Chicco Nextfit Max
When it comes to finding the perfect car seat for your child, ease of installation and convenience are paramount. If you’re on the lookout for a car seat that offers hassle-free setup and user-friendly features, the Chicco Nextfit Max ClearTex could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Let’s explore why this car seat might just be the perfect fit for your family’s needs.
- You want a seat with an easy installation.
- You want a car seat with a seat belt lock-off.
- You have a vehicle with non-removable headrests.
- You need to fit 3 across in a vehicle.
- You want to skip an infant seat.
- ClearTex fabric option is flame-retardant free
- Lock-off
Our Review of the
Chicco Nextfit Max
When it comes to finding the perfect car seat for your child, ease of installation and convenience are paramount. If you’re on the lookout for a car seat that offers hassle-free setup and user-friendly features, the Chicco Nextfit Max ClearTex could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Let’s explore why this car seat might just be the perfect fit for your family’s needs.
Our recommendation: sitting unassisted* until the seat is outgrown (5-6 years old)
A convertible car seat that can be used rear-facing and forward-facing
Possibly from birth*
Stand Out Features of this Car Seat
ClearTex fabric option is flame-retardant free
If having a seat with flame-retardant-free fabric is important to you, you will want to grab the Chicco Nextfit Max in the ClearTex fabric.
Lock-off
If you want to install your car seat in the middle and your middle seat does not have lower anchor points, then you will need to do a seat belt installation. The Chicco NextFit Max has a lock-off that makes this installation very simple. This feature may also appeal to you if you have a vehicle older than 1996 or if you are planning to travel internationally.
Seat is good for you if
You want a seat with an easy installation.
The easiest way to install the Chicco Nextfit Max ClearTex is with the lower anchors thanks to Chicco’s SuperCinch lower anchor tighteners. But these can only be used until the child is 35 pounds for rear-facing mode and 40 pounds for forward-facing mode. The seat belt installation is pretty easy as well though since it does have lock-offs.
You want a car seat with a seat belt lock-off.
If you are planning to use a car seat in a vehicle that is older than 1996 or you want a seat with a lock-off because you are traveling internationally, this could be a good option for you, although it is a bit heavy. If you would like a seat that is a bit lighter, check out our review of the Graco Triogrow.
Use caution if
You have a vehicle with non-removable headrests.
This would only be an issue once you get to forward-facing mode. Chicco does not want the vehicle’s headrest to push the Chicco’s headrest forward. Since the Chicco Nextfit Max ClearTex has many recline options, you may find that this seat will work in your vehicle. But when in doubt, the best thing to do is to contact Chicco and see if they approve the setup!
You need to fit 3 across in a vehicle.
Since the Chicco Nextfit Max ClearTex is 19 inches wide and most vehicles cannot accommodate a car seat this size in a three across configuration, this would not be your best option for this kind of scenario. Instead, try one of our recommended car seats for 3 across.
You want to skip an infant seat.
The harness height is low enough to fit a newborn. The problem we have found is the recline. In vehicles with very sloped seats, it is not always possible to recline this seat enough for a newborn. Chicco does not allow the use of rolled towels or pool noodles to increase the recline. If your vehicle has very flat seats, this seat may work from birth.
Quirks to be aware of
Child Fit Information
Installation Information
Airplane Use
The Chicco NextFit Max ClearTex is an FAA-approved car seat. It’s not very lightweight, but it is possible to travel with it. You can get a travel cart to maneuver through the airport! You will almost certainly need to put the airplane armrests up for it to fit since it is 19″ wide. Since it has a seat belt lock-off, you could use it internationally without the need for a locking clip.
Videos
SITS Bottom Line
The Chicco Nextfit Max ClearTex is a standout option for families seeking a car seat that prioritizes ease of use and convenience. Its straightforward installation process, seat belt lock-off feature, and FAA approval for airplane use offer practicality and versatility for busy caregivers. While it may not meet every requirement, such as fitting in a 3 across configuration or reclining enough for a newborn, its standout features, like the ClearTex fabric option and lock-off, make it a compelling choice in the market.
Specifications
Chicco
Product Information
Weight: 27lbs
Width: 19"
Highest Harness Height: 17"
Rear Facing Limits
Height: 43"
Weight: 5-50lbs
Head Height Rules: n/a
Lower Anchor Connectors Weight Limit: 35lbs
Forward-Facing Limits
Height: 49"
Weight: 22-65lbs
Head Height Rules: ears must be below the top of the headrest
Lower Anchor Connectors Weight Limit: 40lbs
No Back Booster Limits
Highest Belt Guide Settings
High Back Booster Limits
Other Important Details
Newborn Fit
not recommended; sometimes you cannot get the seat reclined enough
Expiration Limit
8 years
Crash Replacement Policy
replace after a moderate or severe crash
Harness
no-rethread
Lock-off
yes
Vehicle Seat Protector
This brand does not permit a vehicle seat protector.