Best Car Seat Stroller Combo Of 2020
Choosing the best car seat stroller combo for your baby doesn’t need to be a difficult process. Although there are hundreds of travel systems available for purchase, you can narrow down your choices by looking for specific features such as maneuverability, ease of use, and cost.
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What To Look For in a Car Seat Stroller Combo
A stroller and a car seat are both critical pieces of equipment for a new baby. Purchasing a travel system that can grow with your child and which allows you to combine a car seat with a stroller is often more convenient and less expensive than purchasing these items separately.
Some families may need specific stroller elements. For instance, if you have twins or two similarly aged children, there are travel systems specifically designed for siblings.
You may prefer a stroller that allows your child to face you as you walk. Perhaps you are looking for a system that can also accommodate a bassinette. There are brands which specifically address these needs.
However, most families should have four main criteria for choosing a car seat and stroller combo: stability and safety, ease of use, maneuverability, and cost.
Stability and Safety
Safety is, of course, always one of the first considerations you should take into account when purchasing a travel system. Keep in mind that car seats and strollers do have mandatory ‘expiration’ dates.
This is to ensure that they meet up-to-date safety regulations. If you are purchasing equipment ahead of your due date, or if you plan to use a travel system for more than one child, check with the manufacturer to ensure the travel system you are purchasing will not expire soon.
If you’re unsure how to check a car seat’s expiration or would like to read more about their importance you can learn more here.
Additionally, you should determine whether or not the system you purchase feels stable, and whether the car seat locks securely into the stroller. Some inexpensive systems may use lighter plastics in their construction, and may not be as sturdy as better engineered car seat and stroller combos.
Ease of Use and Convenience
When you need to juggle a baby, a diaper bag, and a purse at the same time, being able to connect a car seat to its stroller is key for any travel system.
Ideally, a travel system should make trips with your baby less of a struggle than using a separate car seat and stroller, and features such as one-handed folding and one click car seat connectors have become the norm for such combos.
It’s also a good idea to find a system which has a detachable stay-in-car car seat base. This makes moving your baby from your vehicle to the stroller simpler and reduces your chances of waking them.
One thing that parents frequently forget to check before purchasing a travel system is whether or not the car seat and stroller will fit in their vehicle.
If you have a smaller car, multiple children, or if you frequently carry a lot of equipment in the back seat or trunk, you may be limited to certain styles or brands of a travel system.
Check to make sure the car seat fits in your back seat without crowding other passengers and that the stroller will fit into the trunk or back seat.
Maneuverability
The degree of maneuverability you’ll require largely depends on where you and your baby will be walking together.
If you plan to primarily use your car seat and stroller for short trips to the grocery store or on well-paved sidewalks, almost any travel system will do.
If you know, you’ll be using the stroller on unpaved surfaces or if you plan on taking your baby on runs, a jogger style stroller will provide the best mobility.
More expensive travel systems have features like all wheel suspension, large air-filled rubber tires, or rear brakes which not only make the stroller easier to push but also make jogging with your baby safer.
Cost
Cost is probably the first factor most families consider when shopping for a car seat and stroller combo system.
Since car seats and strollers are vital pieces of equipment and may save your child’s life during a car accident. Try to stretch your budget and buy the best quality system you can afford.
It is possible to find a high-quality travel system for under $150, but some systems can cost more than $1,000.
Be realistic about what features are necessities and which are merely nice to have and decide in advance which factors are most important to you and your family. If you are expecting, and have several months to shop for baby equipment, keep an eye out for sales.
The Five Best Car Seat Stroller Combos
Cosco Simple Fold Travel System
The Cosco Simple Fold Travel System comes with several color options, and despite weighing only 16.6 pounds, is still able to hold a toddler up to 50 pounds.
The sturdy four-wheeled stroller has a generous gear basket, folds up quickly, and has a convenient tray that can hold mom or dad’s drink and a phone. The car seat snaps seamlessly into place with one simple click thanks to QuickClick technology.
Another plus is this system’s price. Despite its many features, the Cosco Simple Fold Travel System is one of the most affordable combos available. For parents who are on a budget, or who simply want a lightweight and intuitive system, it’s worth a look.
What We Liked
- checkIncredibly lightweight, yet sturdy and rugged
- checkQuickClick technology allows for simple one-handed use
- checkStands freely when folded
What We Didn’t Like
- exclamation-triangleBecause it is lightly built, the car seat base feels somewhat flimsy
- exclamation-triangleThe stroller handle is fixed, and cannot be adjusted to the parent’s height
- exclamation-triangleNot as soft or well-padded as other car seats and strollers
Disney Amble Quad Travel System
Looking for a fun and practical Disney stroller combo? The Disney Amble Quad Travel System has all of the handy features an active family needs to stay on the move and comes in three magical fabric choices featuring Mickey or Minnie Mouse.
