Installing your Chicco MyFit car seat correctly is crucial for your child's safety. The MyFit is a versatile harness-to-booster car seat, meaning it can be used in two primary modes: a 5-point harness car seat (for younger, smaller children) and a high-back booster (for older, larger children). The installation method varies depending on the mode you are using and your vehicle's capabilities.
Understanding Your Chicco MyFit Modes
Before you begin, identify which mode you need to install:
- Harness Mode (5-Point Harness): For children typically weighing 25-65 lbs and up to 54 inches tall. This mode requires securing the car seat to the vehicle using either the LATCH system or the vehicle's seat belt, along with the top tether.
- Booster Mode (High-Back Booster): For children typically weighing 40-100 lbs and up to 57 inches tall. In this mode, the child is secured by the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt. The booster itself can be secured with LATCH for stability (optional) or simply rest on the vehicle seat.
Installing Chicco MyFit in Harness Mode
In harness mode, your child is secured by the car seat's internal 5-point harness, and the car seat itself is secured to the vehicle. You must use either the LATCH system or the vehicle's seat belt, plus the top tether. Never use both LATCH and the vehicle seat belt simultaneously to secure the car seat in harness mode, unless explicitly stated in your car seat manual.
Method 1: LATCH System Installation
The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system provides dedicated attachment points in your vehicle.
- Prepare the Car Seat:
- Adjust the recline of the MyFit to the appropriate position for your child's weight and the vehicle seat angle, as indicated by the level indicators on the car seat.
- Locate the lower anchor connectors on the MyFit.
- Locate Vehicle LATCH Anchors:
- Find the lower anchors in your vehicle's seat bight (the crease between the seat back and bottom). They are often marked with a circle or the LATCH symbol.
- Locate the top tether anchor, usually on the back of the vehicle seat, parcel shelf, or floor.
- Connect Lower Anchors:
- Press the red button on the lower anchor connectors of the MyFit to release them.
- Push the connectors firmly onto the vehicle's lower anchor bars until you hear a "click" indicating they are securely latched.
- Give the car seat a firm tug at the belt path to ensure it's tightly connected.
- Connect the Top Tether:
- Locate the tether strap at the top back of your MyFit car seat.
- Before attaching it to the vehicle's tether anchor, you might need to adjust its length. To do this, you may need to open the compartment (often at the back or side of the seat near the tether strap's base). Then, by pulling down on the tether adjuster, you can loosen the strap. If you need to completely remove or reposition the tether for storage or specific adjustment, you might need to unhook the tether clip from its storage spot before re-routing. Once adjusted or ready, close the compartment if you opened one.
- Route the tether strap over the top of the vehicle seat and attach the tether hook to the vehicle's designated top tether anchor point.
- Pull the free end of the tether strap until it is tight, removing any slack. This significantly reduces head excursion in a crash.
- Tighten the LATCH System:
- Push down firmly on the MyFit's seat bottom while simultaneously pulling the LATCH strap at the front of the car seat.
- Ensure the car seat does not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path. You can test this by grasping the seat near where the LATCH belt goes through.
Method 2: Vehicle Seat Belt Installation
If your vehicle does not have LATCH anchors, or if your child's weight exceeds the LATCH weight limit (check your car seat and vehicle manuals), you will use the vehicle's seat belt.
- Prepare the Car Seat:
- Adjust the recline of the MyFit to the appropriate position.
- Ensure the lower anchor connectors are stored away if not being used.
- Route the Vehicle Seat Belt:
- Follow the MyFit's clearly marked blue belt path for forward-facing installation.
- Thread the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the designated slots on the car seat.
- Buckle the seat belt.
- Lock the Seat Belt:
- Pull the shoulder belt all the way out until you hear the retractor click, then slowly let it retract. This will engage the seat belt's locking mechanism, securing the car seat tightly.
