While car seats and strollers are separate items, baby gear manufacturers have brought the two together, making life easier for parents everywhere. Once purchased individually, these pieces are now designed, packaged, and sold as travel systems. Not only do they look sharp, but they also fit together like puzzle pieces. Ultimately, car seat stroller combos (or travel systems) take the guesswork out of which car seat goes with which stroller and address the question of safety, which is top of mind for most parents.
While travel systems do the heavy-lifting of transporting your child while youâre out and about, theyâre also the masters of seamless transitions. Anyone whoâs ever attempted to move a sleeping baby or toddler can tell you that waking them up is almost inevitable. But travel systems have changed that. These helpers allow parents to seamlessly move their little ones from the car to the stroller (and vice versa) without a flutter of their childâs eyelids.
Car seat stroller combos are a must-have for both new and veteran parents. They save time, space, money, and perhaps most importantly, frustration. A cursory internet search will reveal tons of options for car seat stroller combos â so many that it can be challenging to decide which one is best for you. To help you make an informed decision, weâve curated a list of the best stroller car seat combos for your short list.
Top 10 Car Seat Strollers
- Best Overall: Chicco Bravo Trio
- Best for Jogging: Baby Trend Expedition Jogger
- Best for Twins: Contours Options Elite Tandem Stroller
- Best for Infants: Doona Infant Car Seat
- Best Budget: Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System
- Best for Storage: Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System With OnBoard 35 LT Infant Car Seat
- Best for Multiple Positions: Evenflo Pivot
- Best for Suspension: UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller
- Best Lightweight: BRITAX B-Lively Travel System With B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat
- Best for Versatility: Graco Modes Pramette Travel System
How We Chose the Best Car Seat Stroller Combos
To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including dimensions, weight, weight and height limitations, and more. We also combed through detailed product descriptions as well as ratings and reviews to find the best car seat stroller for each category.
Best Overall: Chicco Bravo Trio
What We Like
- One-hand smart fold design
- UPF 50+ canopy
- All-wheel suspension
What We Dislike
- No reversible seat
- Small wheels make uneven terrain difficult
With Chicco Bravo Rio, you get a myriad of features for just under $400. This car seat stroller combo has an adjustable handlebar with a foam cover, an oversized storage basket, the all-important parent organizer, and a sizeable three-panel canopy with a peekaboo window. The stroller can accommodate a child from 6 months with a max weight of 50 pounds. Like most strollers, it features an adjustable five-point harness with a center release buckle. Plus, parents are sure to love the one-handed lever recline option that moves to an almost-flat position when nap time strikes.
The Chicco Bravo Rio also comes with all-wheel suspension; the front wheels swivel and can be locked in rougher terrain. That may sound great in theory, but the problem is that the wheels are made of plastic and a bit small. Smaller plastic wheels are suitable for flat streets and roads but arenât great for parks and uneven pavement, so this stroller is better for even city streets.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 35.2 x 22.8 x 42.7 in.
Weight Limit: 50 lbs.
Best for Jogging: Baby Trend Expedition LX Travel System
What We Like
- Budget-friendly (compared to other joggers)
- Easy maneuverability
- Parent console and child tray
What We Dislike
- Not for serious runners
- No suspension
- Fixed height handlebar
Compared to other car seat stroller combos in the jogger category, the Baby Trend Expedition is budget-friendly. This jogger costs about $249 on the high end, whereas other joggers in this category can run upwards of $500. Although the Baby Trend Expedition LX Travel System comes in at the lower end of the spectrum, youâll still get a lot of bang for your buck.
Parents of the Baby Trend Expedition will notice its solid maneuverability. Plus, itâs equipped with rubber pneumatic tires, which are known for their ability to traverse uneven terrain.
That being said, the car seat stroller lacks suspension and adjustable tracking, so itâs more likely to pull to one side. Casual runners may overlook this shortfall, but serious runners will likely need those essential features that ultimately make running easier. Speaking of things that make running more manageable, the handlebar on the Baby Trend Expedition isnât adjustable, so it can mess with running biomechanics.
As far as regular travel goes, the Baby Trend Expedition is narrow and has a shorter wheelbase, so users will find it easy to push and turn. Moreover, trips to the park or off-road will be easy to navigate thanks to the pneumatic tires that roll over grass and gravel with relative ease. At 23.6 pounds, the Expedition is one of the lighter jogging strollers in the category.
