Chicco NextFit Zip
Face Rear & Front
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF); 22-65 (FF)
- Height limits: 43" (RF); 49” (FF)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd
- Lifespan: 8 years
The Chicco NextFit Zip is the middle child of the Chicco range. Not quite a lightweight car seat and not quite a fully-fledged performance ride, either, it will suit parents who are looking to take the rear-facing step up from most convertible or even all-in-one car seats. The Chicco NextFit Zip has a few stellar features. With a zip-off design and tons of padding, it’s friendly for both parents and the little passengers – even though it’s a bit pricey.
Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seat Review - Best for Longer Rear-Facing Ride
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
- 43-inch high rear-facing height limit
- Zip-and-wash seat pad
- Removable newborn positioner
- 8 years of lifespan
Cons
- A bit pricey
- A bit heavy
- Too wide to fit 3 across
2. Who Is It Best For?
Will the Chicco NextFit Zip be a good option for your child and your family?
The Chicco NextFit Zip is a car seat with a clear identity. It’s a convertible car seat for a rear-facing longer.
Essentially, it’s simply a souped-up version of NextFit Sport. Yet, while the Zip improves on the rear-facing weight and height limits of its predecessor, its increased price makes it not as a budget option as its little bro.
NextFit Zip ranks top on the price list for a convertible car seat. But if you have enough budget for a long-last child restraint to offer great protection and comfort to your growing child, you’ll find it’s worthy.
The rarely seen 43-inch rear-facing height limit ensures your child can stay in the car seat facing the back when they are two years or even older, like 4 years old, as long as they don’t outgrow the 40-pound weight limit.
This combination of good weight and height limits is 100% appealing for those who are living or planning to travel in the states that legally require the child to stay in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years old.
These states include New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington.
3. Value for Money
Is the price tag worth it?
To be frank, that depends on both your kids and your needs. But we’ll answer this question from two factors that you may really care to travel with a kid in whatever way – car or airplane.
The first is its protection performance, of course.
Built in with the company’s unique DuoGuard technique, along with the steel-reinforced frame, and tons of padding around the frame and seat base, the NextFit Zip gives the little passenger great protection.
Correct installation matters 90% for the safety of the car seat.
The Chicco company has two patented techniques to ensure parents install the NextFit Zip properly. The SuperCinch® force-multiplying tightener and LockSure® belt-locking system make it easy to achieve a tight fit with LATCH or with the vehicle seat belt.
Secondly, it’s the comfort rating.
The car seat is the only place your child stays in a vehicle or plane. Comfortable or not deciding whether they are willing to love it or not.
4. Design
Dimension and Width
It’s a bulky car seat – that should be the first impression for the Chicco NextFit Zip.
Let’s start with its width. The NextFit Zip’s total width reaches 19-inch at most. That’s not the widest, of course. But still not as narrow as other slim car seats that are designed for fitting 3 across in most vehicles, for example, the Diono Radian 3R and Graco SlimFit3 LX, both are all-in-one car seats with a slender body around 17-inch in width.
It seems Chicco does not manufacture any slim car seats to satisfy the needs of the 3-across fitting. Neither does Britax. Only Graco designs the Graco SlimFit3 LX for this need.
The 21-inch depth is quite like most models. This depth makes the car seat sit steadily on any back seat even in small cars.
It’s good if you don’t recline the car too much, which will take a little space from the passengers or driver on the front seat, especially if you install it facing the back.
Needless to say, the 25-inch height is great for growing kids. It’s high enough for them to stay when they grow to 65-pound heavy or 49-inch tall.
Portability
Weighing up to 25 pounds, the Chicco NextFit Zip gets a low score – only 6 out of 10, in the portability rating.
If you’re going to have it installed in one vehicle, it’s better to keep it in that spot until your child outgrows the NextFit Zip.
Its cumbersome size and heavy body increase the difficulty to switch between different cars. So this probably won’t move from vehicle to vehicle very often.
It does not feature a foldable design like Diono Radian 3R, nor can’t be carried with the straps.
Two Cup Holders
There is one cup holder on the right of the Chicco NextFit Zip.
It’s big enough to carry most bottles or a few snacks. But the manufacturer asks not to put cups of more than 12 oz (355 ml) capacity in the cup holders.
It’s better not to put the hot liquids in the cup holder, avoiding splashes on your precious baby.
For the same reason of no harm, it’s recommended to use plastic containers, but not glass or metal containers. No sharp or pointed objects in Cup Holder, avoiding these objects could hit you or your child and cause serious injuries in a crash.
Zip off
The zip-off covering is fantastic for when I transport my preschool kids.
