How to Choose the Best Baby Travel System – Stroller & Car Seat Combo Reviews

The B-Safe 35 is a fairly popular seat and scored 8.8 in our infant car seat ratings. It has two layers of side impact protection, a steel frame, and impact absorbing base. The B-Lively stroller (like other 3-wheeled models) is technically a 4-wheeled stroller, since two wheels act as the third front wheel. The swivel front double wheel adds to the stability when taking sharp turns through narrow places.

A one-handed fold design and lightweight aluminum frame make the stroller fairly easy to carry. First time parents appreciated the level indicators on the seat base so they could easily tell if the angle was good during installation. The seat clicks easily onto the stroller as well. The canopy offers good SPF 50+ sun protection, and there’s a mesh peek-a-boo window to keep an eye on baby.

The braking system felt a little awkward to some parents, especially when wearing sandals. You press it down with your foot to engage, but have to lift it up to disengage. One parent felt the wheels were a bit too small for uneven terrain. The carrier fabric lacks some breathability, so your baby could get sweaty in hot weather. Chubby babies or those who are on the high side of the growth chart may feel too cramped in this seat.

The stroller handle is not height-adjustable, which might make the stroller harder to push for very tall or short caregivers. There are no solid cup holders included, but pockets which can hold a cup, phone, keys, etc. You can buy a separate organizer with cup holders to add yourself. The stroller fabric is spot clean only.

While this system isn’t cheap, it’s not as much as some of the competitors. The stroller itself might be a better investment than the car seat, since your child may outgrow the seat before they reach the weight limit. If you buy a car seat adaptor, you can easily attach another brand of seat to the B-Lively stroller until your baby is ready to sit up on her own.

Extended & Specialized Editions:

Britax B-Safe Ultra Travel System

This special edition features the B-Safe Ultra infant car seat w/ base, a B-Free stroller, and adapters. The stroller is slightly heavier and larger than the B-Lively and can hold a child up to 65 pounds (10 pounds more than the B-Lively).

Unlike the B-Lively, this stroller has infinite recline to accommodate sleeping infants. The seat has a European style belt guide for a secure installation without LATCH (great for rideshares & taxis!). Breathable mesh fabric keeps this seat cooler than the B-Safe 35, and it has an impact absorbing base for extra safety. This system is about $100 more than the B-Lively.

This is a lighter model, especially for Chicco. The car seat itself is also on the lighter side, making it great for people who have to do a lot of switching between cars and stroller. The car seat cover is easy to remove and machine washable. The double front wheel and lightweight frame of the stroller makes for better maneuverability. You can fold it with one hand for compact, free-standing storage. Parents really like this one for airline travel.

A parent tray with two cup holders helps you keep water or coffee at hand for any time of day. There’s also a two-cup child tray with a snack compartment for when baby’s ready to ride without the car seat. The storage basket underneath is pretty roomy for a 3-wheeled model.

Some parents felt the stroller was bulky and took up a lot of space when folded. Others had issues with the stroller seat reclining enough to be comfortable for their child. A few noted that the cup holders on the parent tray weren’t big enough to fit larger water bottles.

Assembly proved to be difficult for some at first. Some parents didn’t like that the child tray had to be on and the stroller fully reclined in order to attach the car seat. The handle is not height-adjustable, but some very tall and short parents said it was still comfortable to push.

Overall, this is a really good travel system. The car seat is probably the better investment so if you wanted to make a custom combo, you could purchase a Chicco KeyFit stroller frame (does not work as a stroller alone). The seat is also compatible with several other stroller brands such as Baby Jogger, BOB, Britax, Bugaboo and more. You may need a car seat adapter in order to use some of those, however.

Besides the top-rated SnugRide Click Connect 35 infant seat, this stroller has a one-second, one handed fold that makes it super quick to transfer into the car after a fun outing. The seat of the stroller has multiple recline angles for baby’s comfort. Extra deep cupholders in the parent tray hold many sizes of travel cups and bottles. The seat covers are machine washable in cold water (hang to dry).

Great suspension and a big storage basket makes for a smooth ride with everything close at hand for baby’s needs. The pivoting child tray makes it easy for your toddler to get in and out of the stroller. Parents appreciate the affordable price and easy assembly.

