Among the many baby gears that you’ll need, an infant car seat and a stroller are probably the very first two items that you will get. You can buy both separately, or you can knock these two big items off your baby checklist with just one swipe of the credit card on a stroller car seat combo.
Also known as a travel system, this two-piece set features an infant car seat that clips onto a matching stroller so that you don’t have to fuss unbuckling baby from one seat and strapping them into another.
There is quite the few best car seat stroller combo options on the market so choosing one can be a tad overwhelming, but read on and we’re pretty sure you’ll find just your best match!
What is the best car seat stroller combo for most families? Our top pick is the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System – it strikes the perfect balance between performance and price while the Doona is a no-brainer if you’re going for the car seat with wheels design. UPPAbaby makes the best travel system for multiples but you can find a cheaper alternative in the Graco Modes Nest. For the ultimate best affordable travel system, Safety 1st’s Smooth Ride is one that you cannot go wrong with.
Our Top 8 Best Car Seat Stroller Combo Picks – A Quick Summary
What Is A Stroller Car Seat Combo?
Whilst a baby travel system typically consists of an infant car seat and a compatible full-size, standalone stroller, you can also get a one-piece car seat stroller nowadays where they are combined in one item.
There are also the three-piece ones with an additional bassinet – whatever the configuration, travel system strollers offer great convenience when bringing baby from point A to point B without all the fuss. Just unclip the car seat from its base in the backseat and snap it to the stroller frame, then off you go.
A stroller travel system can be purchased in two ways:
- As a package deal from the same brand (the ones we’re reviewing here); or
- As a DIY set where car seat and stroller are from different brands.
Package deals will no doubt be the more economical option here as they do not require additional accessories but if your preferred car seat and stroller come from different brands, that is doable too with some of the most popular models often being compatible with other top brands. Buying adapters separately will, in any case, solve the issue most of the time nevertheless.
Find more information at the end of this guide:
Best Car Seat Stroller Combo Reviews
BEST TRAVEL SYSTEM OVERALL
Dimensions: 34 x 25.5 x 47 inches
Weight: 38 pounds
Car Seat Weight (Height) Limit: 4 to 35 lbs. (up to 32 inches)
Stroller Weight (Height) Limit: from birth up to 50 lbs. (up to 38 inches)
- Higher-end features at affordable price
- 6 stroller seating configurations
- Self-standing fold
- Anti-rebound bar
- Removable body pillow included in car seat
- Meet and exceed federal safety standards
- Cruiser tires with thread for smooth navigation
- Wide stroller frame can make navigating tighter spaces difficult
- Takes a bit of practice to familiarize with the car seat-to-stroller attachment
Why We Love It
The perfect balance between features/performance and a reasonable price point is what makes us determine the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System to be the best stroller car seat combo in an overall aspect. This one here offers features that we’d expect from much pricier strollers, but at a price that will suit most families’ budget.
In particular, the option to turn the toddler seat into a newborn bassinet is something we didn’t expect from a stroller carseat combo at this price point. Its modular frame otherwise converts to an infant car seat frame where you can just pop the car seat onto it (the base stays in the car) for an easy transition between car and stroller.
Speaking of which, the car seat that’s included is the SafeMax model which far exceeds industry standards with a base made of impact-absorbing materials and an anti-rebound bar that deflects the force of a crash. It has an integrated belt lock-off system that gives peace of mind of a proper and secure installation and it can accommodate a newborn comfortably up till 35 lbs.
Other features include a removable bumper bar, adjustable canopy, removable child tray and large cruiser tires that makes navigation across most terrain a breeze. If you’re looking for an affordable double stroller with car seat, the Pivot also comes in an Xpand Modular Travel System version too.
Things To Take Note Of
BEST ONE-PIECE TRAVEL SYSTEM
Dimensions: 31 x 18 x 18 inches
Weight: 19.7 pounds
Car Seat/Stroller Weight (Height) Limit: 3 to 35 lbs. (15.7 up to 32 inches)
- All in one car seat stroller
- Small minimum weight requirement – perfect for smaller babies/preemies
- Lightweight and compact for easy travel
- FAA Aircraft Approved for travel
- Stroller handle doubles as car seat anti-rebound bar
- Ideal if you’re in and out different vehicles
- No storage basket
- Limited usage span (babies typically outgrow it within 2 years)
Why We Love It
Be it the best infant car seat or the best baby stroller list, you’ll surely see traces of the Doona. Indeed, being an infant car seat and a stroller all in one single piece, this innovative take on the travel system is the epitome of flexibility and convenience – the world’s very first of its kind.
