The 13 Best Car Seat and Stroller Travel Systems of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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a variety of car seat and stroller travel systems side-by-side in a carpeted entryway

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Infant car seat and stroller combos (often called travel systems) make toting your baby around safer and more convenient. The best travel systems come with an infant car seat that either converts into a stroller or clicks right into one, allowing you to transition your baby from the car to the stroller without having to wake or unstrap them. When shopping for the right one for your family, consider the travel system’s safety features, weight and height limitations, stroller configuration options (especially if you have multiple kiddos), and overall ease of use.

We’re big fans of travel systems because they help new parents rest easy knowing that the car seat and stroller are designed to work well together, and they’re convenient if you know you’ll be on the go with your baby often. We consulted with car seat experts as well as stroller and car seat safety guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to determine what makes a high-quality travel system. A board-certified pediatrician on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity regarding car seat and stroller travel systems, safety features, and height and weight limitations.

We used this information to select 25 travel systems to put through rigorous testing at the Verywell Testing Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, assessing the ease of assembly, installation, and use, as well as their portability, design, maneuverability, and overall value. Then, we sent our top picks out to our editors, who have been testing them with their families for the past three months. This real-world test is ongoing, so we’ll be sure to keep this list updated with additional insights as we learn more about the travel systems’ long-term performance. Stroller and car seat combos from brands like Doona, Uppababy, Nuna, and Graco are just a few of the standouts.

Best Overall

UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller

UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Installation
    4/5
Pros
  • Attaching each part is simple

  • Intuitive assembly

  • Deluxe design

Cons
  • Car seat and stroller sold separately

  • Car seat canopy isn’t the most secure

Uppababy is known for its deluxe, user-friendly baby gear, and its Cruz travel system is no exception. Currently, the Uppababy Cruz V2 and Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat & Base are sold separately, but they function as a dynamic travel system that is easy to assemble and install in the car. (In fact, we found that assembly was so intuitive it wasn’t necessary to read the directions.) Since adapters are pre-installed, you simply need to pop on the wheels, detach the car seat from the base, and attach it to the sturdy stroller frame.

Our test revealed that attaching and detaching the Mesa V2 car seat and Cruz V2 stroller is as easy as pushing a button. Plus, attaching the car seat to the base was a breeze, clicking right into place, and an indicator turns green when the level is correctly adjusted. (We appreciated the clear directions for this step.) Installing the base with the LATCH system wasn’t difficult, either—once we figured out how to get the latches to release from each side, it was simple to clip them in. You can also choose to install the car seat without the base by threading a seat belt through the slots. 

We were impressed by the travel system’s thoughtful design and ample padding. The Cruz V2’s spacious cargo area holds a medium-sized diaper bag, and you can also access the cargo from the front of the stroller if desired. However, there’s a bar along the bottom of the back cargo space that can make it awkward to wiggle items in and out. The stroller has the same beautiful, modern look and ergonomic leather handle as other Uppababy strollers, and we liked the car seat’s handle, which can be repositioned to be an anti-rebound bar while driving. We did struggle to keep the Mesa V2’s canopy on securely, though we appreciated that the travel system comes with a rain canopy and a mesh canopy. Folding the stroller had a bit of a learning curve at first, but it wasn’t difficult.

Even with the car seat attached, this travel system felt super lightweight, and it glided smoothly across the various surfaces we tested, like turf and gravel. It was easy and enjoyable to push, and although its large wheels made pulling it up stairs tricky, it was lightweight enough to carry up the stairs if needed.

While it does have a higher price point, the Uppababy Cruz V2 and Mesa V2 provide long-term value and can grow with your child, since the stroller has a reversible toddler seat. The travel system as a whole has a top-tier design, and the parts are simple to attach, detach, and install, making it a clear choice for our top spot.

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
25.5 pounds | Dimensions: 37.5 x 22.75 x 40 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: 10 to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs:
Weight:
10 pounds | Dimensions: 17 x 26.5 x 23 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Uppababy Vista V2 (without an adapter) and other Uppababy strollers

a person pushing the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller on a section of faux grass indoors

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best Maneuverability

Nuna MIXX Next + Pipa Lite RX

Nuna MIXX Next + Pipa Lite RX

Pottery Barn Kids

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    4.5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Installation
    3.5/5
Pros
  • Great maneuverability

  • Car seat easily attaches to the stroller

  • Ergonomic finger grooves for folding

Cons
  • Installing the car seat and base in the car is tricky

The Nuna Mixx Next + Pipa Lite RX Travel System drives like a dream and has an impressive sleek and modern design. The travel system includes the brand’s Pipa Lite RX infant car seat, PIPA series base, and Mixx Next stroller, which is pretty simple to assemble, though some fiddling around was required during our test as several parts were nicely hidden by fabric to enhance the stroller’s overall look.

