Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System Review

The Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System is a great all-around car seat and stroller combo that has many helpful and thoughtful features, including a new UPF-rated canopy and larger, treaded wheels, that were absent from the previous model.

I did so much research about travel systems prior to the birth of my daughter two years ago. I am now expecting my second in a few months, and I can confidently say the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System is a terrific value, and I am excited to use it when baby boy joins our family this summer. It is perfect for the busy mom on the go who has her hands full. 

In this review, I’ll break down the just updated key features and specifications, as well as pros and cons, of the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System; compare the Bravo to another reliable Chicco travel system; and explain how this travel system holds up against another popular travel system by Britax (which is the travel system I used with my daughter).  

Disclosure: Chicco sent the Bravo Trio Travel System for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.

Chicco Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller

A travel system is an infant car seat and a compatible stroller and is essential for conveniently getting around with a newborn in those first few months. We will discuss the key features of the Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat below, but first, let’s dive into the Bravo Quick-Fold Stroller. It was recently redesigned and has so many great features, such as a one-handed fold, included accessories, upgraded wheels and more!

Specifications

Key Features

• One-handed fold: You don’t realize how important this is until you have to deal with a stroller that doesn’t have this feature. A one-handed fold stroller allows you to collapse and carry the stroller with one hand. To close the Bravo stroller, simply slide the latch under the seat and pull the fold handle up. The stroller legs and seat back will automatically fold, and the stroller will stand on its own wheels. I love that the handlebar stays off the floor and clean when the stroller is folded! The latch system to close the stroller is also located underneath the toddler seat to keep clean. The fold handle becomes a convenient carry handle. 

• Three seating configurations: The stroller works as a car seat carrier, travel system and toddler stroller. It truly grows with your child. The Bravo is compatible with the top-rated Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat. You can simply use the stroller frame and click the infant car seat in for a streamlined look. Or you can click in the infant car seat with the toddler seat and tray attached. Both allow you to transport your precious little one from car to stroller easily. It is best to use an infant car seat with the stroller until your baby is at least 6 months old. 
• Large, UPF-rated canopy with peek-a-boo mesh window: This is an upgraded feature with the new Bravo stroller. The canopy has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50, meaning the fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun’s rays. You can rest assured that you are protecting your little one’s sensitive skin, especially prior to 6 months when they are not able to wear sunscreen. Naps on the go are a breeze because with the large canopy on the stroller combined with the canopy on the car seat, it creates a dark environment – perfect for napping. The peek-a-boo mesh window allows you to keep a close eye on your sleeping angel and offers ventilation. The canopy is also removable for convenience.
• Reclining, adjustable toddler seat: Once your little one grows out of the infant car seat and is able to fit into the toddler seat, you can still achieve naps when you are out and about. The toddler seat has a deep recline to keep your toddler comfortable. It also adjusts to multiple different inclines, including one that is far forward enough for toddlers to enjoy snacks safely while strapped into the stroller. Adjusting the toddler seat could not be easier. Simply squeeze the levers behind the seat together to reach your desired position. The toddler seat is also removable. 

• Ample storage: It is amazing how much stuff your baby needs for such a little person! There is plenty of storage in the Bravo stroller. The basket underneath can fit a large diaper bag or multiple grocery bags. The basket also has two storage pockets on the back panel to keep wipes, extra diapers and more. And another feature that is so convenient is being able to access the storage basket from the front of the stroller. No more digging everything out of the basket just to find baby’s favorite lovey. Simple raise the foot rest pad to access the basket from the front of the stroller. 
• Included Accessories: Storage options continue with the included parent tray. This is a feature that you must purchase separately with other popular stroller brands. Chicco’s parent tray comes with 2 cup holders and an accessory pocket that comes with a security flap – perfect for keeping your phone and wallet. The accessory pocket is removable from the tray. The stroller also includes a removable child tray, which again is a luxury that you need to buy separately with other strollers. The child tray features 2 cup holders and a snack compartment.

• Adjustable handlebar: This is another thoughtful feature that keeps parents in mind. The handlebar adjusts to three heights. In our extensive research, my husband I found that this is surprisingly not a common feature in strollers. He is 6’4 and I am 5’8, so this was an important feature for us to be able to use the stroller comfortably.
• 5-Point Safety Harness: Safety is imperative, and the Bravo stroller features a 5-point harness to keep your child secure when riding. The stroller features 3 harness positions. As a reminder, the harness position should always be located above your child’s shoulder line. Use the harness position closest to your child’s shoulder line for the most comfortable fit. 
• Wheels and brakes: The Bravo stroller was recently updated to include larger treaded tires for a smoother ride. A common complaint with the previous model Bravo stroller was that the wheels were not equipped for bumpy, rough terrain. In the updated version, both front and rear wheels are larger and have more tread to better withstand wear. I had no problem pushing this stroller through grass and mulch. It was a bumpy ride, but that is to be expected. Chicco does offer a rubber wheel replacement kit that is compatible with Bravo strollers if you want to further upgrade. The brakes are activated by pushing down on the rear wheels.

• Easy to assemble: Assembly of the stroller is clear and easy. I was able to do it by myself 6 months pregnant and with a toddler running loose!

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat

The Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is among the best-rated and safest rear-facing, infant car seats on the market. It comes with a car seat base, which makes clicking the seat in and out of your vehicle convenient and easy.

