Review: Chicco Urban travel system

11/5/2014

I am a Chicco Tested for Happiness blogger and for the past month we have been trialling the new Chicco Urban travel system. We had lots of niggles with our previous pram so we were super excited to receive the Urban and put it to the test.

The Urban stroller separates into two pieces: a reversible seat which can be easily transformed into a bassinet and a collapsible wheel base. You can choose from a selection of colour packs to personalise your pram which is handy if you chose a gender specific colour and want a new look without changing the whole pram. We were sent the beige colour pack which is a lovely neutral colour and looks very smart.

The stroller handles really well with front swivel wheels and decent suspension. It isn't as bouncy as our old pram and feels more solid, which I like. It is quite narrow so great for shops and on busy pavements. We live close to the countryside and when we tested the Urban on rougher terrain the solid, no puncture tyres were a godsend and it still handled well. The handle has 4 adjustment positions making it high enough for 6ft 4'' Husband to use without backache. There is also a really large basket underneath which holds a fair amount of stuff. On our day in the country it held two waterproof jackets, Little E's wellie boots, an umbrella, 2 large bottles of water, a blanket, a big bag of crisps and the car keys. There was still room to spare! In bassinet mode it isn't very accessible due to the base being in the way but in stroller mode it is much easier to get items in and out.

Out and about with the Urban

One of my favourite features of the pram is how deep and cosy Little I is in bassinet mode. She is well out of the way of the wind and weather and she sleeps like a dream in it. The padded liner makes it soft and snuggly. If it is sunny the flap on the cover can be unpoppered and propped up to block the sun from her face. She can stay in this mode until around 6mths or when she can sit up unaided. Converting to stroller mode is simple, you just engage the clips underneath and the bassinet folds into a seat with the back adjustable by tilting the angle of the whole frame or letting down the back support. In bassinet mode baby must be facing you but in stroller mode you can choose to have them facing you or facing forwards.

Snuggled down in the bassinet (left) With the sun flap up and our buggy board attached (right)

Collapsing the Urban is pretty simple but it does require both hands. You unclip the seat unit from the base then engage two buttons whilst flicking the release catch. After a few attempts it becomes second nature. The handle folds down and the frame concertinas shrinking down to the size of a medium suitcase. You can then carry it one handed using the integrated handle. It is reasonably heavy but I was able to lift it into my boot 8wks after my C section with no problem so it is manageable. I now have a medium size car with decent boot space but I can tell this would fit in smaller cars like my old Clio with the parcel shelf removed.

The base collapsed

We were also sent the Chicco Auto Fix Fast car seat and adaptor to make the stroller a fully functioning travel system.

When I'm popping out of the car for a quick errand I like to be able to attach the car seat to the stroller wheels to save getting Little I out of the carseat. The Urban can't be used with other brand car seats which is a shame but the adaptor allows you to pop their car seat onto the frame very easily.

Car seat on stroller wheels using adaptor frame

The car seat is a good design with a good safety rating. Little I looks very comfortable with the fab Ergo system head support which helps guard against flat heads and shoulder pads which are fixed in place making sure you position baby's shoulders correctly. It comes with a base which you strap into the car permanently using the seatbelt not isofix (an isofix version is available) making it faster to correctly secure the seat each time. But one thing we have really struggled with is positioning the seat in the cars. Because our seats are quite angled we have struggled to get the car seat flat and as a result Little I has been tipped forward causing her head to flop forwards as we travel. We need a wedge support to level the seat out. We haven't needed to do this with our previous car seats.

Cosy in the car seat

We will definitely be using the Urban over our old stroller and would recommend it to others who are looking for an easy to use, versatile pram which will fit in smaller car boots.