This car seat/stroller combo particularly wowed us with its maneuverability. Thanks to its suspension, the stroller drove smoothly across several surfaces in our obstacle course and the rubber wheels provided great traction. Even with a fully loaded diaper bag, the travel system was lightweight enough to make turning super easy, but it still felt stable on different surfaces. Plus, the stroller stayed completely still when the brake was engaged.

Attaching the car seat to the stroller was simple, with accessible buttons and levers and a clicking noise when the seat was securely fastened. It was also straightforward to attach the car seat to the base since there’s an indicator that turns green when you’ve attached the clips and set the floor support correctly. Getting the base installed in the car, on the other hand, took some effort. We found that the base clips are best installed one at a time while bracing yourself against the base, which isn’t ideal. Adjusting the base’s height also required a good bit of wiggling.

This Nuna travel system impressed us when it came to its sleek design. In addition to its appealing look, all of the materials felt high-end and thought out in terms of placement. The car seat’s interior was soft and cozy, and the stroller’s canopy had a handy magnetic peekaboo flap. Though the cargo space is narrower than we’d like, it is tall. Finger grooves on the top and bottom of the stroller assist with folding.

At $1,300, this travel system is certainly an investment, and we wish that extras like a snack tray, rain cover, and car seat case were included. However, if you have room in your budget, this stylish travel system is so easy to steer and looks great.

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
28.5 pounds | Dimensions: 32.8 x 23.8 x 45.5 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: NB to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs:
Weight:
6.9 pounds | Dimensions: 26.5 x 15 x 23.5 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 32 pounds / up to 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Only compatible with Nuna strollers

Women clipping Nuna MIXX Next + Pipa Lite RX into a carseat

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best for Cities

Doona Car Seat and Stroller

Doona Car Seat and Stroller

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    4/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
  • Installation
    5/5
Pros
  • Simple to take in and out of a car

  • Easy to carry up stairs

  • Compact

Cons
  • Other options are more versatile

  • Handlebar can’t be adjusted

If you’re looking to save on space, the Doona Infant Car Seat is a single piece of gear that pulls double duty as a car seat and a stroller. We recommend it for those who live in a city, particularly if you get in and out of cabs or ride shares frequently. To convert the Doona from a stroller into a car seat, engage the brake, push the handlebar up and back, press a button on the top pack of the car seat, then push the frame of the stroller down (with your foot in front of the back wheel) until the wheels tuck into it. It sounds more complicated than it is—it took us just under a minute to do the conversion after we figured it out.

Taking the Doona in and out of the car was more pleasant to do than most other travel systems we tested. When folded, it clicks right into the car seat base, and an indicator on the base turns from red to green when it’s in correctly. To remove it, press a button on the base, push a large piece on the base inward, and pull the Doona towards you. Then comes the best part: You don’t have to grab a stroller out of the trunk. Simply press the button at the top pack of the seat, the wheels swing out, and boom: It's a stroller again.

The LATCH system itself is easy to install with handy clips and release buttons, and a dial helps you raise the seat until it’s at the right height. You also have the option to secure the base by fitting the car’s seat belt into the green clips. Even with a 20-pound weight inside, we were able to lift it up to carry up the stairs, which would come in handy for city parents living in a walk-up apartment or traveling by subway. We were also able to pull it backwards up the stairs. It was smooth to push around (even one-handed), and there are two clearly marked pedals to engage and disengage the brake.

The fabric on the seat and canopy felt nice to the touch, though the canopy didn’t extend too far. (You can purchase sunshades, mosquito nets, and rain covers separately.) The seat, which is padded for impact protection, is covered with a cooling bamboo charcoal fabric that can be removed and washed to clean up messes. When folded, the stroller handle acts as an anti-rebound bar, which is a clever (and helpful) touch. The handlebar’s height can’t be adjusted, though, so it may not be an ergonomic fit for taller adults.

While this is a niche purchase, it’s a unique and highly convenient option for someone who doesn’t want to deal with several pieces of equipment or those who travel around a city often and frequently take cabs and ride shares.

