The Chicco ACTIV3 Stroller review

The maze of figuring out what stroller to purchase can be really confusing.  The jogging strollers look the coolest to some, but may not be able to accommodate the baby carrier.  A combination stroller of sort is the Chicco ACTIV3 Stroller; it works with children 6 months old to 50 pounds and is good for everyday use, as well as more active occasions.

How easy is the stroller to take down and put back up?  If you don’t ask that question about your stroller then you need to start considering that.  The bane of any parent’s frustration in dealing with strollers is how easily they fold and go back up.  Having said that, the Chicco ACTIV3 is easy to fold and put back into use.

To fold it just apply the break on the back wheels, grasp the handle, push in the button, twist the handle and lift up.  The stroller will stand up in a folded position (at 1:43).  The fact that it stands up like that is unique because most strollers we’ve used have to lie down once they’re folded.

To put the stroller back in use just grasp the handle, push in the button and pull up.  The ACTIV3 will pop up gently and without any fuss.

If you’ll be putting the stroller in the car the wheels pop off easily too.  The canopy expands to where it covers the entire seating area for when it rains or shelters them just a little bit from the sun. There is a little bit of storage underneath the stroller and it has a storage compartment for keys, drinks or other things near the handle.

The tires are maintenance free rubber, so you won’t have to inflate them.  If you plan on taking the stroller off-road then just click the suspension with your foot.  When the lines are straight the suspension is stronger, when the lines are wavy then you’re ready for rougher terrain.

The Chicco ACTIV3 is a very good hybrid stroller.  When the kids are older you’ll need something that can move them around quicker.  This stroller is too big for all the time everyday use, but for occasional everyday use and active settings it’s perfect.  For parents, there is no getting around the compact genius of the umbrella stroller.

Parents of young children may think that they don’t need a hybrid, but you will.  We thought the same thing and had to get a hybrid when our child was just under a year.  Relative to that stroller, the ACTIV3 is far superior.  The old stroller didn’t have a swiveling front wheel, used manual brakes instead of the push buttons, too long and difficult to turn.

The Chicco ACTIV3 costs $299, which seems like a lot and it is. However, think about how often you’ll be using a stroller of this sort over the next three years.  You get what you pay for.  We’ve had some cheap strollers whose level of frustration and pinched fingers more than made us wish we would’ve played the long game.

Stroller tip:  test drive a couple of them at a big box baby store.  That will provide you a feel of how they should turn and give you some prices, weight and styles to go off.