Ultimately, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger is a reliable purchase for new parents who want to get some exercise outside with their baby. However, this stroller makes the most sense for those who donât categorize exercise as their main priority.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 46 x 22 x 44 in.
Weight Limit: 30 lbs.
Best for Twins: Contours Options Elite Tandem Stroller
What We Like
- Stadium-style seating
- Height-adjustable handle
- Moveable seats
What We Dislike
- Heavy to push with two kids
- Difficult to maneuver
- Large size
One of the most remarkable features of the Contours Options Elite Tandem Stroller is its multiple seating configurations. You can set this stroller up for an âeyes on youâ (rear-facing), âface-to-face,â or âdouble rear-facingâ position. These different seating options are incredibly hard to find in the stroller world. Whether youâre on the go with twins or have a mix of older and young kids, youâll be set with this stroller.
The Options Elite accommodates two car seats at once, and parents will be happy to know that the universal adapter works with a wide variety of car seats, including the following:
- Baby Trend Inertia and Flex-Lock
- Chicco KeyFit 30
- Graco SnugRide Classic ConnectTM
Brand-specific adapters are also available for Chicco, Britax, Maxi-Cosi/Nuna, and Graco.
At 37.5 pounds, however, the Options Elite is one of the heaviest tandem strollers on the market. Add two kids to the seats, and the weight can make it difficult to maneuver. The Options Elite isnât as long as most tandems, but itâll take up a lot of real estate in your car or home. If youâre regularly managing twins or two kids on your own, this might not be the best bet for you. However, itâs a solid option for family outings or if you have a helping hand.
In theory, the seats on the Options Elite can recline fairly flat. But while in use, the recline is limited (after all, a sibling occupies the back seat). Each seat can hold up to 40 pounds, for a total of 80 pounds.
While the canopies on the Options Elite arenât as large as you might like, theyâre expandable, rated UPF 50+, and have a mesh panel with peekaboo windows. Even better, the peekaboo windows have magnetic closures â no more velcro-ripping wake-ups â and the canopies are independently operated.
This product is not an all-terrain stroller, but it does feature shock-absorbing, never-flat tires made of EVA and rubber-coated rear wheels. Flip-flop-friendly brakes, generous storage with side zipper access, and mesh pockets for the kids round out the list of useful features for this stroller.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 55 x 26 x 41.3 in.
Weight Limit: 55 lbs.
Best for Infants: Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
What We Like
- Easy to convert between car seat and stroller
- Compact size
- Usable without a car seat base
What We Dislike
- Heavy to carry with child
- No storage included
- On the expensive side
If youâre unfamiliar with the Doona Infant Car Seat, itâs essentially a car seat stroller hybrid.
With a quick squeeze of the lever at the back of the car seat, the wheels drop out and down, converting the unit into a stroller and vice versa. So, as you might suspect, the Doona is pretty compact and likely a good buy for small vehicles, traveling, and urban settings.
Parents will be happy to know that the Doona also features two layers of impact-absorbing plastic and additional layers of expanded polystyrene (EPS), foam, and textiles. The handle can be used in four positions, and notably, when the handlebar is in the third position (or car seat mode), it functions as anti-rebound protection for accidents. This means the handle will absorb the impact in a collision and prevent the seat from shifting to the rear of the vehicle, ultimately reducing injury. According to the brand, this product has undergone over 100 crash tests, including collisions at very high speeds and in extreme weather conditions.
The Doona holds babies from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches. With the infant insert, itâs perfect for newborns. This car seat stroller combo also features a five-point harness system and a canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection thatâs water-repellant, removable, and washable.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 17.3 x 23.6 x 26 in.
Weight Limit: 7 lbs.
Best Budget: Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System
What We Like
- Dual front wheels for maneuverability
- Large canopy and storage basket
- Multiple recline positions
What We Dislike
- Difficult to steer
- Low weight limit
- Rear-facing car seat only
Baby Trendâs EZ Ride 35 Travel System features a car seat engineered with higher, deeper side wings with EPS foam for optimal side impact protection. The car seat accommodates newborns from 4 to 35 pounds, and parents have the option to sit their babies upright or lay them down for a nap. The stroller for this travel system has a weight limit of 50 pounds. Parents should note that the car seat in this system is rear-facing only and doesn’t convert to a forward-facing car seat.