Key Specs:
Weight:
16.5 pounds | Dimensions: 39 x 17.3 x 32.2 inches (unfolded) | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / up to 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: N/A

Person unpacking Doona Car Seat and Stroller

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best Design

Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System

Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.9/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Installation
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Roomy cargo space

  • Attaching the car seat to the base can be done with one hand

Cons
  • Handlebar isn’t adjustable

A well-designed travel system, the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System has deluxe features and is easy to use. Right away, we were impressed by the tool-free assembly and thorough instruction manual, though clicking the stroller pieces together required some elbow grease. Removing the stroller’s arm bar and replacing it with the car seat adapter was a cinch, and so was sliding the car seat onto the stroller. We were able to lift the car seat into the base with just one hand (it clicked right into place), but to detach it, we needed two hands: one to press a button, and the other to lift out the seat.

The best travel systems give you the option to install the car seat into the base with a LATCH system or the car’s seat belt. This Chicco travel system has both: If you’re using the LATCH system, the base has handy clips that you slide over some hooks in the seat, then a liquid level shows you if the seat is level. To install the car seat without a base, simply use the car’s lap belt and chest belt for added security.

Above all else, this travel system stands out in the design category. The stroller’s roomy cargo space has separate compartments to hold all of your baby gear, including a diaper bag and bottles, and the clip-on cup holder was a plus. We also liked the canopy, which zips to extend or retract, and you can flip up a flap for extra airflow. The stroller is compact when folded and doesn’t take up all of the room in a trunk, and all of the parts connect and lock into place intuitively. Our only complaints about this travel system’s design are that the stroller’s bumper bar needs to be removed to attach the car seat, and the shoulder strap has to be repositioned each time you buckle your little one in. Also, the handlebar’s height is not adjustable, like the one on the Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System.

During our test, this stroller turned beautifully around tight corners, but we struggled to get it over the curb. Though taking the stairs caused quite a bit of noise, we think the ride would be fairly smooth for a baby. Overall, the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System scored highly in each category, and at $600, it’s about half the price of some other top models, like the Nuna Mixx Next + Pipa Lite RX Travel System, which retails for $1,300.

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
18.7 pounds | Dimensions: 34.5 x 24.8 x 42.8 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs:
Weight:
8.5 pounds (10 pounds with base attached) | Dimensions: 28 x 15.5 x 22.5 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: All Chicco strollers (no adapter needed)

Person unfolding the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best Convertible

Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System

Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    3.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Installation
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Several configuration and conversion options

  • Large and easily accessible cargo space

  • Snack tray and parent cup holder included

Cons
  • Heavy

  • Not a portable option

The Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System is a great purchase if you’ve got multiple little ones or are planning to expand your family. The travel system alone can be a single toddler stroller, a single infant stroller, or a double stroller for a toddler and infant with the included infant car seat. And, with the purchase of a second stroller seat, it converts into a double stroller with over 15 possible configurations.

During our test, we found the assembly to be fairly straightforward, with our only frustration being that the car seat didn’t stay in place at the lowest car seat height. Detaching the infant car seat simply required the push of a button, but attaching it was a bit trickier—we had to carefully guide the seat into the correct position. Attaching the car seat to the base, on the other hand, was super smooth: The car seat snapped right in and out. There's a very clear level indicator, so you know exactly when the car seat is positioned correctly.

Installing the car seat base into the car with the LATCH system was a breeze. After snapping in the connectors, we simply tightened the straps and checked the indicator to make sure it was level. Once in, it was super secure; so secure, in fact, that detaching the base was a tough task, requiring us to totally unhook the LATCH connectors. If you plan to be moving from car to car frequently, this might not be your best option. 

The stroller is heavy and built like a tank, which poses some challenges. While it’s simple to fold, it has a large footprint (even when folded) and requires a good bit of effort to turn when it’s fully loaded. At the same time, the stroller’s heft makes it feel incredibly sturdy and secure. There are many design features that we appreciated, including a very roomy cargo space that still had ample room after we loaded it up with a full diaper bag. It also had faux leather detailing on the handlebar, which adjusts to two different positions, making it great for caregivers of different heights. The footbrake was easy to engage and release, and the travel system came with a removable cup holder for the adult and a removable snack tray for the kid.

This travel system is at a lower price point than many of our other picks, so it’s reasonable that there are some quirks. If portability isn’t a priority, this travel system gives you a lot for your money with the many conversions to choose from.