Some parents found unfolding the stroller to be somewhat difficult. Adjusting the stroller seat recline also proved challenging, particularly when the baby was already in it. One parent noted that it’s easy to accidentally engage the wheel locks while walking with the stroller. The storage space was also a little too small for large diaper bags.

The stroller handle is not height-adjustable. The stroller seat pad isn’t removable for washing - spot clean only. A few parents had issues with the car seat in getting it out of the base, while others also found it hard to attach securely to the stroller. There were also a few quality control issues noted when unboxing such as a missing seat base, and a loose front wheel.

Besides a few quality control issues, this system is a good option for most families. It’s reasonably priced and performs well for the vast majority of parents. Be sure to thoroughly inspect all parts any time you purchase a car seat or travel system. If anything is missing or broken, contact the seller or manufacturer immediately.

Parents love the infant carrier handle with its easy rubber grip and unique shape. Assembly of the stroller was super easy. An expandable canopy with a mesh window make it a great option for people who live (or travel to) sunnier climates. For older children, there is a removable, washable child tray that many like. The stroller seemed easy to push and maneuver with the swiveling front wheel.

The car seat base has several adjustments so newborns have the proper angle for their heads. Taller parents appreciate the adjustable stroller handle. Many parents really love the cute colors and patterns and got several compliments about it. There’s a covered compartment in the parent tray to keep your cell phone, keys, etc. out of sight and dry.

Some parents found the instruction manual to be really hard to follow. Others couldn’t adjust the car seat angle enough to support the baby’s head. Some found the parent cup holders too narrow and the child cup holders too wide.

A few parents reported that they couldn’t get the car seat base installed securely enough, even with help from police officers, etc. This could be due to vehicle incompatibility. A few also found the car seat difficult to attach to the stroller.

Overall, customers have been very happy with this system. Vehicle compatibility could be an issue for installation and recline angles. Call the manufacturer to see if they know whether your particular vehicle would be compatible before you purchase this system.

Extended & Specialized Editions:

Baby Trend Skyview

Functionally and price-wise, there are not many differences in this system compared to the Nexton. The Skyview is a sportier-looking system that is about 8 pounds lighter and 4 inches narrower than the Nexton. The Skyview stroller includes an added sun visor on the end of the canopy. It comes in 3 patterns that are different from those offered with the Nexton.

This fun-looking travel system is super affordable and has great prints and patterns that parents seem to love. The well-padded seat on the stroller has multiple recline settings plus a removable large head support pillow that can also be used in the car seat. Parents like the padding and say the car seat straps are easy to buckle. They love the many compartments in the stroller, especially the bottom basket and the covered parent tray. They also appreciate the triangular carrier handle designed to be held in various ways to reduce carrying fatigue.

Parents with multiple car seats said this one fit well in a 3-seat configuration. The adjustable-height handle on the stroller is great for taller parents. On a really positive note, the car seat has performed well in at least one customer-reported crash involving a 2-day-old infant. She was completely unharmed.

Some parents felt that the actual stroller was heavy and hard to turn. It doesn’t seem to roll well on loose or rough terrain but does better on flat surfaces. Others have had problems folding and unfolding the stroller. Some parents noted problems with the wheels either squeaking or coming loose.

Several parents thought the car seat doesn't recline enough for their babies when in the car. Some parents felt the car seat padding material wasn’t breathable enough. Others felt it wasn’t padded enough to be comfortable. A few mentioned the car seat sat too upright when attached to the stroller, while others said there wasn’t enough shock absorption, so the ride was too bumpy.

Overall, parents are happy with this system budget-wise. They also love the colors/design. It’s good for your everyday, flat terrain walking, but if you want something for rougher areas like unpaved trails, you should look elsewhere.

This car seat and stroller combination is lightweight, folds and unfolds easily and quickly, and has a lot of storage space, including a large storage basket and parent tray with two cup holders. It’s lightweight with the car seat because you remove the actual stroller seat, attach an adapter, and then add the car seat.

