In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 Review

A great overall option with better crash testing, tester-preferred comfort, and simple installation make it a favorite
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Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $160 List
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Manufacturer:   Chicco
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jan 26, 2024
78
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 14
  • Crash Test - 35% 8.2
  • Ease of Use - 25% 8.3
  • Weight/Size - 15% 6.5
  • Comfort - 15% 7.3
  • Quality - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 is an impressive top-ranked booster seat that will please even the pickiest of parents and kids. It boasts some of the best crash testing results in the group, is of higher quality, and is one of the easiest to use. This Chicco has a cover that zips off for easy cleaning, extendable lounge-style leg padding, easy to adjust the headrest for height changes, and more. While this booster is more on the order of convertible seat size, and we wouldn't want to carry it around for very long, it isn't the biggest or heaviest in the group and shouldn't hinder the ability to use multiple seats in a single vehicle row. Overall, we think this option brings a lot to the table, and the crash test results are enough to seal the deal for us; the rest is just a welcome bonus.
REASONS TO BUY
Better crash test results
Easy to install
Extra leg padding gives lounge feel
Ample padding
Zip-off cover
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulge on headrest
Rougher headrest fabric
Editor's Note: The Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 is part of our new update that includes all new crash testing and side-by-side comparisons. Our update was completed on January 26, 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Booster for Most
 Top Pick Award
Best Booster for Travel and Carpooling
Best Value Award
Best Booster on a Budget
 
Price $160 List
$159.99 at Amazon
$140 List$40 List
$37.98 at Amazon
$120 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$29 List
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Bottom Line Great choice for most families with better crash testing analysis, easy installation, and cozy seating for kidsEasy installation and use make this a nicer seat, but there are some that offer better crash test analysisGreat for travel and carpooling, but the quality and crash results make it less appealing as an all-the-time boosterA comfy headrest and good crash test results make this lightweight choice an option that won't break the bankThis basic booster offers disappointing results in most metrics, including crash test analysis, making the low price less appealing
Rating Categories Chicco KidFit Zip A... Chicco KidFit BubbleBum Diono Cambria 2 Graco TurboBooster...
Crash Test (35%)
8.2
7.1
6.5
8.0
5.3
Ease of Use (25%)
8.3
8.3
8.0
5.1
7.5
Weight/Size (15%)
6.5
6.6
10.0
5.9
7.9
Comfort (15%)
7.3
6.8
4.4
6.1
3.2
Quality (10%)
8.0
7.5
3.5
4.0
3.5
Specs Chicco KidFit Zip A... Chicco KidFit BubbleBum Diono Cambria 2 Graco TurboBooster...
Modes High Back Booster, Backless Booster High Back Booster, Backless Booster Backless Booster High Back Booster, Backless Booster Backless Booster
High Back Booster Weight Range 40-110 lb 40-100 lb N/A 40-120 lb N/A
High Back Booster Height Range 38-57 in 38-57 in N/A 38-63 in N/A
Width 18.2 in 18.4 in 11.3 in 19.9 in 16.3 in
Weight 11.8 lb 10.3 lb 0.9 lb 12.0 lb 4.5 lb
Backless Booster Height Range 38-58 in 38-57 in 40-57 in 38-63 in 43-57 in
5 Point Harness Weight Range N/A #REF! N/A N/A N/A
5 Point Height Range N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
LATCH Equipped Yes Yes No Yes No
#REF! #REF! #REF! #REF! #REF! #REF!
Recline Positions 2 2 N/A None N/A
Foam Type EPS EPS None None None
Seat Lifespan 8 Years 8 Years 4 Years from purchase date 8 Years 10 Years
Aircraft Certified

Our Analysis and Test Results

Chicco (KEE-ko) is an Italian company with more than 30 years of juvenile product experience. Chicco has experienced significant success in the US with the best infant car seats and parent favorite full-size strollers. In 1958, a pharmaceutical device inventor decided to make baby products after having his first baby. Chicco also makes portable high chairs and products we've tested in our best bottle warmer and best bassinet reviews.

Performance Comparison



In our MGA Research commissioned crash tests, the Air Plus performed better than average, earning one of the highest analysis scores in the group based on crash test sensor data.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Test


The Zip Air offered impressive performance in our MGA Research commissioned crash testing with lower recorded G-forces in the dummy sensors (lower is better). Combined, the sensor data resulted in one of the highest crash test analysis results in the group.


We ran our crash tests slightly faster than the federal standard, and we used a crash sled that has a somewhat stiffer seat, more like late model vehicles. Our goal was to identify those boosters that truly stand out from the competition.

The Air Plus HIC sensor data shows lower G-Forces (lower is better)...
The Air Plus HIC sensor data shows lower G-Forces (lower is better) than much of the competition, even the high-scoring Peg Perego.
This graph shows a comparison between the Air Plus and the Peg...
This graph shows a comparison between the Air Plus and the Peg Perego. The Peg sensor recorded fewer G-forces than the Air Plus for the chest sensor (fewer is better).

The Air Zip is a standout with HIC (head) sensor and chest clip sensor results that are better than the competition. This Chicco has one of the best HIC results and a chest clip result in the top-tier of products. Overall, we think the results indicate the potential for an additional margin of safety over the average booster.

