A travel system is your best companion for smoothly transitioning your baby from car to stroller, ensuring your little one’s sleep isn’t disturbed (or their happy mood isn’t disrupted). This ingenious combo includes an infant car seat, its base, and a stroller designed to be compatible with the car seat. The car seat effortlessly clicks into the stroller frame, often without needing any extra adapters. Some systems are even more integrated, featuring an infant car seat that cleverly transforms directly into a stroller. And the versatility doesn’t end there; once your child outgrows the infant car seat, the stroller often continues to serve you well into their toddler years. Plus, these systems are built to last, often ready to be passed down to younger siblings.
Ease of use is paramount when it comes to car seat and stroller combos. They should be user-friendly for everyone who might care for your child—parents, grandparents, babysitters, and friends alike. Beyond simplicity, a top-notch stroller should glide smoothly across various terrains and come equipped with essential safety features. Think reliable brakes, protective UV canopies, and secure five-point harnesses.
To bring you the best recommendations, we rigorously tested 23 of the highest-rated travel systems. Our tests spanned from our dedicated lab to real-world, at-home scenarios with our own children. We evaluated each system on key aspects: how easy they were to assemble, the stroller’s design and functionality, how simple it was to install in and out of vehicles, and overall performance. Value was also a critical factor in our assessment, as travel systems can represent a significant investment. Our goal is to help families find durable, worthwhile options that last.
Our Top Picks
Easiest to Use:
UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller at Amazon $750
Best Mid-Range:
SALE
Britax Grove Modular Stroller at Amazon $560 $448
Best for a Smooth Ride:
SALE
Graco Outpace LX Travel System at Amazon $300 $240
Best Luxury:
NUNA RX Car Seat Travel System at Nordstrom $950
Best Budget:
SALE
Graco Modes Pramette Travel System at Amazon $300 $240
Best for City Use:
Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat Stroller System at Amazon $550
Best Handling:
Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System at Amazon $580
Best Jogging Stroller:
BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack at Amazon $850
Best Lightweight Car Seat:
Bugaboo Fox 5 Bassinet and Stroller at Amazon $1,099
Best Convertible:
SALE
Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System at Amazon $490 $392
Easiest to Use
UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller
PHOTO: Amazon
$750 at Amazon $700 at Nordstrom View on Pottery Barn Kids
Why We Like It
When it comes to user-friendliness, the UPPAbaby Cruz travel system stands out. Right out of the box, the stroller is practically ready to roll—we simply had to attach the wheels. The stroller boasts sleek, full-grain leather accents on the handlebar and seatback, both adjustable to comfortably fit both children and parents of different heights. The spacious cargo basket underneath easily accommodates a medium-sized diaper bag, although it’s worth noting that a central bar might make it a bit challenging to fit very bulky items.
Maneuverability: This stroller is impressively lightweight and a breeze to push across various terrains. We encountered slight difficulty only when navigating steps due to the larger tires, but its light weight made it easy to lift and carry when needed. Another significant advantage is the high weight capacity of the toddler seat, ensuring this stroller can grow with your child as they get older.
Car Seat Installation: The car seat installation is seamless, whether attaching it to the base or directly onto the stroller. A distinct, loud click confirms secure installation every time. Removing the car seat is just as easy, requiring only a simple push of a button. The base includes a level indicator that turns green when correctly leveled, providing extra reassurance of your baby’s safety. Adjusting the no-rethread harness is straightforward, and convenient storage pockets for harness buckles are a thoughtful addition.
But Take Note
While it’s positioned at a higher price point, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 justifies the cost with numerous included extras: a rain cover, a bug-shielding mesh canopy, and an extendable sunshade for those extra-sunny days. One minor drawback we noted was that securing the canopy on the infant seat could be a bit finicky. On the upside, the stroller folds neatly in half, enhancing its portability and storage convenience.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 35 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 10 lbs. (car seat), 19 lbs. (with base)
- Stroller dimensions: 22.75 x 37.5 x 40 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.
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PHOTO: Parents – A parent smoothly pushes the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller, showcasing its maneuverability and ease of use for everyday walks.