As you fold it up, the front wheels rotate inward to ensure a more compact, free-standing storage. A height-adjustable push handle fits parents of all heights. All fabrics are machine washable (hang to dry). The stroller itself is extremely comfortable for the baby, thanks to the large canopy and medium size wheels.

Some parents had problems with the maneuverability of this stroller. It can be difficult to turn the stroller at times. Others had issues with loose or squeaky wheels that made it hard to steer. You may end up picking up the back wheels to turn instead of turning gracefully.

As far as the car seat, some had issues getting the correct angle when installing without the base. Others found the car seat didn’t always snap securely into the base, even when a click was heard. Some also reported that the seat fabric didn’t breathe well, leaving their babies sweaty. A few parents mentioned that the child tray may not be included with the Papyrus color option.

Overall, this is a great combo, if only for the Chicco KeyFit 30. The included adapter allows you to use any KeyFit and Fit2 car seats with the stroller. So if you wanted to use a KeyFit 30 Magic car seat with the improved canopy, you could easily do that.

Take a Look At These Extended Specialized Editions:

Chicco Mini Bravo Sport

The Mini Bravo Sport stroller is about 4 pounds lighter than the Bravo. Unlike the Bravo, it does not include a child tray, the handle is not height-adjustable, and it has only 2 panels on the canopy instead of 3. It’s a few inches smaller in all dimensions and is about $80 cheaper than the Bravo.

The stroller is lightweight and easy to use, with a FastAction fold that parents really appreciate. It is simple enough that you can fold it with just one hand. This Graco stroller combo also works with many different varieties of Graco car seats, so you can mix and match as needed. For Disney fans, this stroller meets the Disney size requirements.

Multi-recline angles help your child rest comfortably in the stroller. An extra-large storage basket and parent tray keep all your essentials at hand. The child tray pivots out so your toddler can get in and out easily. The car seat cover is machine washable (line dry).

Some parents had problems with the canopies of both seat and stroller. They didn’t close together well. Others found when folded, the stroller seemed awkward and upside down. Some had trouble opening it with one hand. A few parents noted that the stroller seemed very hard to turn once their children were over 35 pounds.

The stroller handle is not height adjustable. The handle on the car seat isn’t padded and may be slick in the rain. Some parents wished there was a bubble level instead of just a line on the car seat to help them get the right installation angle.

Parents who use the Graco Fastaction Fold Click Connect really like the “fast action” part of folding/unfolding. For parents who don’t have a lot of time, who are on a budget, or those who are constantly going from car to stroller, this is a great option. For those who have a child that’s high on the growth chart, you may want to look elsewhere.

Take a Look At These Extended Specialized Editions:

Graco Aire4 XT

The Aire4XT features the Click Connect 35 car seat, rather than the 30 in the FastAction Fold. It holds babies from 4 - 35 pounds. The stroller has the same weight limit of 50 pounds. The car seat is about 0.5 pounds heavier than the 30. The stroller is about 2 pounds heavier, has a narrower profile with two single front wheels, an extended canopy with UV 50 sun protection, and is about $80 more expensive.

The Evenflo Pivot system is a multi-functioning system that has 6 modes of use, including carriage mode, frame stroller, travel system, and toddler stroller. Some modes offer reversible positions so baby can face in or out. New cruiser tires offer a smooth ride. The whole system, including the car seat/infant carrier, is really lightweight and easy to carry or maneuver on most flat surfaces.

Parents appreciate the stay-in-car SafeZone base with anti-rebound bar. The included bassinet works like a regular pram-style stroller and is also very comfortable for baby to sleep in. While not recommended as a permanent bed, parents say it’s a good travel bassinet.

Some parents had issues getting this one to maneuver well on anything other than pavement. Quality control problems were the most common complaint, with several parents finding broken or missing parts when they opened the package.

A few parents thought the rear wheels were too wide, so they tended to get stuck in doorways, etc. Some parents had a hard time attaching/detaching the car seat to the stroller. Others found the wheels didn’t turn or steer properly, either getting stuck or tending toward one side or the other.

Overall, parents either love this one or they don’t. It’s kind of a middle of the road system in terms of price and performance, but the seat is the star of this show. As with any product, inspect all parts immediately after you get it. Don’t let the package sit and risk being too late to return or get a refund.

