Taking baby with you wherever you go requires patience, diligence, attention, and awareness. Along with these paternity characteristics, you will also need the best travel system stroller combination you can find. A stroller and car seat are indispensable for safely transporting your child in and out of the car.
Your car seat and stroller combo will last for years if you select the right combination. However, with so many manufacturers and brands available, which system has the best components and the best value for your money? Searching online can be a frustrating experience, with many user reviews providing misleading information.
Before you blindly choose your travel system based on price or looks, read through this article for some helpful information on specification, buying tips, and a review of the eight best travel system stroller deals available for your baby.
Travel System Benefits
A top quality stroller is essential for any parent that wants to transport their baby safely. While strollers and car seats are available separately, it’s a better idea to buy a combination. Purchasing a combo seat and stroller makes interchanging the car seat and stroller is straightforward. All you need to do is unclip the seat and transfer it directly to the stroller in seconds. By purchasing the combination, you avoid the hassle of choosing a car seat that is not compatible with your stroller.
Here are the top benefits of purchasing a car seat and stroller travel system.
- Ease of movement– Top quality strollers are effortless to push and easy to navigate through shopping malls, outdoor areas, and even while you jog.
- Compatibility – Move the seat from the car to the stroller without using adapter clips, saving you time, money, and effort.
- Convenience – Never lose any extra adaptor parts, merely transfer the seat to the stroller in seconds without disturbing your baby.
The Features of a Good Travel System Stroller
The features of a good travel system include the following components.
Stroller Essentials:
- A stable wheelbase with large, durable wheels set on independent swivels with smooth bearings that allow for smooth movement.
- A durable, lightweight frame.
- Durable, non-allergenic, and soft cradle materials.
- A sun visor to protect your baby’s sensitive skin from UV.
- A storage pouch for baby’s necessities such as the bottle, nappies, and medication.
- A useful console for storing water bottles, music players, cell phones, and other personal items you may need while strolling with your baby.
- Compatibility clips for your car seat.
- A handbrake and tether to prevent roll-away.
Stroller ‘Nice-to-have’ accessories
- Suspension systems for off-road or trail running.
- Entertainment chandeliers to keep baby occupied.
- Extended sunroof with window.
- Off-road wheels, or rubber, air-inflated tires.
- Extra pouches for storage.
Key Standard Features of a Car Seat and Base
A car seat and base should come with the following features available as standard equipment.
- A five-point safety harness.
- A removable insert for small babies.
- Protective construction from energy absorbing foam that protects against impact.
- A five-star safety grading, accept nothing less.
- Center latch for secure, and convenient installation to both the car and the stroller.
Differences Between 3-Wheel and 4-Wheel Travel Systems
The difference between four-wheel and three-wheel strollers is minor. However, you should be aware of a few things before you decide on which stroller suits your needs.
- Four-Wheel strollers fold quickly and stand up when folded.
- Three-Wheel strollers have a tighter turning circle and are easier to maneuver than four-wheel strollers.
- With the car seat clipped in, the center of gravity of the stroller will be higher. Therefore a four-wheel stroller will feel more stable and secure.
The Top Eight Best Travel System Strollers
We have taken the challenge out of your travel system shopping and have selected eight of the very best travel system stroller combos for you to choose.
Best Travel System Stroller #1: Graco FastAction Sport Stroller
Graco has grown from a small company offering infant products such as wind-up swings, into an internationally renowned baby care company in just five short years. This brand is synonymous with quality, and all of their products feature fantastic design and premium materials. The stroller accepts the SnugRide click connect car seat, and allows for effortless transfer between the car and the stroller.
Graco FastAction Fold Sport LX Stroller is a 3-wheel traveler combo that has a multitude of exciting features.
Features
- Large storage basket with expandable rear pouch.
- Cup holders.
- A three-point and five-point harness.
- Swivel wheels.
- Handbrake.
- Extended sun canopy.
Advantages
- SnugRide Click Connect 35 car seat features crash absorbing foam with quick release.
- Fits comfortably in compact cars.
- Easy to assemble.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Available in a wide range of colors.
Disadvantages
- Not very compact when folded.
- Does not lock in place when folded.
Best Travel System Stroller #2: Chicco Cortina CX
This top European brand specializes in baby care products for infants up to three years of age. One of their most impressive products is their stroller and car seat combo. The Chicco Cortina CX with car seat looks great and has tremendous functionality, with a fully reclining cradle and memory recline settings.
The stroller features four wheels with all-wheel suspension, console with cup holders and tray, as well as a handbrake. The Chicco Cortina is available in a wide variety of colors. The most impressive feature of this travel combo is the fact that it earned the Consumer Reports ‘Best in Crash Protection‘ rating.
Features
- Rated to carry up to 50 lbs.
- Made from durable nylon material.
- Imported from Europe.
- Ships with protective packaging.
- Keyfit car seat secures up to 30 pounds.
- Keyfit energy absorbing foam for side impact protection.
- Adjustable leg rest, wheel suspension, and canopy.
- One-pull latch for tightening.
Advantages
- Consumer Reports ‘Best in Crash Protection‘ rating.
- Adjustable handles to suit tall and short parents.
- Easy transfer between car and stroller.
- Plush, padded fabric cradle.
- Lockable front wheels.
Disadvantages
Best Travel System Stroller #3: Evenflo Pivot
Evenflo has evolved over the years to become one of the industry leaders in child stroller technology. All of their products are well-designed, and the Evenflo Pivot stroller and car seat combo is an example of intelligent design and practical technology. Evenflo is well known for their smooth riding strollers and looking at the list of features; it’s easy to see why.