The sturdy four-wheeled base folds nearly flat for easy transport and storage, and the car seat makes use of a stay-in-car base to make travel easier.
You’ll find it easier to move your sleeping infant from the car to the stroller without waking them. Unfortunately, it’s relatively heavy and is somewhat bulky, and if you frequently find yourself carrying the stroller, you may want to find a lighter travel system.
What We Liked
- checkStay-in-car base makes travel convenient and allows baby to sleep when moved to stroller
- checkCute fabric options featuring either Minne or Mickey Mouse, perfect for Disney lovers
- checkEasy to assemble, and intuitive for parents and other caregivers to use
What We Didn’t Like
- exclamation-triangleAt 34.6 pounds, it’s relatively heavy, and the base is bulky when folded
- exclamation-triangleSome parents report ill-fitting bases and flimsy parts
- exclamation-triangleThe padding isn’t ideal, and small infants may need extra support
Graco Fastaction Folding Jogger Travel System
If stability and all-terrain capability are important to you, the Graco Fastaction Folding Jogger travel system is one of your best options.
The large air-filled rubber tires offer a smoother ride and better suspension than most strollers, and because it is a jogger, parents will find the Graco Fastaction more maneuverable than other strollers.
Like other travel systems, it features a parent’s tray, but it is notable that the Graco tray securely clips a smartphone in place, so it stays immobilized even on rough trails.
An extra large canopy and storage basket mean that you and your baby will be able to tackle sunny running trails and grocery trips and everything between with ease.
What We Liked
- checkLarge air-filled jogging tires make for a smooth ride and easy maneuverability
- checkStay-in-car car seat base makes it easier to move from the car to the stroller
- checkLocking smartphone holder in parent’s tray
What We Didn’t Like
- exclamation-triangleStroller and car seat weigh 38 pounds, one of the heaviest travel systems
- exclamation-triangleEven when folded, the stroller may not fit in the trunk of some cars
- exclamation-triangleSmartphone holder is too small for larger phones such as the iPhone 6
Baby Trend Nexton Travel System
Another jogger stroller and car seat combo worthy of mention is the Baby Trend Nexton travel system.
The three-wheeled stroller is highly mobile and responsive. It features a roomy storage basket and a five-point safety harness.
The car seat has a stay-in-car base, and also features a removable soft head support for younger babies who need extra padding.
Since it is less expensive and somewhat lighter than other jogger-style travel systems, it’s a great choice for families on a budget.
It’s worth noting that connecting the car seat to the stroller and folding the stroller require a little trial and error and are not as intuitive as in other systems.
What We Liked
- checkHighly mobile and responsive three-wheeled jogger design
- checkRemovable soft head support makes the car seat more comfy for young infants
- checkSeveral cute fabric options match other items in the Baby Trendline
What We Didn’t Like
- exclamation-triangleBar handle on car seat can be difficult to adjust making it hard to lift baby out
- exclamation-triangleClick connect and folding the stroller are not as intuitive as other systems
- exclamation-triangleHarness straps and release button are of poor quality and may be uncomfortable
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
The Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System offers not just two, but three travel modes making it one of the most versatile strollers and car seat combo travel systems available.
The seat of the stroller is removable (and washable!), and you can use the car seat alone in the stroller or combination with the stroller seat. Linked rear brakes and all-wheel suspension make the Chicco Bravo easy to push and maneuver and provides a safe, smooth ride.
The stroller push handle is adjustable, making it more comfortable for parents of all heights. Although the stroller does not come with a tray, Chicco offers this and many other accessories for sale separately.
Assembly is easy and folding the Chicco Bravo and connecting the car seat is intuitive. The car seat is highly rated and is more comfortable for baby than most combo systems.
What We Liked
- checkEasy and intuitive to setup and use, simple click-in car seat connection
- checkComfortable and highly rated infant car seat
- checkHighly adjustable stroller with multi-position reclining seat and handle
What We Didn’t Like
- exclamation-triangleMore expensive than many strollers and car seat combo travel systems
- exclamation-triangleStroller does not recline flat, making naps and diaper changes difficult
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning for the birth of your first child, or are an experienced parent, searching for the best car seat stroller combo can be daunting.
Every year new product lines become available, and it can be challenging to decide which features are vital to your baby’s comfort and safety, and which are merely nice to have.
However, if you focus on stability and safety, ease of use, maneuverability, and cost you should be able to find a system that meets your needs.
Of the five travel systems in this review, the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System is the hands-down winner.
Overall, the Chicco Bravo system is one of the best travel systems on the market, and despite a higher than average price, it is well worth the money.
Features like linked rear brakes and all-wheel suspension make it easier to push while the car seat is one of the most comfortable and most secure seats currently available.
As one of the most flexible and easy to use travel systems, the Chicco Bravo meets the needs of most families and should make outings safer and less stressful both for you and your baby.