If you're a savvy expectant parent, you're probably hunting around for a stroller/car seat combo, also known as a travel system. There are plenty of safe, well-made options out there to choose from, and it’ll save you some serious time (and money) in the long run. Not only will you save hours researching and shopping for an individual car seat and stroller, but when your precious baby is here, it’ll be a breeze to move the newest member of the family from the car to the stroller. Plus, one of the absolute best things about it is that you never have to truly disturb a sleeping baby.
Because, let's face it — you're going to need an infant car seat (they won't let you leave the hospital without one), and you're going to need a stroller. Getting a travel system ensures that your car seat and your stroller work together seamlessly, which makes the whole process easier from start to finish. Yes, you could buy a stroller from one company and a car seat from another, and for many strollers, you have no choice because they don't make a car seat — but in those cases, if the stroller adapts to fit a car seat, you're dependent upon which models that the stroller will accept. A travel system circumvents that whole issue, making taking your baby wherever you go a breeze.
What to Consider
Travel systems look trickier than they actually are. I’ve spent countless hours testing the stroller/car seat combos, and I can tell you, they’re all pretty darn easy to figure out. It’s mostly about what you need as a parent and what you expect as a consumer. I understand that the first thing you’re going to notice is the price tag (it’s hard not to!). And holy cow, these can be a big investment. But there are good travel systems at a variety of price points, from under $200 to $1,500. There will be significant differences in the durability, and the materials in the lower-end models won’t be as luxurious or honestly, aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean that less expensive models aren’t great, because every travel system on this list is the best of its type.
Other things you want to think about when buying a travel system are how you're using it, how much it weighs, the height and weight limits of the stroller and the car seat, and how the whole thing cleans up (kids can be messy — we get it).
How You’re Using It
If this is a system that’s going to be taken up and down stairs a lot, if you need it to store in a small space, or even if you just happen to have a bad back, you’ll want to look for a travel system on the lighter side. Now, there’s no such thing as a “light” travel system. Car seats typically weigh over 10 pounds, the stroller itself can be 20+ pounds, and then you add a baby? It’s a lot — but there are more compact models on this list if you’re aiming to keep things light.
I've also included a jogging stroller on this list. As a runner, I know how hard it can be to hit the pavement as a new parent, and the right travel system can help in this area. While you won't be doing any running with your newborn, getting a jogging stroller travel system means that you don't have to buy another stroller when the time comes.
Lastly, if you’re planning on growing your family soon or you’re having twins, you should consider investing in a single-to-double stroller, which is also included in the list below.
Stroller Weight and Height Limits
How much does the stroller weigh? The car seat? What are the length and weight limits of both the seat and the stroller? You'll want to consider all of these fact0rs because they can vary pretty widely.
How Do You Clean It?
Why must babies get poop on absolutely everything? It's one of life's great mysteries, but it's just as sure as death and taxes. Knowing how you're going to have to get the stroller and car seat clean is crucial. If you don't mind hand-washing, then you're less limited, but many of us are looking for the magic, golden words: machine-washable.
How We Chose
Every single stroller/car seat combo on this list has been tested by myself, Best Products testers, or used frequently already by experts in the field. I spoke with representatives from every company on this list to make sure that they are the safest, best-designed travel systems on the market. They've survived rigorous use and have been evaluated for durability, comfort of the ride, steerability, ease of cleaning and folding, and general overall quality. Each system on this list is a system that I would use personally, or recommend to family and friends.
UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller + Mesa Infant Car Seat
UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller + Mesa Infant Car Seat
Key Specs
- Use: Single-to-Double
- Car Seat Weight: 10 pounds
- Stroller Weight: 27 pounds with one seat
- Stroller Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds
- Car Seat Limits: 4-35 pounds and 32 inches
- Cleaning: Machine-washable
Yes, this travel system is expensive — but you're getting the top-of-the-line car seat, stroller, and bassinet. It's a single-to-double stroller, with multiple configurations ranging from one car seat on the stroller to two car seats, to a bassinet and a jump seat, and more.
