The Chicco Cortina Stroller Review

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The Chicco Cortina stroller is one of the most popular models in traditional single strollers category. And it’s no wonder; parents have given the Cortina an overall 4-star rating for this quality, mid-priced stroller.

Why Trust Us?

Because my full-time job is being mom to 2 precious daughters, and I know a thing or two about strollers. Besides personal experience, I get feedback from other moms who use these strollers every day and put all that research into our unbiased stroller buying guides

- Kyli

Some of the features are outstanding, bringing comfort to your baby and convenience for Mom. One unique feature of the Cortina is that it has something called the “Memory Recline”. This stroller remarkably uses innovative technology that remembers the last position used, even from full recline, making the seat setting a breeze to use.

There are lots of other customizable options on this stroller as well, and by the time you finish reading this review, you’ll know what they are as well as what parents like you have to say about the Chicco Cortina stroller.The Chicco Cortina Stroller Review 1 Let’s start with all the fabulous features first.

Table of Contents

Chicco Cortina Features:

  • Accepts the Chicco KeyFit or KeyFit 30 infant car seat, which you can purchase with this stroller as a complete Cortina Travel System
  • Front swivel wheels with locking option
  • Front-wheel suspension for a smooth ride
  • Storage basket under the seat
  • Removable and adjustable sun canopy with peek-a-boo window
  • Easy fold and convenient free-stand once folded
  • Adjustable leg rest
  • Multi-position reclining seat with “Memory Recline” and adjustable 5-point safety harness
  • Child snack tray and parent tray with cup holder
  • One-step linked braking system
  • Height adjustable padded handle for parents’ comfort
  • 25-pound stroller weight

Comfort for your child

The first thing I noticed when I tested the Cortina was the nice soft padding on the seat. This will be very comfortable for your child and I also love the variety of stylish fabrics and color schemes Chicco chooses for this model.

The adjustable leg rest is a wonderful feature for your baby in that it can flip up, and with the seat fully reclined, it makes a safe, cocoon-like enclosed bed for your newborn (your baby still strapped in, of course).

Your child gets a removable snack tray with two cup holders and Mom gets an organizing tray with snap down lid and a cup holder for her drink.

The Cortina also comes as a Travel System and you may choose from a variety of attractive color schemes and you also can choose your car seat.

You can buy a Travel SystemThe Chicco Cortina Stroller Review 2 with either the KeyFit (22-pound baby weight limit) car seat or the KeyFit 30 (a 30-pound baby weight limit) car seat.

I like the sun canopy on the Chicco Cortina. It gives adequate protection and what’s especially nice is that with the car seat in place with the car seat hood up, they both meet and completely cover your child, just like the photo to the right shows.

What is the performance like?

Another popular feature is the suspension system that gives the Chicco Cortina such a smooth ride. When I pushed this stroller around, it glided along the floor and maneuvered with one hand. It was stable and felt like a quality product.

The wheels have a one-step linked braking system so you don’t have to push down on two brakes separately. How convenient!

The Cortina folds easily and stands alone, freeing you to attend to other things before putting your stroller away. Unfolding is also easy; it pops right out into position with one smooth motion. One mom who had broken her arm before having her baby commented that the easy one-handed fold and lift was a lifesaver for her.

What do parents get?

Storage on the Chicco Cortina is something you will appreciate. There is a large basket beneath the seat that can accommodate a good sized messenger-style diaper bag or some shopping bags.

Adults of all sizes can push this stroller comfortably with the adjustable handle; no kicking the back while walking if you’re tall, and parents on the more petite side can adjust the handle down so that your arms are at a comfortable pushing angle.

Families who purchase a Cortina are so happy with it that when baby #2 comes along, they go straight for a Cortina Together Chicco double stroller, with all the amenities of this single stroller, but built for two!

What others have to say:

The Cortina receives the most positive feedback about its ease of use in folding and the fact that it folds upward into a standing position, rather than down flat. Parents appreciate the maneuverability and the smooth ride that the suspension system provides.

The key selling point for a reviewer from Huntington Beach is the standing fold. She says it doesn’t fall to the ground, and now she doesn’t have to worry about it toppling over when opening her car trunk.

Another mom from California writes about how much she loves this stroller. She says the Cortina is has a very smooth ride for her baby and is super easy to maneuver. She likes the easy fold and feels that it is not too heavy.

Another positive comment commonly received about the Chicco Cortina is about the adjustable handle. Couples who are tall, or where the husband is tall and needs a different handle angle, give glowing comments on how comfortable this stroller is to push without kicking the back while walking or stooping over. The handle also folds completely down when you fold the stroller, providing about six additional inches of space.

Disadvantages:

The sun canopy has had some disapproving remarks made about it. While it is adjustable, waterproof, removable and includes a peek-a-boo window, it could be larger for better shading when the sun is at various angles.

Other parents have written in saying that the storage basket beneath the seat is impossible to access once the seat is reclined fully.

A few reviews have stated that the Chicco Cortina is heavy for its size. However, many other reviewers believe this is a lightweight stroller (it weighs 25 pounds). The bulk of the stroller, once folded, may take up more than half the trunk of a mid-sized car, which can be a drawback when you need more trunk space.

Lastly, some Cortina owners are displeased with the wheels; they are plastic and become worn too easily, and some parents say it makes the ride bumpier.

Where can I buy the Chicco Cortina?

Looking around different web retailers, most have very few of the color schemes or travel system sets all in stock. I found AmazonThe Chicco Cortina Stroller Review 1 to have the best selection for both single strollersThe Chicco Cortina Stroller Review 4 and travel system sets.The Chicco Cortina Stroller Review 2

Imagine pushing your new Cortina around your neighborhood. You’re going to feel fantastic about buying such a great stroller.

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The Chicco Cortina stroller is one of the most popular models in traditional single strollers category. Read our full review of the Chicco Cortina.

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Editor's Rating:
4.7

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Amy Tanathorn

Amy is a mom and the creator of Stroller Envy. Though she's no longer an active part of the team, you'll still find some stroller reviews from her on our blog and YouTube channel