Buy the SS1 or wait for a KF30 deal??

monstah

New member

• Jan 17, 2009

• #1

I really, really want a KeyFit for the new baby due in June, but under $100 for an SS1 on albeebaby seems like a deal too good to pass up.

Do Chicco's have a history of going on clearance? Maybe a certain month they start clearing out old covers?

If I'm not likely to get a good deal on a KF, then maybe I should just get an SS1. It's really killing me that it seems like EVERYTHING is being sold for less than full price. Except my KF.

 

Last edited: Jan 17, 2009

monstah

New member

• Jan 18, 2009

• #2

Bueller....

 

keri1292

Well-known member

• Jan 18, 2009

• #3

No advice really, but I'll be going for a KF for our last baby. My kids are small and the KF should last plenty long enough for them to grow into the Britax convertible.

I don't really like the SS1. My youngest fit in one until he was 3y6m.

 

seamonkeys

New member

• Jan 18, 2009

• #4

I went through the same dilemma! I was really tempted by those cheap SS1's. But I didn't cave because I don't like the following about the SS1:

1. Huge chest buckle
2. Most have the head support that I feel doesn't help
3. It's so bulky
4. No harness strap pads (maybe a few do, but not most)

The cheapest I found the KF30 when I was looking, was about $160 (at Albeebaby.com - ETA just checked and only the Race is in stock now for $163.99). Don't know if they ever go cheaper.

 

Kat_Momof3

New member

• Jan 18, 2009

• #5

the ss1 is taller, so since you have big kids, I think you may prefer the ss1.

I'd go for it on sale... if you get it and don't like it, you could always put it up on ebay, craigslist, or swap.

 

sb518

New member

• Jan 18, 2009

• #6

New Keyfit covers are supposed to be coming out in Spring '09 so they might clearance the older covers at that time. (I know because I wanted a Bella Keyfit for a girl and it won't be available until spring '09) I changed my mind and went for the Snugride anyway, I detest the keyfit canopies.

 

melniemi

New member

• Jan 18, 2009

• #7

I didn't like the SS1 nearly as much as the KF. The infant insert on the KF is just so useful and cozy and the headsupport actually really works well. It felt so much sturdier and it doesn't have the "lip" on the sides of the seat. I tend to carry them with the handle looped through my arm to my elbow and rest the side of the seat on my hip. The SS1 was painful empty like that, the KF - felt nice

I don't know. I like the KF enough to want one again, even though they are now pricier than when I got one last. I got 10% off at baby universe so it was $135, but now they are more for regular price, so the sales won't be that good.

 

Minnesota

CPST Instructor

• Jan 18, 2009

• #8

I had the same debate myself before DS2 was born, and ended up buying the SS1. I really couldn't justify how much the KF cost, especially since we had to buy an extra base and this is our last baby. I stalked for months and never saw them go on sale (more than just $10 or $20 off).

I first met the KF installing it for a soon-to-be mom at a clinic, and fell in love with it! It really is a sweet little seat, and I really would have liked to have one. That said, I like the SS1 a lot now too. DS2 shocked us by being over 10 lbs at birth (never in a million years would I have dreamed that possible) and he fit so well in it, even without the infant insert, it looked like it was made for him. I expect him to be in it for a good long while still.

The only con I can think of: It is HEAVY -- even empty it's about 10 pounds! Everything else I like about it.

 

seamonkeys

New member

• Jan 18, 2009

• #9

tumblebug said:

I detest the keyfit canopies.

Click to expand...

Have to agree, the canopy isn't great. But I often had to put a blanket over my Snugride to thoroughly cover, so I'll just do the same. For me, the rest of the pros outweighed that one con. I did also get it for $150 (not as cheap as a SS1, but still decent).

 

Blondie87

New member

• Jan 18, 2009

• #10

What's wrong with the KF canopies??

 

seamonkeys

New member

• Jan 19, 2009

• #11

Blondie87 said:

What's wrong with the KF canopies??

Click to expand...

Just not very large. The 30's have an extra flap you can pull out, but it still doesn't make it much larger. At first it almost turned me off from the seat, but I got past it now and can't wait to try the seat out with DD!

 

monstah

New member

• Jan 19, 2009

• #12

My biggest complaint about the KF is also the canopy. I wish it was bigger and I hate how it is attached by velcro. I already plan on removing the velcro pieces. (If nothing else can wake a sleeping baby, velcro can.)
But, I have many more complaints about the SS1. I shouldn't call them complaints, I should say that Chicco designed theirs better. I prefer Chiccos chest clip, harness, padding, covers, etc. over Graco.

I am nervous about how quickly the baby will grow out of it. I want it to last through the winter to hopefully March. So 9 months old. Not a big deal for most, but when I tried my DD in the seats when she was 12 months old, she was already within half an inch even with the top. But she seemed to fit the same in both the SS1 and KF. I even pulled back the cover to be sure I was measuring right. I dunno.

I think I have to pay the extra $$ for the seat that I fell in love with. I still have a few months to hold out for a deal. I will give myself a deadline - if there is no sale by St. Patricks Day, then I will buy one that day.