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
36 pounds | Dimensions: ‎43 x 26.4 x 44.5 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs:
Weight:
7.5 pounds | Dimensions: 29 x 18.3 x 16.2 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Any Graco car seat (no adapter needed)

Person testing Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System while placing foot on peddle

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best Assembly

Evenflo Shyft DualRide

Evenflo Shyft DualRide Infant Car Seat Stroller Combo

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.4/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    3.7/5
  • Installation
    4.3/5
Pros
  • No assembly required

  • Can detach car seat from wheels

  • Padding is removable and washable

Cons
  • Maneuvering the car seat into the base is finicky

  • Must be fully installed in the base to detach carrier from wheels

When you welcome a new baby, you likely have a lot of gear to put together. The Evenflo Shyft DualRide comes assembled and ready to go—just unlatch it and pop it open—so you have one less thing to build for your baby. Similar to the Doona, the Evenflo Shyft DualRide is an all-in-one travel system that converts from a stroller to an infant car seat. 

The Shyft’s seat is higher off the ground than the Doona, which is a plus because it helps the carrier stay cleaner. On the other hand, it’s also much heavier than the Doona—the Shyft weighs nearly 13 pounds more—and trickier to maneuver into the car due to its bulkiness. (It would be a better fit for an SUV rather than our editor’s sedan.) Once you’ve hoisted it into the car, though, the Shyft clicks right into the car seat base, which can be installed via the LATCH system or the car’s seat belt. A level indicator and a loud click tell you when the seat is correctly attached to the base. To remove the carrier, all you need to do is pull a white lever on the back, and the car seat is released right away.

Unlike the Doona, you can remove the Shyft’s wheels from the carrier if desired, but oddly, you can only detach the carrier from the wheels when the system is installed in the car seat base—so, if you’re away from your car and want to remove the wheels, you can’t. However, when the wheels are docked, it’s easy to remove the car seat: Simply pull on a lever and shift the carrier forward, and it pops right out. 

The Shyft has no storage area, which is not ideal for parents needing to tote around baby gear. It does come with a detachable cup holder and a storage bag, though. Its handlebar is tall enough that caregivers can push it without hunching over—the Doona’s handlebar may be a little short for adults parents to reach comfortably—and the UPF 50+ canopy is nice and thick without feeling constrictive. The stroller is a “cakewalk” to maneuver, our editors found, and it wheeled through our obstacle course with ease. It was a little tricky to take over sand, but it’s great on turf and pavement. The straps on the no-rethread harness, however, are a total pain to adjust.

One unique design feature of the Shyft is Evenflo’s SensorSafe technology app, which alerts you (via a compatible app) if your child unexpectedly becomes unbuckled, has been in their seat too long, or is left unattended. It also tells you if the car’s temperature is too hot or cold.

Priced at $550, the Evenflo Shyft DualRide costs the same as the Doona, so it’s a matter of assessing each option’s features to determine which is the better fit for your family. Both travel systems steer nicely and cut down on the pieces of gear you have to deal with. But if the ability to detach the carrier from the wheels is important to you, only the Shyft is able to do so. And if a lightweight option is more of a priority, the Doona weighs 13 pounds less and is less bulky, making it a little easier to maneuver in and out of the car.

Key Specs:
Weight:
29 pounds | Dimensions: 29 x 19 x 16 (unfolded), 18 x 18 x 31 inches (folded) | Weight/Height Limit: 3 to 35 pounds / 15.7 to 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: N/A

Best Installation

Britax B-Free Premium & B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit Plus Travel System

BRITAX B-Free Premium & B-Safe® Gen2 FlexFit Plus Travel System

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Installation
    5/5
Pros
  • Quick assembly

  • Magnetic peekaboo window

Cons
  • No cup holder or snack tray

Struggling to install a car seat base into your car can be time-consuming (and potentially dangerous), so we love how this one from Britax is quick and simple to install. Beginning with the assembly, this travel system proved itself in our tests: All we had to do was pop in the wheels, canopy, and car seat adapter. 

During our test, we were able to attach the car seat to the stroller and car seat base with just one hand, and detaching was similarly easy, though we required a second hand to depress a lever. Where the travel system really shone was the installation, which took us under two minutes. The base quickly clicked into place thanks to the LATCH system, then we tightened it by pulling on the middle straps. Once installed, the base felt wonderfully sturdy and stable in the car.

Folding the stroller wasn’t intuitive at first, but it was simple once we figured it out, and the loop you pull to collapse serves as a handle when it’s folded. While we liked that the toddler seat reclines, adjusting it was tricky: We needed to push the slider and the straps at the same time, which took some effort. A mid-size diaper bag was a snug fit in the cargo space, though there was room for additional smaller items in the carrying bag attached to the handlebar. The canopy, which attaches to the base with a hook and loop closure, is adjustable and has a mesh peekaboo window that can be held back with the magnetic closure for viewing. 