Made of machine-washable fabrics, it’s easy for parents to keep the seat pad clean. Thanks to the zip feature, the Chicco NextFit Zip is a lifesaver to clean the fabric!
You can easily zip off the seat pad and throw it into the washing machine.
Headrest and Harness
As a toddler car seat to grow with your child, the Chicco NextFit Zip features a 9-position headrest that is adjustable for a perfect fit for growing children.
A headrest is very important not just because it provides extra protection in case of a serious crash, but it upholds your kid’s head to keep steadily and safely in the car seat, no matter when your kid’s awake or asleep.
Made of breathable fabric, the headrests on both sides won’t make your kid sweat, even on hot summer days.
This NextFit Zip features a no-rethread harness to work with the headrest. This saves precious time for adjustment at one time.
Reclines
The Chicco NextFit Zip comes with 9 recline positions. That might be the most recline in a toddler car seat.
The 9-position recline performs well to find the best-fit angle along with your child’s growth. However, it depends a lot on the parents’ experience and feeling to adjust it for a perfect position.
This is very different from the clear instructions of Graco Extend2Fit that indicate the usage of 1-4 positions for rear-facing and 5-6 for forward-facing.
Instant Positioner
To help small babies have a proper fit in the car seat, the Chicco NextFit Zip includes an infant positioner.
The Newborn Positioner is only used for babies weighing between 5 and 11 pounds (2.3 and 5 kg). That’s the requirement from the Chicco NextFit Zip manual.
It’s not allowed to use any other infant insert or pillows. Only use the one provided by Chicco for this Child Restraint.
How to install the Newborn Positioner?
Pull Harness Buckle through the slot at the bottom of the Newborn Positioner.
Pull both Harness Straps over the side panels of the Newborn Positioner.
Push Newborn Positioner firmly into Child Restraint(a) to make sure it is properly positioned (b).
Materials
Same as the headrest, there are tons of padding that is made of breathable fabric used in the backrest and seat base, making it one of the most comfortable car seats that kids always preferred over the others.
Breathable mesh fabric avoids the baby’s back being sweaty even on hot summer days, especially in those states with a lot of hot days.
5. Chicco NextFit Zip Safety Rating and Crash Tests
Chicco NextFit Zip might be one of the safest child restraints. It’s one of the highest-rated car seats on consumer reports and becomes one of the most popular toddler car seats among parents.
Passing through the FMVS 233 is the very basic to be sold on the US market.
More than that, the NextFit Zip is manufactured with the Chicco brand’s exclusive DuoGuard technique that provides two layers of head and torso protection and gives parents great confidence to protect their kids in case of any crashes.
What does Chicco NextFit Zip provide to earn parents’ trustworthiness?
Made of a steel-reinforced frame, the deep rigid seat shell and sides stick out far enough where you feel this car seat will protect your kid from every angle.
It has the most cushion that is constructed of tons of EPS energy-absorbing foam, which reduces the shock and enables the most comfortable, no matter what kind of situations you’ll meet during the road trips.
Thanks to the 5-point harness in NextFit Zip, its side impact protection is 100% legit and worth it. That’s why the official requires all the car seats for sale in the United States to be tested with the 5-point harness.
The Chicco NextFit Zip performs well for safety performance based on how rugged and well-constructed it is. That’s why we think it’s a very reasonable tradeoff for the high degree of protection that this seat will likely provide.
6. Performance
Weight and Height Limits
Chicco NextFit Zip is the #2 in the best toddler car seats for 2 years old to face the rear longer, for its greater rear-facing height limit. It loses the first position for its price which is a bit higher than its best alternative – Graco Extend2Fit.
The NextFit Zip comes with a 43-inch top rear-facing height limit that is great for rear-facing kiddos to stay longer even when they’re older than 2 years old, making it beat most of the toddler car seats on the market.
Per suggestions from experts, it’s better to keep the little passenger rear-facing as long as possible.
The 43-inch top rear-facing height works well to pair with the 40-pound top rear-facing weight. As you know, toddlers grow a bit faster in height than in weight. This combination extends the rear-facing riding.
Moving to the forward-facing section, the NextFit Zip performs as well as most convertible car seats. The 65-pound weight limit and 49-inch height limit work great to let your child stay until they’re around 7 years old.
Age Range/Longevity
The Chicco NextFit Zip is suitable for newborns from day one to big kids up to 7 years old.
It is able to ride a newborn baby from birth, thanks to its 5-pound lowest weight limit. Even though it’s as low as the Graco Exend2Fit’s 4-pound bottom-line weight, this applies to 98% of newborns anyway.