Almost all of it is machine-washable, it's durable enough to last through multiple children, and performs smoothly. The wheels glide over any surface you throw at it — including sand, with the dual suspension making the whole thing such a smooth ride that babies snooze right over bumps in the terrain. The seat itself reclines almost fully flat if needed, so when your tot is a toddler, they can get in a good snooze.
One thing you might not have thought about is car seat installation — and, trust me, this one is the easiest out there. I have latched and unlatched the base, and taken the car seat on and off multiple times, and I never even so much as chipped my pricey manicure (which we all know is a big feat for a mama!).
I personally love this stroller and this car seat. My nephews have been using it for over a year, and my sister-in-law and brother rave about its durability, ease, steering, style, and general quality. My sister-in-law never had a problem maneuvering it, and let me tell you, my youngest nephew is a delightfully beefy fellow.
Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System, Doodle Dots + Baby Trend Ally Infant Car Seat Base, Black
Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System, Doodle Dots + Baby Trend Ally Infant Car Seat Base, Black
Key Specs
- Use: Single
- Car Seat Weight: 13 pounds
- Stroller Weight: 25 pounds
- Stroller Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds
- Car Seat Limits: 4-30 pounds and 30 inches
- Cleaning: Machine-washable
It’s the worst feeling ever when it seems like you’re at war with your baby’s gear. This travel system by Safety 1st was designed with ease of use and functionality in mind, from installing the car seat safely to strolling your baby with ultimate maneuverability and comfort thanks to several recline positions. The stroller even features flip-flop-friendly brakes, so when you’re feeling laid-back in the summertime, you can still handle the stroller like a pro. The triangularly-positioned four wheels on this stroller are super agile and won’t leave you, and your little one stuck at a corner.
Parents love that this stroller folds easily, feels safe and light, and has maximum cargo capacity. And I'm not going to lie, that built-in cupholder is also a real win. Parents need iced coffee to function, and they need a place to stash it — and don't worry, there's a generously sized snack tray for baby, too. Translation? Bring on the Goldfish crackers!
Nuna Nuna TAVO Next + PIPA LITE LX Infant Travel System
Nuna Nuna TAVO Next + PIPA LITE LX Infant Travel System
Key Specs
- Use: Single
- Car Seat Weight: 7.5 pounds
- Stroller Weight: 23 pounds
- Stroller Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds
- Car Seat Limits: 4-32 pounds and 32 inches
- Cleaning: Machine-washable
This travel system is comparable to the UppaBaby, but with a few distinctions. First of all, this is a single stroller. Second, the car seat may just have edged out the competition. The whole thing is genius. It has a canopy that moves and closes thanks to hidden magnets, the base of the car seat has the addition of a stability bar that really keeps the seat stable in the car, the base is easy to latch, and it can be positioned in several different ways once it's on the base.
It has a super-lightweight carry handle wrapped in sumptuous leather for easy carrying, and the fabric is all machine-washable. I know, it's a dream, right?
And the stroller? Watch out — because you may just fall in love. The seat changes are a cinch and fold with just one hand, the fabrics on the stroller are machine-washable, and the straps come clean easily with a baby wipe. The deluxe wheels and easy suspension make this a city dweller's dream. Even the gnarliest of sidewalks won't disrupt your baby in the Nuna.
The seat of the stroller has multiple recline positions, with strategically placed zippered vents for maximum cooling comfort. For parents, the simple brake and huge cargo compartment make this stroller a no-brainer.
Best Jogging Travel System
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Travel System with B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Travel System with B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat
Key Specs
- Use: Jogger
- Car Seat Weight: 10 pounds
- Stroller Weight: 28.5 pounds
- Stroller Weight Limit: Up to 75 pounds
- Car Seat Limits: 4-35 pounds and 32 inches
- Cleaning: Hand-wash or spray
This made-in-the-USA travel system is a high-quality option for new parents that want to keep their baby safe while jogging or taking a nice stroll. Britax is known for their car seats that surpass general safety standards, and the baby gear brand offers a stroller that'll fit one of their most popular car seat models (B Safe 35) perfectly.