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PHOTO: Parents – Close-up of the easy car seat attachment mechanism of the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller, highlighting the simple click-in system.
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PHOTO: Parents – Foot engaging the easily accessible brake of the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller, demonstrating its user-friendly safety features.
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PHOTO: Parents – Parent installing the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 car seat base in a vehicle, highlighting the secure and straightforward installation process.
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PHOTO: Parents – Demonstrating the compact fold of the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller, making it convenient for storage and transportation.
Best Mid-Range
Britax Grove Modular Stroller
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PHOTO: Britax
$560 $448 at Amazon View on Pottery Barn Kids View on Britax.com
Why We Like It
One of our testers described the Britax Grove Modular Stroller as “easy breezy” in every aspect. From an assembly time of less than 10 minutes to thoughtful comfort additions like a lumbar cushion and a one-handed fold mechanism, this stroller is designed for effortless use.
Maneuverability: While categorized as a medium-sized stroller, the Britax Grove handles turns with the agility of a compact model. Its generously sized wheels, though lacking suspension, are capable of absorbing bumps with ease. In our tests, it navigated turf and concrete surfaces flawlessly. Even with the car seat attached, the stroller felt light, sturdy, and of high quality when pushing.
Car seat installation: The car seat base features Britax’s signature ClickTight technology. This innovative system simplifies vehicle installation by allowing you to thread the seatbelt through a compartment that conveniently opens in the base, buckle it, and then simply snap the compartment closed. This method stood out as the easiest among all car seat bases we tested. All Britax infant car seats are compatible, utilizing a straightforward click-in and latch-out system.
But Take Note
Our primary critique of the Britax Grove is its dual brake system. It features separate brakes on each rear wheel without color indicators to show engagement. Both brakes must be engaged to fully secure the stroller. Engaging just one brake will prevent it from rolling away but still allows it to pivot.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 24 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 9.3 lbs. (seat); 10 lbs. (base)
- Stroller dimensions: 37 x 42 x 23.5 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–30 lbs., up to 32 in.
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PHOTO: Parents – Illustrating the adjustable footrest feature of the Britax Grove Modular Stroller, enhancing child comfort and adaptability.
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PHOTO: Parents – Demonstrating the easily adjustable safety harness of the Britax Grove Modular Stroller, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for the child.
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PHOTO: Parents – A full view of the Britax Grove Modular Stroller, showcasing its sleek design and compact footprint ideal for home storage.
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PHOTO: Parents – Large storage basket under the Britax Grove Modular Stroller, easily accessible and spacious enough for a diaper bag.
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PHOTO: Parents – Demonstrating the Britax Grove Modular Stroller’s smooth maneuverability over uneven terrain like gravel paths.
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PHOTO: Parents – One-hand folding feature of the Britax Grove Modular Stroller being demonstrated indoors, highlighting its ease of use for busy parents.
Best for a Smooth Ride
Graco Outpace LX Travel System
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PHOTO: Graco
$300 $240 at Amazon $300 at Target View on Gracobaby.com
Why We Like It
Often, travel systems are perceived as bulky and cumbersome, but the Graco Outpace LX defies this stereotype. We were pleasantly surprised by its exceptional handling of bumps and various terrains during our tests, providing an unusually smooth ride. We attribute this to Graco’s “ComfiTech” suspension system—a uniquely designed wavy bar under the seat that effectively absorbs shocks, preventing your baby from being jostled. The stroller’s rubber tires further contribute to cushioning and smooth transitions across different surfaces. Adding to its appeal is the surprisingly affordable price point of this travel system.
Maneuverability: If you are navigating tight spaces or living in a densely populated urban environment, the maneuverability of the Graco Outpace LX will be greatly appreciated. “It made surprisingly tight turns for a standard-size stroller and was exceptionally easy to push across gravel, carpet, and turf,” noted one of our testers.
Car Seat Installation: We found the car seat incredibly easy to click in and out of its base. To attach it to the stroller, simply recline the stroller seat and remove the snack tray; the car seat then seamlessly attaches to the bumper bar. Detaching the car seat from the base is equally straightforward, requiring just a press of a button.
