popular car seat stroller combos

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Of all the items you’ll need for baby in the first few years, a car seat and a stroller are undoubtedly some of the most important. They help you get from point A to point B with your little one safely and securely in tow.

They also tend to be some of the more expensive baby items you’ll be purchasing. That’s where a travel system can come in handy.

While car seats and strollers are two separate items, when you have a newborn you may want to use your infant’s car seat as the seat on top of your stroller to give them a safer ride.

The travel system was invented to make infant car seats and stroller combinations.

A travel system has a car seat that can be clipped on to a stroller. The best part? You will purchase both pieces in a single transaction.

The majority of strollers on the market are meant for babies who are already sitting up, a milestone most don’t master until about 6 months of age.

Unless you purchase a stroller with a bassinet, your baby is going to spend most of their time in their car seat or being carried.

A travel system allows you to easily transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without having to move or reposition them — something that especially comes in handy when they’re peacefully snoozing away.

Additionally, travel systems tend to cost less than purchasing a stroller and car seat separately — yes, please! And when you consider that travel systems are designed to transition from infancy through toddlerhood, you could end up saving a lot of dough in the long run.

Safety check

If you are purchasing a new travel system, you can be sure that it will meet all current safety standards.

However, if you’re being handed down a travel system from a family member, friend, or through a digital marketplace, it’s worthwhile to check that it’s not under recall. You can check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)’s list, or the list at Safe Kids Worldwide.

“The manufacturer’s weight limits for strollers and car seats are important to ensure your child’s safety.”

We used customer reviews and reached out to several new parents to find out what they loved and the most useful things in their travel systems.

The combo that made the cut in terms of popularity, ease of use, and efficiency were the car seat stroller combo.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $200
  • $$ = $200–$400
  • $$$ = over $400

Best travel system overall

Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System

Price: $
Dimensions: ‎19.7 x 17.7 x 31.5 inches
Weight limit: 77 pounds

On top of the impressively low price for a car seat stroller combo, the Smooth Ride Travel System is a favorite among reviewing parents. Fans of this system say it’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and its one-click car seat attachment makes the transition in and out of the car a breeze.

The onBoard 35 LT infant car seat features side-impact protection, infant head inserts, and a five-point harness, so you can feel rest assured that your child is securely enjoying a safe ride. And the accompanying stroller boasts one-hand foldability, a large canopy with a peek-a-boo window, a parent tray with cup holders, and a generous storage compartment.

The car seat is made for children from 4 to 35 pounds, and the stroller seat can be used from the time your little one is able to sit up unassisted until they reach 50 pounds.

Pros

  • Large basket.
  • It is easy to fold.
  • The canopy is protected by the ultraviolet protection factor.

Cons

  • “The car seat doesn’t recline.”
  • The car seat height is limited.
  • less sturdy than other systems
Shop now at Amazon

Best travel system for infants

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System

Price: $$
Dimensions: ‎19.8 x 21.7 x 34.3 inches
Weight limit: 35 pounds

By looking at this travel system, it appears simple and straightforward (minimalists, this one’s for you!). However, a closer look shows a super versatile six-mode seat that you can use from the very beginning with baby — with or without the accompanying SafeMax infant car seat.

The toddler seat (which is safe to use when baby can sit up unassisted) fully reclines to lay flat like a bassinet. Plus, all three modes (bassinet, car seat, stroller seat) are reversible, so you can truly cater this system to your style and safety needs.

Parents like that the SafeMax infant car seat exceeds industry safety standards with impressive crash testing results and say that the system is easy to assemble. However, there’s some debate over how lightweight and easy to maneuver this system really is.

Pros

  • There are six convenient modes.
  • sturdy wheels.
  • There is There is ample storage space..

Cons

  • No One-hand folding..
  • “Sun canopy isn’t full coverage.”
  • The weight limit is not as high as competitors.
Shop now at Amazon

Best car seat stroller combo for travel

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

Price: $$
Dimensions: ‎35.2 x 22.8 x 42.7 inches
Weight limit: 50 pounds

If you’re a family that likes to live life on the fly, you’ll need a car seat and stroller combo that can keep up. Enter the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System, which is on the lighter side in terms of weight and features a one-handed fold and self-standing position.

