The world of strollers can be daunting, especially if you have a little one on the way! With such a wide range of brands, styles, and price points out there, how do you know which baby carriage is best?
The Chicco brand offers a variety of baby products from pacifiers and bottles to car seats and bassinets. Their sleek, modular strollers offer top design features at an affordable price point. Keep reading for my pick for the best Chicco stroller.
Jump to a specific section
- Chicco Strollers Change the Game
- Bottom Line Up Front
- My Top Chicco Stroller Picks at a Glance
- Advice for Picking the Best Chicco Stroller
- So Why Should I Buy a Chicco Stroller?
- Chicco Stroller Selection Criteria
- My Picks for the Best Chico Stroller
- Best Overall: Bravo Primo Air Stroller
- Best Jogger: Activ3 Air Jogging Stroller, Q Collection
- Best Travel System: Bravo Trio Travel System
- Best Lightweight Stroller: Liteway Umbrella Stroller
- For Newborns: KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller
- For Multiples: Cortina Together Double Stroller
- Comparable Stroller Brands
- Best Chicco Stroller Picks: FAQs
Chicco Strollers Change the Game
Before I had my daughter last year, I had been a nanny and teacher for over a decade. When I started using strollers, you had a choice between lightweight, flimsy fold-ups or high-end designer joggers that cost an arm and a leg.
In my career, I had wheeled babies around the NYC subway system, all over Brooklyn streets, and around the Upper East Side. I had pushed baby carriages over rural farmland in the south, along dirt trails, and up hilly gravel roads. So, when I was preparing for my own baby’s arrival, I already had a few ideas for what I wanted in a stroller.
Modular strollers with pieces you can change out as your baby grows have become popular in the US since the early 2000s. Before that, strollers were clunky, heavy things in gaudy pastels that your baby outgrew quickly. Now, modular strollers have become the norm, and they get more affordable every year.
When I first learned about Chicco strollers, I was impressed with the variety of styles. I loved the interchangeable pieces, and how affordable they are for the quality and design you get. If you like the way this sounds, check out my picks for the best Chicco stroller below.
Bottom Line Up Front
I’ll share my pick in a variety of categories, so you find something that’s perfect for your family. But if you want a quick answer, my best overall pick is the Bravo Primo Air Stroller. It meets a variety of needs throughout each stage of your child’s early years. I love how it functions through the changing seasons and is comfortable to use. For more details, read on!
My Top Chicco Stroller Picks at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at my best Chicco stroller picks. You can also scroll down for a more in-depth description of each stroller, including my pros and cons.
- Best Overall: Bravo Primo Air Stroller
- Best Jogger: Activ3 Air Jogging Stroller, Q Collection
- Best Travel System: Bravo Trio Travel System
- Best Lightweight Stroller: Liteway Umbrella Stroller
- For Newborns: KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller
- For Multiples: Cortina Together Double Stroller
Advice for Picking the Best Chicco Stroller
Think about what your needs will be in a baby carriage. My advice is to think about what kind of stroller you’ll need for your lifestyle, what color is best, as well as the size of your child. You also want to think about where you’ll store your stroller. Finally, I recommend researching your car seat on authoritative websites. Let’s go over each piece of advice.
Pick the Right Kind
Chicco makes a handful of different kinds of strollers, including full-size, lightweight, jogging, and double. When it comes to full-size, they have popular modular strollers and travel systems. Chicco also has patented full-sized Viaro strollers that combine the feel of a jogger with modular design and quick fold abilities.
You may have your eye on a top-notch jogging stroller. But if you can’t get it into the back of your Mini Cooper, you’ll have to reconsider! If you’re tall, consider skipping the lightweight and go with a full-sized with an adjustable handle.
If you take public transportation, a lightweight stroller that can fold down easily might work best for you. You can think more about this when I explain my selection criteria below.
