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The Chicco Key

Whether you’re awaiting the arrival of your first bundle of joy or are a first-time grandparent, there’s always new information and “industry lingo” to learn when it comes to baby gear. At Chicco, it’s our goal not only to create easy solutions for parents and babies, but to educate as well. The terms below are a combination of industry lingo and Chicco terms, with the latter identified by an asterisk.

  • 37.5® Technology

    Part of the Chicco Adapt fabric technology that helps keep your child’s body at an ideal core temperature and helps keep the microclimate next to the skin at the ideal relative humidity of 37.5%. Naturally derived, volcanic mineral particles permanently embedded into the fabric fibers regulate temperature by speeding evaporation to help cool or return the body’s own infrared energy to help warm. Learn more at thirtysevenfive.com.

  • 3D AirMesh*

    Fabric with mesh filaments and elevated airflow channels designed to improve ventilation where kids need it most: on car seat and stroller backrests & seats.

  • 3D Fold

    A compact stroller fold configuration most often associated with lightweight, travel-friendly strollers. Also see, “Umbrella Stroller.”

  • Adapt

    A performance-driven fabric technology from Chicco designed to provide superior car seat comfort. Adapt features a combination of humidity-regulating fabric with patented 37.5® Technology and breathable mesh to control your child’s microclimate. Also see, “37.5® Technology.”

  • Adapter Bar / Adapter Hoop

    A piece of equipment that enables a stroller to carry an infant car seat. Many Chicco strollers accept a car seat via the child tray or an included adapter bar.

  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

    An organization of 67,000 pediatricians committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Visit www.aap.org for more info.

  • Alternate Belt Routing

    An infant car seat installation method utilized when use of the stay-in-car base is not feasible, such as in urban areas where taxis are a common form of transportation. The vehicle shoulder belt secures the carrier at 3 points of contact, on the back of the carrier and on either side, to reduce movement. Also known as “Euro Belt Routing.”

  • Anti-Rebound Bar

    A structural component on select rear-facing car seats that extends up the backrest of the vehicle seat to help provide additional stability and leverage for a secure install and reduce rebound in the event of a crash.

  • Belt-Positioning Booster

    A car seat for big kids that positions the vehicle seat belt correctly over the child’s body. Because seat belts are designed for adult use, the belt-positioning booster helps secure the child at the proper locations: at the hips/thighs and at the shoulder/collarbone area.

  • Bubble Level Indicator

    Found on either side of a Chicco harnessed child restraint, a bubble level is a liquid-filled cylinder with a bubble on the inside and vertical lines on the outside. It is used to help verify accurate angle in the vehicle seat during installation. Also see, “RideRight®*.”

  • Buckle Tongue

    The component of a car seat that clicks into the crotch buckle.

  • Car Seat Base

    The stay-in-car component of an infant car seat in which the carrier clicks securely into for each ride. Additional bases may be purchased separately so that each parent/caregiver can transport.

  • Chest Clip

    The component of a restraint harness that clips together at the chest to secure a child. A properly placed chest clip should align with the top of your child’s armpits, allowing the harness straps to remain parallel over the torso. Click here for more info.

  • Chest Clip Pads

    Padding on the MyFit® Harness + Booster Car Seat located on the back of the chest clip that is used to help keep the chest clip positioned properly and provide additional comfort. It cannot be removed.

  • ClearTex®*

    ClearTex® products use fabrics (plus foam and labels) that comply with federal car seat flammability standards (FMVSS 302) without any flame retardant chemical treatments. ClearTex® utilizes an innovative construction of polyester fibers to produce fabrics that are inherently fire-resistant (and gentle on baby), no chemical flame retardants necessary.

  • ComfortFlex®*

    A rigid plastic piece that is covered in padding, found on either side of the car seat to keep the buckles up and to the side for easy access and to prevent the child from sitting on them when climbing in.

  • Convertible Car Seat

    A car seat for growing babies and toddlers that is designed to convert from rear-facing to forward-facing based on height and weight.

  • Crotch Buckle

    Located at the top of the crotch strap, the crotch buckle is the piece that the buckle tongues, or “buckles,” click into.

  • Crotch Strap

    The webbing that connects the crotch buckle to the car seat, stroller seat, or highchair.

  • CupFolder™*

    A cup holder that collapses inward to save space when not in use. CupFolders™ can be found on almost every Chicco convertible and booster car seat.

