Among the essential items for the early years of parenting, a car seat and a stroller stand out as crucial tools for safely transporting your baby from one place to another. However, these items often come with a significant price tag. This is where a travel system proves to be a practical solution.
A travel system combines a car seat and a stroller, offering a seamless and convenient way to transition your infant from the car to the stroller without the need for adjustments. The travel system’s design allows the infant car seat to securely attach to a compatible stroller, providing a safe and comfortable ride for your baby.
The primary advantage of opting for an infant car seat stroller combo is its practicality during the early months when most babies are not yet capable of sitting up independently. With a travel system, you can effortlessly move your baby without disturbing their rest, making it particularly valuable when they are peacefully sleeping.
Top pick
Safety 1st TR378EEL
Safety 1st all-in-one travel system: QuickClick tech, side-impact protection, canopy, storage, lightweight design, five-point harness, JPMA-certified, worry-free parenting.
Editor’s choice
Evenflo 56071990AZ
Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System: SafeMax Rear-Facing Car Seat, versatile modes, easy transfer, oversized storage, SafeZone base, cruiser tires, ergonomic handle.
Best value
Chicco 04079095670070
Chicco Bravo Trio System: Stroller, Key Fit 30 Car Seat, stylish design, easy fold, auto-positioning wheels, parent tray, for infants up to 30 inches.
Cost-effectiveness is another noteworthy benefit of choosing a travel system. Typically, these combos are more budget-friendly compared to purchasing a stroller and car seat separately. Considering that travel systems are designed to accommodate infants through toddlerhood, investing in one can potentially result in long-term savings.
In compiling our list of the best infant car seat stroller combos, we prioritized customer reviews and sought insights from new parents to identify the most loved and practical options. The selected combos excel in popularity, ease of use, efficiency, and overall user satisfaction, making them top picks for parents seeking a reliable and convenient travel solution.
1. Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System
The Smooth Ride Travel System stands out not only for its remarkably low price but also for earning praise from parents who have reviewed it. This system is lauded for its lightweight design, easy maneuverability, and the seamless one-click attachment of the car seat, simplifying the transition in and out of the car.
The onBoard 35 LT infant car seat, a component of this system, prioritizes safety with features like side-impact protection, infant head inserts, and a secure five-point harness. Parents can feel confident that their child is enjoying a safe and secure ride. The accompanying stroller enhances convenience with one-hand foldability, a spacious canopy featuring a peek-a-boo window, a parent tray equipped with cup holders, and a generous storage compartment.
Designed for children weighing between 4 to 35 pounds, the car seat, and the stroller seat can be utilized from the point when your little one can sit up unassisted until they reach 50 pounds.
Pros:
- Spacious storage basket
- Easy folding mechanism
- Canopy with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)
Cons:
- Car seat lacks reclining feature
- Limited height adjustment for the car seat
- Perceived as less sturdy compared to other systems
2. Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
The simplicity of the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System may catch the eye, but a closer inspection reveals its versatile six-mode seat, catering to various needs and preferences, making it an ideal choice for minimalists. The system offers flexibility from the beginning of your baby’s journey, whether using the SafeMax infant car seat or not.
The toddler seat, suitable for babies who can sit up unassisted, boasts a fully reclining feature, transforming into a flat bassinet-style position. Notably, all three modes – bassinet, car seat, and stroller seat – are reversible, allowing parents to customize the system according to their style and safety preferences.
Parents appreciate the system’s adherence to high safety standards, with the SafeMax infant car seat surpassing industry benchmarks through rigorous crash testing. Assembling the system is deemed easy by users. However, there is some debate regarding the perceived lightweight nature and maneuverability of the system.
Pros:
- Offers six convenient modes
- Equipped with sturdy wheels
- Ample storage space
Cons:
- Lacks a one-hand folding feature
- Sun canopy doesn’t provide full coverage
- Weight limit is comparatively lower than some competitors
3. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
For families always on the go, the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System proves to be a fitting companion, boasting a lightweight design and convenient features. Weighing less and offering a one-handed fold with a self-standing position, this travel system is tailored for families with an active lifestyle.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat, a favorite among parents, weighs under 10 pounds, ensuring easy portability. Users appreciate the spacious bottom storage and the parent tray equipped with storage and cup holders, although some find the cup holders to be on the smaller side.