One of the most unique features is the 8-position memory recline option - the stroller seat goes back to the same recline the next time you unfold it. It’s a great option for parents who have children who are only comfortable in one position - like colicky babies. The child tray also swings out easily so your toddler can get in and out by herself. The removable child tray liner is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

The stroller is compatible with all KeyFit infant seats. It has double front-swiveling wheels with great suspension for a comfy ride and easier turning. Toe-tap locks on the front wheels and toe-tap parking brakes on the back keep it in place when you need it. Three positions on the handle accommodate parents of different heights. A generous storage basket and peek-a-boo window help make outings easier and less stressful.

Some parents found this stroller to be too bulky and hard to fit in a small trunk or hatch. Others were not big fans of the basket underneath the stroller. They felt it wasn’t accessible enough with a child reclined in the seat above. There’s only one cup holder in the parent tray, and it can be too shallow for some taller bottles, making them fall out when you hit bumps.

The stroller fabric, though washable, is difficult to put back on. A few parents felt the quality has declined on the stroller, with flimsier wheels and handle.

Most parents are happy with this system. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and easy to maneuver for its size. But the size could be an issue if you have a small trunk or hatch. Measure your car storage space and compare it to the stroller dimensions before buying.

The fabrics are as plush and stylish as any premium travel system. The car seat provides a good fit for preemies and newborns. The stroller glides easily, and the canopy is huge with an extra flip-out visor for extra sun protection. It closes completely over the baby when used with the car seat canopy. The stroller is light and easy to fold with one hand.

One of the best things about the stroller is that it’s flip-flop friendly. Meaning the rear brakes are both engaged and disengaged with a toe-tap switch. Many stroller brakes require you to lift up the switch to disengage, which can be annoying and difficult with flip-flops.

One of the biggest issues is that the car seat canopy can be flimsy and tends to start falling off after a couple months. There is no adjustable-height handle on the stroller. The car seat carrier handle isn’t padded so can hurt your arm after a while.

Some parents reported that the stroller folded up unexpectedly and doesn’t want to stay locked in place when unfolded. A few parents had trouble getting the base installed tightly and couldn’t get the right recline angle for the car seat. Others mentioned the crotch buckle tends to be too tight for baby’s legs.

Customers are a little divided on this one. For price and ease of use, it’s a good option. We’d recommend trying out a floor model before buying so you get a good feel for how it works and looks. Videos would also be helpful in learning proper setup and installation.

People love this stroller for a variety of reasons, including the design, the accessories, and the placement of certain features. Most parents love that it’s so lightweight. The 5-in-1 features are what makes this one truly unique. The stroller seat is reversible, so you can use it as a traditional baby carriage with full recline to keep a close eye on your baby while she naps. Or turn it around so she can see the world.

Other nice features are extra padding that can be added to the stroller for more napping comfort. Premium fabrics are self-wicking to help keep baby dry on hot summer outings. A self-standing fold, height adjustable handle, large canopy with flip-out visor and peek-a-boo window and ample storage make this a comfortable and efficient ride for parents and baby.

This system isn’t cheap, so those with a tight budget may want to look elsewhere. Some parents felt the stroller seat was too small and wouldn’t last through the 50 pound limit. Others felt the stroller was actually TOO lightweight to be sturdy while putting baby in and out. Some felt that the car seat was too difficult to attach and unattach to the stroller. A few felt the wheels and handle were flimsy and felt loose.

Overall, this is one case where you get what you pay for. While relatively expensive, there’s a lot to love about this system. It’s not only stylish, but versatile. There are a few flaws, but if your budget can handle it or you can find it on sale, this is definitely a contender.

Safety and security are the biggest advantages of this model. Air-filled rubber tires and the 5-point safety harness ensures that you can run while keeping your baby still without making them feel constrained or uncomfortable. The front wheel swivel function can be locked for more stability when jogging. The pivoting child tray with 2 cup holders and storage for snacks or toys lets your toddler get in and out on their own.

There’s a parent tray that parents love as well, with two cup holders for water bottles and a cell phone cradle with two display modes and an adjustable lock so you can keep your phone secure while listening to your favorite jogging tunes or podcasts. The under-seat storage basket is big enough to toss in a few extra water bottles, some diapers, and other essentials to lengthen your run.