If you’re parents who want to let your kiddo ride facing the back for as long as possible, better after their 2nd birthday, you’d be happy with the Chicco NextFit Zip.
The 40-pound top weight and 43-inch top height for rear-facing allow a child to travel in the rear-facing position for a long time, mostly after their second birthday, or even third or fourth birthday. That’s the most appealing pro for choosing NextFit Zip.
Being used in the forward-facing mode, the Chicco NextFit Zip is capable of riding your child to the school-age at about 7 years old. The 65-pound weight limit or 49-inch height limit should contribute to this great age range and longevity.
As your child is nearing the top height and weight limits, it’s time to move your child to a booster, high back or backless model is good.
Stages
As a convertible toddler car seat, the Chicco NextFit Zip goes through two car seat stages, including the rear-facing and forward-facing.
According to the definition of the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administrative), these are the two first stages to ride a child.
In these two stages, your child is restricted to using a 5-point harness, which is great for infants and small toddlers to ride stably and safely.
Airplane
Is a Chicco NextFit Zip convertible car seat allowed on planes?
Yes. The NextFit Zip is approved by the FAA for use in aircraft.
But it’s not a good idea to take it for air travel to have the toddler fly with you. It’s heavy, weighing up to 25 pounds.
Looking like a tank, the Chicco NextFit Zip is difficult to take from home to the airport, even with a solid car seat travel belt.
If you insist on taking it for air travel, keep in mind to follow the user manual to install it with the seat belt.
There is only a lap belt on the plane, you’d better call the airline to make sure this car seat can be installed on their planes before onboarding.
Further Information
Lifespan
How long is a Chicco NextFit Zip convertible car seat good for?
The NextFit Zip features a lifespan up to 8 years from its manufacture day.
You should pay attention to this – the lifespan starts from the car seat’s manufacture date, not the day you purchase it. In most cases, you’ll find the stick on the back of the car seat.
So the real use time should be shorter than 8 years. That becomes one of the drawbacks for Chicco NextFit Zip. 8 years of lifespan is shorter than the other two main competitors – Graco Extend2Fit and Britax Marathon, which feature a 10-year lifespan.
However, you should worry about it being used for a short time. After all, The longevity is only 7 years and your kid probably outgrows this car seat and needs a booster.
Warranty
The Chicco NextFit Zip does not specify its warranty on the user manual. Its warranty is in accordance with the limited warranty of all the Chicco products.
Typically, the warranty is at least one year for the major parts, but the manufacturer does not make this clear.
8. Installation
Which Installation Method Should I Use?
The latch push button system is another great feature.
No more hassling with the clips and tight straps. Recommend this seat to everyone, well worth the cost!!
The LATCH grips are amazing and the Cinch to Fit system is just fantastic.
Rear-facing Installation for Chicco NextFit Zip
Do not use the lower anchors of the Child Restraint anchorage system (LATCH system) to attach this Child Restraint when restraining a child weighing more than 35 lbs (15.9 kg) with the internal harness of the Child Restraint.
When installing with LATCH in vehicle 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.
Install Chicco NextFit Zip Using LATCH
1.Locate the LATCH Connector Storage compartments. Remove LATCH straps. Make sure SuperCinch™ LATCH Tightener strap (Pull 2nd) and LATCH Adjuster strap (Pull 1st) are loosened to their full length.
2. Grab both ends of LATCH straps. Slide LATCH strap to blue REAR-FACING opening on both sides. Note: Both LATCH Connector Storage compartments must be open and both LATCH straps must be loosened to their full length in order to slide LATCH straps into position.
3. Close both LATCH Connector Storage compartments. When not accessing the LATCH or changing the belt path ALWAYS keep LATCH Connector Storage compartments closed.
4. Locate the LATCH anchor bars in your vehicle. Attach both LATCH Connectors to the vehicle LATCH bars.
5. Pull up on the end of the LATCH Adjuster strap (Pull 1st) until strap is tight.
6. Pull on the SuperCinch™ LATCH Tightener strap (Pull 2nd) to secure the Child Restraint.
Install Using Lap/Shoulder Belt With 5-Point Harness
1. Unzip seat pad.
2. Route vehicle lap-shoulder belt through the blue REAR-FACING seat belt path on the side of Child Restraint (a). Pull seat pad to the side and route the vehicle lap-shoulder belt through the blue REAR-FACING seat belt path on the side of Child Restraint (b).
3. Route the vehicle belt UNDER the seat pad (a). Vehicle belt must be routed behind the Crotch Strap when the Crotch Strap is in the forward position (closest to the Harness Release Button) or in front of the Crotch Strap when it is in the rear position.