The inclusion of removable cushions for both the head and body adds to the appeal, providing extra support during the baby’s early years. However, a few parents caution that the features may vary based on the chosen color variant, emphasizing the importance of reviewing product specifications before making a purchase.
Pros:
- Includes removable support cushions
- Features a one-hand fold design
Cons:
- Limited in storage space
- Cup holders may be shallow
- Not recommended for bumpy terrains
4. Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System
The affordability and comprehensive features of the Baby Trend Ally 35 Infant Car Seat and EZ Ride Stroller Travel System make it a standout choice, offering both safety and comfort for your baby. With a bundled price that rivals individual car seat purchases, this travel system includes the Baby Trend Ally 35 Infant Car Seat and the EZ Ride Stroller.
Equipped with a five-point safety harness, both the car seat and stroller prioritize secure seating, earning praise from numerous parents in reviews. Extra-padded seats ensure maximum comfort for your little one during journeys.
The stroller’s versatility is evident in its multiple recline positions, a covered parent tray with dual cup holders, a height-adjustable handle, and a convenient peek-a-boo window for easy monitoring of your child during walks. Despite the budget-friendly and safety-focused design, some users note that the stroller may pose challenges in terms of opening and closing, and there are occasional issues with the canopy getting stuck.
Pros:
- Multiple recline positions
- Height-adjustable handle
- Two deep cup holders
Cons:
- Low weight restrictions
- Complaints about the seat being too upright
- Some reviewers experience difficulty attaching seats
5. Graco Modes Nest Travel System
The Graco Modes Click Connect Travel System stands out for its effortless transitions, allowing parents to switch seamlessly between bassinet mode, toddler mode, and the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 infant car seat. In just a few simple steps, this travel system offers versatile configurations to cater to your child’s changing needs.
A notable feature is the ability to easily slide the baby closer in three different height positions, fostering face-to-face interactions. The stroller provides options for forward- or rear-facing riding, offering flexibility for parents. The convenience extends to an expandable storage basket, a large canopy, cup holders, and a quick one-hand folding mechanism. However, some users mention that the stroller may not offer the smoothest ride.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Three different travel modes
- One-hand folding
Cons:
- Wheels may not be suitable for rough terrain
- Heavier than other travel systems
- Some reviewers express a desire for a more reclined seat
What to look for in a travel system
When selecting a travel system, it’s crucial to consider factors beyond the car seat, as your child will eventually outgrow it. The emphasis should shift towards the stroller, and several key factors warrant consideration:
Size and Weight
Ensure the car seat and stroller are of manageable weight, especially since you’ll be lifting them in and out of your vehicle frequently. Opt for a stroller that isn’t overly bulky, making it easy to navigate through various spaces.
Ease of Use
Given the frequent use of the stroller, prioritize user-friendly designs. Features such as easy opening and closing mechanisms and straightforward brake systems contribute to a hassle-free experience.
Terrain Compatibility
Assess the terrain you’ll predominantly encounter. For smooth pavements, a standard stroller suffices, but if you plan on navigating rough trails, invest in a sturdier model designed for varied terrains.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are car seat stroller combos safe?
Yes, these combos undergo rigorous testing to ensure comprehensive safety. Any safety concerns should be promptly addressed with the manufacturer, who typically provides replacements for faulty parts.
Do you need a car seat stroller combo?
Many parents find the combo’s convenience appealing, allowing seamless transitions from car to stroller without disturbing a sleeping baby. It’s especially useful when traditional strollers lack a bassinet feature.
Is it safe to jog with a car seat stroller combo?
No, unless explicitly marketed as a jogging stroller. Traditional combos lack features for safe jogging, such as a front swivel wheel, making them unsuitable for fast movements or sudden turns.
