Chicco Bravo LE Trio Travel System Review

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Comprised of the Bravo LE stroller and the KeyFit 30 infant car seat, the Chicco Brave LE Trio travel system has a smart, versatile, modular design.

It’s called the Trio because it can be used in three ways:

1) As a carrier for the infant car seat

2) Toddler stroller

3) Full-fledged travel system

Toddler seats are only approved for babies at least six months and up. They’re not suitable for newborns. (There are a couple of strollers that have 5 position recline and full enclosure – these features do allow them to accommodate newborns if necessary.)

Still, being parents of two kids ourselves, we don’t like to improvise when it comes to kids’ safety. We feel a lot more reassured with newborns in the infant car seat. They’re just safer, more convenient and limit side to side movement.

If you come to think of it, the toddler seat remains unused for the first year of a baby’s life. It’s only after they grow up can they switch from the infant car seat to the toddler seat. The Chicco Bravo LE Trio gets around this problem quite smartly.

The toddler seat and canopy are removable and for the first few months, parents can choose to use the stroller only as a frame for the KeyFit 30 car seat. Not only does this save weight, but it also keeps the toddler seat looking fresh when it’s finally ready to be used.

After about a year or when the baby is confident enough, the toddler seat can be installated back onto the frame. The Bravo LE is then usable as a complete travel system or simply as a stand-alone stroller. Parents actually save money in the long run as there’s no need to upgrade to another stroller.

Chicco Bravo LE Trio Travel System Features:

Usable from Birth to 50 pounds: This is a complete birth to toddler solution.

The KeyFit 30 weighs 17 pounds with the base and just 10 pounds without the base. It’s approved for babies weighing between 4 to 30 pounds. The seat goes onto the frame in a parent facing configuration. It fits securely via a click-in attachment without the need for external adapters.

The stroller weighs 23 pounds with the canopy and the toddler seat and 18 pounds without them. It can accommodate a kid weighing up to 50 pounds..

Comfortable Seating: The stroller seat reclines to multiple positions, allowing the toddler to nap after a tiring day or to look around and learn about their surroundings. It’s equipped with a 5-point safety harness with shoulder pads.

A unique addition to the stroller seat is the reversible cushion. With mesh on one side and knit on the other, it keeps the occupant comfortable in both hot and cold weather. The mesh promotes airflow while the knit provides warmth.

The overhead canopy shields the toddler from the elements. It ratchets to several positions and comes with a peek-a-boo window.

Below the seat is a storage basket for toys, food and other supplies. It can be accessed from the front and rear.

Swivelling Front Wheels: The front wheels are 7 inches in diameter. Thanks to a swivelling feature, they make the Bravo LE easy to maneuver. The stroller feels very nimble and confidence-inspiring.

The rear wheels are slightly larger with a diameter of 9 inches. Linked toe-tap rear brakes hold the stroller in place when parked.

The Bravo LE is an urban stroller. It doesn’t feature bicycle tires and all-terrain wheels but it’s capable of tackling short stretches of gravel, grass and anything else that the city might throw at it.

All Wheel Suspension: Lightweight strollers are often avoided due to their horrible ride quality. The Bravo LE features all wheel suspension and hence, it rides super smooth. Almost feels like a luxury stroller!

In our view, the pliant ride is what really makes this combo work as a travel system.

One-hand Fold: The stroller folds quickly and compactly, with just one hand. There’s a handle tucked away under the toddler seat. When this handle is lifted up, the stroller folds neatly and the front wheels rotate inwards to support the weight of the frame. This creates a self-standing fold, meaning that the stroller can stand up independently when folded.

Advantages of a self-standing fold: The parent can attend to the kid instead of clinging on to the folded stroller. Also, the seat and canopy fabrics don’t come into contact with the ground and hence, they remain cleaner for longer.

Height-Adjustable Handlebar: The padded handlebar on the Bravo LE adjusts to 3 positions. Mom, dad, grandparents as well as all other caregivers can set it according to their preference.

Parent and Child Trays: The child tray with two cup holders prevents a mess during snack time. Actually, it has another purpose – it serves as a support for the infant car seat.

Parents get a dedicated console with beverage holders and a zippered storage compartment for keys, cellphone, change etc.

KeyFit 30: This is one of the most trusted infant car seats in America. It’s very easy to install and is loaded with a host of convenience and safety features. The base can stay in the car – the seat attaches/detaches from it within a matter of seconds. Additional bases can be purchased for use in separate vehicles.

The car seat comes with a removable newborn positioner for additional head and body support. It also features a one-pull harness that adjusts by pulling on a single strap rather than having to fiddle with multiple cords.

ReclineSure & RideRight: A spring loaded levelling system works in tandem with the RideRight bubble indicators on either side to ensure that the base is installed correctly, at the right angle.

SuperCinch: Ensures a tight and secure installation without the need for applying excessive force. The base also includes premium connectors to be used with the vehicle LATCH system.

Pros:

A travel system that’s light and compact. Usually they tend to awkward and bulky
From all the way from Birth to toddler
Free-standing, one-hand fold
KeyFit 30 is rated number 1 in the country. Cannot go wrong with it.
All wheel suspension and adjustable handlebar for child and parent comfort

Cons:

Not meant for jogging and off-roading.

Chicco Bravo LE Trio Travel System Review & Final Verdict:

If you’re in the market for an urban strolling solution that’s comfortable, affordable and convenient, we highly recommend the Chicco Bravo LE Trio travel system.

The stroller and the KeyFit 30 are made for each other - it’s great not to have to bother with third party adapters.