Chicco C6 Stroller Review

Pros
• Very lightweight—only 11 pounds
• Easy and quick fold
• Removable canopy
• Carrying strap attached to stroller

Cons
• No adjustable handle, so it’s not great for tall parents
• It’s easy to kick the wheels as you walk, which can accidentally engage the brake
• Needs two hands for optimum maneuverability

Bottom Line
Though it has some limitations, if you’re looking for an affordable, lightweight stroller with a few extra features, the Chicco C6 is a solid choice.

Rating: 3.5 stars

When you have your first child, you’ve gotta have the best. The Rolls Royce of baby products if you will. A stroller with 110 horsepower that can tow a car if necessary? Of course. A ginormous diaper bag with 51 different pockets? Definitely. A wipe warmer? Sounds like a great idea.

When that second kid comes along, you realize the stupidity of your ways. Forget being tied down by tons of gear and gadgets. Instead, it’s all about the basics—throw a few diapers and some wipes in your handbag and you’re ready to rock. In fact, the idea of taking a 30-pound stroller for an afternoon excursion would totally be the punch line to a joke you tell your mom friends. That’s why the Chicco C6 (also sometimes known as the Chicco Capri) fits perfectly into my life right now.

Features

It’s an easy-to-maneuver, fast-fold umbrella stroller that’s got the basics down—with a little added bit of flair that even this second-time mom can’t refuse. Plus it’s super lightweight at only 11 pounds, which is definitely on the lighter end—depending on how many features they have, umbrella strollers range from 7 to 20 pounds.

Some of the features here that you won’t find in typical umbrella strollers: a five-point harness for extra safety, a removable canopy, a two-position reclining seat, a carrying strap and a catchall basket underneath to stash any items you may snap up at the farmers market (it can fit three water bottles, three large cookies, a plastic tub of salsa and a bottle of wine—I tried!). Seriously, basic has never looked this good.

The sturdy seat isn’t your typical hammock-style umbrella stroller seat either, it definitely offers more support, which makes it ideal for travel or trips to amusement parks where they’ll be doing a lot of sitting and maybe even sleeping (if you’re lucky). The proof? I rolled around with my 2-year-old daughter and she was constantly playing defense with her 4-year-old sister, who kept trying to steal her seat—it’s clearly that comfy.

Performance

The weight limit for this stroller is 37 pounds , which my 2-year-old is just shy of (you can start using it with babies 6 months and up), and because she’s heavy, two hands are needed for optimum maneuverability. However I still found it to be a much smoother push than my $20 cheap-o umbrella stroller (which clocked some serious miles at Disney World, and is now deceased) thanks in part to eight sturdy wheels and a pair of really comfortable handles. Those fancy swiveling wheels (the front ones can lock in place if needed) do occasionally slow it down a bit though, and the foot brake stopped me up at least twice when it accidently engaged (I must have stepped on it). The C6 performed best on blacktop, but tackled gravel and grass pretty well. If your kid is on the heavier side like mine is, it can take a little hunching over the handles to get things started. But once you’re rolling on smooth terrain, you’re good to go. One other thing to keep in mind: the handlebars do not adjust, so this may not be a great option if you’re on the taller side.

Design

I chose the C6 in blue, which Chicco calls Topazio (black, cilantro and tangerine are also available), and I love that the canvas is durable and the rounded, roomy canopy keeps the sun and elements out. The aluminum stroller folds up and fastens together so nicely that you can tuck it neatly in the back of your trunk, leaving plenty of room for groceries. Of all the features, my favorites are the basket underneath (a luxury among umbrella strollers) and the carrying strap. Instead of carrying the stroller with both hands, you can just sling it over your shoulder so your other arm is free to do your job: herd children. Someone at Chicco had a moment of brilliance there.

Summary

I’m not sure of the exact moment I decided to ditch the fancy stroller and the overinflated diaper bag, but I can tell you a huge weight was lifted (literally). A lightweight stroller like the Chicco C6—with thoughtful, stylish design that keeps juggling moms in mind—is all the machinery a parent needs for a fun day out with little ones.

Amy Bonawitz got her professional start in magazines in 2000. Over the past 15 years, she has written about a range of topics including reality TV, celebrities, pets and food. Now a Connecticut-based mom of two, she enjoys reviewing baby products with her little ones.