The included fan-favorite Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat weighs less than 10 pounds for easy carrying. Parents like that the bottom storage is nice and roomy and that there’s a parent tray with storage and cup holders — although a few folks say the cup holders are rather small.

Many parents appreciate that this car seat comes with removable cushions for both the head and body to provide added support during the baby years.

A few parents warn that the features may vary depending on what color you select, so be sure to review the product specs before purchasing.

Pros

  • Comes with support cushions.
  • One-hand fold design.

Cons

  • Storage space is lacking.
  • Cup holders are not very deep.
  • Not good for rough terrains.
Shop now at Amazon

Best option for twins

Contours Options Elite Tandem Stroller

Price: $$
Dimensions: ‎55 x 26 x 41.3 inches
Weight limit: 80 pounds

While this product isn’t a true travel system (as it does not include car seats), when it comes to towing two babies, this option from Contours stands out. The stroller features multiple seating options so you can have your babies facing forward, backward, face-to-face, or back-to-back.

Many double strollers don’t also accommodate two car seats, but the Elite Tandem does, thanks to Contours’ click-in adapters (sold separately). The adaptors accept a wide range of car seats from big-name brands like Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Evenflo, Chicco, and more.

Parents say the dynamic front and rear wheel suspensions allow for a smooth ride without bumps that could wake up your sleeping infants. Other features include a peek-a-boo window, Large basket., zipper side access, and sun canopies.

Pros

  • The front wheel has a swivel design.
  • The handle is height-adjustable.
  • Both kids have a view from the seating.

Cons

  • Some reviewers report wobbly seats.
  • Heavy to push with kids.
Shop now at Contours

Best budget-friendly travel system

Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System

Price: $
Dimensions: ‎42.5 x 25 x 42 inches
Weight limit: 35 pounds

You can’t purchase most car seats alone for the price of this travel system, which includes both the Baby Trend Ally 35 Infant Car Seat and the EZ Ride Stroller together. Each features a five-point safety harness to secure baby safely (multiple parents comment on this in reviews) as well as extra-padded seats for maximum comfort.

The stroller has There are multiple recline positions., a covered parent tray with double cup holders, a The handle is height-adjustable., and a peek-a-boo window for checking in on your little one during strolls.

But while this set gets points for budget and safety, several folks say the stroller isn’t the easiest to open and close and that the canopy often gets stuck.

Pros

  • There are multiple recline positions.
  • The handle is height-adjustable.
  • Two cup holders.

Cons

  • Low weight restrictions.
  • The seat is too upright.
  • reviewers have trouble attaching seats
Shop now at Amazon

Best easy-install travel system

Graco Modes Nest Travel System

Price: $$$
Dimensions: ‎25.75 x 35.5 x 47 inches
Weight limit: 44 pounds

This travel system gets mega points for its seamless transitions. In a few simple steps, you can switch from bassinet mode to toddler mode, or attach and detach the accompanying Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 infant car seat.

One of the biggest draws to this travel system is the fact that, regardless of the seat in play, it allows you to easily slide baby closer for face-to-face smiles in one of three different height positions.

This stroller also allows for forward- or rear-facing riding. Parents love that it features an expandable storage basket, large canopy, cup holders and a fold that takes just a few seconds. However, a handful of folks comment that the stroller doesn’t offer the smoothest ride.

Pros

  • It is easy to use.
  • There are three different travel modes.
  • One-hand folding.

Cons

  • The wheels are not suitable for rough terrain.
  • The travel systems are heavier.
  • Some reviewers would prefer the seat to be reclined.
Shop now at Amazon

Best for city living

Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base

Price: $$$
Dimensions: ‎27.6 x 20.1 x 18.6 inches
Weight limit: 35 pounds

“The stroller component is always present, so it doesn’t have to be attached to the car seat, which is one of the best features about this travel system. This is what makes it so great for city living. It is convenient to not have many pieces to work with with the tight living quarters and sidewalks.”

“The transition from car seat to stroller takes seconds, and can be done in a way that won’t interrupt a sleeping baby. The handle of the stroller extends to make it convenient to walk no matter your height, and you can order your stroller in one of six vibrant colors to add a touch of individuality to your look.”

Pros

  • compact and It is easy to fold.
  • One piece instead of two or more.
  • “It’s convenient for small living spaces.”