  • Dual-Density Foam

    Padding on the bottom of the car seat that features 2 layers of varying-density foam to provide a comfortable fit for children of various sizes and weights.

  • DuoGuard®*

    Includes two layers of protection, a rigid shell and EPS energy-absorbing foam, that surround two zones: the head and torso.

  • EPS Energy-Absorbing Foam

    Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a high quality, dense foam that is found on many Chicco car seats due to its proven ability to effectively absorb energy.

  • ErgoBoost®*

    An ergonomically designed contoured seat that features multiple layers of foam for comfort and support.

  • Five-Point Harness

    A safety restraint that uses 5 points of contact to secure a child in a car seat, stroller or highchair. Points of contact include the crotch strap and dual hip/shoulder straps, compared to a 3-point harness which only secures the child via the crotch and hip straps.

  • FlexCore®*

    An adjustable stroller suspension system that can manually transition between a stiff suspension for more control at higher speeds and a soft suspension for a smoother ride on rough terrain.

  • Forward-Facing

    A term used to describe the direction in which a car seat is installed. When forward-facing, the car seat/child faces the front windshield.

  • Frame Stroller

    A lightweight stroller designed to securely hold a compatible infant car seat. The frame stroller does not include its own seat in order to reduce unnecessary weight and simplify early outings. Also known as a, “Car Seat Carrier.”

  • Full-Size Stroller

    A “fully loaded” stroller that includes extra amenities for parent convenience and child comfort, such as extra-large storage spaces, multi-position reclining backrests, large canopies and parent & child trays with cup holders. All Chicco full-size strollers accept a Chicco infant car seat.

  • GREENGUARD Gold Certification

    GREENGUARD Gold Certification is a rigorous third-party chemical emissions test that measures the levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that may be present in indoor environments. The GREENGUARD Gold standard was developed with at-risk groups in mind, like children and the elderly. GREENGUARD Gold Certified products have been tested to meet standards for low chemical emissions, contributing to healthier air quality around baby. Learn more at https://www.ul.com/services/ul-greenguard-certification.

  • Harness + Booster Car Seat

    A car seat for growing toddlers and big kids that allows the child to transition from use of the car seat’s 5-point safety harness to the vehicle seat belt. Also known as a, “Combination Car Seat.”

  • Harness Adjuster Button

    The mechanism on the car seat that allows you to loosen the shoulder straps of the 5-point harness. On Chicco car seats, all key touch points – including the harness adjuster button – are easy to locate thanks to their bright orange color.

  • Infant Carrier

    The component of an infant car seat in which baby gets buckled into. Also known generically as, “the car seat.”

  • Infant Car Seat

    A rear-facing car seat that consists of the infant carrier and a stay-in-car base, which allows parents and caregivers to easily transport baby between cars and a compatible stroller without unbuckling them from the carrier.

  • IIHS Best Bet Booster

    Because automobile seat belts are designed for adults, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluates belt positioning boosters on their ability to provide good lap and shoulder belt fit. “Best Bets” are the highest rating and according to IIHS, they provide good belt fit for typical 4 to 8-year-old children in almost any car, minivan or SUV.

  • LATCH

    Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, or “LATCH,” is a car seat installation method in which the vehicle seat belt is not used. Instead, the car seat LATCH connectors attach to the lower anchors found in the seat bight of your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual and your car seat manual for more information.

  • LATCH Strap

    The webbing strap that connects the LATCH connectors to the car seat. The LATCH strap should be pulled tightly during installation for a secure install and reduced movement.

  • Leveling Foot

    An installation feature on the base of an infant car seat that allows you to easily adjust the angle of the base in order to achieve a proper install. Also see, “ReclineSure®.”

  • LeverLock™ Self-Tensioning Lock System

    An innovative vehicle seat belt installation system that tightens the vehicle seat belt in a way that eliminates any movement from front-to-back or side-to-side. The vehicle shoulder and lap belts follow their natural path through the belt guides for trouble-free belt routing. Learn more.

  • Lower Anchors

    Used for installation with the vehicle LATCH system, lower anchors are the small metal bars located in the crevasse of a passenger seat to which the car seat LATCH connectors secure to. Lower Anchors are the “LA” of the acronym “LATCH.”

  • Locked Mode

    The recommended vehicle seat belt mode for installing convertible and harness booster car seats. To activate locked mode, pull the seat belt all the way out of the retractor. The seat belt will then feed into the retractor, locking automatically as it feeds in, preventing the seat belt from gaining any additional slack. Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual and your car seat manual for more information.

