Buying a Stroller Car Seat Travel System

A stroller car seat is a must for parents who plan to take their baby on frequent walks, outings and trips away from home. And a travel system is one of the best ways to purchase a stroller and car seat all at once, checking off two major purchases and simplifying your shopping list.

The best car seat stroller combos have a simple, streamlined attachment that feels like it snaps into place. The ones that require a second step—like straps that wrap around the rim of the carrier—do not score as high. These straps leave more room for error and could lead to incorrect installation, which can be dangerous.

While many stroller-car seat combos are designed to look cohesive and match, some aren’t as well-matched as others. For example, the popular Britax Bravo Trio Combo combines the KeyFit infant car seat with a sling-style stroller that requires removing the toddler seat to fold the frame (you can still use the car seat separately). Reddit users love this system for its luxury fabrics and dependable features, including a large canopy, an easy-access storage bin, rear canopy pockets, and a snack tray. It also folds compactly and comes with a free infant insert for extra padding that is machine washable. However, some new parents may not be reassured by the substantial feel of the stroller frame and car seat—which weighs more than 30 pounds together—and some may find it hard to maneuver in small spaces.

It’s important to note that most car seat-stroller combos include an infant car seat and are intended for babies up to about two years old. They are designed to be used rear-facing, which is the safest position for young children. Most kids outgrow their infant car seats around their first birthday or before, and when that happens you will need to purchase a regular stroller.

In our tests, we found that Graco’s FastAction 2-in-1 stroller and Click Connect 40 infant car seat are among the most comfortable travel systems for baby. The stroller has a one-handed fold and a convenient storage basket, and it’s ideal for active parents who want to jog or even take their adventure off-road. We also appreciate that the wheels of this stroller have a good amount of suspension to smooth out bumps on park paths or trails.

The car seat also installs quickly and easily in the Graco’s LATCH base, with no need for complicated straps. And the seats and bassinet both fully recline, making them a cozy ride for baby while in their stroller or car. It also converts into a double stroller in a snap with the company’s Helix+ accessory. Almost all of the components of this combo can be removed for a hygienic deep clean, and this system costs less than a year’s gym membership. That’s a real bargain for new parents in the early stages of parenthood.