Choose a Dark Color Scheme
From my experience, a cherry red stroller is pretty to look at, but it gets gross fast. I suggest going with a dark color scheme. Chicco usually sells a stroller in a handful of colorways that range from light grey to navy and black. They not only look good and go with all genders but also hide stains and wear. Also, dark fabrics usually offer higher UV protection.
Think About How Big Your Baby Is
If you’re pregnant, consider the estimated size of your child as well as the size of your baby’s cousins. When I was pregnant, I bought the works because who doesn’t want to be prepared? But we never used the newborn headrest insert because my baby was so big!
Plus, she grew out of her car seat by her first birthday. At the end of the day, I’m glad we invested in a full travel system with a high weight and size limit.
You might have the opposite issue. If you have a smaller child, you might want to skip the jogger. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Mayo Clinic both suggest that a jogging stroller can be unsafe for infants who can’t hold their heads up on their own.
You probably won’t be able to use your jogging stroller until your baby’s at least 6-8 months, or possibly older. Instead, I suggest going with a modular stroller that can recline for babies at different stages of development.
Do Your Research on Child Safety
No matter the advice you get from others, always do your own research. If you’re buying a travel system that includes a car seat, check authoritative organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is also a good choice.
They offer reviews and recommendations for car seats based on the size and age of your child. For help installing or inspecting your car seat, you can always call your local police station, firehouse, or hospital. Automobile dealerships are another option as well.
So Why Should I Buy a Chicco Stroller?
Chicco has a reputation for innovation, style, and quality. They’re an Italian brand that’s been in the global marketplace for over 60 years. The brand was founded in 1958 by pharmaceutical device developer Pietro Catelli. When Catelli became a father to a baby boy, he started making baby products. I love that a parent is behind Chicco’s products!
One thing that impressed me about the brand was the Chicco Research Center in Italy. Created by a scientist, it makes sense that an important stage of development for the brand is involving collaboration with top field experts like pediatricians, engineers, and scientists. You can see the quality and cutting-edge design featured in their products.
While modular baby carriages are becoming more and more commonplace, Chicco has a combination of features I haven’t found in one stroller anywhere else. I love the versatility of their strollers. It’s convenient how you can use other Chicco add-ons and accessories with their stroller carriages.
There are two key features of Chicco strollers are stand out to me. First is their top-rated KeyFit infant car seat that attaches with a click doesn’t need any kind of adapter to be purchased separately. Second is their One-Handed Fold technology that offers ease of collapse. Especially when you have a baby in one hand, this is a lifesaver!
Chicco Stroller Selection Criteria
When choosing my best Chicco stroller picks, there are a handful of things I had in mind based on my personal experience.
Storage
Whether you’re running into the grocery store or spending the day out with your stroller, storage is important. Between diaper bags, purchases, and other essentials, you want to know you have all the room you need. Besides spacious undercarriage storage, I also looked at drink holders and child trays.
Fabrics
Chicco strollers have a wide range of fabric finishes, weaves, and designs. Most importantly, I looked for easy-to-clean surfaces, removable covers, and waterproof fabrics. When it came to canopies, I appreciated extra features like UPF protection and mesh windows.
Wheels
I will always choose rubber wheels over plastic, but they’re hard to find in midrange strollers. I was pleased to see that several Chicco strollers had them! I also looked for shock absorption, treaded versus sleek tires, and swivel front wheels for easy turning. Other features were considered, like easy-to-use brakes and the ability for a stroller to stand alone when folded down.
Size Limit
For my list of best Chicco stroller picks, I looked at the minimum and maximum child weights and sizes. A wide range offers versatility from infancy through toddlerhood. This range will also tell you if other strollers on my list are a better choice for you, depending on the needs of your growing family.
My Picks for the Best Chico Stroller
Best Overall: Bravo Primo Air Stroller
The Bravo Primo Air makes my best overall stroller pick because it meets all the needs I find I come across when using a stroller. The adjustable push bar is nice when you have a tall partner like mine! We can both use this stroller with ease.