Specifications

Key Features

• Easy installation: Chicco has a fool-proof guide to help you correctly install the car seat base in your vehicle. The base has a ReclineSure “leveling foot” to make sure it sits at the correct angle on the seat. There are also RideRight bubble indicators to ensure the base is level. Once latched into buckles, secure the base by simply tightening the latch, and you are ready to click in the car seat!
• Weight accommodations: You can use the Chicco KeyFit 30 for a long while with your baby. It includes a newborn positioner, which accommodates babies as small as 4 pounds. The max weight limit of the KeyFit 30 is 30 pounds and max height is 30 inches long. For reference, my two-year-old is not yet 30 pounds or 30 inches tall. She graduated from an infant car seat to a convertible car seat a year ago.
• Large canopy: The canopy extends to provide adequate sun shade. Coupled with the Bravo stroller’s canopy, your can block out the sun’s rays to protect your little one. The canopy is removable.
• 5-point safety harness and other safety features: The 5-point safety harness buckle is easy to tighten and secure with one pull. The carrier shell also features EPS energy-absorbing foam for improved impact protection.
• Easy to clean: The seat pad is removable and machine washable. Wash the fabrics separately in cold water on the delicate cycle.
• Compatible with many strollers to create a travel system: You can use the Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat with any Chicco stroller without any additional attachments. However, if you have a stroller from another brand, chances are you can purchase adapters to use your Chicco car seat as a travel system.

Compare: Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System vs. Chicco Viaro Travel System

The Viaro is another popular stroller in the Chicco family. Like the Bravo, it is compatible with any Chicco car seat to use the stroller as a travel system from day one. Read our in-depth review of the Chicco Viaro Travel System here. 

One big difference between the Chicco Bravo and Viaro strollers is that the latter has a 3-wheel design. In my experience, 3-wheel strollers are easier to push and can withstand rougher terrain better than 4-wheel strollers like the Bravo. This is important to keep in mind if you live in an area with a lot of dirt roads or experience the elements, such as snow and ice. The Viaro has a swiveling front wheel with suspension for better maneuverability. 

Both strollers offer:

• One-hand, free-standing fold
• Reclining, adjustable toddler seats
• Adjustable canopy
• Included accessories, such as parent tray and child tray with 2 cup holders each
• Toe-tap rear brakes
• Large storage baskets that are accessible from the front and back

Compare: Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System vs. Britax B-Free Travel System

The updated Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System reminds me a lot of the Britax B-Free Travel System, which is what I purchased for my daughter two years ago. It is more expensive than the Chicco Bravo Travel System and has many of the same functions. 

Both include:

• One-handed fold
• Large storage basket that is accessible from the front of the stroller
• Large, UPF rated canopies
• Adjustable handlebars 
• Adjustable, reclining toddler seats
• Both the Chicco KeyFit 30 and Britax B Safe 35 infant car seats come highly rated for safety; both are easy to install

Benefits of Chicco Bravo over the Britax B-Free:

• Included parent tray with cupholders
• Included child tray 
• One-handed fold handle is hidden and easier to keep clean, since it is located underneath the seat. Fold handle is easier to carry. 
• Handlebar does not touch the ground when stroller is folded. The Britax B-Free stroller relies on its handlebar to help prop the stroller upright when folded, which means the handlebar gets dirty from touching the floor.
• Toddler seat and canopy are removable, allowing you to use the stroller with multiple configurations. The toddler seat and canopy are not removable from Britax B-Free.

Benefits of the Britax B-Free/B Safe 35 over the Chicco Bravo/KeyFit 30:

• Three wheel configuration makes navigating rougher terrain smoother
• Larger, sturdier and more durable wheels 
• Material of the canopy and seating is thicker and feels more durable
• Lighter overall stroller; the Britax B-Free is 22 pounds compared to Chicco Bravo’s 24 pounds.
• Larger, zippered canopy extends farther and provides better shade when used as a toddler stroller than Bravo’s canopy
• More zippered storage pockets throughout stroller
• Britax B Safe 35 car seat accommodates babies up to 35 pounds or 32 inches tall; KeyFit30 accommodates babies up to 30 pounds or 30 inches tall
• Britax B-Free Stroller can accommodate children up to 65 pounds; Chicco Bravo Stroller accommodates children up to 50 pounds.

As you can see, the two strollers have many similarities, but overall, the Chicco Bravo stroller and travel system offers more functions and features over the Britax B-Free and is more affordable. For me, the included accessories, the handlebar that doesn’t touch the floor when folded and the removable toddler seat are big advantages the Chicco Bravo has that the Britax B-Free does not offer.

The reason we decided to go with the Britax B-Free two years ago for my daughter is because we were living in the Midwest at the time where we saw a lot of snow. The 3-wheel configuration helped us stroll through snow and ice better than 4-wheel stroller models. 

Final Word About the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

In my opinion, the pros far outweigh the cons of the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System. And the cons are minor.

Strollers and travel systems are VERY important in the first months and years of your child’s life. I could not have survived the newborn and infant stages without one, but in retrospect, your use of a stroller could be short-lived. For example, my two-year-old much prefers walking around rather than being pushed around in a stroller. And when we do take a stroller out these days, it is helpful to have a more compact stroller, ie) an umbrella stroller or one that folds and can be taken in and out of the car easily.

That being said, my advice to new moms is to find a stroller that has great value with wonderful features that fit your family’s needs without breaking the bank for an item that you may only use for a short time. For those reasons, the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System is a great option. The fact that it folds compactly means you can use this stroller well into toddlerhood.