Ideal for travel, this one-piece car seat stroller combo weighs just 16.5 pounds so if you’ll be switching cars often, this is the one to get. It works safely with or without its LATCH base – tuck the wheels in and attach using the backseat’s seat belt in any vehicle, pop the wheels out and it instantly converts into a stroller.
The only car seat that turns into a stroller in the world that is tested and certified as an infant car seat, a stroller and an infant car seat carrier, it has a clever design that renders the adjustable handlebar into an anti-rebound bar in car seat mode. FAA Aircraft Approved for travel, you can wheel it right up to the gate and attach it into your airplane seat thereafter.
The whole car seat fabric is removable and washable (which is pretty necessary with all the travelling) and the smaller weight requirement (3 lbs.) means even the littlest baby can use it right from day one (infant insert and head support included).
Things To Take Note Of
While the convenience of a one-piece stroller with car seat design is unbeatable, the Doona doesn’t have a long usage span. You’ll have to retire it once baby hits the 35 lbs. or 32” limitation (whichever comes first) and purchase another forward-facing infant car seat and stroller. At this price, we can understand why some parents may prefer a longer-term investment.
It also doesn’t take bumps that well (it is not a full-size stroller after all) and there is no storage basket for your baby stuffs.
That said, the whole car seat stroller in one concept does have its appeal so if you really like it, we have another new player in town – the Evenflo Shyft DualRide Infant Car Seat and Stroller Combo. Gaining momentum in this once-dominated field with advanced features such as SensorSafe technology and the likes, this is another stroller car seat option you can consider.
BEST TRAVEL SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLES
Dimensions: 26.5 x 17.5 x 23 inches (car seat); 61.2 x 41.3 x 36 inches (stroller)
Weight: 20 lbs. (car seat); 27 lbs. (stroller)
Car Seat Weight (Height) Limit: 4 to 35 lbs. (up to 32 inches)
Stroller Weight (Height) Limit: from birth to 20 lbs. (bassinet); from 3 months up to 50 lbs. (toddler seat)
- 3 in 1 car seat stroller
- Tons of configurations
- Grows with your family – push 2 or 3 kids with extra attachments
- Easy to steer and rolls smoothly
- Smart Secure car seat system
- Include bassinet, rain cover and mesh shield
- Luxury features
- Made in USA
- Most expensive travel system on our list
- Heavy
Why We Love It
This travel system combines two of our favourites – the UPPAbaby Vista V2 and the Mesa Infant Car Seat in one, the former of which is voted the ‘Best Convertible Stroller’ while the latter is one of the easiest-to-install infant car seat to date.
This is the perfect bundle for multiples/growing families because it can accommodate two infant car seats, two bassinets and countless other combinations depending on your situation. Convert the Vista into a double with the addition of either the brand’s RumbleSeat V2 or Piggyback or get both and you can push three children along!
The Mesa car seat clips into your vehicle in seconds with the brand’s Smart Secure system and it attaches directly onto the full-size convertible stroller frame without any adaptors, likewise with the included bassinet. The seat is reversible (as are the toddler seats) while a newly upgraded spring-action all-wheel suspension and slightly softer tires enhance the pushing experience on any ground surface.
Both infant car seat and stroller boast high-end features you’d expect from a price point like this: adjustable handlebar to accommodate adults of different heights, 100% full-grain leather accents, one-handed fold, height-adjustable SPF 50 canopy, and an ultra-spacious storage basket.
Things To Take Note Of
The high price point may not be for everyone but this convertible car seat stroller has everything you need to travel with your baby from day one right through the toddler years. It is also on the heavy side so it can be tough to push, especially when it is fully loaded with two children.
For growing families with a smaller budget, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System is a cheaper alternative to consider. The frame of this one here can be expanded in seconds with an easy slide and lock system to accommodate a second toddler or infant seat, all without extra parts or adapters.
BEST AFFORDABLE TRAVEL SYSTEM
Dimensions: 33 x 20.5 x 18.5 inches
Weight: 14.9 lbs. (car seat); 24 lbs. (stroller)
Car Seat Weight (Height) Limit: 4 to 35 lbs.
Stroller Weight (Height) Limit: from birth up to 50 lbs.
- Great value
- Easy to fold (stand on its own)
- Lightweight
- Impressive features and accessories
- May not handle bumps as well as other strollers on this list
Why We Love It
For a baby car seat and stroller that doesn’t break the bank, the Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System may easily be your best affordable stroller car seat combo with a price tag under $200. When you have models that can go as high as hitting the 4-digit mark, this is undoubtedly a fresh breath of relief.
This baby stroller with car seat is fairly basic but for an outing with your little one on a normal, everyday basis, it gets the job done. The Quick Click technology secures the LATCH-equipped car seat to the stroller for a seamless transition and the lightweight stroller has a one-hand, lift-to-fold design that stands on its own when folded. We especially like the buckle design here because it can be adjusted in two ways – the length and position on your child.
At this price, we’re pleasantly surprised to find a few remarkable features usually found only in pricier travel systems: a super-sized canopy coverage with flip out visor and peek-a-boo window, flip-flop friendly brakes, parent and child trays, and extra newborn support with head and body inserts.
Things To Take Note Of
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL SYSTEM
Dimensions: 35.8 x 20.8 x 41.5 inches
Weight: 16.6 lbs. (car seat); 19.6 lbs. (stroller)
Car Seat Weight (Height) Limit: 4 to 30 lbs. (up to 30 inches)
Stroller Weight (Height) Limit: up to 50 lbs.
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Click-in attachment for all KeyFit and Fit 2 infant car seats
- One-hand, free-standing quick fold
- Vented and extendable zip-open canopy
- Detachable child tray folds down for compact storage
- Parent tray, two cup holders, extra zippered storage
- Infant car seat has smaller weight limit
Why We Love It
If you prefer a more lightweight car seat and stroller for everyday use, the Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Travel System is the one for you. It’s not the cheapest but we’d say it is reasonably priced with the well-made quality and high-end features it is equipped with.
For firsts, it comes with the top-rated KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat. Those of you who have read our best infant car seat review would know that the KeyFit 35 is our pick for overall best infant car seat – the 30 is just a slightly smaller version of it. It clicks easily in and out of the stroller and comes with removable head and body supports to accommodate newborns as small as 4 pounds.
Speaking of which, most lightweight models cannot accommodate a car seat or bassinet attachment so foregoing the use of a travel system right from the newborn stage is something parents have to compromise if they want to go with a lightweight travel system. This is where the Chicco car seat stroller stood out to us – you can use it straight out from the hospital, and it is lightweight and compact enough for travel purposes.
Other features such as a roomy storage basket, vented canopy, multi-position backrest, a built-in parent organizer with two cup holders and a zippered compartment, and a detachable snack tray make this lightweight stroller and car seat a good value buy (you often have to purchase the latter two separately with many travel systems!).
Parents find the overall unit easy to navigate with swivel wheels and toe-tap brakes, and the one-hand compact self-standing fold is a delight to have (the fold handle doubles as a carry handle).
Things To Take Note Of
The KeyFit30 infant car seat has a slightly smaller weight limit compared to other car seat stroller sets so that’s a shorter lifespan there. If this really bothers you, know that you can always switch it out to a KeyFit35 – the Mini Bravo Plus has a click-in attachment that is compatible with all KeyFit models.
BEST JOGGER STROLLER TRAVEL SYSTEM
Dimensions: 46 x 25 x 45 inches
Weight: 24 lbs. (car seat); 28.5 lbs. (stroller)
Car Seat Weight (Height) Limit: 4 to 35 lbs.
Stroller Weight (Height) Limit: up to 75 lbs.
- Mountain-bike style suspension with adjustable handlebar
- Air-filled tires with 360 swivelling front wheel
- No-rethread harness, one-hand buckle release
- High compatibility with other brands (infant car seat adapter included)
- High-strength steel reinforced car seat base, Safe Cell Crumple zone, full body protection
- Ample storage (6 pockets, cell phone pocket, extra-large cargo basket)
- Large canopy with magnetic peek & chat window
- Made in USA
- Heavy
- On the higher end of the price spectrum
Why We Love It
No surprises there that the best jogging travel system is a BOB Revolution stroller – its single and double versions are the best jogging stroller overall and best double jogger respectively. Naturally, the Flex 3.0 Travel System, with the addition of a B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat makes for the best jogging stroller car seat combo in our opinion.
The stroller is basically the same in the single version which we’ve reviewed extensively here. Because of that, we wouldn’t repeat ourselves too much again but know that its mountain-bike style suspension and adjustable handlebar are probably some of its most-loved features, alongside air-filled tires and swivelling front wheels that gives the smoothest manoeuvrability across all terrains.
The B-Safe car seat, a star on its own, stood out most with its high compatibility with other brands such as Britax, Chicco, Graco, Peg Perego, Cybex, Maxi Cosi, Nuna…basically, some of the best and most popular strollers on the market. The high-strength steel reinforced frame and the brand’s Safe Cell Crumple technology make it among the safest infant car seat stroller combo and parents find the car seat adapter plays very nicely with the stroller (easy to clip in and out).