Several parents felt the stroller was too heavy and took up too much room in their cars. Some parents said that the cell phone cradle was too small for an iPhone 6 and newer devices. The stroller may not stand well on its own, and it’s bulky. The seat doesn’t fold down completely flat, so a sleeping child may slide down - be sure to keep them buckled!

Other issues involved quality control problems with wheels breaking, getting stuck, or going flat. The wheels are easily punctured with thorny plants or sharp rocks. The handle is not height-adjustable.

While not without some issues, this system is a good value for tight budgets. It’s surprisingly heavy and big, so be sure to measure your trunk space before purchasing.

This budget-friendly system maneuvers easily on many surfaces with its two 16” rear and a 12” front all-terrain bicycle tires. It’s easy to assemble. It’s easy to fold up with two hooks on each side. The rubber bicycle tires help make the ride very comfy for your kiddo. The front swivel is lockable for better control while jogging. They’ve held up well for those who live in dry climates with thorny plants and sharp rocks.

The child tray swivels out so your toddler can climb in and out easily. The parent tray has a covered compartment to keep your keys/phone, etc from flying out or getting wet. As far as safety, the car seat has performed well in real-life crash scenarios.

The stroller materials won’t be as long-lasting as other stroller systems and may only last through one child. Wheels may begin to lose air and become loose after some time. Some parents had trouble getting the seat off the base and off the stroller. Others could not get the seat at a good angle for newborns to keep their heads upright.

The fabric isn’t very soft and smooth as with other strollers, so it might not be comfortable or breathable for long trips. The covered compartment in the parent tray might be too small for some phones such as the iPhone 6Plus and newer versions. The handle on the stroller is not height-adjustable. Also, there have been quality control issues with some parts breaking or getting stuck on the stroller after less than a year’s use.

For the price, this is a good system, but don’t expect it to last through more than one child. The stroller is sturdy for those who are only going to use it for walking and travelling. For running, it may wear out faster. The car seat angle may work better with flatter back seats. Always inspect every part as soon as you get it and contact the seller or manufacturer immediately if something breaks. The warranty on this system is also about 180 days, so you may have issues getting replacement parts past that time frame.

12” pneumatic tires glide well over a variety of terrain. The front wheel has a swivel lock for jogging. A height-adjustable handle makes it easier for parents of varying heights to push.

A full-coverage canopy with peek-a-boo window, oversized storage basket, and parent compartment with two deep cup holders keep drinks in place while moving. There’s also a removable child tray. The stroller seems more compact when folded than other models so may fit in smaller trunks easier.

Folding and unfolding the stroller can be tricky at first. After some practice, however, it should be easier. Some parents had a hard time detaching the seat from the base. Others noted the front tire can sometimes turn sideways and get stuck.

The middle compartment in the parent tray isn’t that big, and it’s kind of shallow, so phones could fall out if you hit a bump.

Overall, parents are happy with this car seat/stroller combo, especially because it’s more lightweight and compact than other joggers. Practice makes perfect with this system. Parents recommend buying this well before baby arrives so you have time to practice using it until you can operate it easily. It will save a lot of frustration when trying to work around a sleeping or fussing baby.

Maneuverability seems to be the biggest selling point of this travel system. A premium suspension system, pneumatic tires, and a locking front-swivel wheel with tracking keep the stroller smooth and steady when you’re running. High quality fabric is also reflective for better visibility in the dark.

The canopy is generous and the whole stroller folds in half for easy storage. Parents appreciate how it can glide over almost any terrain. A safety tether is included to keep the stroller attached to your wrist for extra security.

Some parents said that when they went over uneven terrain, items were jostled from the bottom basket. This could be because it is a bit close to the ground.

A few parents said the basket wasn’t large enough for anything but a very small diaper bag. Some parents found it to be too heavy and bulky. Others had some quality control issues with keeping the stroller joints locked in place, which meant it collapsed while in use. Some parents liked the stroller more than the car seat, because they couldn’t get the car seat to recline enough for their newborns and had a hard time getting it off the base and stroller.

