In the mid-tier stroller market, the Chicco Bravo Trio System is a tried-and-true option that’s been around for over ten years. As a “trio” system, it can be used as a frame carrier for the infant car seat, travel system, and toddler stroller. For parents who want a stress-free stroller system without too many extra features or things to learn, it’s a great option for durability and quality. It also comes with the popular Chicco KeyFit30 car seat, which is one of the top-rated seats for safety, another clear perk.
There’s a lot to love about it, but it’s also worth acknowledging who this stroller might not be the best pick for. In this Chicco Bravo Trio System review, I’ll break down the pros, cons, and what to know before you buy.
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
Using the Chicco Travel System KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
Before your baby is old enough to sit in the seat on their own, you can remove it from the frame to make the whole thing a bit lighter. You can still install the car seat when it’s attached to the frame (if you want the option for both, say, when using it with different children), but it does feel bulky with both attached. The car seat includes a padded insert that provides extra support for tiny babies up to 11 pounds.
Once they surpass this weight limit, you can easily remove it and then use the infant car seat until they reach up to 30 pounds. (Of course, your baby could also surpass the height limit faster than the weight limit, as this infant car seat is safe to use until they reach 30 inches tall.) Then, you can easily pop the seat back into the stroller frame and remove the car seat.
The car seat is one of my favorite parts of this travel system. It’s really durable, feels nice when carrying, and is very easy/intuitive to adjust. The instructions make installing the base in your car pretty easy, especially if you’re not familiar with how infant car seat bases work. I like that it feels nice and sturdy once snapped into the stroller frame (peace of mind for anxious parents like myself). Plus, I really like how easily I can adjust the handlebar for my shorter height. When my husband pushes it, he can adjust the handlebar to his preferred height in just 5-10 seconds. That’s especially helpful for couples with very different heights. If you’re exceptionally tall, perhaps 6 feet or above, you may still find the highest setting too short, however.
Pros
- Adjustable handlebar (good for shorter parents).
- Easy assembly process.
- Easy to switch between seat and infant car seat.
- No car seat adapters required.
- One-hand fold capabilities.
- Rides smoothly.
- Spacious storage basket and cupholders.
- Affordable price point/good value system.
- Removable seat to make infant frame lighter.
- Snack tray and canopy included.
Cons
- Feels very bulky and heavy.
- Not ideal for frequent moving in and out of trunk.
- Seat cannot be used forward-facing.
- Does not have a bassinet attachment.
Is the Chicco Bravo Trip System Right for You?
The Advantages
Overall, I think the Chicco Bravo Trio System is a good buy for some parents, depending on what your needs for a stroller are. If you’re looking for a solid, reliable stroller you can leave in your trunk for occasional use, this is a great buy. For parents who want a stroller that can transform from a car seat frame to a toddler seat, the Chicco Bravo Trio System also delivers.
The stroller is easy to assemble, feels durable, and folds quickly with the one-handle mechanism. The included Chicco KeyFit30 infant car seat and base are also easy to install in your car and lock into the stroller frame. Overall, it’s a pretty sturdy mid-size stroller that will likely last you through many park walks, grocery store runs, and more.
At the affordable price point, you get all the included accessories, including the car seat, car seat base, snack tray, stroller, and sun canopies, without the need to buy accessories separately. If durability and affordability are top of mind for you, this can go a long way. Many stroller brands today make you buy everything separately, creating a system that ends up far too expensive.
Specifications
- Price: $449.99.
- Weight: 24.9 pounds for the assembled stroller; the KeyFit 30 car-seat carrier is about 9.5 pounds without the base.
- Materials: Stroller seat and canopy are 100% polyester, with a PVC footrest.
- Dimensions: 35.2 inches long × 22.8 inches wide × 42.7 inches high assembled; folds to 15 inches long × 22.8 inches wide × 36 inches high with the child tray attached, or 15 inches long × 22.8 inches wide × 29 inches high with it removed.
- Travel-system setup: 3-in-1 design that works as a lightweight car-seat carrier, infant travel system, or full-size toddler stroller.
- Fold: One-hand, self-standing smart fold with auto-swivel front wheels.
- Certification:: Stroller and car seat are GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions.
- Wheel size: 7.5-inch front wheels and 10.3-inch rear wheels.
The drawbacks
While the Chicco Bravo Trio System offers affordability and reliability from a trustworthy name, it does have drawbacks. For me, as a petite woman, it feels a bit clunky and heavy compared to more premium strollers I’ve tried. It’s not that I can’t lift it in and out of my trunk, but it’s not the easiest. The one-hand fold is pretty easy, though I don’t find it as seamless as other one-hand fold stroller products I’ve tried.
Removing the seat portion and canopy when I’m only using the infant car seat does help shave off a few pounds, but it still feels bulkier than some. The car seat itself also feels heavier than more premium models. Again, it’s not a drastic difference, but if you’re a smaller parent, a few pounds can feel like a lot. For average-sized parents, the difference might not be noticeable enough to warrant splurging on a more expensive option. If you need a frame that can hold a bassinet, though, this may not be the best stroller system for your family.
Chicco Bravo Trio System
In My Expert Opinion: Is the Chicco Bravo Trio System a Good Buy?
When deciding on any infant/toddler product, personal preference is a key factor. Many products, like the Chicco Bravo Trio System, work well for many parents, but they may not meet everyone’s needs. Overall, I’d say if affordability and durability are your top priorities, you’ll love this pick. If you want the lightest-weight option with the most features, it may not be suitable for you. No matter what type of stroller you’re in the market to buy, I always recommend considering your top priorities and secondary priorities to look for as you shop.