  • LockSure®*

    A steel-reinforced seat belt locking system for secure installation of 5-point harness car seats. The vehicle belt is guided through an easy-thread belt path and the shoulder belt slides into the built-in lock off.

  • Modular Stroller

    A stroller with a removable seat that transforms into multiple configurations, allowing babies and toddlers to ride parent-facing or forward-facing.

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

    The federal authority on motor vehicle and highway safety. Visit www.nhtsa.gov for the latest on car seat safety.

  • Newborn Positioner

    A removable piece of padding in car seats that is specifically designed to provide extra support and help ensure proper fit for newborns and smaller babies.

  • No-Rethread Harness

    The ability to adjust the height of a car seat headrest without having to remove the 5-point harness. In car seats with a “no-rethread harness,” the headrest and harness adjust in height simultaneously.

  • Quick-Release LATCH*

    An innovative one-hand release that immediately detaches a car seat from the vehicle’s LATCH anchors.

  • Pinch Test

    A method of verifying that your child’s car seat harness is tightened appropriately. If you can pinch the harness fabric between your thumb and index finger at the shoulder, there is excess space between your child and the harness, and the harness must be tightened.

  • Parent-Facing

    The direction in which a child faces while seated in a modular stroller. Also known as, “facing in.”

  • Ready-to-Ride Indicators

    Visual red and green indicators located on both sides of the Fit360™ Rotating Convertible Car Seat base that clearly indicate if the seat is property positioned (green) or not (red) for travel rear-facing or forward-facing in a moving vehicle.

  • Rear-Facing

    A term used to describe the direction in which a car seat is installed. When rear facing, the child is positioned backwards in the car, with their feet toward the trunk. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children ride rear facing in their car seats for as long as possible. Click here for more information.

  • ReclineSure™*

    An infant car seat feature that uses a spring-loaded leveling foot to easily achieve proper angle of the stay-in-car base during installation.

  • RideRight™*

    A system of bubble level indicators found on either side of Chicco car seats that help verify during installation that the car seat is at the proper angle.

  • Seat Belt Path

    Where the vehicle seat belt passes across or through the car seat to secure it.

  • Shoulder Belt Guide

    A component of the belt-positioning booster that ensures proper placement of the shoulder belt over the child’s body.

  • Shoulder Pads

    Removable padding on a 5-point harness that provides a comfortable barrier between the child and the car seat shoulder straps.

  • Soft Goods

    The fabric component of a product that is oftentimes removable for easy washing.

  • Shoulder Belt Lock-Off

    A safety feature used to prevent the vehicle seat belt from moving when using it to install a car seat.

  • Stage Position Lever*

    A built-in component of the Fit2® Infant Car Seat base that allows you to transition the car seat from Stage 1 (infant position) to Stage 2 (toddler position) in one simple motion.

  • SuperCinch®*

    A car seat installation feature that uses force-multiplying technology to tighten the connection between the car seat and the vehicle LATCH hooks to reduce overall car seat movement.

  • Tether

    A strap on the back of a harnessed car seat with a connector on the end that is used to secure the car seat through the vehicle LATCH system. The strap and connector extend over the back of the vehicle seat to hook securely to the tether anchor when installing forward facing. It is the “T” in the acronym, “LATCH.”

  • Tether Anchor

    Part of the vehicle LATCH system, the tether anchor is the hardware on the back of a passenger seat that the car seat tether hooks on to. It is the “T” in the acronym “LATCH.”

  • Three-Point Harness

    A safety restraint that uses 3 points of contact at the crotch and hips to secure a child.

  • Travel System

    A matching stroller, infant car seat and stay-in-car base delivered together in a single carton. The car seat clicks securely into the base and the stroller to simplify travel with newborns and babies.

  • Two-Part Child Restraint System

    Consists of two parts: a seat and a base. The seat cannot be used without being attached to the base.

  • Umbrella Stroller

    A lightweight and travel-friendly stroller that features a tall and thin fold with the push handles at the top, resembling a folded umbrella.

  • UPF

    Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or “UPF” indicates a fabric’s effectiveness at filtering both UVA and UVB rays. A rating of UPF 40 indicates that a fabric allows 1/40 (2.5%) of the sun’s rays to pass through the material. A UPF 50+ rating allows less than 2% of UV transmission, which is considered excellent protection.