The Air Plus has push-style LATCH connectors that are very easy to...
The Air Plus has push-style LATCH connectors that are very easy to use.
Tightening the LATCH strap on the Air Plus is an easy-to-pull front...
Tightening the LATCH strap on the Air Plus is an easy-to-pull front strap.

Ease of Use


The Zip Air is similar to the other KidFit we tested but with a few useful additions, and it earned a similarly high score for ease of use that few matched in our review.


The shoulder guide is easy for little ones to thread, and there is almost no friction, so pulling the belt is easy and quick. Our tester was able to pull it across her lap and buckle it herself, even if we didn't like how it rubbed the booster side. This seat has a fun snack box you can attach to the side near the cup holder, and it could require a more thoughtful threading of the lap portion of the belt, but it isn't a big problem. Everything fits well, and the shoulder belt did not rub on our tester's neck.

The Air Plus has a zip-off removable leg lounger padding that helps offer support to the lower legs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This unit is easy to carry, and even with the fold-out leg padding addition it doesn't feel unwieldy to carry or maneuver in the car for installation. It has a LATCH installation with push connectors that are easy to use.

The Zip Air Plus cup holders easily fit our Thermos test water bottle with room to spare, which can not be said of all boosters we tested.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This booster has dual cup holders with rubber sides that fold in if you need more space beside the seat. The holders are large enough for our Thermos water bottle and they are removable for easier cleaning.

The Zip Air Plus has a unique snack box on one side ti keep treasures or snacks nearby.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This option has a unique snack box as well that our child tester absolutely loved. It is about 3.5 x 4.5 inch box that hangs off the side, and it has a closing lid.

We measured the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus to compare it side-by-side with the competition.
Credit: Natalie Nealan

Weight and Size


This option is on the heavy side. While not the heaviest in the group, at 11.8 lbs, it isn't something you want to carry around. It is still below average for the group and almost three times lighter than the heaviest.


chicco kidfit zip air plus 2-in-1 - the back on the air plus can be removed to make a lighter and more...
The back on the Air Plus can be removed to make a lighter and more manageable backless booster kids can carry on their own.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

It is just above the average for width at 18.2 inches. While it might not be a problem for some, it could be a challenge in smaller cars or where multiple seats will be used.

chicco kidfit zip air plus 2-in-1 - the air plus has supportive padding that doesn't look as good as it...
The Air Plus has supportive padding that doesn't look as good as it feels and a leg lounger support for the lower legs, making it comfy for most.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort


The Zip Air performed well in our tests for comfort, offering a smidge more than the little brother KidFit we tested. This option has similar padding to the other Chicco we tested, but there is more and an included leg rest lounge addition that provides comfort for legs below the knee.

chicco kidfit zip air plus 2-in-1 - we love the leg support on the air plus and think it offers helpful...
We love the leg support on the Air Plus and think it offers helpful support to avoid the discomfort of dangling legs many booster-age kids experience in a booster.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This feature is unique in this review, and the Zip Air is the only one to offer a feature to combat the dreaded leg dangling we see in most boosters.


The fabric here is less appealing, with a strange patterned material on the headrest that is not skin-friendly. Our child tester felt the headrest was scratchy but approved of the smooth armrests on bare arms. Our little tester also felt the sides of the headrest could be closer to the center to help with leaning during napping, but overall, gave it a thumbs up for comfort.

chicco kidfit zip air plus 2-in-1 - the zip air plus uses nicer quality materials than most of the...
The Zip Air Plus uses nicer quality materials than most of the competition, and it brings them together in a durable and thoughtful design.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


This Chicco also performed well in comparison to the competition for quality. It earned a score that is higher than almost all of the competition, which is impressive given the lower-than-average price in this lineup.


The padding thickness is better than most, and the foam was chushie but did not flatten when sat on. There is even extra foam in the bottom seating area we appreciate. While competing foams might appear thicker, they usually condense to almost nothing and lack real support.

chicco kidfit zip air plus 2-in-1 - the kidfit zip air plus has a zip-off cover that makes cleaning big...
The KidFit Zip Air Plus has a zip-off cover that makes cleaning big messes easier than much of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This option even includes additional zip-on padding. The material appears durable and is seen well with few (if any) errant threads or wonky stitching. The trim lining gives it the feeling of costing more than it does. The back of the shell is one piece, and while it scratches fairly easily, it doesn't collect a lot of hard-to-clean gunk.

chicco kidfit zip air plus 2-in-1 - design choices like a closing snack box and a leg support pillow...
Design choices like a closing snack box and a leg support pillow combined with higher crash test analysis results make the Air Plus one we love and recommend to friends.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1?


We love this high-ranking seat, and it is hard to find fault in how it looks, functions, feels, or performs. It has one of the highest crash test analysis scores in the group, and its results indicate there could be an additional margin of protection compared to the several other boosters. It is a very nap-able seat with leg lounger padding, and our tester had no trouble getting buckled in without assistance. There is very little we didn't love about this booster, and definitely recommend it to friends.

What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?


If you want the absolute best seat for crash testing, the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 is the one for you. It is a highly adjustable seat with a width and height adjustment suitable for fast-growing or larger kids. It is more expensive than the Air Plus, but it also sports the best ease-of-use score in the group, and it doesn't have armrests. No matter which way you go, we think you'll be getting a stellar seat.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz