For most parents, a stroller and a car seat are essential necessities. They are adaptable, simple to use, and wonderful space savers. These sets, also known as travel systems, typically include a car seat that can be quickly and easily attached to a matching stroller so you don’t have to waste time swapping your infant between the two.
Depending on what you need, a broad variety of car seat strollers are available. Others are made to work with carriers that must be purchased separately, while some come with the infant carrier. There are also stroller types that can be converted for older children, saving you from having to buy a brand-new stroller just because your growing child is no longer a baby. We have gathered the best travel systems so that your family may travel in comfort and style.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Travel System: Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
- Best Budget-Friendly Travel System: Graco FastAction SE
- Most Versatile Travel System: Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System With SafeMax Car Seat
- Best Travel System For Growing Families: UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller
- Best Lightweight Travel System: Graco NimbleLite
- Best Travel System For Jogging: Baby Trend Expedition Jogger
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Strollers with Car Seat (Travel Systems) Picks
Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base – Best Overall Travel System
- Perfect for quick trips to stores if you don’t need a lot of items
- Can go from airport to cab to site-seeing in minutes
- Ease of opening and closing wheels
- Smooth movement in stroller mode
- Might be too low for tall people
- Not much storage
Transforming from a car seat to a stroller in a matter of seconds, the Doona car seat is designed with ease and convenience in mind. With just one simple motion, it can be converted into a stroller. The car seat includes a 5-point harness and an adjustable handlebar that doubles as an anti-rebound bar inside the car, providing added safety and protection.
The Doona car seat is also equipped with 3 Layer Side Impact Protection to ensure your child is safe in the event of an accident. The removable and washable car seat fabric is made from baby-safe materials and breathable textiles, such as bamboo and memory foam, ensuring your little one’s comfort.
Approved by the FAA for aircraft travel, this car seat and Latch base is perfect for families who love to travel.
- Weight Limit: 4-35 lbs
- Height Limit: 7-32 inches
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Graco FastAction SE – Best Budget-Friendly Travel System
- Easy to snap the car seat into the stroller and base
- The car seat is so simple to install
- Lightweight
- Folds up for easy storage
- The stroller folds easily but it’s bulky
The Graco FastAction SE Travel System features a compact design with a 25% smaller fold than the regular FastAction stroller. With its one-second, one-hand fold feature, the stroller is easy to carry around when you’re on the go. It also has a spacious storage basket, a parent’s tray with two deep cup holders, and a detachable child’s tray with cup holders.
Furthermore, the stroller can stand independently when folded. The FastAction SE Travel System also comes with the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite Infant Car Seat, making it an excellent choice for all your child’s adventures.
- Weight Limit: 4-30 lbs
- Height Limit: up to 30 inches
Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System With SafeMax Car Seat – Most Versatile Travel System
- The cost of this travel system is affordable, especially given all of its features
- Very easy to switch between modes
- The stroller frame is easy to fold, though it requires two hands
- The stroller has a large basket for carrying diaper bags and other gear
- The stroller requires two hands to steer
- The carriage piece cannot be used as a bassinet by itself
Looking for a versatile travel stroller that can meet all your needs? Look no further than the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System. This travel system includes the SafeMax Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat and SafeZone Base, and features a modular frame with six different configuration options, allowing your child to face either forwards or backwards.
The stroller is easily convertible into carriage mode, toddler mode, or an infant car seat frame stroller, with a recommended height for the toddler seat of up to 38 inches (96 cm) and a weight limit of 35 pounds at a height of up to 32 inches.
The SafeMax Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat is not only comfortable with its detachable body cushion but has also undergone rigorous rollover and side-impact testing, featuring an anti-rebound bar to reduce movement in the event of a frontal impact. With built-in belt lock-off technology, you can have peace of mind that the base has been securely and correctly installed.
- Weight Limit: 4-35 lbs
- Height Limit: up to 38 inches
UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller – Best Travel System For Growing Families
- Very easy to install
- It can be used for 2 kids simultaneously
- Easy to collapse and fit in the car
- Big wheels make for a very smooth ride
- You can’t operate it with one hand
The VISTA V2 stroller is designed to evolve alongside families and can be configured in various ways. This stroller comes with functional improvements that simplify parenting while also boasting design upgrades that position it as a high-performance stroller system.
It offers limitless possibilities for seat combinations, including two bassinets, two MESA Infant Car Seats, and two forward-facing, reclining seats. The VISTA V2 also serves as a high-performance travel system with easy direct installation for the MESA infant car seat, without the need for adapters.
Other features include an enhanced full-size forward-facing toddler seat, adjustable shock-absorbing front, and back suspension, and a canopy with a zip-out UPF 50+ sunshade for extra sun protection.