- Tighten the Seat Belt:
- Push down firmly on the MyFit's seat bottom with one hand while pulling up on the shoulder portion of the vehicle's seat belt with the other hand to remove all slack.
- Ensure the car seat does not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
- Connect the Top Tether:
- As in LATCH installation, prepare and adjust the tether strap by using the adjuster (which may involve opening a compartment, pulling down on the adjuster to loosen the strap, and potentially unhooking the clip for repositioning before closing the compartment).
- Route the tether strap over the top of the vehicle seat and attach the tether hook to the vehicle's designated top tether anchor point.
- Pull the free end of the tether strap until it is tight, removing any slack.
Key Checks for Harness Mode Installation
- 1-Inch Rule: The car seat should not move more than one inch when tested at the belt path.
- Recline Angle: Ensure the recline indicator is within the allowed range for your child's weight.
- Harness Height: The harness straps must be at or above your child's shoulders for forward-facing installation.
- Chest Clip Position: The chest clip should be at armpit level.
- No Twists: Ensure the harness straps and vehicle seat belt are free of twists.
Installing Chicco MyFit in Booster Mode
When your child is ready for booster mode (typically 40-100 lbs), the MyFit converts to a high-back booster. In this mode, the car seat's internal harness is removed, and the child is secured by the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt.
- Convert to Booster Mode:
- Follow your MyFit manual to properly remove the 5-point harness. Store it in the designated compartment or a safe place according to the manual.
- Adjust the headrest to ensure the vehicle's shoulder belt will sit properly.
- Position the Booster:
- Place the MyFit booster on the vehicle seat. Ensure it is flush against the vehicle seat back.
- Secure the Booster (Optional but Recommended):
- While not strictly required for safety in booster mode (as the vehicle belt secures the child, not the booster directly), using the LATCH system can help keep the booster in place when unoccupied and prevent it from becoming a projectile in a crash.
- Follow the LATCH connection steps from Method 1 to connect the MyFit's lower anchors to your vehicle's LATCH anchors, if desired. The top tether is typically not used in booster mode; only the lower anchors if you choose to secure the booster.
- Position the Child and Seat Belt:
- Seat your child in the booster.
- Route the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the MyFit's red belt guides.
- The lap belt should rest low on your child's hips/thighs, not on their abdomen.
- The shoulder belt should lie flat across the center of your child's collarbone and shoulder, not on their neck or off their shoulder.
- Adjust the MyFit's headrest height as needed to achieve correct belt fit.
Key Checks for Booster Mode
- Belt Fit: Ensure the lap and shoulder belts are correctly positioned (lap belt low on hips, shoulder belt across collarbone).
- Vehicle Seat Belt Function: Ensure the vehicle seat belt retracts and buckles smoothly.
General Installation Tips and Safety Reminders
- Read the Manual: Always consult your Chicco MyFit instruction manual and your vehicle owner's manual for specific instructions, weight/height limits, and compatibility.
- Recline Settings: Pay close attention to the car seat's recline indicators for proper installation.
- Expiration Date: Check the car seat's expiration date. Car seats expire due to material degradation over time.
- Professional Check: If you are unsure about your installation, seek help from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). You can find one at NHTSA's Car Seat Inspection Station locator.
- Avoid Aftermarket Products: Only use Chicco-approved accessories with your MyFit.
Installation Mode Summary
| Feature | Harness Mode (5-Point Harness) | Booster Mode (High-Back Booster) |
|---|---|---|
| Child Weight | 25-65 lbs | 40-100 lbs |
| Child Height | Up to 54 inches | Up to 57 inches |
| Child Secured By | Car seat's internal 5-point harness | Vehicle's lap and shoulder belt |
| Car Seat Secured | LATCH (lower anchors + top tether) OR Vehicle Seat Belt (lap/shoulder) + Top Tether | Optional: LATCH (lower anchors only) for stability; otherwise, unsecured |
| Top Tether | Required with LATCH or seat belt installation | Not used (harness removed) |