Unlike most of our other picks, this stroller only has one front wheel, which helped us navigate curbs with ease. The stroller did struggle a bit going over sticks and was heavy to turn, though it turned smoothly overall. It’s $650, which is pricier than some of our other picks, like the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System and Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System (both under $350), but we think this one’s simple installation makes it worth it.

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
22 pounds | Dimensions: 44 x 24 x 42 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Newborn to 55 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs:
Weight:
11.6 pounds | Dimensions: 26.6 x 17.9 25.9 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Select Britax models (with included adapter) and BOB Gear jogging strollers (with adapter)

Person adjusting BRITAX B-Free Premium & B-Safe® Gen2 FlexFit Plus Travel System

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best Car Seat

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Installation
    5/5
Pros
  • Intuitive car seat base installation

  • Quick, straightforward assembly

Cons
  • Fold isn’t very compact

The car seat is the heart of a travel system, so a good one is a must-have. This Chicco travel system features an infant car seat that attaches to the stroller and car seat base with ease, and in our tests, we appreciated just how intuitive using each part was. 

We snapped all components together in just over five minutes, and it was also quick to attach the car seat to the stroller: After reclining the toddler seat, we clicked in the car seat to attach, then pulled on a lever to take the seat back out. The same goes for attaching the car seat to the base, but you pull on a handle to detach it. A bubble indicator helps you find the right car seat placement.

Similarly, installing the car seat base was a breeze. Since clicking in the latches and pulling the strap to secure the seat was so straightforward, we didn’t even need to refer to the instructions. Plus, the stroller folds quickly with the push of a button and a lift of the handle, which doubles as a carrying handle once it’s collapsed, making it easy to put it into the trunk or storage. It is a bit bulky when folded, though you can remove the snack tray to make it fit in smaller spaces.

This travel system’s aesthetic look is nothing special, but there are some thoughtful design features. The cushioning in the infant car seat and the toddler stroller seat is super soft, and there are conveniently located cup holders for the adult and kid. The cargo area fits a mid-sized diaper bag, though you do have to lift the seatback to access it. When we took the travel system out for a spin, it drove smoothly over most surfaces, but it did struggle to get up curbs and the left wheel felt a bit loose.

If you’re looking to make your life a little easier, consider this Chicco travel system for its simple installation and assembly.

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
24.9 pounds | Dimensions: 35.2 x 22.8 x 42.7 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs:
Weight:
16.5 pounds | Dimensions: 27.5 x 16.5 x 24 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 30 pounds / 30 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: All Chicco strollers (no adapter needed)

Women dismantling the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System to place in red car

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best Value

Graco Modes Pramette Travel System

Graco Modes Pramette Travel System

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    3/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Installation
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Canopy has a mesh peekaboo window

  • Toddler seat turns into infant pramette

  • Car seat pops right into the stroller

Cons
  • Material on the toddler seat and infant car seat is rough

You’ll get a lot for your money with this 3-in-1 Graco travel system, which functions as an infant car seat carrier, a bassinet, and a toddler stroller (with a few adjustments, the toddler seat converts into a bassinet for younger babies). 

In addition to being very versatile, this travel system also proved to be quite simple to use. It was simple to attach the infant car seat to the stroller once we located the slots, and all we had to do to detach it was push a button on the handlebar, which was doable with just one hand. The car seat also clicked into the base easily—to detach, you’ll need to reach up under the canopy to find the release button. Whether you’re a travel systems expert or a new parent, the instructions clearly illustrate how to install the car seat base via the LATCH system (a little force was required to tighten the belt) or the car’s seat belt.

The travel system’s design is user-friendly with a one-step fold, a reclining toddler seat, and a roomy cargo space that fit a diaper bag and a tote bag during our test. While the handlebar isn’t adjustable, it has a nice foam grip and an attached cup holder and phone holder. The adjustable canopy has a mesh peekaboo window for breathability and visibility. We thought the material on the toddler seat and infant car seat was a bit rough, but the car seat does have a padded backrest. If you prefer softer material, we recommend the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System.

Even when fully loaded, this travel system maneuvered over curbs and around corners like a dream, and it glided smoothly over various terrains in our obstacle course. For a high-quality, multi-function travel system that looks pricier than it is, we think $330 is a great value.

