Chicco Fit3x (Meets New Standards) Review: Worth It?
If you're looking for a narrow car seat that fits 3 across, the Chicco Fit3X is one of the most promising new options. With its ultra-slim 16.7” width, all-in-one design, and flame-retardant-free materials, it’s designed for families who need to maximize space without compromising on safety or ease of use.
Our Review of the
Chicco Fit3x (Meets New Standards)
If you're looking for a narrow car seat that fits 3 across, the Chicco Fit3X is one of the most promising new options. With its ultra-slim 16.7” width, all-in-one design, and flame-retardant-free materials, it’s designed for families who need to maximize space without compromising on safety or ease of use.
Our recommendation: From 6 months until it's outgrown (8-9 years of age)
A 3-in-1 car seat that can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, and in high-back booster mode
From 6 months
Stand Out Features of this Car Seat
Flame-Retardant-Free
If having a seat with flame-retardant-free fabric is important to you, you will be happy to know that all of the fabric options for this seat are made with Chicco's ClearTex fabric, which is free of flame-retardant chemicals! This seat is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it has been tested for low chemical emissions.
Lock-off
The Chicco Fit3x features LockSure seat belt lock-offs for both rear and forward-facing installations.
Narrow
The Chicco Fit3x is only 16.7" wide, making it a great option for families who need to fit 3 across.
Seat is Good for You If:
You need to fit 3 across.
This seat is very narrow at 16.7", which makes it possible to fit it 3 across in many vehicles!
You want to sit next to your child in the vehicle.
Because it is a very narrow car seat, it can work when caregivers want to sit next to their child. Or even for older siblings who want or need to sit next to a younger sibling. Here we have pictured an 11-year-old who wanted to sit next to her baby sister!
You want a seat that is easy to install.
This seat comes out of the box ready for a rear-facing installation using the Mini-Grip lower anchor connectors. We found them very easy to use! They can be used until the child is 40 pounds, which is the maximum rear-facing limit. When you are ready to turn the seat forward-facing, you can store the lower anchors and install the seat using the seat belt and top tether.
Use Caution if:
You have a vehicle with non-removable headrests.
We have not had a chance to see how this seat works with non-removable headrests yet.
You have a small back seat.
While this seat is not huge in rear-facing mode, it is not very compact either. We were able to fit it behind the driver's seat in a Hyundai Tucson when the Chicco was in the most upright recline position. The driver is only 5'7." In a more reclined position, the seat was touching the driver's seat, and the headrest could not extend fully due to space constraints.
Quirks to be Aware of:
Side Support
The side support must be used until the child is 40 pounds.
Child Fit Information
We had 2 models to try in this seat.
Our first model is 21 months, 30", and 21 pounds. She tried out this seat rear-facing. She had a great fit and was comfortable enough to take a few naps for the week we used it. She enjoyed having the cup holders to stuff her toys into. The cup holders are dishwasher safe and flexible.
Our other model is 11 years old, 57", and 70 pounds. She is at the maximum height for high back booster mode, so we wanted to see if she would actually fit. She did not ride in this seat since she was at the maximum limit. As you can see, she would have outgrown the seat by shoulder room a while ago. But this seat would probably last most kids until around 9, and then they could switch to an inexpensive backless booster option!
Installation Information
Airplane Use
This seat is FAA-approved when used in harness mode.
Check out our full list of car seats for Airplane Travel here: FAA Approved Car Seats.
For help with all things airplane travel and car seats, check out our newest resource: Safe in the Sky.
SITS Bottom Line
The Chicco Fit3x uses ClearTex fabric, meaning it’s free of flame-retardant chemicals, and includes LockSure seat belt lock-offs for both rear- and forward-facing installation. As with many of the new side-impact-tested seats, the side support insert must be used until the child reaches 40 pounds. At just 16.7 inches wide, it’s a strong option for fitting three car seats across and is designed for easy installation. It works well for families prioritizing a narrow, user-friendly seat.
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Specifications
Chicco
Product Information
Weight: 21 lbs
Width: 16.7"
Highest Harness Height: 18"
Rear Facing Limits
Height: 43"
Weight: 5-40 pounds
Head Height Rules: n/a
Lower Anchor Connectors Weight Limit: 40 lbs
Forward-Facing Limits
Height: 38-54"
Weight: 26.5-65 pounds
Head Height Rules: ears must be contained within the car seat
Lower Anchor Connectors Weight Limit: 40 lbs
No Back Booster Limits
Highest Belt Guide Settings
19.5"
High Back Booster Limits
Height: 44-57"
Weight: 40-100 lbs
Head Height Rules: child's ears must be completely contained within the car seat
Other Important Details
Newborn Fit
we haven't seen any newborns in it yet
Expiration Limit
10 years
Crash Replacement Policy
replace after any crash
Harness
no-rethread
Lock-off
yes
Vehicle Seat Protector
This brand does not permit a vehicle seat protector.