Things To Take Note Of
This jogging stroller car seat combo is on the higher end of the price spectrum but it also has a larger maximum weight capacity compared to other travel systems on our list so you’ll get some good additional few years with it. That justifies the price point to a certain extent, making it a worthy investment in the long run. (For a more affordable option, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System is a good alternative.)
MOST VERSATILE STROLLER CAR SEAT COMBO
Dimensions: 41.85 x 38.07 x 34.61 inches
Weight: 7.2 lbs. (car seat); 23 lbs. (stroller)
Car Seat Weight (Height) Limit: 4 to 35 lbs. (up to 32 inches)
Stroller Weight (Height) Limit: from birth up to 50 lbs.
- Baby stroller 3 in 1 with car seat
- Lightweight stroller and car seat
- One-step fold for compact storage
- Stroller seat and car seat slide up and down, reversible
- Stroller seat converts to an infant pram
- Expandable extra-large basket
- Fairly standard plastic wheels
Why We Love It
Possibly the most popular Graco travel system ever, the Graco Modes Nest Travel System is a baby stroller 3 in 1 with car seat that you can use right from day one. It combines the SnugRide 35 Lite Elite Infant Car Seat and the brand’s bestselling Modes Nest stroller, the latter of which the seat converts to a bassinet when fully reclined. We really like this design because it means there isn’t an additional item to store.
We also really like how both stroller and carseat are lightweight. In fact, the SnugRide 35 Lite Elite is among the very lightest infant seats on the market so you can totally carry it around as an infant car seat carrier – good news for mothers who underwent C-section. The aluminium frame stands on itself when folded (in one-step) and you can click the car seat directly onto the stroller frame during the early days.
But perhaps the most distinctive feature of this 3 in 1 stroller lies in the height-adjustable function – you can slide the seat higher to bring baby up to 8 inches closer to you, and this is applicable in both infant car seat and stroller seat mode. Because of this, we think this is the best baby stroller and car seat for tall parents (you can always slide it lower for the shorter parent) and baby can face either forward or yourself.
Things To Take Note Of
BEST VALUE CAR SEAT AND STROLLER COMBO
Dimensions: 35.2 x 22.8 x 42.7 inches
Weight: 9.6 lbs. (car seat); 23 lbs. (stroller)
Car Seat Weight (Height) Limit: 4 to 30 lbs. (up to 30 inches)
Stroller Weight (Height) Limit: 6 months up to 50 lbs.
- Removable toddler seat and canopy converts into a car seat carrier
- 3-position adjustable push handle
- One-hand stand-alone smart fold
- Large threaded tires with all-wheel suspension
- Auto-swivel front wheels
- LATCH and seat belt car seat installation
- Car seat has smaller weight capacity
Why We Love It
Its Mini may be the best lightweight infant car seat stroller but do you know that the Chicco Bravo 3-in-1 Trio Travel System is actually the brand’s most popular Chicco car seat stroller combo? This carseat stroller is a little different from the other 3 in 1 stroller car seat in that its 3 modes include a frame carrier, a travel system, and a full-size toddler stroller.
While others offer a bassinet as the third option, the Bravo Trio lets you remove the toddler seat altogether to give you a lightweight infant car seat carrier so that you can click the infant car seat directly onto it, no adapter required. This reduces the total weight significantly as opposed to attaching the car seat on the toddler seat, but you can absolutely do so too if removing it is too much of a hassle.
We’re particularly impressed with the manoeuvrability of this baby stroller and car seat – the wheels are actually threaded with suspension so it navigates bumpy and uneven terrain with breeze (and the front wheels auto swivel). The only other car seat and stroller set that offers such navigation on rough terrain on our list is the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 which is about double the price, hence the reason we rate this the best value infant travel system.
It also gives you a one-hand multi-position reclining seat, 3-position push handle, one-hand smart fold, parent tray with 2 cup holders and storage, child tray with cup holders, a large storage basket and a UPF 50+ canopy with peek-a-boo mesh window. That’s value for money!
Things To Take Note Of
How We Choose Our Best Stroller Car Seat Combo (and the things you should look for)
Unless you pick a stroller car seat in one like the Doona or Evenflo Shfyt, you will want to consider each item of your two-piece travel system on their own besides using them together as a whole.
And since you’ll be using the stroller longer than the infant car seat, looking at the following criteria of your stroller travel system will be a good place to start:
1. Identify Your Needs
Consider your lifestyle and specific needs. Are you an urban dweller, a suburbanite, or an active outdoorsy family? This will influence the type of stroller and car seat combo that’s best for you, for instance, you may want to go straight for the jogging travel system and skip everything else if you plan to have your little one joins all your outdoor adventures.