The Chicco Urban stroller costs £349.99 and the colour pack is an additional £49.99. The Auto Fix Fast car seat costs £119.99 and the stroller adaptor is £24.99. I have seen some bundle deals online greatly reducing this cost. You can buy online from Amazon via the link below

This stroller was sent to us for review as part of the Chicco Tested for Happiness blogger network.
Post includes affiliate links

Linking up with #triedtested at goingonanadventure.co.uk and #pocolo at vevivos.com

74 Comments

Welcome!

Artist, Baker and Blogger. Mum to my two beautiful, cheeky girls. Muddling my way through parenthood with equally cheeky Husband.

chantelle hazelden (mamamummymum)

13/5/2014 04:01:58 am

great review, looks like a fab size pushchair that's very versatile #triedtested

The Reading Residence link

13/5/2014 06:23:38 am

It does look great for carrying things and comfortable with the buggy board, too. And I love how easily it folds up - liking it!

MyLifeAsAMummy link

13/5/2014 07:20:06 am

Hello fellow Chicco tester.

Glad you are linking the Urban as much as we are. I think it looks really smart in that colour as well!

Laura x x x

#TriedTested

Kim Carberry link

13/5/2014 07:25:23 am

Great review.....That really does look fantastic x

Colette B link

13/5/2014 12:18:33 pm

It looks like a really flexible system.
Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested

Pippa Ainsworth link

13/5/2014 04:05:17 pm

I always love a good pram review! I've seen this Chicco travel system at a few different shows now so it's excellent to get a 'real life' perspective on it, it look great!

Jessica B

3/6/2014 11:17:36 am

We have purchased one of these for our imminent arrival, please could you tell me the make of your buggy board that you managed to attach? We cannot find any that advertise they fit on the urban. Thanks in advance :)

All about a Mummy

3/6/2014 07:57:11 pm

Hello! We have the Mothercare Hop on (which has broken once already but fits fine). I reckon the Lascal ones would fit too as they are similar design. Thanks for stopping by!

Jai @ Kiddy Reviews link

22/7/2014 11:19:21 am

Love the face that the seat converts into a bassinet. Never seen that feature before. Thanks for sharing on #britmumsreviews

Allana T

15/8/2014 07:00:59 am

Could you tell me do you think the bassinet is padded enough for baby? We have just purchased and happy with the whole thing but don't know if we might need a mattress in there maybe? If so, do you know if chicco make one?

15/8/2014 10:39:20 am

Hello! Little I has been very comfortable in there as far as we can tell. She fell asleep very easily in bassinet mode and never complained about going in there. As far as I know there is no mattress available from Chicco but I guess you could get a Moses basket mattress to for inside if you measured it. I hope that helps! Xx

hasha

28/10/2014 04:13:37 pm

Hiya im looking to purchase this as a first time mum who drives a little corsa. I wanted to know more about the car seat. Ive seen the squarish frame that allows the car seat to attach to the pushchair but how do u fit the car seat in the car?

29/10/2014 11:26:36 am

Thanks for reading my review. The car seat fits in the car on top of a plastic base. The base is secured by the seatbelt. This allows for faster removal/insertion of the car seat as the base stays in the car. The seat can be put into a car without the base too by following the instructions to secure it with the seatbelt. I hope that helps!

Alanna H

1/11/2014 05:15:43 pm

Hi I hope you can help me?! Our Chicco Urban arrived and we tried to put it together today, but when converting to the pram/bassinet it is not quite flat and will not go back any further. Also it doesn't seem very firm when you slot either the seat unit or car seat unti and seems to be a fair amount of movement/rickety.

I bought it directly from Chicco but they're not open until Monday and feeling very stressed about it!!!
Any thoughts?

2/11/2014 12:53:19 pm

Hi there. Sorry to hear you are having problems. Our Urban was pretty flat when in bassinet mode and I certainly think something must be wrong as it definitely doesn't feel wobbly when the car seat or pram seat is attached. It is very stable. Chicco customer service are fantastic and helped when I had a brake problem and sorted it out immediately so give them a call tomorrow and see if they can help xx

lucy blow

3/12/2014 10:08:58 am

Hi, thanks for the great review. Have found a really good deal on this system locally but just looking for some advice on one point...