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
21 pounds | Dimensions: 34.7 x 25.6 x 42.5 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs:
Weight:
17.2 pounds | Dimensions: 27.5 x 17.5 x 25.5 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Any Graco car seat (no adapter needed)

Women lifting the sun shield of the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best Portability

Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System

Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    4/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    4/5
  • Value
    3.8/5
  • Installation
    3.5/5
Pros
  • Easy to attach the car seat to the stroller

  • Compact fold

  • Toddler seat can face adult

Cons
  • Not a lot of bells and whistles for the price

The Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System gets its name for a reason: After your little one graduates from an infant car seat to the toddler stroller seat, they can face forwards or backward to take in all of the sights. We found the travel system to be quite user-friendly: The car seat clicked right into the base and could be detached in one step, and after we located the compartment with the LATCH system clips, installing the base into the car was simple. A bubble indicator shows you when the parts are aligned. To attach the car seat to the stroller, we took out the toddler seat, slid on the two adapter pieces, then clicked on the car seat. (It can be removed with the press of a button behind the headrest.) 

We did need to watch a tutorial to figure out how to fold the stroller, but once we did, it was easy. The stroller is ultra-compact when folded, measuring just under a foot tall, so you can toss it into your trunk alongside other gear. In addition to a sleek appearance, this travel system has a vegan leather handlebar and bumper bar, an adjustable canopy, and there is plenty of padding on the seats.

The stroller performed well on most terrains—it was a little bumpy over sticks—and turned nicely. We felt confident pushing it thanks to how smoothly it glides. Though this Baby Jogger travel system doesn’t come with a ton of bells and whistles (cup holders and a snack tray are sold separately), its compact folded footprint is great for those with small trunks or limited storage space, and we loved the way it drives. It’s pricier than other options on our list, but it is more affordable than the Uppababy and Nuna travel systems, which retail for over $1,000.

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
24.4 pounds | Dimensions: 31.4 x 23.2 x 40.5 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat key Specs:
Weight:
18 pounds | Dimensions: 28.5 x 17.3 x 26.5 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Any Baby Jogger stroller (with adapter) and select strollers by other brands

Person lifting the Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best Storage

Graco Modes Nest Travel System

Graco Modes Nest Travel System

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    4/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Maneuverability
    3.8/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Installation
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Several car seat position options

  • Components are easy to attach/install

  • Very large cargo area

Cons
  • Loaded stroller takes effort to push

  • Unfolding the stroller is tricky

The Graco Modes Nest Travel System has ample storage space, which is ideal if you’re packing up for a picnic in the park or need to carry many toys and playdate supplies. The massive cargo hold can fit two or three diaper bags or backpacks, which are easy to access, plus a kid’s snack tray and parent’s cup holder are included with the kit.

Although assembly wasn’t difficult, during our test we did find it necessary to read the instructions. Switching between configurations was pretty effortless, since the car seat snapped into the stroller frame with an audible click, and it clicked right into the car seat base, too. A level on the side indicated when the seat was placed correctly, and there’s also a handy visual guide to show the best placement. To remove it from the base, we pushed a lever at the bottom of the base and pulled the car seat up and out.

The car seat felt stable when secured with the LATCH base and the seat belt, so you have two great options. We needed to consult the manual to install the LATCH system into the car, but after that, it was straightforward to clip in. Our primary critique is that the stroller was difficult to unfold—we needed to unlock the closure latch with one hand and pull the frame up with the other, which is a bit tricky to do all at once.

The Graco Modes Nest Travel System’s overall design looked more upscale than it is. The stroller’s handlebar is wrapped in grippable faux leather, and the metal frame looks and feels solid. We particularly liked that the car seat can be placed at multiple heights when attached to the stroller, and it can also be positioned closer to or farther away from the adult who’s pushing it. 

The stroller’s wheels turned well and it glided nicely over different surfaces, though we needed to exert some effort to push the fully loaded stroller. For the overall ease of use and roomy storage space, $430 is a great value for this stroller, which is available in several colorways.

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
22 pounds | Dimensions: 38.1 x 26.8 x 41.9 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs:
Weight:
7.5 pounds | Dimensions: 29.1 x 18.3 x 16.2 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Any Graco car seat (no adapter needed)

Person pushing the Graco Modes Nest Travel System over stone slabs

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best Budget

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    2.5/5
  • Design
    3.6/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.3/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
  • Installation
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Also functions as a jogging stroller

  • Car seat attaches to the base easily

  • Standing fold

Cons
  • Basic design

  • Attaching the car seat to the stroller is tricky

For parents who are on a budget or don’t plan to use a travel system all too often, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System is a great choice. Plus, it doubles as a jogging stroller with just one locking swivel wheel at the front. Its features are more basic than high-end options, but there’s still plenty to love about this affordable travel system.