Britax car seats incorporate safe cell impact protection, which is a hex-shaped technology designed to absorb extra energy and protect baby beyond federal standards in the case of a serious crash. It also features a deep foam-lined shell. We love that Britax paired it with the BOB Revolution Flex because it offers storage, a protective canopy to face the elements, a fast one-hand fold, and a lightweight frame. All in all, it has an easy ride with multiple reclining positions.
The advanced suspension system and air-filled tires, along with the adjustable handlebar make this the obvious choice for parents looking for an active lifestyle with their tot. The whole stroller glides easily but with enough heft that you don't feel like it will get away from you. Personally, I love the feel of this jogger as I push it — it’s stable while remaining light and nimble. It takes the ruts and divots of roads and the boardwalk with ease. I do wish that the brakes were a bit more intuitive, but they're not difficult, just a bit ungainly.
Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Travel System
Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Travel System
Key Specs
- Use: Single
- Car Seat Weight: 9.5 pounds
- Stroller Weight: 19.6 pounds
- Stroller Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds
- Car Seat Limits: 4-32 pounds and 32 inches
- Cleaning: Machine-washable car seat materials
The lightweight stroller included in this travel system features a one-hand fold and auto-positioning wheels for ease of use. Setting the system up is easy, and safe car seat installation is straightforward and simple. The car seat isn’t bulky, so it’s easy to carry and transfer from the car to the stroller. Plus, it clicks right into the stroller within seconds. The stroller features sturdy, agile wheels so that even on rougher terrain, your baby should experience a smooth ride.
It's light and easy to use — and while Chicco may be a more affordable system, they don't skimp on materials, and that's obvious when you consider that the KeyFit car seat is often the top-selling car seat of any brand. It's easy to install, lightweight, wipes clean quickly, and buying extra bases is affordable and simple.
Maxi-Cosi Zelia Max 5-in-1 Modular Travel System
Maxi-Cosi Zelia Max 5-in-1 Modular Travel System
Key Specs
- Use: Single
- Car Seat Weight: 9 pounds
- Stroller Weight: 21 pounds
- Stroller Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds
- Car Seat Limits: 5-30 pounds and 32 inches
- Cleaning: Machine-washable car seat materials
Maxi-Cosi's wonderful Zelia stroller and Mico XP car seat were designed with a real eye toward aesthetics. This stroller comes in several beautiful colorways with leather accents, brushed black aluminum hardware, and clean lines.
The mechanics of the travel system is on-par with the looks. The car seat is a wonder with air protect side impact protection, wool-free fire retardant, chemical-free fabrics, an easy-to-thread harness, and leveling indicators that make installation simple.
The stroller has rugged wheels that will never puncture but still glide over the pavement. The multiple recline seat with a deep canopy makes for the perfect place for your kid to relax in the afternoon. The seat itself can face the parent or the outside world depending on your baby's preference as well. All of the fabrics are machine-washable, and parents love that even after tons of washes, the fabrics' colors don't fade. Parents also love how easy the one-click fold is when you are going to put the stroller in the trunk.
I do wish that the harnesses were easier to thread and that it had more accessories, but other than that, it's a great system.
Graco FastAction SE Travel System
Graco FastAction SE Travel System
Key Specs
- Use: Single
- Car Seat Weight: 7.2 pounds
- Stroller Weight: 21 pounds
- Stroller Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds
- Car Seat Limits: 4-30 pounds and 30 inches
- Cleaning: Machine-washable car seat materials
The Graco SnugRide car seat is hands-down the most well-known infant car seat in the United States. It's the car seat I used for my oldest, it's the car seat millions of parents choose every year. It's reliable, durable, affordable, and easy to install. It has an easy leveler, multiple positions of recline, and one of the easiest harnesses on the market. It's also the car seat included in this travel system.
The stroller is a kids' dream, too. It has an oversized canopy, a fold-flat seat, a gigantic snack and drink tray, and a huge cargo compartment. Graco thinks of parents with their own tray and cup holder (we could all use snacks), quick fold, one-handed close, durable wheels that make maneuverability easy, and machine-washable fabrics, all for under $250.
Cat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs. Previously, she was a health and lifestyle writer at Romper.com, and contributed at Bustle, Food Network, and others.