I know that the carry cot is not recommended for overnight sleeping but I wonder what you would think about using it as main place for sleeping while downstairs in the day. I'm expecting my first baby so I'm a bit confused by the distinction between 'nap' and 'sleep'(and just about everything else!! ) it would be great if baby could sleep in the carry cot in the day as then I can move the pram around the house with me and avoid disturbing the baby to move from pram to cot etc.

The manufacturers just say that its not recommended for extended periods...

Would appreciate advice from experienced baby sleeper!!!

Thanks,
Lucy

3/12/2014 11:54:55 am

Hi Lucy

Thanks for visiting my blog. You are correct this pram is not suitable for overnight sleeping.

I'm not a professional so please take this reply as my opinion not professional advice.

My personal distinction between 'nap' and 'sleep' is that during daytime 'naps' you are in the same room and checking on them regularly. During 'sleep' they go unchecked for a long period of time sometimes in a different room to you and often when you are asleep too.

When my daughters fell asleep in their pram when out during the day I never transferred them to their cot when we got home, I let them continue their nap in the pram under my supervision. If I was already at home at nap time I would put them down in their Moses basket (up to about 5 months old when they moved into their cot beds).

I think the key is supervision. If you are around keeping an eye on her, as you would be if you were pushing her in her pram, then fine but if you plan on having a nap yourself or leaving her in another room then make sure she is transferred to a suitable sleeping place.

I hope that helps a little! It can be so confusing when you are first starting out!

Xx

Mona Keeling

12/1/2015 03:59:26 am

We bought this pram at a great deal! £349 for whole system including car seat and base, adapter and colour pack!
I was just reading the question about a mattress as I had a similar query. What do you put under your baby in the pram - a flat sheet, blanket? New mum - so I haven't a clue.
Thanks
Mx

Sarah

1/3/2015 10:50:08 am

Hi please can you tell me where you bought it from at £349? And did that include everything? I'm looking at this system and trying to find the cheapest price.
Thanks
Sarah x

12/1/2015 11:22:15 am

Hello! Thanks for stopping by.

We used the padded bassinet liner that comes with the pram and just put a muslin underneath our daughter's head as she was a very sicky baby. This saved us having to wash the pram liner every time. She slept really well in there and seemed very comfortable. It didn't occur to us to add an extra mattress as she slept so well but I believe you can buy genetic mattresses to fit prams and pop a sheet over them if you want extra padding. I hope that helps!

Kay Allardice

9/2/2015 01:15:27 pm

Hi there, I'm just researching pushchairs/strollers at the moment for my 9month old, the problem with my current pushchair is that he looks as tho he is slumped in it and looks uncomfortable. From the date of your post it looks as tho your little one is a similar age and I wondered what your thoughts were of the urban now that your little one is older? Xx

22/6/2016 11:26:48 pm

Hi Kay, really sorry your comment slipped through my radar. I'm sure you've made a decision by now but for other readers the Urban was a great 'fit' for my daughter at 9mths because when tou turn it to buggy mode your get a padded filler which makes the seat smaller and cosier.

Amy link

16/2/2015 02:00:45 am

Hi

Following your review we purchased the travel system for our imminent arrival, but I just had a question about the pram, are the safety belts able to be used when it is pram mode or do you leave the child unstrapped while they are in there? I just can't seem to find a way to attach the straps to the pram mode?

Thanks

28/5/2015 01:27:35 am

Sorry for the delay replying! I somehow missed your comment - we didn't strap baby I in when in pram mode but if you want to you can buy a standard harness (like you use when they are toddling about and secure that to the harness points instead). Once she could sit up unaided we transformed the pram into buggy mode. I hope that is helpful.

