October 25, 2020

Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller Review

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In this post, we’ll take a look at the Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller, which is the Chicco Cortina in a double stroller configuration.

The Chicco Cortina CX (the “single” version) is one of the most complete single strollers by Chicco. It converts into a travel system stroller, has an adjustable footrest, height adjustable handlebar, 5-position toddler seat and lots of other cool features.

The Chicco Cortina Together Double stroller has two toddler seats one behind the other. Usually, parents prefer the toddler seats to be side by side as there’s no competition over who gets to ride at the front. However, the Cortina Together Double does what only a few other strollers of capable of: It accepts not just one but two infant car seats, simultaneously!

The stroller is compatible with 2 Chicco KeyFit or Fit2 car seats via a simple and secure click-in attachment without the need for external adapters! Now we’re talking. This feature is an absolute boon for families with twins or two infants. As stated before, there aren’t many strollers that can pull this off and that too in such an affordable price range.

Note: The two infant car seats need to be purchased separately.

Usually, when manufacturers claim that their dual stroller converts into a travel system, they mean that it can accept one infant car seat, often not without help from an additional adapter. This can be a little impractical as with the car seat mounted onto the stroller frame, the bits from the adapter may protude into the toddler seat and make it either very uncomfortable or totally unusable.

So now you can probably imagine why the Cortina Together Double is so unique.

Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller Features:

Extremely Versatile: The stroller is perfect for parents who’re expecting twins or have a toddler with a newborn sibling. Unlike some tandem strollers which have trouble passing through a doorway, the Cortina Together Double can traverse any standard doorway with ease.

The rear seat reclines fully and has a comfy infant enclosure. However, babies are probably much better off in a car seat. It takes mere seconds to attach and unlatch the car seats from the stroller. The front seat folds forward while the rear one falls back in order to make room for the two infant seats.

The entire process is straightforward and very easy to execute. The integrated attachment mechanism is really convenient as there’s no need to fiddle with adapters.

Dual Toddler Seats: The stroller seats are very comfortable and there’s enough room for two even if the front seat is reclined back. Both toddler seats are spacious and recline independently to multiple positions. One kid can sit up straight and look around while the other one takes a quiet nap.

Each seat is equipped with a 5-point safety harness. Unlike some strollers with thin cords (may cause mild chafing), the harnesses on the Together Double stroller feature large shoulder pads. These have a soft texture and do not rub against kids’ skin.

Independently Reclining Canopies: Both seats have overhead canopies that are fully adjustable and removable. The canopies shade the occupants from harsh Sunlight and keep out the wind and dust. They’ll probably not be enough to keep out the rain and parents who live in areas where it pours frequently should invest in a rain cover.

All-Wheel Suspension: The Cortina Together Stroller rides smoothly thanks to all-wheel suspension. Being a double, this is not a compact stroller. It may only be as wide as a single but it’s quite long. It can weigh north of a 100 pounds with two kids and their luggage onboard. (The stroller itself weighs almost 35 pounds. That’s not bad for a double but it’s not exactly feather light either.)

Hence, it was imperative for Chicco to ensure that the stroller has a very pliant suspension and they’ve done just that.

The stroller feels easy to push and doesn’t get jolted by minor bumps and irregularities. The frame is strong but we’d have our reservations about taking it off road. It does fine on a bit of grass but is best suited to paved roads.

Swivel-Locking Front Wheels: The stroller has durable plastic wheels which means that you never have to worry about a flat tire. The front wheels have optional, toe-tap swivel locks. While the stroller is not as maneuverable as a bugaboo Bee 5, the swivelling function does make it easier to get it around aisles while shopping.

The stroller can be parked in place by activating the toe-tap rear brakes.

One-Hand Fold: Despite being fairly big, the stroller has a one-hand activated folding mechanism. It folds up quickly and smoothly but still takes up a considerable amount of space when folded. People with small city hatches will have a hard time getting the stroller in the boot.

On the plus side though, the stroller has a self-standing fold. Once folded, It stays up independently and doesn’t fall flat to the ground.

Parent Tray: The front seat gets removable and interchangeable cup holders along with a padded arm-bar. Parents have their very own console with cup holders and a storage compartment for stuff like candy, keys and so on.

Height Adjustable Handlebar: The handlebar on this stroller is height adjustable to 3 positions. This is great for people who are below or above average height. Mom, dad, the babysitter and other caregivers can choose the setting that best suits them.

Oversized Storage Basket: Two kids means twice the snacks, treats, liquids, clothes, toys etc. The storage basket located below the toddler seats is roomy and sturdy. It is zippered to prevent its contents from flailing about and can be accessed via the rear.

Pros:

A complete, birth to toddler strolling solution
Accepts 2 car seats. The KeyFit and Fit2 are both acclaimed and reliable models.
One-hand, self-standing fold
Height adjustable handlebar
All wheel suspension
Independently reclining toddler seats
Goes through a standard doorway (this can be challenging for some doubles)

Cons:

It’s not an all terrain stroller. Also it’s not suitable for use as an actual jogging stroller. Parents who’re into fitness and want all-terrain capability should look towards something like the Baby Trend Expedition double stroller.

There’s no getting around the fact the stroller is bulky, heavy and not very easy to steer despite the swivelling front wheels. Parents with petite frames may have trouble with it.