Finding the perfect stroller and car seat combo (travel system) can be so overwhelming and stressful. There are so many different brands, colors, and styles. Then you also have to consider safety and price. But safety is more important than looks. After all, you are transporting precious cargo.
I researched car seats and strollers for hours when I was pregnant. I didn’t realize how many existed or that they even came together as a travel system! My head was spinning. I read all the reviews, and all the safety features and tried to compare them all. But after much research, I finally found the one!
I’ve made a list of important factors and done the research so you don’t have to!
What exactly is a stroller and car seat combo (travel system)?
Travel systems are a rear facing infant car seat with a base that hooks into your vehicle. The car seat can be removed from the base and can hook into a stroller.
There are a few factors you want to take into consideration when looking for the perfect combo.
1. Safety
This needs to be your top priority. You want to make sure the combo you pick is safe for your baby. Most brands will put safety features in the description. If they aren’t listed, make sure you go directly to the manufacturer’s website to check them out.
Safety features to look for
- wide straps so they can’t easily be twisted
- 5-point harness system
- Two piece chest clip
- Head impact protection
- Removable infant insert
Make sure you pay attention to the size of the car seat to make sure it fits in your vehicle. Most car seats are pretty standard and fit in all vehicles. Check the car seat recommended use for weight. You want to make sure your newborn can go in the car seat after birth. Most infant car seats recommended weight are 4-35 lbs. but some do vary.
2. Weight
The last thing you want to do after you have a baby is lug a heavy car seat around to doctor appointments. Lightweight combo sets are a must. The car seat weight is more important than the stroller. But you also want to make sure the stroller is lightweight so you can easily fold it to pick it up to put in your trunk.
3. Brand
Some brands are just better than others. When it comes to a lot of baby products, the brand truly doesn’t matter. But car seats really matter with brands! I recommend going with a well-known brand. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “You get what you pay for”. Don’t take the cheap way out. Spend a few extra bucks to make sure your baby is safe. With that being said, you don’t need to spend $600. There are many affordable combos.
4. Type of stroller
There are a few different types of strollers. You can choose one depending on your lifestyle. There are jogging strollers, double strollers, and regular strollers. There are a few others but these 3 are the main ones for stroller and car seat combos.
-Jogging strollers have 3 wheels. The tires are usually air-filled and you guessed it, they’re meant for jogging! They can handle rough and rocky terrain.
-Double strollers can fit two children. These are a little harder to find in a stroller car seat combo. This is definitely ideal if you have a young child and a newborn.
-Regular strollers have either 3 or 4 wheels. They’re easy for maneuvering on streets and in stores. They have normal sized rubber tires.
Always read the reviews. As with any product, there are always going to be negative reviews. Some negative reviews may come from stroller assembly or difficulty folding the stroller. Or it could just be user error. You have to weigh the pros and the cons to find the perfect one!
Note – stroller and car seat combos usually only come with one base. So if you plan on having your baby in more than one vehicle often, you’ll have to buy another base. Make sure you can purchase another base easily. Or plan to buy another car seat.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission for my recommendations and/or links to any products or services listed below at no cost to you.
4 Stroller and Car Seat Combos I recommend
1. Graco Modes Nest Travel System
This stroller can go into 3 different positions – infant car seat carrier, infant bassinet & toddler stroller. This is amazing and I truly wish I could’ve had this combo when my son was an infant. Having the stroller convert to a bassinet is perfect for naps on the go. The car seat recommended weight is 4-35 lbs and up to 32”. One car seat base is included! It’s very lightweight and folds easily. There is plenty of room for your diaper bag, toys, etc in the extra-large storage basket. All main safety features have been met. The car seat only weighs 7.2 lbs! This travel system has a 4.8-star rating and is priced at $379.99 on Amazon!
2. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
The stroller has 3 different modes – frame stroller, travel system, and toddler stroller. The toddler seat in the stroller is removable so you can just hook in the car seat if you’d like for the frame stroller. The stroller has a one-hand smart fold so it will fold very easily. There’s a UPF canopy to protect your baby from the sun. The push handle is adjustable and the stroller has storage and cup holders for parents. The car seat has a 5-point harness. A removable infant insert is included for newborns weighing 4-11 lbs. This is the #1 rated infant car seat so safety is number one! The car seat only weighs 9.5 lbs. This combo also has a 4.8-star rating and is priced at $399.99 on Amazon.
3. Chicco Viaro Quick-Fold Travel System
The stroller can be reclined for multiple positions for your toddler. There are 2 cups holders for your child. The stroller also has a storage compartment and 2 cup holders for parents. In addition, this stroller has a one-hand fold making it extremely easy to fold. The car seat has a 5-point harness as well as a removable infant insert. The car seat clicks into the included base effortlessly. And It really does! I have this combo and installing the base and car seat is so easy. All safety factors are checked off. The car seat weighs 9.6 lbs. This travel system also has a 4.8-star rating and is priced at $332.99-$349.99 on Amazon.
4. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System with SafeMax Infant Car Seat
This stroller can be a single or double stroller and it can be configured in 22 different ways! There is an extra-large storage basket that can hold up to 10 lbs. The stroller handle is adjustable for parents. There is a flex cup holder to fit different-sized beverages. The car seat has a 5-point harness as well as an anti-rebound bar to help increase stability in a car accident. The car seat recommended weight is 4-34 lbs. One car seat base is included! The car seat weighs 7.6 lbs. This travel system has all safety features! This combo has a 4.7-star rating and is priced at $414.49 on Amazon.
Looking for the safest and perfect stroller and car seat combo can honestly be exhausting. You want to make sure your baby is safe. But you also want the travel system to look nice, be lightweight and have enough storage.
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