The mesh seat insert keeps my warm-blooded baby cool during the summer or can be removed when it gets cool outside. A full-sized stroller, you can pair the Bravo Primo Air with one of Chicco’s car seats to make a complete travel system. The toddler seat works for children between 12- and 50-pounds, which is makes this stroller a good investment.
- Stroller weight: 26.5lb
Pros
- Comes with treaded rubber tires
- Large undercarriage storage compartment
- Child’s tray is detachable and has 2 cup holders
- One-handed fold and stand-alone for storage
- Parent’s tray includes a zippered storage container for security
Cons
- The toddler seat doesn’t have a rear-facing option
Best Jogger: Activ3 Air Jogging Stroller, Q Collection
Joggers are made to hold up to a highly active lifestyle. I also think that joggers are the perfect all-terrain strollers! Whether you’re navigating rocky ground or climbing city curbs, your baby won’t feel jostled around in the Activ3 Air Jogging Stroller. You can also insert a KeyFit infant car seat into the jogger until your baby is old enough for the toddler seat, so it’s all you need!
Thes Air Edition Chicco stroller make my list twice with my best jogger pick. With the mesh-seat insert and extendable waterproof canopy, your baby will stay cool and comfortable inside. You’ll also have peace of mind with an innovative parent-control console that features a hand-controlled brake!
- Stroller Weight: 27.5lbs.
Pros
- Peek-a-boo canopy window
- Zip-attached canopy extension
- Hand-operated brake, plus toe-tap brake feature
- Comes with treaded rubber tires and all-wheel suspension
- The front-wheel can be collapsed in the folded mode for better storage
Cons
- No mesh window in the canopy
Best Travel System: Bravo Trio Travel System
I chose the Bravo Trio for my best travel system pick because it includes all the features that you come to expect in Chicco strollers. In my opinion, the Bravo is the best stroller Chicco offers. It’s nice to know that their KeyFit car seats continue to earn the highest ratings in safety and in customer satisfaction.
While you can fit Chicco car seats into all their models, full-sized strollers like the Bravo come standard in a travel system. Just one click and your car seat is attached, which is nice when you’re handling such precious cargo! I especially love the UPF canopy with peek-a-boo mesh window, as well as the all-wheel suspension for a smooth ride.
- Stroller Weight: 24.9lbs.
- Car Seat Weight: 9.6lbs.
- Base Weight: 7lbs.
Pros
- Reclining toddler seat
- Adjustable push handle
- UPF canopy with mesh window
- Includes Chicco’s KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
- 5 different colorways that include pink and navy
Cons
- Plastic tires
- Light-colored newborn insert
- Max child height for the car seat is only 30-inches
Best Lightweight Stroller: Liteway Umbrella Stroller
The Liteway Umbrella Stroller is your basic lightweight stroller, but with Chicco innovation. Enjoy designer fabrics and a mesh-overhang canopy in an easy-to-carry, collapsible pushcart. It comes in a variety of colors, including a fun pink color scheme, but if you’re using this with a toddler on the go, I’d skip the pink!
Even with a smaller stroller, you don’t miss out on comfort here. Enjoy the parent cup holder attached to the padded handles. There’s also a decently sized undercarriage compartment for storage. When you’re ready to store it away, just lift and press with your foot! Then everything locks into place with a special mechanism on the side of the stroller so there are no surprises.
- Stroller Weight: 17.2lbs.
Pros
- Child’s footrest
- Reclinable backrest
- Light aluminum frame
- Front-locking swivel wheels
- Rear-wheel suspension and toe-tap brakes
Cons
- Only for children up to 40-pounds
- Doesn’t fully recline like previous Liteway models
For Newborns: KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller
Sometimes you think you have everything you need for your baby until you realize you don’t! If you find that you need an infant stroller but already have a Chicco car seat, this is a great option. It’s also a perfect choice if you travel a lot because it meets the carry-on weight limit for many airlines. The Keyfit Caddy Frame takes any of Chicco’s car seats.