- Weight Limit: 4-30 lbs
- Height Limit: up to 38 inches
Graco NimbleLite – Best Lightweight Travel System
- Canopy has a peekaboo window
- Smooth ride and feels sturdy
- There is fabric on the sides to help keep the baby from rolling out
- Opens and closes very smoothly and with one hand
- Canopy peekaboo doesn’t have anything to keep it in place so the wind would blow it open
The NimbleLite Travel System by Graco features a lightweight stroller and the SnugRide 35 Lite Infant Car Seat. Weighing under 15 lbs, this stroller comes equipped with cup holders for both parents and children, a parent’s tray with storage, and a spacious storage basket. The stroller has a one-step, compact fold for on-the-go convenience.
The SnugRide 35 Lite Infant Car Seat easily attaches to the stroller with a one-step connection, allowing for a seamless transition from car to stroller. This portable design provides everything you need, including a large storage basket with front access for easy accessibility. A large canopy with a visor shields your child while strolling, and a peek-a-boo window lets you keep an eye on your little one.
- Weight Limit: 4-35 lbs
- Height Limit: up to 32 inches
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger – Best Travel System For Jogging
- It’s pretty easy to change the size and fit your newborn
- The latch system is relatively easy to install
- It folds down very easily
- Turning is extremely easy and smooth
- A bit difficult to get the leveling correct with the seat
The Baby Trend Expedition Travel System includes the EZ Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat with Lock Car Base and a 3-Wheel Jogger. The stroller features a front swivel wheel that can be locked for running or unlocked for smooth strolling. The all-terrain bike tires have a quick-release mechanism for easy storage.
Moreover, the stroller comes with a parent tray equipped with two cup holders, covered storage, and a spacious storage basket. The adjustable canopy has a peek-a-boo window that can be adjusted to protect your baby from the sun and wind. The push handle is ergonomically curved, extra wide, and foam-cushioned.
The stroller also has a child’s tray with cup holders that can hold the infant car seat. It features a multi-position reclining, cushioned seat with a fully adjustable 5-point safety harness and tether strap. The EZ Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat is suitable for infants weighing between 4 to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches tall.
- Weight Limit: 4-50 lbs
- Height Limit: up to 42 inches
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
- With the base, the car seat is so easy to install and gives you peace of mind that you’ve installed it correctly
- The car seat ranks consistently high on Consumer Reports (in the top five) and the seat is also approved for use on airplanes
- The basket at the bottom
- Easy to fold the stroller and put it in the trunk of car
- The cover over the stroller clicks very loudly when raised and lowered
This stroller boasts a large adjustable canopy and a kid tray complete with two cup holders for snacks and drinks on-the-go. With a five-point harness and multi-position reclining backrest, the stroller can be used for larger infants and toddlers.
For younger babies, the Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat can easily be clicked into place on the kid tray thanks to the click-in connection. When it’s time to fold up the stroller, the seat cushion rises to reveal a folding handle, which can be effortlessly engaged with one hand. As the stroller is folded up, the front wheels rotate inward simultaneously to keep it upright for easy handling and storage.
The folding handle doubles as a convenient carry handle for parents on the go. With full suspension and front swivel wheels, the stroller delivers a smooth ride in any configuration. Plus, the one-touch brakes keep the stroller safely parked when you need to take a break.
- Weight Limit: 4-30 lbs
- Height Limit: up to 30 inches
Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System
- Very easy to push with a nice smooth ride
- The color red indicates all areas on the seat that can be adjusted, making guesswork unnecessary
- The car seat feels incredibly sturdy, safe, and secure
- Big storage basket and pockets on the back of the stroller for additional storage
- The chair is rather heavy
- Britax says the fabric is all spot clean, so there’s nothing you can detach and throw in the wash when it gets soiled
The B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System provides a secure and comfortable travel experience, thanks to its lightweight design and all-wheel suspension. You can easily store your baby’s essentials in the spacious storage basket with front access. The one-handed fast fold allows for easy storage and continued use. The B-Safe® Gen2 baby car seat features a SafeCell crumple zone and a high-strength steel base for added safety.
Your child will enjoy a comfortable ride in the roomy seat and soft-touch knit fabric that is tagless. The SafeWash cover is machine washable and inherently flame-resistant, ensuring your child’s safety. Installing the car seat securely is a breeze with the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH system. Simply connect the lower anchors, tighten the straps, and snap the carrier into the base.