Features
- 5-Point safety harness.
- Four-wheel stroller.
- Level indicators on their adjustable car seat base.
- Excellent suspension.
- Swivel wheels with lock.
- Air tires for better shock absorption.
- Total reclining seat.
- Adjustable handlebar.
Advantages
- Car seat certified for air travel.
- Excellent control with smooth ride.
- Quality design and construction.
- Adjustable handlebar heights.
- Easy fold and store.
Disadvantages
- Car set is heavy.
- Does not come complete with all accessories.
- The shoulder strap is uncomfortable and has limited adjustment.
- Plain colors.
Best Travel System Stroller #4: Britax B-Agile and B-Safe
The Britax B-Agile and B-Safe car seat and stroller combo have a minimalist look to them, with plenty of excellent features. This three-wheel stroller is excellent for strolling the roads and shopping malls. The steering is lightweight and the suspension responsive. It is not the best stroller for off-road trails, but it will manage a stroll through the grass without losing control of the lead wheel.
This stroller has ample storage space in the bin under the cradle and has an extended sun visor that’s the best in its class. The B-Safe car seat is manufactured with shock absorbing foam and features a five-point harness and certified for air travel.
Features
- Foot brake.
- Rear parking brakes.
- Three wheels.
- 5-point harness.
- Level indicator for car seat.
- All-wheel suspension.
Advantages
- Light car seat.
- Easy to fold and store.
- Fantastic safety rating.
- Excellent sun shade coverage.
- Compatible with other brands such as Chicco, Graco, and Peg Perego.
Disadvantages
- The three-wheel system makes it challenging to control when jogging.
- Small storage area.
- Car seat material gets hot when left in the sun.
- Cumbersome unlocking system.
- Expensive & limited colors are available.
Best Travel System Stroller #5: Graco FastAction Fold, Click Connect Travel System 30
This model is the four-wheel version of the first traveler in this review. The addition of the fourth wheel adds more stability but lacks the control of the three-wheel counterpart. Still, this stroller is excellent value for money considering its price point when compared to other four-wheel strollers. It’s easy to fold and store away, leaving a small footprint.
Features
- 5-Point safety harness.
- Level indicator.
- Car seat features shock absorbing foam.
- Three colors are available.
- Four wheels with suspension.
- Good value and well-priced.
Advantages
- Easy and fast assembly.
- Very lightweight when compared to other models.
- The basket is accessible, even when reclining the seat.
- One-handed quick hold capability for easy turning.
- Soft, plush material for car seat and stroller cradle.
Disadvantages
- Undersized basket.
- Tray gets in the way when storing in the trunk of a car.
- Low handles make it not ideal for adults over 5’8 tall
- Not good on trails or off-road.
Best Travel System Stroller #6: Evenflo Vive
Evenflo is an industry leader in baby safety products. They specialize in car seats and strollers, with many different models available. This car seat and stroller does not have any fancy features; the design is practical and straightforward. However, it still has all the features you would expect to find on a stroller and car seat combo, without the steep price tag.
Features
- Eye-catching design.
- Multi-position reclining seat.
- Console with cup holders.
- Four wheels provide excellent stability.
- 5-Point safety harness.
- Level indicator.
- Side impact, car seat design, protects baby’s head.
- Beautiful colors.
Advantages
- Large canopy.
- Easy to fold.
- Very lightweight.
- Plush padding in car seat and cradle.
- A simple transfer from car to stroller.
- Stroller rides well on smooth surfaces.
Disadvantages
- Undersized basket.
- Plastic wheels.
- The car seat is a bit oversized.
- Heavy stroller.
Best Travel System Stroller #7: Disney Amble
Keeps your kids happy with the world’s most well-known cartoon characters. The Disney brand has released this practical and well-priced stroller and car seat combo, and it has become a smashing success. While it does not have the refinement of the BOB or the Graco, the Disney Amble still has many of the features found on more expensive models.
Features
- Four-wheel design.
- Entertaining Disney prints.
- Seat recline.
- Console cupholders
- 5-Point harness with side impact protection.
- Lightweight.
- Ample storage.
- Available Themes: Alice in Wonderland, Floral Minnie, Dumbo, Bambi, and Winnie the Pooh.
Advantages
- Cute design with Disney images.
- Easy assembly.
- Easy to fold and store.
- Soft and comfortable.
- Priced well.
Disadvantages
- The material can get hot if left in the sun.
- Plastic wheels will wear quickly.
- Cumbersome unclipping and transfer from car to stroller.
Best Travel System Stroller #8: Graco LiteRider LX
The Graco literider LX is a well-priced stroller and car seat with high safety rating and excellent build quality. The materials and design used in this four-wheel model are outstanding. We especially like the ease of transfer between stroller and the car for this model. Graco have produced a system that is lightweight and user-friendly.
Features
- 5-Point safety harness.
- Parent cupholders.
- Adjustable handlebars.
- Baby seat recline.
- Independent suspension.
- Compact and easy to maneuver.
Advantages
- Soft and plush material.
- Good basket space.
- Quick and easy assembly.
- Spring mechanism on basket.
- Adjustable handlebars.
Disadvantages
- Cupholder needs removing when folding.
In Closing
The all-in-one functionality of these eight travel systems makes them the ideal choice for any parent that needs to transport their child safely and conveniently. All of the strollers and car seats in the review meet the most stringent safety standards.
The most important choice you have to make is deciding on the options that you feel will make transporting your baby simple and straightforward. Your stroller will be a vital piece of equipment to transport your child over the next few years as they grow. Make sure that you choose the best system that your budget can afford and avoid any post-purchase dissonance or buyer’s remorse.