But Take Note
In our lab tests, assembling this stroller proved to be somewhat challenging, taking over 25 minutes. Despite consulting the manual, the initial setup wasn’t immediately intuitive. Design-wise, we had minor concerns about the cupholder, which wasn’t deep enough to securely hold taller water bottles. This could be inconvenient for those who prefer larger hydration bottles or rely on oversized caffeine cups.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 19 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 7 lbs. (car seat), 11 lbs. (with base)
- Stroller dimensions: 32 x 25 x 39 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–30 lbs., up to 30 in.
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PHOTO: Parents – Showcasing the easy unfolding mechanism of the Graco Outpace LX Travel System, highlighting its convenience for quick setup.
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PHOTO: Parents – Illustrating the adjustable sun canopy of the Graco Outpace LX Travel System, providing ample shade and protection for the baby.
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PHOTO: Parents – Demonstrating the reclining seat feature of the Graco Outpace LX Travel System, offering comfort and flexibility for the child.
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PHOTO: Parents – Secure five-point harness system of the Graco Outpace LX Travel System, ensuring child safety and peace of mind.
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PHOTO: Parents – Demonstrating the folding mechanism of the Graco Outpace LX Travel System, making it easier to store and transport.
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PHOTO: Parents – Smooth ride of the Graco Outpace LX Travel System across gravel, highlighting its shock absorption and terrain versatility.
Best Luxury
NUNA RX Car Seat Travel System
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PHOTO: Courtesy of Nordstrom
$950 at Nordstrom View on Pottery Barn Kids
Why We Like It
The Nuna Mixx Next + Pipa RX Travel System exudes luxury with its sleek and aesthetically pleasing design. It not only feels premium but is also designed to grow with your child and offers dream-like maneuverability. This system is lightweight, featuring soft, comfortable, and highly durable fabrics.
The stroller arrives fully assembled, requiring just a quick glance at the instructions to understand the unfolding process—which is remarkably simple. The undercarriage cargo basket is capable of holding a diaper bag, though we wished for a bit more capacity. Thoughtful details abound, such as a leatherette carry handle, magnetic buckle holders to keep straps conveniently out of the way, an adjustable handlebar, and no-rethread harnesses. Additionally, the UPF 50+ canopy is water-repellent and includes an extendable sunshade, a flip-out eyeshade, a ventilation panel, and a peek-a-boo window.
Maneuverability: The stroller’s suspension system provides an exceptionally smooth ride, complemented by rubber wheels that offer excellent traction. Its overall lightweight nature makes it incredibly easy to maneuver in any setting. We particularly appreciate that it folds with the toddler seat attached and features a one-touch brake system for secure stops.
Car Seat Installation: The car seat is impressively light, weighing just over 7 pounds, making it effortless to carry and transfer between the base and stroller. Attaching and detaching the car seat from both the base and stroller is simple and can be done one-handed with the press of a button. The infant seat or toddler seat can also be positioned to face either forward or backward on the stroller frame, adding to its versatility.
But Take Note
Installing the car seat base in a vehicle proved to be more challenging compared to other combos we tested. The base installation took about 30 minutes, and we needed to consult both the manual and instructional videos. We eventually discovered that achieving successful LATCH system engagement requires a specific angle, making it more complicated than many other options we evaluated.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 28.5 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 7.6 lbs. (without base); 25.4 lbs. (with base)
- Stroller dimensions: 23.75 x 32.75 x 45.5 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–32 lbs., up to 32 in.
- Stroller age/weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs.
Best Budget
Graco Modes Pramette Travel System
PHOTO: Amazon
$300 $240 at Amazon $300 at Target View on Gracobaby.com
Why We Like It
The Graco Modes Pramette Travel System is one of the most affordable options available without compromising on essential features. It offers a surprisingly smooth ride and generous storage capacity. The fabric quality is commendable, and the spacious cargo basket easily accommodates necessities for both baby and parents. We appreciate additional features like a dedicated phone holder, a parent cup holder, a reclining toddler seat, and an adjustable canopy.
