THE REAL HONEST SCOOP ON CHICCO STROLLERS!
We have one, we got is as part of a carrier, base, stroller system. We have been using it 3 years. As a stand along stroller, I would get something else. If you are not using this as a lock on for your carseat/carrier and then moving up to a stroller, I really would pass and get something else. I really like the quality and some of the features of the Chiccos, but there are some really annoying features too. I'll just list out my pros and cons and you can judge for yourself.
PROS:
- Quality! This thing is solid. You can toss it, drop it, bump it into things, it stays together!
- It can open and close with one hand(a strong hand, see CONS).
- They do fold up to a pretty flat shape.
- The handle is adjustable, you can move it up and down easily to the height best for the person pushing. It is really soft and has a great grip, easy to hold! You can push this thing with one hand if needed. Those hooks to hold bags fit on the handle well! Just make sure you balance the load.
- The steering on these are totally amazing, they are so easy to maneuver and turn, they have a nice center of balance and are heavy so you don't have to worry about tip overs when turning.
- The seat back and foot rest can fold flat, so your little one can use it as a bed (you should strap then in though, as there is no stopping them from falling out (see CONS)
- The little cupholder and snack tray is perfect for bottles or sippy cups and snacks. You can remove it too, to be cleaned.
- The storage compartment underneath holds a diaper bag and misc items well, the scoop design makes it easy to reach your stuff.
- There are lots of shade providing covers, on the back and overhead. There is still a clear hole so you can see down to check on baby.
- The cupholder, compartment area by the handle is really cool! You can toss your keys, phone and drink in there and have them all right where you can get to them quickly.
CONS:
- HEAVY. This thing is heavy. I am no weakling and I have a linebacker for a son, so I have plenty of strength, but lifting this stroller is a two hand job for sure. Don't think you can really just toss it in with one hand. Well, maybe with one hand, a knee and some practice.
- You can close it with one hand, you just pull on the handle, but then you have to fold the handlebar down, and it sometimes rolls on you because balances the whole weight on the back wheels. It is not the safest idea to close it with a child in your arms. But, closing it isn't difficult, just cumbersome due to balance, weight and having the added step of folding the handlebar. (and the backrest if you reclined it for your child)
- Size. This thing it big, and while it does fold pretty flat, it is still wide and long, it takes up most of the trunk in my crossover. You can put bags on top of it of course, but for width and length, it is a space hog.
- The seat area, it is just horribly designed in my opinion. The seat is fine for infants, the cushion area on the backrest will keep little ones in there and you can recline it. BUT! You must use the seat belt at ALL times or you kid can slip through the front hole under the cupholder. And, the strap is a harness system, not a lap strap so it can be honestly annoying to have to use the shoulder straps every time.
- For toddlers, esp. ones that are bigger in the weight/height percentile, this thing is just down right uncomfortable. This is straight from my son. The cushioned backrest squishes his shoulders. The backrest is at a reclined position, you cannot make it vertical, so he has to sit up straight without a backrest, which is okay for short trips, but long rides, it gets really uncomfortable for him. The HUGE hole in the front (under the cupholder/snack area) allows him to slip through whenever he wants. Which is frustrating and scary! (This could easily be fixed if they added a strap in the middle of the hole). Yes, you could use the harness restraint, but it forces the child back into the backrest, which his shoulders don't fit in and doesn't sit up straight. I have tried just clasping the lap part and tucking the shoulder straps beside him but that made it pretty easy to wiggle out of and slide through the hole again.
- You need a second stroller. Due the size of these, you will probably find for short trips you would rather just grab an umbrella stroller than lug this thing around.
- I don't know if this is a big con but while it is smooth as silk on flat concrete or tile, it does not do well in dirt at all!
The best thing about Chicco is quality. The worst things are: that annoying hole in the front that could easily be less dangerous with a strap and the seat's inability to set the seat in a straight up position, which will really frustrate toddlers and older kids.
So, the price on WOOT Kids! is a good deal, but if you are just looking for a stroller for your toddler or kid (not a system to go from infant to child) I would suggest looking into the Chicco or JEEP smaller umbrella like strollers.
Hope this help you decide. Again, I love the Chicco brand, we have TONS of their equipment, but the seat area on these just drives me nuts! The other features are really nice.
