Choosing the Right Stroller and Car Seat Toy

A trip to the grocery store or a visit to Grandma’s house is no small task when you have an infant or toddler in tow. Whether they’re a newborn or an older toddler, toys can help make trips in the car or stroller a little bit easier for everyone. Luckily, there are tons of standout baby stroller and car seat toys to choose from that will keep kids entertained on the go without risking their safety.

Toys should be safe, easy to clean, and simple to use. Avoid toys with multiple parts, which can easily get dropped or lost and become a distraction for the driver. Instead, look for items that attach to the child’s clothing or a parent’s bag to prevent drop hazards, and choose toys that are soft-sided and won’t become projectile risks during a crash.

Car seat and stroller toys should also be easy to tether to the child, and be able to stay attached even if the child’s hands are free. Avoid toys that hang from the handle of an infant car seat, as these can be a projectile risk and should be used only under the supervision of a trained adult.

Choosing the Right Stroller and Car Seat Toy

While the best travel systems click baby carseats into strollers for convenient errand-running and outings, these aren’t necessary for every family. Those who only need a stroller for short trips or frequent errands can find a great-fitting, high-quality, and comfortable stroller for less than the cost of a complete travel system.

Our top pick is the Uppababy Cruz, which offers excellent maneuverability for a stroller in this price range and comes nearly assembled out of the box. Its sleek, modern design and large storage basket are also noteworthy. We especially love that the front wheels tilt forward for curbside access to the trunk, which makes it easy to load bulky groceries or other purchases.

Another worthy option is the Chicco NextFit 30 Auto-Adjust car seat and stroller combo. It’s easy to install the car seat base and stroller, and detaching them feels quick and smooth. The seat’s streamlined design and one-touch brakes are simple and easy to operate. And although it’s a larger stroller, it folds down compactly with a child seat attached.

Lastly, consider a budget-friendly option like the Graco SlimFit 30 convertible car seat and stroller combo. This stroller and car seat combo is lightweight, has a spacious cargo area, and comes with a few nice features, including an adjustable canopy and sun shade. The only downside is that the stroller and car seat don’t click into each other, but they do fit into most strollers with a compatible attachment.