Maddie

25/5/2015 10:29:32 am

Thanks for this really helpful review. It really helped when we were trying to decide if it was the system for us. Little one is four months now, we've removed the newborn insert to the car seat and now if he drops off in the car his head slumps forward. What sort of wedge did you use to level it out? We're considering not using the base to see if that improves matters.

28/5/2015 01:30:10 am

The dreaded head tipping forwards! we ended up wedging it with a thick rolled up towel but a pool noodle would have worked well or you can actually buy wedge shaped foam inserts for this exact problem - so clearly we are not alone! Once we found the right angle the problem stopped - it is actually better with the base on as gives you a better surface to wedge against. Hope that helps xx

Tracey

22/6/2016 03:31:10 pm

Could I ask were abouts you put the wedge to stop your babies head falling forward as this is happening to my baby, who is only 7 weeks old

22/6/2016 11:35:07 pm

Hi Maddy

We left the base in and positioned the wedge underneath it - that way it is secured in the right position all the time and you can just plonk the car seat in and off the base and wrap the back steak around.

We placed the wedge underneath the base where the seat meets the backrest. You can get wedge shaped ones or round ones like pool noodles. They tilt the base upwards into a flatter angle causing babies head to stay back and not fall forwards. Here's a link to one https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diono-Rite-Seat-Positioner-Grey/dp/B005PK1CN4

22/6/2016 11:36:39 pm

Sorry that should say Tracey! Xx

Mon

26/8/2015 07:17:26 am

Hi, I was wondering abt the car seat. Is it possible to take the cover off and wash it in washing machine? Have you tried to wash it?

All about a Mummy link

26/8/2015 09:12:47 am

Hello! Yes the seat cover and the canopy are completely removable and machine washable. I have taken it on and off many a time after and after a few goes you get the hang of it and it is then a reasonably easy process. Thanks for stopping by xx

Becky

14/12/2015 10:57:35 pm

Hi can you tell me how you get the cover off? I can get the canopy off but not the seat cover

15/12/2015 07:14:14 am

Hi Becky. If you have got the canopy off it should just be a case of undoing the poppers and pulling the cover off. It has plastic flaps which kind of wedge under the front of the seat to keep the tension, you need to flip them out. I hope that helps.

Ann

23/9/2015 08:49:39 am

Hello,
We have a Chicco Urban too. Can you tell me the name and the number of buggy board because I didn't find anywhere a buggy board that fits with the Urban.
Thanks

23/9/2015 12:46:41 pm

Hello. We have the Mothercare Hop On which fits nicely. Here is the link http://www.mothercare.com/Mothercare-Hop-On-Stroller-Platform/263574,default,pd.html

Vicky

25/10/2015 02:35:09 pm

We have the chicco urban too and we've got the stage where the newborn insert needs removing as he's far too big for it. Does he just sit in the black bit then or should there still be some sort of head support? It doesn't look very comfy anymore... Thanks.

25/10/2015 05:20:23 pm

Following up on. This is on the car seat btw ( incase not obvious!) But looking at it again should I just remove wedge and leave the head support bit in? The instructions are useless. He's only 10 weeks but 14lbs.

26/10/2015 04:57:29 pm

Hi Vicky. Yes, just remove the wedge but keep the head support in to make sure he is comfy. We are still using it as a spate at 20months because it is so spacious and my daughter has not hit the weight limit yet. I hope that helps!

Samantha

20/12/2015 10:56:52 pm

I have the chicco urban and my baby is now 10 months up until now I've had no problems but now my brake doesn't seem to work I've tried everything to push the brake down but it won't and I'm frightened I will break it.any solutions to how I can solve this.thanks

21/12/2015 01:24:56 pm

Hi Samantha, I had this problem too and I just went back to the store I bought it from (babies'r'us) and they sent it to chicco to fix it for me. It came back as new however I had to wait for it like 6weeks. It seems like chicco urban has problems with breaks after some use.