Maneuverability: This lightweight stroller boasts excellent gliding capability. It rolls smoothly across varied terrains and is easy to lift over curbs, even when carrying a 20-pound child and a diaper bag in the storage basket. The wheels maneuvered efficiently around corners and through simulated curvy paths in our lab tests.
Car Seat Installation: Installing the car seat base using the LATCH system is straightforward. The infant car seat felt secure and is reasonably lightweight at approximately 10 pounds. Attaching the car seat to the base is intuitive, and while detaching it is slightly more challenging (the release button is located under the canopy), it still pops in and out of the stroller easily with an audible click to confirm secure attachment.
But Take Note
We encountered minor difficulties during stroller assembly and detaching the toddler seat. The buttons on either side of the stroller seat require two hands to operate simultaneously. Additionally, the handlebar is non-adjustable, and one-handed stroller folding is not possible.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 20.9 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 9.8 lbs. (without base)
- Stroller dimensions: 23.5 x 34.5 x 44.75 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.
- Stroller age/weight limit: Up to 50 lbs.
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PHOTO: Parents – Adjustable canopy of the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System, showing its extendable sun visor for enhanced sun protection.
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PHOTO: Parents – Easy-to-unfold frame of the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System, demonstrating its user-friendly design for quick setup.
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PHOTO: Parents – Car seat base installation for the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System, showing stable and secure setup.
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PHOTO: Parents – Parent easily pushing the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System, highlighting its smooth ride and maneuverability in everyday use.
Best for City Use
Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat Stroller System
$550 at Amazon $550 at Target $550 at Nordstrom
Why We Like It
The Doona is a unique all-in-one system, seamlessly combining a car seat and stroller into a single unit. The car seat transforms into a stroller in mere seconds, featuring fold-down wheels and a telescoping handlebar. It’s an exceptional space-saver, ideal for urban dwellers, frequent users of ride-sharing services, or public transportation. We highly recommend it for families seeking a quick, simple solution for short trips in and out of the car.
Maneuverability: We were impressed by the Doona’s maneuverability, especially considering its 17-pound weight. It offers a smooth glide on most surfaces, although its lack of suspension made us question its performance on very rough or uneven terrain. Its compact and narrow profile is perfect for navigating crowded city streets and tight spaces. While the stroller is comfortable and easy to clean, it lacks storage baskets or a cup holder, and the seat does not recline.
Car Seat Installation: Initially, we found attaching and detaching the seat from its base a bit tricky. It requires pressing a button on the base, which isn’t immediately intuitive, but becomes easier with practice. We had a similar learning curve with releasing the wheels; however, once you understand the mechanism, operation becomes straightforward.
But Take Note
The Doona’s handlebar is set quite low, which can be less comfortable for taller users. It also has a limited lifespan as it does not grow with your child beyond the 35-pound weight limit, requiring a separate stroller purchase as your child grows.
The Details:
- Stroller/car seat weight: 17 lbs.
- Stroller dimensions: 17.3 x 23.6 x 26 in.
- Car seat and stroller weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.
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PHOTO: Parents – Transforming the Doona car seat into a stroller, demonstrating its quick and easy conversion for city mobility.
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PHOTO: Parents – Compact and portable Doona car seat stroller, showcasing its all-in-one design and ease of handling.
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PHOTO: Parents – Ready-to-go Doona car seat stroller system, emphasizing its convenience for quick errands and city navigation.
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PHOTO: Parents – Folding the Doona car seat stroller, showing how it compactly folds back into a car seat for easy storage and transport.
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PHOTO: Parents – Installing the Doona car seat in a vehicle, highlighting its primary function as a safe and reliable car seat.
Best Handling
Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System
PHOTO: Amazon
$582 at Amazon $582 at Target View on Chiccousa.com
Why We Like It
The Chicco Corso travel system is notable for its stylish design, practical extra features, and a stroller that handles exceptionally well across almost any terrain. Its trendy aesthetic, featuring mixed colors and leather accents, makes it stand out, and it’s packed with convenient features like a parent cup holder, a removable child handlebar, and an extendable canopy for comprehensive sun coverage. The generous cargo basket is another significant plus, offering ample storage.