Baby Trendâs EZ Ride 35 Travel System features a five-point safety harness, a covered parent tray with two deep cup holders, a height-adjustable handle, and a peekaboo window on the canopy. For the little ones, youâll find two additional cup holders and a snack tray. While this stroller also features a one-hand folding mechanism, itâs not that easy to use and may take some time to get used to. But at $179.99 (or $139 if you catch the sale), this is a good option for a no-frills basic model. Just be sure youâre aware of its limitations before purchasing it.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 42.5 x 25 x 42 in.
Weight Limit: 35 lbs.
Best for Storage: Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System
What We Like
- Plenty of storage space
- Peekaboo canopy
- Exceeds federal and ASTM safety standards
What We Dislike
- Only one car seat position
- Average strap quality
- Low weight limit
If youâre looking for a car seat combo with plenty of storage, this product may be it. Beyond offering a ton of storage, this travel system is lightweight and easy to maneuver. With a one-click car seat attachment, it beautifully addresses one of the biggest frustrations most parents have: getting their kids in and out of the car.
The infant car seat in this travel system features side-impact protection, a five-point harness, and one-hand foldability. If those features arenât enough, it also has a parent tray with cup holders, a large canopy with a peekaboo window, and flip-flop-friendly brakes. Plus, itâs even self-standing when folded.
The car seat of the Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System accommodates children from 4 to 35 pounds, and the stroller accommodates kids up to 50 pounds.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 19.7 x 17.7 x 31.5 in.
Weight Limit: 77 lbs.
Best for Multiple Positions: Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
What We Like
- 6 ways to use it
- Ample storage space
- Exceeds Federal U.S. Safety Standards
What We Dislike
- A few maneuverability issues
- Fixed height handlebar
- Wheels arenât all-terrain
With six modes of usage, Evenfloâs Pivot Modular Travel System is the epitome of versatility. This car seat stroller combo can be used as a car seat, toddler seat, or bassinet, and with each configuration, your little one can face in or out. The lightweight infant car seat is one of the lightest on the market, so itâs great for families that are always traveling or on the go.
The car seat of the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System features an anti-rebound bar positioned on the stay-in-car base. This unique safety feature absorbs and dissipates energy produced during a collision while simultaneously preventing any forward movement of the car seat in the event of a crash.
This system features a three-panel UPF 50+ sun protection canopy with a peekaboo window and an oversized storage basket. And like most car seats, youâll find an adjustable five-point harness, a removable arm bar with a cup holder, and a snack tray.
While the stroller features cruiser wheels, the front wheels swivel, and you canât lock them, so itâs not all-terrain. Ultimately, parents will find it hard to push this stroller on anything other than pavement. When you reach your destination, however, youâll find that the brakes are easy to engage with even if youâre wearing heels or flip-flops. This stroller also features a one-hand fold mechanism and conveniently self-stands when folded. Parents should also note that the handlebar is at a fixed height, 40 inches from the ground.
Overall, the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System offers flexibility, convenience, and customization, and itâs a good choice for everyday use.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 25.5 x 47 x 34 in.
Weight Limit: 50 lbs.
Best for Suspension: UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller With Mesa Infant Car Seat
What We Like
- Sleek
- Ample storage space
- Multiple configurations
What We Dislike
- Expensive
- Bulky and heavy
- Not all-terrain
With the potential to move three kids at once, the UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller with the Mesa Infant Car Seat is an excellent choice for busy families. While this package includes the stroller, car seat, and bassinet, you can choose two infant car seats, two toddler seats, two bassinets, or any variation of those options. Parents can even purchase a standing board for older kids.
The UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller comes with most of the checklist items for most parents, including a canopy with peekaboo windows that almost offers full coverage, a telescoping handlebar, a generous storage bin, and a single-action flip-flop-friendly brake.
The no-flat rubber tires on this stroller are pretty robust, and when paired with such a fantastic suspension, the stroller is pretty easy to maneuver. While this is not an off-road or all-terrain stroller, itâll easily move over gravel and grass. Moreover, while the UPPAbaby VISTA V2 is bigger than some competitors, parents will still find it easy to navigate around small spaces, and it traverses bumpy roads without trouble.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 36 x 25.7 x 39.5 in.