While not the cheapest jogging system, this is a fairly good value considering the performance while jogging. Some parents actually like the stroller better than the seat. But the good news is that it’s compatible with any Graco Click Connect seat.

This stroller accepts 2 Graco SnugRide Click Connect or SnugLock infant car seats. It holds two infants and/or children up to 40 pounds each. It has a one-hand fold and stands on its own for easy storage. A drop-down storage basket lets you access essentials without disturbing your child. Several parents mentioned how lightweight and compact this stroller is when folding up to put in the car. It’s still bulkier than many singles, but for a double, it’s pretty compact.

Both seats recline individually and have their own canopies and foot rests so you can control sun exposure, etc. for each child. The rear seat reclines all the way back into an infant bassinet. Both seats have a child tray with 2 cup holders each. Parents get some great creature comforts too, like 2 deep cup holders and covered storage compartment.

The stroller handle is not height-adjustable. Quite a few parents have mentioned that there is a bit of a learning curve with this system. It might take a few days before you feel comfortable enough with it to move for long distances. Others didn’t like that there were no shoulder straps, only lap belts (3-point harness), on the stroller seats. Basket access from the rear can get blocked when the back seat is fully reclined, making it necessary to access from the sides.

There may be some quality control issues with the wheels. Axles may bend under the weight of two kids. Wheels may jiggle after a couple months of use. Taller toddlers may have legs that are too long to be comfortable. The child trays need to be removed before you attach car seats, which may not be clear in the manual.

Overall, parents like this stroller, once they’re used to it. It’s definitely affordable, and since it’s compatible with any Graco Click Connect SnugRide or SnugLock seat, it’s easy to customize to your liking.

One of the biggest advantages that this stroller car seat combo has over other models is that it offers something for children who may be too big to sit comfortably in a regular stroller seat - a jump seat or standing platform. It still has the options of two regular stroller seats or two car seats. A covered parent tray with two cup holders and extra large storage basket keep all your essentials at hand.

The seats do have 5-point harnesses, which many parents felt made it safer. Parents liked that there are handles on the side of the front seat which help you pull the stroller through a door when you’re by yourself. Parents found it fairly easy to turn.

Parents noted a learning curve with this system. Closing it can be a challenge since the wheels must be facing a certain way. Some parents couldn’t push it well on loose terrain or snow/slush. The storage basket can be hard to reach from the rear and may need to be accessed between the seats. The front canopy is a bit short and doesn’t provide as much sun protection as some parents had hoped.

To use other brands of car seat, you may need to use an included strap since they won’t click in like the Baby Trend seats. Taller children may be too tall for the front seat, causing their feet to drag the ground. The stroller handle is not height-adjustable. You may have to remove the front canopy to fit it in your trunk.

For many parents, the Baby Trend Sit N Stand Double Stroller is a great option for a great price and the versatility of seating and age ranges. Find out whether your car seats are compatible before purchasing.

This premium side-by-side stroller has many premium features you can’t find in cheaper strollers. True all-wheel suspension (not just front wheels), oversized UPF 45+ canopies with extensions, soft rPET polyester fabric made from 53 post consumer water bottles per stroller, and certified free of harmful chemicals. Adjustable foot rests keep little feet supported for no more dangling legs.

Newly upgraded in 2018, this stroller has more headroom per child and more sun coverage. The handle is height-adjustable. Parents love the smooth ride and how easy it is to fold and transport. Even though it’s a side-by side, they found it fairly easy to fit through most doors and aisles. A zippered compartment on the back stores cell phones and keys and can be removed for extra air flow. A large storage basket holds big diaper bags and purses.

It’s expensive! This is no cheap stroller by any means. There are no cup holders. The only accessories included are a tire pump. All others are sold separately.

Older versions had less headroom per seat, so toddlers’ heads often touched the top well before they outgrew the weight limit. The new version should be better with the upgrades, but one parent felt the wheels shook too much and that the fabric color faded easily. This new version also has limited colors available, so if you’re dead set on green, you may be disappointed unless you opt for the older version.

The price alone may deter many families. However, there are very few quality control issues with this model. For the investment, you’ll most likely end up with a high quality product that will last a long time.