Pull the vehicle belt down through the blue REAR-FACING seat belt path on the opposite side of Child Restraint. Buckle the vehicle belt (b). Then re-attach the zippered seat pad.
4. While pushing down on the Child Restraint (a) pull the vehicle shoulder belt (b) to tighten vehicle lap belt.
5. 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.
Install Using 5-Point Harness With Lap Belt
1.Unzip seat pad.
2. Route vehicle lap-shoulder belt through the blue REAR-FACING seat belt path on the side of Child Restraint (a). Pull seat pad to the side and route the vehicle lap-shoulder belt through the blue REAR-FACING seat belt path on the side of Child Restraint (b).
3. Route the vehicle belt UNDER the seat pad (a). Vehicle belt must be routed behind the Crotch Strap when the Crotch Strap is in the forward position (closest to the Harness Release Button) or in front of the Crotch Strap when it is in the rear position.
Pull the vehicle belt down through the blue REAR-FACING seat belt path on the opposite side of Child Restraint. Buckle the vehicle belt (b). Then re-attach the zippered seat pad.
4. While pushing down on the Child Restraint (a) pull the loose end of the vehicle lap belt (b) to tighten the belt.
Forward-facing installation
Do not use the lower anchors of the Child Restraint anchorage system (LATCH system) to attach this Child Restraint when restraining a child weighing more than 40 lbs (18 kg) with the internal harness of the Child Restraint.
When installing with LATCH in vehicle 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.
Install Chicco NextFit Zip Forward-facing with LATCH
1.Locate LATCH Connector Storage compartments. Remove LATCH straps. Make sure SuperCinch™ LATCH Tightener strap (Pull 2nd) and LATCH Adjuster strap (Pull 1st) are loosened to their full length.
2. Grab both ends of LATCH straps. Slide LATCH strap to red FORWARD-FACING opening on both sides. Note: Both LATCH Connector Storage compartments must be open and both LATCH straps must be loosened to their full length in order to slide LATCH straps into position.
3. Close both LATCH Connector Storage compartments.
4. Locate the LATCH bars in your vehicle. Attach both LATCH Connectors to the vehicle LATCH anchor bars.
5. Pull up on the end of the LATCH Adjuster strap (Pull 1st) until strap is tight.
6. Pull on the SuperCinch™ LATCH Tightener strap (Pull 2nd) to secure Child Restraint.
7. Locate Tether anchor in your vehicle. Attach Tether Hook. Pull Tether Adjuster strap to tighten.
Install Chicco NextFit Zip Using Lap/Shoulder Belt with 5-point Harness
1.Route vehicle lap-shoulder belt through the red FORWARD-FACING seat belt path on the side of Child Restraint. Lift the padding on the back of the seat and pull the vehicle belt through the opening on the side of Child Restraint.
2. Pass the vehicle belt along the back of the Child Restraint as shown.
3. Pull the vehicle belt down through the red FORWARD-FACING seat belt path on the opposite side of Child Restraint. Buckle the vehicle belt. Replace the seat back padding.
4. While pushing down on the Child Restraint (a) pull the vehicle shoulder belt (b) to tighten vehicle lap belt.
5. 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.
6. Locate Tether anchor in your vehicle. Attach Tether Hook. Pull Tether Adjuster strap to tighten.
Install Chicco NextFit Zip Using Lap Belt with 5-point Harness
1. Route vehicle lap belt through the red FORWARD-FACING seat belt path on the side of Child Restraint. Lift the padding on the back of the seat and pull the vehicle belt through the opening on the side of the Child Restraint.
2. Pass the vehicle belt along the back of the Child Restraint as shown.
3. Pull the vehicle belt down through the red FORWARD-FACING seat belt path on the opposite side of Child Restraint. Buckle the vehicle belt. Replace the seat back padding.
4. While pushing down on the Child Restraint (a) pull the loose end of the vehicle lap belt (b) to tighten.
5. Locate Tether anchor in your vehicle. Attach Tether Hook. Pull Tether Adjuster strap to tighten.
Check Your Work for Proper Installation
- Hold Child Restraint at each side near REAR-FACING vehicle belt paths. Pull side to side and forward. Vehicle belt should remain tight and Child Restraint should not move more than 1” (25 mm) from vehicle seat back or side-to-side.
- Make sure Child Restraint is level for REAR-FACING use. Make sure infant’s head does not fall forward. If necessary, loosen the vehicle belt, re-adjust recline and repeat installation steps to make sure Child Restraint is installed properly.
- Check installation before every use!