We especially appreciate the stroller’s simple one-handed fold, which one tester remarked, “can be easily managed even while holding a baby.” The stroller adapts as your child grows, offering a comfortable toddler seat that can be positioned to face either direction, providing great value for its price.
Maneuverability: This travel system moves effortlessly, even with a car seat attached and a fully loaded cargo space. It maneuvers surprisingly well on nearly all surfaces; we only experienced minor issues when navigating a particularly uneven sidewalk.
Car Seat Installation: Installing the car seat base in the car using the LATCH system took only a few minutes. We had no problems attaching and detaching the car seat with just one hand, and throughout our tests, each component felt robust and secure.
But Take Note
One aspect to be aware of is that this system requires an adapter to connect the car seat to the stroller. While this adapter is included, it necessitates using two hands to assemble the car seat and stroller and to connect the car seat to its base.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 18.7 lbs., 24.8 lbs. with toddler seat
- Car seat weight: 10 lbs. (seat), 18.5 lbs. (with base)
- Stroller dimensions: 34.5 x 24.8 x 42.8 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.
- Stroller age/weight limit: 50 lbs.
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PHOTO: Parents – Quick and easy unfolding of the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System, showcasing its convenient setup for parents on the go.
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PHOTO: Parents – Stylish and modern design of the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System, suitable for contemporary parents.
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PHOTO: Parents – Smooth handling of the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System, demonstrating its ease of pushing and maneuverability during walks.
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PHOTO: Parents – Secure car seat installation of the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System, ensuring safety and stability in vehicles.
Best Jogging Stroller
BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack
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$850 at Amazon View on Bobgear.com View on Albeebaby.com
Why We Like It
The BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack is designed to excel as both an everyday stroller and a high-performance jogging stroller, thanks to its specialized features. It includes a hand brake, a wrist strap for added safety during runs, a Velcro-closure mesh peek-a-boo window, an adjustable canopy, and parent-friendly features like a cup holder. The cargo area also features a zipper closure, preventing items from falling out during jogs and runs.
Maneuverability: Despite its robust, heavy-duty construction, the BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack is surprisingly effortless to maneuver. Even with the front swivel wheel locked—a setting typically challenging for jogging strollers—our experienced runner testers found it unusually easy to handle. The stroller navigated turns and various surfaces with ease, and the suspension system ensured a smooth ride, even on gravel. A key feature for joggers is that while the locked wheel maintains a straight path, it still allows for slight left or right adjustments to navigate through crowds when needed.
Car Seat Installation: The car seat and base combination is on the heavier side, weighing nearly 20 pounds, and we found it somewhat difficult to snap securely into the base. However, once installed, the entire unit felt very secure and stable without any wobbling.
But Take Note
Adjusting the car seat straps can be cumbersome and time-consuming, potentially requiring fabric removal. Folding this stroller is also more involved due to its many features designed for maximum durability.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 31.1 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 9.3 lbs. (car seat), 10.2 lbs. (base)
- Stroller dimensions: 28.1 x 24.11 x 16.9 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–30 lbs., up to 32 in.
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PHOTO: Parents – Close-up of the secure seatbelt system of the BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack, ensuring child safety during jogging and everyday use.
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PHOTO: Parents – Durable and sporty design of the BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack, ready for both jogging and everyday strolling.
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PHOTO: Parents – Convenient parent cup holder on the BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack, a practical feature for jogging parents.
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PHOTO: Parents – Smooth maneuverability of the BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack on even surfaces, highlighting its ease of use for everyday strolls.
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PHOTO: Parents – Zippered cargo area of the BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack, preventing items from falling out during active use like jogging.
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PHOTO: Parents – Folding process of the BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack, showing its compact fold for storage despite its robust build.
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PHOTO: Parents – Agile maneuverability of the BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack, navigating tight corners and spaces with ease, ideal for active parents.
