the Backrest Seat Pad, make sure to re-attach the snaps on the Backrest Seat Pad to the Armrest Fabric.

While pushing down on the Child Restraint (5a) pull the loose end of the vehicle lap belt (5b) to tighten.

Locate Tether anchor in your vehicle. Attach Tether Hook. Pull Tether Adjuster strap to tighten.

Check Your Work

Hold Child Restraint at each side near the forward-facing vehicle belt path. Pull side to side and forward. Child Restraint should not move more than 1” (25 mm) from vehicle seat back or side-to-side.
Make sure Bubble is between the lines on the label. If necessary, loosen the LATCH and Tether Straps, re-adjust recline and repeat installation steps to make sure Child Restraint is installed properly.
Check installation before every use!

Booster Installation for Chicco MyFit Harness Booster

Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface, if possible.

Place the Booster on the vehicle seat making sure the installation lines (located on the Seat Base) are PARALLEL with the vehicle seating surface.

Check that the headrest of the vehicle seat does not interfere with the Headrest of the Booster.

If the vehicle headrest pushes the Child Restraint forward, check your vehicle owner’s manual to see if the headrest removal is permitted.

If so, follow the vehicle owner’s manual to remove the headrest. If it is not permitted, raise the vehicle headrest or move the Child Restraint to a different vehicle seating location.

Make sure the Child Restraint is not blocking the vehicle belt buckle.

Use of LATCH and Top Tether in BOOSTER MODE is completely optional. If LATCH and or Tether is not used, make sure the LATCH Straps are properly stored.

If using LATCH, locate the LATCH Connector Storage compartment and remove LATCH straps. Make sure the LATCH Adjuster strap is loosened to its full length.

Locate the LATCH anchor bars in your vehicle. Attach both LATCH Connectors to the vehicle LATCH anchor bars and pull tight.

Locate the Tether, attach to the Tether anchor bar, and pull tight.

If the seat is not secured with both the LATCH anchors and Top Tether, the seat must be secured with the vehicle Lap-Shoulder belt when not in use.

Chicco MyFit Car Seat Manual

It’s important to follow instructions in the user manual to install and use the Chicco MyFit 2-in-1 Harness Booster car seat.

It’s usually included in the package, but you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.

8. Specification and Comparison

Brand
Brand	Chicco
Type
Suitable for	Toddlers, and preschoolers
Positions	Forward-facing
Design
Portability (1-10)	6; bulky and heavy
Weight (lb.)	25
Weight limits (lb.)	25-65 for 5-point harness, 40-100 for highback booster
Height limit (inch)	54” for forward-facing, 38-57” for booster
Dimension	17.5″ x 21″ x 27.5″(W D H)
Cup holder	Two on both sides
Performance
Age Range	2-10 years old
Stage	2nd, 3rd
Longevity	2-10 years old
Installation	LATCH and seat belt
Headrest Positions	9
Recline Positions	4
Airplane	Yes
Lifespan	8 Years
Extra Features	Fit 3 across, DuoGuard, LockSure

Chicco MyFit vs MyFit Zip vs MyFit Zip Air

Car Seats Comparison	Chicco MyFit	Chicco MyFit Zip	Chicco MyFit Zip Air
Price	$209	$259	$309
Forward-Facing Weight Limit	25-65 lbs	25-65 lbs	25-65 lbs
Booster Weight Limit	40-100 lbs	40-100 lbs	40-100 lbs
Recline Positions	4	4	4
LATCH Compatible	✓	✓	✓
Headrest Height Positions	9	9	9
Slim Width Desgin	✓	✓	✓
Seat Foam Layers	2	3	3
LockSure Seat-Belt Locking System	✓	✓	✓
Cup Holders	2	2	2
Zip & Wash	-	✓	✓
Performance Fabrics	-	Zip & Wash	Zip & Wash + 3D AirMesh