Chicco NextFit Zip Car Seat Manual
The user manual is the most important source you can know better about the car seat and how to install it properly for a safe ride.
You should always check and use the Chicco NextFit Zip following the user manual, which is included in the package.
Or you can download the manual PDF online.
8. Specification and Comparison
Brand | |
Brand | Chicco |
Type | |
Suitable for | Newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers |
Positions | Rear-facing and forward-facing |
Design | |
Portability (1-10) | 6. Bulky and heavy |
Weight (lb.) | 25 |
Weight limits (lb.) | 5-40 for rear-facing, and 22-65 for 5-point harness |
Height limit (inch) | 43” for rear-facing, 49” for forward-facing |
Dimension | 19″ x 25″ x 21″ (W x H x D) |
Cup holder | One on right side |
Performance | |
Age Range | 0-7 years old |
Stage | 1st, 2nd |
Longevity | 0-7 years old |
Installation | LATCH and seat belt |
Headrest Positions | 9 |
Recline Positions | 9 |
Airplane | Yes |
Lifespan | 8 Years |
Extra Features | SuperCinch tightener, Dishwasher-safe CupFolder, Zip Off |
Chicco NextFit Zip vs NextFit Zip Air
| Car Seats Comparison | Chicco NextFit Sport | Chicco NextFit Zip | Chicco NextFit Zip Air | Chicco NextFit Zip MAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP Price | $249.99 | $299.99 | $329.99 | $369.99 |
| Rear-Facing Weight Limit | 12-40 lbs | 5-40 lbs | 5-40 lbs | 4-50 lbs |
| Forward-Facing Weight Limit | 22-65 lbs | 22-65 lbs | 22-65 lbs | 22-65 lbs |
| Recline Positions | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| LATCH Compatible | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headrest Height Positions | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Slim Width Desgin | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cup Holders | Cup Holder | CupFolder | CupFolder | CupFolder |
| Zip & Wash | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Performance Fabrics | - | Zip & Wash | Zip & Wash + 3D AirMesh | Zip & Wash + 3D AirMesh |
| Extended Legroom | - | - | - | ✓ |
9. FAQs on Chicco NextFit Zip
The NextFit® Zip is designed for children between 5-40 pounds and up to 43 inches tall in rear-facing mode and 22-65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall in forward-facing mode.
According to its top weight and height limits, it is able to ride your child to an estimated age of 7 years until they outgrow the car seat.
As for longevity, The Chicco NextFiz Zip has an 8-year lifespan.
No. The NextFit Zip convertible car seat does not convert to a booster seat. The NextFit Zip convertible car seats can be used for a child from 4 to 65lbs, or a maximum height of 49 inches.
Yes. All Chicco infant and convertible car seats are certified for usage on aircraft (FAA approved). Typically, you can also check car seats as baggage and most airlines will allow you to check in a car seat free-standing.
Chicco states that the NextFit Zip Max has 25% more legroom than previous NextFit versions. This extra rear-facing legroom is created by the front of the seat’s shell extending out, and it also provides additional calf support for children who ride forward-facing.
3D AirMesh material is another improvement from NextFit Zip. You may check all the differences between Chicco NextFiz Zip and NextFit Zip MAX.
Yes. It was super easy and fast to hook the car seat up to it and then carting it through the airport was a breeze.
It folds up really well and fits under the seat in front of you no problem. see less It is a pretty big seat, but we just got home from using it on 2 United flights on an Embraer RJ145.
10. Alternatives
What other car seats should you consider?
Graco Extend2Fit
- Weight range (lb): 4-50 (RF); 22-65 (FF)
- Height limits: 32” + 5” (RF) and 49” (FF)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd
- Lifespan: 10 years
Why is it better than the Chicco NextFit Zip?
- Higher rear-facing weight limit (+10lbs)
- Costs less (-$88)
- Less in car seat weight (-6 lbs)
- One more cup holder (+1)
- One more headrest positions (+1)
- Longer lifespan (+2)
Why its worse than the Chicco NextFit Zip?
- Less height limit in rear-facing (-6”)
- Lack zip off cover for easy removing
- 9-position reclines (-3)
- No LockSure belt locking system
Britax Marathon
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 lbs (RF) and 20-65 lbs (FF)
- Height limits: 49” (RF and FF)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd
- Lifespan: 10 years
Why is it better than the Chicco NextFit Zip?
- Higher height limit in rear-facing (+6”: 49”-43”)
- 14 No-Rethread Harness Positions (+5)
- V-Shaped Tether
Why its worse than the Chicco NextFit Zip?
- Less reclines (-2)
- Heavier car seat weight (+3.5 lbs)
- Less cup holder (-1)