Best Lightweight Car Seat
Bugaboo Fox 5 Bassinet and Stroller
PHOTO: Bugaboo
$1,099 at Amazon $1,099 at Target $1,299 $1,100 at Nordstrom
Why We Like It
The Bugaboo Fox 5 Stroller is compatible with the excellent Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna car seat (sold separately). We tested this car seat with the Bugaboo Fox 5 and found the travel system to be thoughtfully designed, simple to use, and remarkably lightweight. The stroller itself is also lightweight yet sturdy, offering just the right amount of space in its under-seat basket, snack tray, and cup holder. While it is a larger stroller, it’s important to consider storage space if you plan to keep it indoors.
Maneuverability: Our tester could effortlessly maneuver the Bugaboo with just one hand, making sharp turns and gliding through doorways with ease. Even with cargo in the seat and basket, it turned on a dime across all terrains. The brakes are also highly responsive, allowing for immediate stops.
Car Seat Installation: We are currently finalizing our tests of the compatible Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna car seat and recline base. Installation requires adapters, which are conveniently included with this bundle. The reclining base features a color-coded chart indicating the correct recline position based on your baby’s weight, with easy adjustments as needed. Installing the car seat base involves several steps as outlined in the product manual, but once set up, the base is exceptionally secure.
But Take Note
Converting the bassinet to a seat is challenging and typically requires two adults. Our testers noted it was quite a strenuous task. However, this conversion is a one-time process. Despite claims of one-handed folding, we found that it actually requires two hands to fold the stroller effectively.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 22.97 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 7.06 lbs. (car seat)
- Stroller dimensions: 36.6 x 23.6 x 41.3 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4 to 32 lbs., 15.7 to 32.6 in.
- Stroller age/weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs.
Best Convertible
Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System
PHOTO: Amazon
$490 $392 at Amazon $490 at Target $400 at Walmart Affiliate Program
Why We Like It
The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is a versatile three-in-one travel system, transforming from an infant car seat carrier to an infant pramette and then to a toddler stroller. We appreciate its useful features, such as an expandable cargo area, ideal for full-day outings—particularly convenient for city residents who often walk to stores. It also includes cup holders for both parents and children, along with a snack tray. Adjustability is another highlight; you can adjust the seat height to your preference, and while the fabric has a slightly textured feel, it appears more premium than its price suggests.
Maneuverability: The stroller glides smoothly over various terrains and is surprisingly easy to lift up stairs. Without a child, it feels lightweight. It folds for vehicle transport or storage, though a two-handed fold is required.
Car Seat Installation: With guidance from the manual, car seat installation was generally straightforward, although stroller assembly was a bit challenging. We had no issues installing the car seat base using the LATCH system (it also feels secure with seat belt installation). Attaching and detaching both the car seat and toddler seat from the stroller was seamless. At just 7.5 pounds, the car seat is exceptionally lightweight, making it a great option if you frequently carry it around.
But Take Note
The stroller can feel a bit heavy to push, especially with a child in the infant seat, and it is on the larger side compared to other strollers.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 21.96 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 7.5 lbs.
- Stroller dimensions: 38 x 26.77 x 41.85 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.
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PHOTO: Parents – Versatile configurations of the Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System, showcasing its adaptability as a car seat carrier, pramette, and toddler stroller.
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PHOTO: Parents – Easy conversion of the Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System, demonstrating its user-friendly design for transitioning between modes.
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PHOTO: Parents – Car seat base installation for the Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System, ensuring a secure and proper fit in vehicles.
Other Notable Car Seat and Stroller Combos
We also evaluated several other car seat and stroller combinations. While they didn’t make our top recommendations, they are still worth considering: [List of other combos from original article would be placed here if available]
Our Testing Process
Parents editors, staff, and real parents put 23 car seat and stroller combos through rigorous testing in our lab and in real-life scenarios over several months. We re-evaluated our findings at two-month and six-month intervals. Each car seat was tested both independently and as part of a travel system, focusing on:
- Ease of Assembly: We assembled each stroller, noting the parts requiring attachment and the ease or difficulty of the process.
- Vehicle Installation: We timed the car seat base installation using both seat belts and the LATCH system, focusing on how easily the car seat clicked into and out of the base. We assessed if these actions could be performed one-handed and if they disturbed a sleeping baby.