Weight Limit: 50 lbs.
Best Lightweight: Britax B-Lively Travel System With B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat
What We Like
- Lightweight
- 3 wheels for maneuverability
- Good suspension
What We Dislike
- Not much storage space
- No child or parent tray
This infant car seat may be considered a three-wheeled compact, but it has plenty of features, such as a five-point harness system, under-basket storage with access all around, and a large, UV 50+ ventilated canopy.
While the stroller features a double front wheel with an all-wheel suspension, keep in mind that the wheels are plastic. This makes the stroller suitable for everyday use on paved surfaces, but you probably wonât find a smooth ride anywhere else. The stroller also features a one-hand fold thatâs intuitive and easy to operate, but it needs a little help to self-stand.
Coming in at 19 pounds, this stroller is relatively light, but there are no child or parent trays â just a zippered bag that can work for small items like keys or a phone. Itâs also important to note that the Britax B-Lively Travel System is only compatible with its own brand of car seats.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 33 x 23 x 40 in.
Weight Limit: 35 lbs.
Best for Versatility: Graco Modes Pramette Travel System
What We Like
- Reversible stroller seat
- Plenty of storage space
- Lightweight
What We Dislike
- No parent tray, only side cupholderse
- Plastic wheels
The Graco Modes is one of Gracoâs most popular strollers for a good reason: Itâs like getting three strollers in one. This car seat stroller combo works as an infant car seat carrier, a bassinet (pram), and a toddler stroller. Even better, you can flip the seat to be forward- or parent-facing.
Other great features include a snack tray, a parent cup holder, and a large canopy. While the travel system is lightweight and easy to use, keep in mind that the wheels are plastic. That means the stroller can handle sidewalks and indoor venues just fine, but the wheels will come up short if youâre consistently hitting the park or other rough terrain. You might want to tread lightly on curbs as well.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 23.5 x 34.5 x 44.75 in.
Weight Limit: 44 lbs.
Making Your Choice
Choosing the right stroller depends on many factors, and what works for one family may not work for another. As you may have guessed, price, lifestyle, and family size are just a few factors to consider when making a purchase.
Price
Stroller car seat combos come at various prices. Quality and additional features differentiate a pricier stroller from a more affordable one. As youâd expect, travel systems in the upper tier will likely come with more âbells and whistlesâ like plush seating, higher-end fabrics, and even better suspension. The good news is that there are excellent travel systems in every budget category, and you should have no trouble finding one that fits your needs without breaking your bank.
Lifestyle
Your familyâs lifestyle is a critical factor to consider when purchasing a travel system. If you live in a cramped city apartment where space is limited, you wonât want your babyâs travel system to feel like another roommate. Plus, plastic wheels might do just fine on city sidewalks, and a lightweight stroller is a must if daily life includes public transportation and stairs. On the other hand, if youâre out in the suburbs, you might have room for large strollers, but youâll have to pay more attention to features like rubber wheels and suspension.
Family Size
When shopping for strollers or travel systems, new parents often think about whatâs happening here and now, but sometimes itâs helpful to think about what the future holds, too. If youâre going to be a one-child family or youâre planning to have another within the next two or three years, itâs best to purchase a stroller that fits your plans accordingly.
FAQs
What stroller is also a car seat?
While youâll quickly find stroller and car seat combo options, thereâs only one âcar seat strollerâ per se; thatâs the Doona Infant Car Seat with Latch Base. The Doona is a singular unit that transforms between a car seat and a stroller with just a squeeze of a lever.
Whatâs the lightest car seat stroller combo?
At just 19 pounds, the Britax B-Lively stroller is the lightest entry on our list of the best car seat stroller combos. The stroller has a lightweight aluminum frame that makes it easy to maneuver and carry.
Can a car seat go in a stroller?
If you purchase a stroller car seat combo, the car seat and stroller are designed to fit together perfectly. If you already have a stroller, you may be able to purchase a car seat adapter to ensure a proper fit. For safetyâs sake, we caution parents not to place car seats in strollers unless the system is designed that way or theyâve purchased a car seat adapter.
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