Chicco Cortina CX Travel System Review

Chicco Cortina CX Travel System Features:

Full-fledged Travel System: Includes the Cortina CX stroller (weight 23 pounds only), the Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat as well the base.

The stroller is approved for use from birth up to 36 months or fifty pounds. The KeyFit 30 infant car seat attaches onto the stroller in a parent facing position. It accommodates newborns weighing between 4 and 30 pounds. Maximum approved infant height for the car seat is 30 inches.

In most travel systems, the stroller itself is not usable from birth but Cortina CX is extra comfortable and even newborns can be accommodated in it safely (it encloses fully). This feature can prove useful in certain situations but note that the newborn goes into the stroller seat in a world-facing position (many parents prefer rear-facing for newborns). Hence, it may be best to mount the KeyFit 30 infant car seat onto the stroller frame, especially during the first few months of a baby’s life.

Having said all that, it’s good to know that the stroller seat too, is cozy and secure enough for infants.

Splendid Toddler Seat: In most strollers, the seat reclines to 3 to 4 positions. In the Cortina CX, the backrest can be adjusted to 5 five positions. It falls almost fully horizontal and that’s what makes it so comfortable for toddlers (and infants too!).

Hey, but that’s not all. The toddler seat has a Memory Recline feature. This means that the seat remembers the position it was set to before the stroller was folded. When the stroller is next unfolded, the seat automatically adjusts to the earlier setting. Cool, isn’t it?

We’ve noticed that toddler seats usually have flat backrests. The seat on the Cortina CX stroller features premium contoured padding. It cocoons the occupant in comfort and prevents side to side movement, much like the seats of a luxury car.

Adjustable Footrest: The Cortina CX has a fully adjustable footrest for enhanced ergonomics. This really revs up the comfort factor several notches. Many top end strollers lack this feature so it’s a good one to have.

As toddlers grow taller, their legs get uncomfortable in the toddler seat due to non-existent footrests.  Surely, kids will appreciate this extra bit of luxury.

Adjustable Canopy with Peek-a-Boo Window: The overhead canopy adjusts to keep the Sun, dust and wind out. It’s only partially useful during heavy, slanting rain – you’ll need a rain cover for that. Still, the canopy ensures that the occupant stays shaded and the peek-a-boo window enables the parent to keep an eye on the little one’s activities.

At the front, the Cortina CX gets a child tray with dual beverage holders. This can help to contain the mess during snack time.

There’s a spacious storage basket under the stroller seat for diaper bags, toys, food and other supplies. It’s accessible from the front and rear.

Adjustable Handlebar: The handlebar is wide, padded and height adjustable to three positions. Now everybody can use the stroller without bending forward. Right below the handlebar is a parent console with storage space and a cup-holder.

Easy to Steer, Smooth Ride: The stroller has a 4 wheel design. At the front, both the axles have dual wheels, which puts the total number of wheels at six. The front wheels have a swivel locking mechanism for straight strolling or enhanced maneverability (as desired). The rear wheels feature toe-tap breaks.

The front and rear wheels have a diameter of 6.75 and 7.5 inches respectively. They’re meant to be used on smooth surfaces but can tackle a bit of grass and gravel here and there. The front wheels have suspension and hence the ride quality is smooth and pliant.

One-Hand Fold: The stroller folds quickly and easily with just one, enabling the parent to use the other hand to attend to other stuff.

Chicco KeyFit 30: This is one of the safest, most popular and trusted infant car seats in America. It has been in production for over ten years now and conforms to FMVSS 213 standards. The seat attaches onto the stroller via a secure ‘click-in’ mechanism. Once mounted, it faces the rear to encourage parent-infant bonding.

The KeyFit 30 is lined with energy absorbing foam for enhanced impact protection.

The car seat includes an infant insert for newborns (4 to 11 pounds). This provides additional support as newborns do not have enough neck strength to hold their head up on their own. Additional bases for the car seat are available for purchase to be used in multiple vehicles.

Easy and Secure Installation: The car seat and the base are loaded with useful features for correct and secure installation. ReclineSure levelling foot and the RideRight bubble indicators on either side aid in adjusting and verifying the right base angle.

SuperCinch: A force multiplying mechanism that allows for a tight and fully secure fit without having to apply excessive power.

The KeyFit 30 also features premium connectors that work perfectly with the vehicle LATCH system.

One-Pull Harness: The car seat is equipped with a special type of harness that can be adjusted by pulling on just one strap instead of fiddling around with several cords.

Pros:

• Birth to Toddler
• Comfortable: 5 position backrest + adjustable footrest
• Height adjustable handlebar, parent and child tray
• Affordable
• One hand fold
• Infant car seat locks in with an audible click when installed onto the stroller and the base

Cons:

• Not a jogging stroller
• Not very good ‘off the road’

Chicco Cortina CX Travel System Review & Final Verdict:

As long as you plan to use the stroller predominantly on smooth surfaces, it ticks almost all boxes. It’s hard to go wrong with the KeyFit 30 infant car seat, that it comes with.  

Considering all points, we highly recommend the Chicco Cortina CX travel system.