The stroller comes mostly assembled, so we only needed to pop in the two back wheels and snap on the snack tray. The tray took some effort to attach, but it’s included with your purchase, which is a bonus. Attaching the car seat to the stroller was a bit trickier and it took several people to get it right, largely due to confusing directions and tabs that were hard to unlock. Uniquely, the car seat clicks in over the toddler tray, and though there’s a bungee cord on the side for security, this didn’t feel like the most stable option. 

However, it was a breeze to install the car seat base with the LATCH system, which slid right into place and tightened easily, as well as with a seat belt. Then, the car seat clicked right into the base. We appreciated the simplicity of the car seat: The same button attached it to the stroller and the base, and the handle was positioned just right to help you navigate it into the car. 

When it came to the stroller’s design, we found pluses and minuses. We liked its one-step, standing fold, and the two carrying handles for getting it in and out of the trunk. Other features just fell a bit flat, though. There are handy cup holders and a phone compartment, but both were a bit too small to hold a standard-sized water bottle and an iPhone 12, respectively. The rubber handle has a good grip, but we didn’t love the tire-like feeling. The canopy also didn’t adjust well—it kept coming all the way forward—and the seat material didn’t feel high-quality. However, the toddler seat can recline, which was a plus.

Even with just one front wheel, this stroller maneuvered well. We liked that you have the option to drive the stroller with the front wheel locked or unlocked, and it handled multiple terrains like a champ. It also turned pretty smoothly and had a spot to put your foot on to help you get it up a curb. While this Baby Trend car seat and stroller combo had some quirks, it proved itself when it came to value. Not only is it the most affordable option on our list, but it even gets you a jogging stroller and travel system all in one.

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
25.5 pounds | Dimensions: ‎47 x 21 x 41 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Newborn to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs:
Weight:
15.8 pounds | Dimensions: 16.3 x 14.7 x 26 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 30 pounds / 30 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Select Baby Trend models

Person adjusting the sun shield of the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Best Sturdy

Britax Willow Brook Travel System

Britax Willow Brook Travel System

Britax

Our Ratings
  • Assembly
    5/5
  • Design
    4.2/5
  • Maneuverability
    3.8/5
  • Value
    4.2/5
Pros
  • Seat belt securing mechanism for installation

  • Easy to assemble

  • Snack tray and parent cup holder included

Cons
  • Stroller feels heavy to push

The Britax Willow Brook car seat and stroller combo is an excellent option if reliability is your top priority. The travel system includes the Britax Willow car seat, the Aspen car seat base, and the Brook baby stroller.

During testing, the sturdiness of this stroller caught our attention right from the beginning. Assembly was a breeze and everything clicked tightly into place and didn’t move, even when shaken. The process was so intuitive that we didn’t even need to read the instruction manual! All components come partially assembled; the stroller wheels, which are clearly labeled front or back, are the only pieces that need to be attached—they pop right into place on the bottom of the stroller frame with no problems. The car and stroller seats seamlessly click into the stroller frame adapters and feel very secure. Both can also be used in front- or rear-facing mode.

Installing the car seat base in the car was just as seamless, thanks to clear instructions, useful indicators, and a few helpful features. For example, the base has recline indicators and is equipped with Britax ClickTight technology, which is a mechanism that locks the seat belt into place when installing the base. During testing, we found this three-step process of opening, threading the seat belt, and closing the mechanism really straightforward, and we liked that it takes the stress out of car seat installation using a seat belt. The base can also be installed via the LATCH system; you’ll find the connectors in the compartment labeled "lower connector storage." The lower connector strap should be secured using the ClickTight system and belt guides on the base and then secured to the vehicle’s lower anchors.

When it comes to design, we love the luxurious fabrics on the Willow car seat and the Brook stroller because they feel soft to the touch and are free of flame-retardant chemicals. The car seat also has an infant insert for extra padding (which is washer and dryer-friendly) and is appropriate for babies 4 pounds and up. You’ll find multiple adjustment points on the car seat (little slits where you can thread through the harness) at the shoulders, hip, and between the legs that can be pulled for a snug or looser fit as your baby grows to the weight limit of 30 pounds. 