You still get great features like an adjustable push handle and a large undercarriage storage compartment. The all-wheel suspension means that you don’t have to worry about bumps waking up your newborn! I especially love the lid on the storage compartment in the parent’s tray. You can keep important things in there without losing them.
- Stroller Weight: 11.6lbs.
Pros
- The lightweight frame is easy to carry
- Accepts all Chicco KeyFit car seats
- Zipper-expandable storage compartment
Cons
- Sleek, plastic tires
- On the pricey side for a basic frame that only accepts Chicco car seats
For Multiples: Cortina Together Double Stroller
Chicco’s For2 Standing/Sitting Double Stroller is a fan favorite, but the Cortina Together makes the list of my top picks for several reasons. It works with multiple configurations for all kinds of families. Whether you have twins or siblings of different ages, they’ll work with this model. Plus, you can replace 1 or both toddler seats with KeyFit car seats.
Both a toddler seat and infant car seat will work in either front or back position. Note that while either toddler seat is reclinable, the back seat reclines fully. There are limitations to this stroller, and it can be heavy, but I feel that it’s still more versatile than the For2 Stroller.
I also appreciate that Chicco thought of how tricky it can be to navigate a longer double stroller. They’ve included optional swivel front wheels for that very reason!
Stroller Weight: 34lbs.
Pros
- Adjustable push handle
- Both canopies are fully adjustable and removable
- Extra-long storage basket with zip-door for easy access
- Front wheels feature toe-tap swivels for easier maneuvering
Cons
- Sleek plastic wheels
- Only comes in 1 colorway
Comparable Stroller Brands
Chicco is in good company when it comes to quality strollers. If you want to compare or can’t find Chicco strollers in your area, there are other brands that offer similar ranges. From travel systems and lightweight strollers to joggers and convertible strollers, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for with these popular brands:
Top of the Line Full-sized Stroller: Bugaboo Fox 3
I’m a big fan of this brand. Bugaboo is a British brand that releases yearly updated of their most popular strollers. The Fox 3 is an excellent all-terrain stroller for your little one. I especially like that the bassinet changes to a toddler seat. Bugaboo is the original modular stroller, so you know that you’re making a quality investment here.
Mid-range Travel System: Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
Like Chicco, Evenflo doesn’t just make bottles! We used this travel system for my daughter, and it never let us down. We had peace of mind from the time she left the hospital. It has lasted well into her toddler years. The car seat base made the entire system a breeze to use. You can also purchase attachments to make it a double stroller!
Budget-Friendly Jogger: Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller
A lot of people compare Chicco and Graco. They offer almost identical quality and range of products. One of their top sellers is the FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller, which I love for warmer climates. The entire stroller is super breathable for hot days out while still offering shade for your little one. I’m also impressed with the rubber treaded tires at such a low price point!
Best Chicco Stroller Picks: FAQs
Question: Is Chicco a Good Brand?
Yes! Chicco strollers are top-rated, well-researched, and offer quality for a price that won’t break the bank. Plus, they sell other add-on products, accessories, and replacement parts that you can use with your stroller.
Question: Are Chicco and Graco the Same?
Both brands are very similar. The biggest differences are that Graco offers even more choices in their strollers, while Chicco looks higher-end and more stylish. Both brands have been around for a long time and offer quality products.
Question: What is the Difference Between the Bravo and Bravo Mini?
The Bravo is a full-sized stroller while the Bravo Mini is a lightweight stroller. Other than this, the main differences are that the Bravo Mini is about 5-pounds lighter and accepts a car seat. The Bravo converts to a car seat frame and is also available in a travel system. Also, the Bravo has rubber, treaded tires while the Bravo Mini has sleek plastic tires.
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