2. Size and Weight
What is the size and weight of the stroller? Ensure it is manageable for your needs, whether that’s lifting it into your car, manoeuvring through narrow doorways, or navigating crowded spaces. For the petite moms, a lightweight one like the Chicco Mini Bravo Plus the Graco Modes Nest or may be what you’re looking for in a stroller travel system.
3. Versatility
Check if the stroller can accommodate different types of car seats or if it is exclusive to a specific model. Versatility can be helpful if you plan to use your stroller beyond the infant stage, or if your family will be expanding in quick successions.
For instance, you may want your travel system to include a convertible stroller that can become a double in the future should you have another baby. Or if you have twins, you’ll want it to be able to handle two infant car seats at a time while the Graco Modes Nest is one of the best travel systems that let you switch toddler seat to bassinet so you don’t have a separate baby item to store.
4. Ease of Use / Manoeuvrability
5. Stroller Features and Accessories
Determine the stroller features you want. Consider factors like the stroller’s folding mechanism, manoeuvrability, terrain compatibility, and storage options.
Do they have an adjustable handlebar? Is the canopy large enough and does it extend outwards? What about parents’ tray? Do you need a zippered compartment for the valuables? If you tend to bring along plenty of stuff, an expandable basket would be helpful or at the very least, plenty of pockets.
6. Price
The price of baby strollers with car seat can vary pretty drastically – you can get something as low as under $200, and then you have those in the thousands – so set a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get carried away sometimes so be sure to find a model that offers the features you need without exceeding your budget.
Prefer Car Seat and Stroller of Different Brands?
1. Compatibility
Check first if the infant car seat and stroller are compatibile. They have to be able to go together, else it defeats the whole travel system purpose. Some car seats are only compatible with strollers from the same brand while others like the B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat has a high compatibility with strollers of all brands.
Some cars may have specific requirements or limitations regarding car seat installation and compatibility too so you should also check the compatibility of the car seat with your vehicle.
2. Age, Weight and Height Requirements
Make sure your car seat travel system is correct for the age and weight of your baby. All of the stroller and car seat sets we listed above are safe from birth and can be used continually until baby reaches the weight and height limit, which often happens around 2 years of age. After that, you can continue using the stroller by itself but you’ll need to buy a convertible car seat for your little one then.
3. Features
4. Price
Some Safety Features (and Terms) That You Should Know
There can be quite the long list of intimidating terminology you come across when shopping for the best travel system, especially those surrounding safety features. Here are some of the most common ones, if they’re all still a blur to you:
- LATCH
Stands for ‘Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children’, the LATCH system was developed to make it easier to correctly install child safety seats without using seat belts. Instead, it is secured by connecting the straps/connectors on the car seat to dedicated metal anchors in the vehicle (usually found in the seat crack and behind the back seat).
Both LATCH and seatbelt installation are equally safe when used correctly so there is no one that better than the other, but LATCH is not available in every seating position. Check your vehicle manual, and keep in mind the 65-pound weight limit of LATCH installations.
- No-Rethread Harness
Other FAQs
At newborn stage, your little one needs to be laying down (because they don’t have the strength to sit up unassisted yet) so unless your stroller comes with a bassinet attachment (or the seat reclines fully), you’re going to need a car seat that turns into stroller.
Baby can lay comfortably in the infant car seat and you don’t have to transfer him/her from the car seat to the stroller (and back again) every time you need to switch between car seat and stroller. A travel system lets you click your infant car seat right onto the stroller just like that – you won’t have to disturb your little one at all during the process.
We’d say right from the start! If you plan to drive baby home from the hospital the very first time, you’ll need to have an infant car seat – they most likely won’t let you drive home without one!
Which is why a travel system is amongst the very first baby gears parents-to-be will be buying because they need to have one ready before birth. So, unless you have a stroller already (in which case you may just go with an infant car seat, and wait till baby is older for the stroller), a car seat stroller all in one is what many parents choose to go with because they can use it right from infancy through toddlerhood, and there is no need to purchase another stroller anymore.
The infant car seat included in a car seat stroller set is usually designed and approved for newborns so on that note, a stroller and car seat combo is generally considered to be safe for newborns. That said, always check the car seat’s weight and height limits to confirm that it is newborn-appropriate and accommodates to your newborn’s condition.
Many infants tend to fall asleep in their car seat which is something the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against so if that happens, you should move baby to a crib or bassient as soon as possible.
When circumstances don’t allow i.e. you’re driving or baby is still sleeping when you’ve arrived at your destination, make sure you monitor their temperature to ensure they’re not overheated (don’t over-bundle baby, always have good ventilation in the car).