Stew

1/3/2016 09:01:09 pm

We've had two of these and the brakes have failed on us twice under a year of having them. First it broke and just flapped up and down without doing anything, second time it refused to go on at all. Not very impressed at all. Unfortunately we bought it from Kiddicare and the service has been the worst I've ever experienced.

2/3/2016 07:02:23 am

I'm really sorry to hear that Stew. We also had a brake fault on our first one. Have you tried contacting Chicco customer services directly regarding the fault? I have found them to be very helpful.

michelle

15/3/2016 07:48:52 pm

Hi when the pram is lay flat what happens with the straps underneath and can you not fasten baby in when lay flat

15/3/2016 09:02:50 pm

Hi Michelle, you can take them off. My baby is nearly 6mnths old and still laying flat in the cot.

Sara

27/4/2016 09:43:11 pm

Does any one know what´s the difference between urban and urban plus model?

5/5/2016 10:12:32 pm

Hi Sara

The Urban Plus is the new model which has some new features including a rigid base for when in bassinet mode - so it can taken off the pram and placed directly on the floor - like a carrycot. The other major development is that the seat can fold in half to be collapsed whilst still attached to the wheels (the original Urban you had to remove the seat part then collapse the wheels)

It also looks like they have upgraded the suspension too as I don't think mine has that much 'give'.

I hope that helps!

Emma xox

24/9/2016 08:45:07 pm

I have just purchased the chicco urban plus in red wave- absolutely love it..baby due in a week- and assembled it today.. few niggles, there appears to be a flat board that attaches to the under carriage of the carrycot mode, I can't make head nor tail of the instructions :-s also I opted for the red wave colour pack.. but it also comes with nude liner also confused

Hazel

16/11/2016 07:16:02 am

Hi there woild it be possible to tell me how to get the cover off the car seat. Iv undone the poppers and got the metal buckle through but its stuck around the hood and im not sure how to get the hood off. Thanks ! Xx

16/11/2016 04:09:01 pm

Hello - the plastic arch of the hood actually comes off. You have to squeeze in the little bit of plastic down at the base of the hood arch and it pops off. It is a bit stiff first time but it will come off. From memory you only need to take one side off to feed the cover through. I hope that helps! xx

17/11/2016 05:24:52 pm

Thank you !!

Joy

29/1/2017 03:54:16 am

How do I take off the canopy to wash it??

Ibrahim Abdulkareem link

20/3/2017 08:21:10 am

dear I have a question, i noticed you have hooks on the stroller where do I find such accessorize ? also I got a new stroller Chicco Urban Plus Crossover how is this one different that the one you reviewed in case you had any idea

20/3/2017 03:27:03 pm

Hello. You have the latest model which has lots of new benefits. The carrycot has a firm base so it can be placed directly on the floor. The chair also folds in half so it can be easily stored. Also they have improved the suspension.

The pram hooks I use are great and I would highlight recommend. Here is the Amazon link directly to them: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00158DS0U/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00158DS0U&linkCode=as2&tag=allaboamum-21 (Affiliate link)

Any more questions give me a shout

Ibrahim Abdulkareem

21/3/2017 11:16:36 am

Thanks a lot for the feedback , can you suggest some accessorise to have for the stroller like is there a mug holder, child tray , organizer compatible with the urban ? are the color packs still compatible with the latest model ?

Julie

25/4/2017 06:14:25 pm

Hi there!
Thank you for a great and helpful review! I have a quick question: what's the difference between urban plus and urban plus crossover? Thanks in advance!

2/5/2017 10:43:37 pm

Hi Julie

I've contacted Chicco to find out the exact difference for you. I'll get back to you asap.

Charlotte link

3/6/2017 03:01:02 pm

Did they get back to you as I am currently trying to figure this out too. xxx

4/6/2017 04:07:28 pm

Apparently the only difference is the wheels. The Urban Plus has smooth wheels, whereas the crossover has more lacrosse style wheels.

I hope that helps!