- Weight Limit: 4-35 lbs
- Height Limit: up to 32 inches
Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System
- Lots of storage space & cup holders
- Easy to fold and unfold the stroller
- Pieces fit smoothly
- Easy to clean
- The latches to attach the car seat pieces to the car is small and annoying to use
The Smooth Ride Travel System eliminates the typical stroller issues and provides a hassle-free stroll for you. With flip-flop-friendly brakes and agile wheels, the stroller maneuvers easily around corners and can be locked in place.
The extra-large canopy provides ample shade and can be extended for additional coverage. A large peek-a-boo window provides ventilation and lets you keep an eye on your child while strolling. Both parent and child trays offer a place to store small items, while the spacious storage basket accommodates bulkier items.
At the end of the day, the lift-to-fold design simplifies the process of storing the stroller. No need to struggle with complicated folding mechanisms, just lift, fold and you’re done.
- Weight Limit: 4-35 lbs
- Height Limit: up to 32 inches
Maxi-Cosi Zelia²Max 5-in-1 Modular Travel System
- The car seat fabric can be removed for washing
- The stroller is super easy to maneuver, and the front wheels can even be locked if you want to jog or are walking on a straight trail
- The three recline positions for the toddler seat are great
- The canopy fully extends to provide great shade
- The infant seat connects with the latch connectors, but on one belt, so it makes it a little tricky to get the seat installed super tightly
This stroller boasts a lightweight and appealing design, offering five modes to ensure maximum comfort. The carriage mode can recline fully for peaceful sleep, and as the infant grows, it converts easily to a toddler seat that can face the parent or the outside world.
Adjusting the seat angle is simple with the raised lever conveniently located at the top of the seat, while folding and closing the seat is made easy by pressing a button and lifting it. The slimmer frame enhances maneuverability and accommodates a larger seat as your child grows.
Plus the handle and bumper bar trims are adorned with textured vegan leather covers, adding a stylish finishing touch. The extended MaxShade canopy and mesh peekaboo window improve ventilation while maintaining visibility, and the spacious basket provides ample storage space for accessories. Additionally, the handle height is adjustable to suit your needs.
- Weight Limit: 4-30 lbs
- Height Limit: up to 32 inches
How To Choose The Best Car Seat And Stroller Combo?
- Height and Weight Limits: Before making a purchase, look into the model’s height and weight restrictions. These requirements will vary based on the particular car seat and stroller combination (1).
- Safety: It’s good to know that all car seats on the market meet the federal car seat standards and are safe if used correctly. However, it’s crucial to note that using the car seat correctly is essential. Every family has different needs when it comes to safety features. Some families may want the easiest base install, while others might prioritize car seats that offer simple harness adjustments for a growing baby (2).
- Use: The question is whether you’re searching for a car seat that can grow with your child or just something to make your jogging visits to the park more convenient. You should choose a car seat and stroller combo that suits your lifestyle demands based on how you want to use it.
- Ease of use: You should look for a car seat and stroller set that is portable, simple to assemble, and can be quickly and easily transferred between a car and a stroller.
- Extra Features: While going with a basic choice will save you money, certain car seat and stroller combinations provide fantastic features that really make a difference. Examples are a large UV canopy, storage baskets, trays, and cupholders.
What Is A Travel System?
A car seat and a stroller that are connected together are called a travel system. You only need to remove the car seat’s base from the backseat and clip it into the stroller. Combo offers are often more cost-effective and are guaranteed to function together. Just keep in mind that not all brands are compatible, so you may need to purchase additional adapters if you are planning to purchase them separately.
Do You Need A Travel System?
Until your infant can sit up unsupported, which typically occurs around six months of age, your stroller is not ideal for them (3). This is especially true if it doesn’t have a bassinet attachment or fully reclines, and isn’t licensed for newborn usage. And even then, every time you want to switch your baby from the car seat to the stroller, you’ll still need to shift them.
Is It Better To Have Car Seat Stroller Combo?
Using a baby car seat and stroller set has a few major advantages. You can save money by getting a stroller and car seat combo. The inclusion of amenities like sunshades or storage baskets makes many infant car seats and strollers more practical for parents. A baby car seat and stroller set might be invaluable if you have more than one child. It makes it possible for you to transport all of your kids without having to hold them in your arms, which is harder as they grow older.
How Long Can Baby Stay In Car Seat Stroller?
A baby should not be in a car seat for more than 2 hours in a 24-hour period, according to several car seat manufacturers. This is due to the risks that might arise from keeping a newborn in a semi-upright position for an extended length of time, including a strain on the baby’s spine, which is still growing.
Can I Use Car Seat On Stroller With Newborn?
Only strollers that can fully recline are safe for infants less than three months. A convertible stroller, on the other hand, will accompany your child from birth until they are a toddler. In most cases, these also let you use a car seat on the frame.