- Stroller Compatibility: We checked how effortlessly the car seat attached to the stroller and whether it required one or two hands.
- Design: We evaluated the weight, features, adjustability, and overall size of both car seats and strollers.
- Maneuverability: We tested strollers across various terrains in controlled lab settings and real-world environments, including concrete, grass, rocks, and more, assessing stability and ease of navigating steps and curbs.
- Ease of Cleaning: Testers followed manufacturer cleaning instructions for each car seat, cleaning them at least once during the testing period.
- Value: At the end of the initial testing, we surveyed testers on whether they felt the travel system justified its price, if it was overpriced, or if they would pay the listed price or even more.
Our Experts
We consulted with the following experts to gather safety tips and essential features to consider when choosing a car seat and stroller combo: [List of experts from original article would be placed here if available]
Factors to Consider When Buying a Stroller Car Seat Combo
Beyond personal factors like budget and brand preference, consider these key points when selecting a stroller and car seat combo:
- Age, Weight, and Size Limits: Most car seat stroller combos have a car seat weight limit of 35 pounds (always verify the specific limits for your chosen brand). Travel systems with detachable infant car seats allow stroller use beyond the car seat phase, often exceeding the 35-pound limit for older infants.
- Stroller Size and Portability: Consider your lifting capacity when choosing a stroller weight. Opt for a lightweight model for easy vehicle loading and unloading. Easy folding is also crucial for storage in tight spaces and car trunks, enhancing overall portability.
- Maneuverability: A stroller should be easy to push and steer. Look for features like suspension systems and durable tires, which significantly improve handling, especially with the added weight of a child and car seat.
- Installation: Adhere to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safety guidelines for car seat base installation. Use either seat belts or the LATCH system, ensuring the car seat is tightly secured with no wiggle room. Infants should remain in rear-facing car seats as long as possible, until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. If unsure about installation or encountering issues, consult a certified car seat technician at cert.safekids.org.
Is Buying an Infant Car Seat and Stroller Together Worth It?
Travel systems offer significant convenience for active families and caregivers who are frequently on the go. Evaluate how often you’ll need to transfer your car seat to a stroller. If you anticipate frequent errands or outings with your baby, a travel system can save considerable time and effort. If such transitions are infrequent, purchasing separate car seats and strollers may suffice.
How to Use Infant Car Seats and Strollers Safely
Never assume car seat and stroller operation is intuitive. Always thoroughly read the manuals and assembly instructions. Many products now include QR codes for digital manuals on your phone for easy access.
Here are crucial safety tips:
- Ensure the stroller fits you: While stroller fit for your baby is obvious, ergonomic fit for the caregiver is equally important. “The stroller handle should be high enough to prevent hunching or back strain for the person pushing,” advises Stanton. Leaning over can lead to posture and back issues. Also, ensure comfortable access to features without strain. If you have multiple children or are often multitasking, consider one-hand operable travel systems.
- Know all safety features: Car seat safety is paramount. Ensure all safety features are user-friendly. Improperly installed car seats may fail in accidents or sudden stops. Similarly, for strollers, check for features like clearly indicated brake locks, “click-in” car seat installation confirmations, and level indicators. Also, check for potential pinch hazards from buttons or levers.
- Properly harness your baby: All U.S. travel systems and car seat stroller combos include a five-point harness. Safety experts recommend always using the harness, even when the car seat is outside the vehicle.
- Limit sleeping and strolling: The AAP advises that brief naps in properly installed infant seats are acceptable. However, for safe napping during strolls, consider travel systems with bassinet attachments.
- Register your combo: Product safety regulations are frequently updated. Registering your car seat and stroller is essential for recall notifications. Check the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s (CPSC) site for recall notices as well.
Who We Are
Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN, a labor and delivery nurse turned health and parenting writer for Parents and mother of five, has extensively written about parenting products, including car seats, strollers, and their combined use.
Anja Webb, associate editor at Parents, brings over eight years of editorial experience and a background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies, offering nuanced insights relevant to modern families.
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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to ensure factual accuracy in our articles. Review our editorial process for more on our fact-checking and content reliability.
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