2/5/2017 05:26:43 pm

I am having difficulty working out how to remove the canopy from the car seat in order to be able to remove the rest of the cover to wash it. I see you have previously responded to queries about this. There is nothing obvious to press in at the bottom of the canopy arch on mine but there are some small gaps that look like you could push something e.g. screwdriver into to perhaps release it. I would be very grateful if you could explain in more detail how you have managed to get the canopy off. Thank you so much in advance!

2/5/2017 10:31:30 pm

Yes, stick something like a screwdriver in that little hole and it will release it. It is a bit fiddly but once you have got it off once it is easy after that. Hope that helps!

2/5/2017 11:14:26 pm

Thank you so much - we've managed to do it now! I couldn't find the answer to this anywhere else online so you've really been a great help!

Tins link

19/11/2017 06:22:35 pm

Sarah / all about mummy how did you manage to do this please? I can't remove the canopy after trying for so long. Helppp :(

Leanne link

25/5/2017 01:01:04 pm

Hi will a universal sun umbrella fit on my Chicco urban pram in carrycot mode aswell and will it fit on car seat? If so were would I clip it on please? Also I took the headrest out of my car seat as he was getting too big for it I use it with nothing in am I wrong in doing that he is nearly 14 weeks old? Also how do I stop my wheels squeaking it goes right through me the nose it seems to be the front wheels. Great review very informative thank you xx

20/8/2017 11:24:51 pm

Hi Leanne, apology for the delay replying. Yes I imagine a universal umberella would fit. You could attach it to the hood of the bassinet or the handle of the car seat. Yes, you remove the insert when they get too big for it and just use the seat alone. I never had a problem with my wheels squeeking I'm afraid but I think newer models have different wheels. Chicco customer services are really helpful so give them a call about the wheels and I'm sure they can help.

Sharon Walker

12/8/2017 12:51:43 pm

I have an Chicco urban pram When can you change from carrycot to pram mode

20/8/2017 11:20:09 pm

Hi Sharon, when they can sit up so around 6mths.

20/8/2017 10:59:56 pm

Hello humans,
I've recently bought a new Chicco Urban Plus Crossover Stroller and I have a problem with one of the back wheels(( it can't be installed with the special clicking sound(( I've got a video of the problem and I'm ready to share it.
Please help!

20/8/2017 11:19:26 pm

Hi Vicky, I suggest you get in touch with Chicco customer service as they are really helpful. They sent a replacement when I had a brake issue.

Zibi

29/10/2017 11:45:27 am

Hi good pram but we have problem with brake.when u press brake it hold but u ar not thats it.how to repair

Donna Bradley

28/3/2018 09:31:05 pm

I have the urban plus however I managed to damage the chassis can I use the chicco urban chassis with everything ? I have found someone selling one .thanks

Sam mcquillan

6/9/2018 03:48:21 pm

I find it a nightmare to open, it like it's jammed on one side. Takes me a good 5 mins mucking about with it before I eventually do it very frustrated. Can close it easy bit it's like it's locked when i try to open it, what am I doing wrong :(

8/9/2018 01:30:22 pm

Hi Sam. It sounds like something isn't right here as I had no problems with locking/unlocking. Have you contacted Chicco customer services? They are really great at helping solve problems and sent a replacement when I had a brake problem

Rachel

3/7/2019 06:28:39 am

Great review. thanks for sharing I have a newborn who is 2 month old and a 4 year old daughter. I am looking for a stroller for the younger one, which can also be used by 4 Year old. one of my friend suggested this https://www.qhousekids.com/cubby-plus-stroller-charcoal.html.html could you advice me on this stroller .Would appreciate any recommendations.?

st maarten boat tours link

10/7/2025 11:16:13 am

Great review of the Chicco Urban travel system! It's super versatile and practical for on-the-go parents. Just like how st maarten boat tours offer flexible fun on the water, this stroller delivers smooth rides and easy handling—definitely a smart pick for travel-loving families.

Review: Chicco Urban travel system

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