Cons

  • It was heavy.
  • Not good for rough terrains.
  • Some reviewers have customer service issues.
Shop now at Amazon

Best lightweight travel system

BRITAX B-Lively Travel System with B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat

Price: $$$
Dimensions: ‎33 x 23 x 40 inches
Weight limit: 35 pounds

The stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver on most surfaces thanks to its top-notch suspension system and convenient front third wheel.

It has an extra-large canopy with adequate ventilation, which is useful on hot, sunny days. You can see your baby in the middle of your strolls with a peek-a-boo window in the rear.

It is nearly all the way flat so that your baby can sleep peacefully without being interrupted by falling to one side or the other. The side impact protection helps ensure safety.

Storage is easy, with just one hand needed to link it to a travel-convenient size.

Pros

  • lightweight
  • The third wheel allows for flexibility.
  • More durable than competitors.

Cons

  • lacking in storage
  • It can be difficult to fold and store.
  • “Doesn’t come with baby tray.”
Shop now at Amazon

Best 5-in-1 travel system

Maxi-Cosi Zelia²Max 5-in-1 Modular Travel System

Price: $$$
Dimensions: ‎31 x 31 x 22.44 inches
Weight limit: 50 pounds

“It is easy to see why this travel system has good ratings, it has a sleek design and five different modes of use. It’s convenient for just about any setting, and you can use it in a parent-facing carriage, world-facing carriage, parent-facing stroller, or carseat carrier.”

It is easy to set up, just remove the box and watch the pieces come together. The handlebar is designed to fit parents who are short and tall.

It is worth pointing out that the suspension system is not designed for rugged terrain, and that it is good for city and suburban living.

Pros

  • There are five convenient stroller modes.
  • “It’s easy to set up and install.”

Cons

  • No tray for snacking.
  • Storage is not up to date.
  • Two hands are needed to fold.
Shop now at Amazon

Best splurge travel system

UPPAbaby Cruz Performance Travel System

Price: $$$
Dimensions: ‎37.5 x 22.75 x 40 inches
Weight limit: 27 pounds

This travel system is as beautiful as it is safe and functional, which is why it’s one of the most popular choices among parents — and also why it’s the priciest on this list.

The stroller is rather slim, with smooth maneuverability and shock absorption. Fans of the Cruz like that the handlebar allows for easy height adjustment and is accented with hand-sewn leather. Many parents rave that the storage basket underneath is roomy, and the toddler seat allows for multi-position recline.

It comes with the popular MESA Infant Car Seat and adapter, which accommodates infants from 4 to 35 pounds. Worth noting: Parents love that the MESA is the only car seat to pass safety regulations without the use of flame retardant chemicals.

Pros

  • It is stylish.
  • Multiple configurations.
  • There is There is ample storage space..

Cons

  • The travel systems are bulkier.
  • Not good for rugged terrain.
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It is important that you like the car seat portion of the travel system, but it is also important that your child grows out of it. The stroller portion of the travel system is important for this reason.

There are other factors to consider.

Size and weight

You’ll be lifting your car seat (and potentially your stroller) in and out of your vehicle as often as several times a day, so you’ll want to make sure that it’s not too It was heavy. for you to carry on your own. You also don’t want a stroller that’s too bulky that you’ll have trouble fitting it through small spaces.

Ease of use

You want your stroller to be easy to maneuver and manage, considering how often you will be using it. It should not require the knowledge of a rocket scientist to open and close it.

Terrain

If you’re mostly pushing your stroller on a paved sidewalk, you won’t need anything It was heavy. duty. But if you plan on hiking up rocky trails with your baby in tow, you will want to purchase a stroller that’s meant for that type of terrain.

Are car seat stroller combos safe?

Yes. The car seat stroller combinations are tested to make sure they provide head-to-toe safety. It is best to contact the manufacturer as soon as possible if you have a safety concern. Most manufacturers will replace wobbly parts for free.

Do you need a car seat stroller combo?

The convenience of being able to transfer the car seat to the stroller without having to wake up and remove the baby is what makes it so popular.

“Babies under 6 months of age don’t sit up enough to be placed in a traditional stroller, and not all strollers come with a bassinet feature.”

Is it safe to jog with a car seat stroller combo?

“No. Unless a stroller is advertised as a jogging stroller, it isn’t made in a way that makes it safe for fast movement or sudden twists and turns. Most jogging strollers have a front wheel, but not all car seat stroller combinations have one.”