We also love that the Brook baby stroller comes with a parent cup holder that’s placed high (right on top of the handlebar), making your drink accessible without bending over. In addition, a snack tray fits onto the front of the stroller seat for your little one’s goodies while on the move. 

The stroller is a little heavy to maneuver. We took it on walks and around an obstacle course, making three-point turns, pushing it around tight corners and on multiple surfaces, including uneven surfaces. While we found it quite easy to pivot, it was strenuous to push it in general. It felt even heavier on surfaces like grass and astroturf, where it moved pretty slowly. Although it was a bit of an effort to push, it turned without difficulty and never felt like it would tip over, demonstrating its sturdiness once again. 

At $450, we think this travel system is a good value considering the impressive car seat features and the simplicity of assembly and installation, which reduces some of the stress of navigating a car seat. While the stroller is slightly more challenging to push around, we love the feeling of safety knowing our little one is in a secure and sturdy stroller. 

Stroller Key Specs:
Weight:
22 pounds | Dimensions: 34 x 23.75 x 42 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: 4 to 30 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs:
Weight:
8.99 pounds | Dimensions: 12 x 9.5 x 12 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 30 pounds / up to 21 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Britax Brook and Brook+, B-Free and B-Lively (with adapters); Bob Gear Wayfinder (with adapters); Nuna Demi Grow Peppe Next, Ivvi Totl (with adapters); UPPAbaby Ridge, Vista 2, Cruz V2 (with adapters); Maxi Cosi Zelia (with adapters); Cybex Eezy S Twist (with adapters).

How We Rated the Best Car Seat and Stroller Travel Systems

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best car seat and stroller travel systems we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These best car seat and stroller travel systems are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great best car seat and stroller travel systems, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These best car seat and stroller travel systems are just average.

Travel Systems We Also Tested

  • Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System: While assembling the stroller is a dream, the travel system as a whole isn't easy to use. Getting the various parts into the proper alignment is challenging, and folding the stroller is not intuitive and requires a good bit of elbow grease. 
  • Maxi-Cosi Gia XP 3-Wheel Single Travel System: This travel system doesn't have an intuitive design: Detaching the car seat from the stroller is quite difficult, even with both hands, and the car seat base requires a lot of force to move around. As such, we think the price isn’t justified.
  • Cybex Talos S Lux Stroller & Aton 2 Car Seat Travel System: Across the board, this travel system does not feel sturdy and is difficult to use, and the materials feel surprisingly low-quality for the price.
  • Baby Trend Muy Tango All-Terrain Pro Travel System: Assembling this stroller is straightforward, but after installing the car seat base with the LATCH system and attaching the car seat, the unit was concerningly shaky.
  • Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System: Though we like that you can attach the car seat to the stroller without removing the snack tray, this travel system falls short in the design category: The lap buckles are difficult to adjust, the cup holders are shallow and feel flimsy, and the canopy is smaller than most.
  • Peg Perego Vivace Stroller and Primo Viaggio 4-35 Lounge Car Seat: This stroller maneuvered exceptionally well and we loved how easy it was to assemble and how seamlessly the car seat attached to the stroller. However, removing the car seat was a different story—we struggled to get it off and it felt really heavy. We were also concerned by how unstable the base and car seat felt when installed using the seat belt.
Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

How We Tested Car Seat and Stroller Travel Systems

We evaluated the best car seat and stroller combos in two stages: a controlled lab test and a long-term test in the real world. First, 11 testers evaluated 23 car seat and stroller travel systems at the Verywell Testing Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We examined the strollers and car seats individually and then together as a travel system. 

To begin, we assembled the strollers right out of the box, noting whether the assembly was intuitive or complex and if the directions were helpful or confusing. We then assessed each stroller’s design, looking carefully at the feel of the fabric, how intuitive the buckle was to use, and whether they had certain features, such as a footrest, cup holders, an adjustable canopy, a reclining seat, and a reclining handlebar. Next, we placed a diaper bag loaded with baby essentials (the diaper bags weighed between 20 and 30 pounds) into the cargo space and took the stroller for a brisk walk around an obstacle course, navigating it over multiple terrains, around sharp corners, and through narrow spaces, before executing a three-point turn.

Testing Car Seat Stroller Combos for Safety Features, Weight, and Ease of Use

Then, we assessed the car seats—each car seat was rear-facing with a weight limit of 30 or 35 pounds—by buckling in a sandbag “baby.” We picked up each car seat, taking note of simplicity, maneuverability, and whether it could be carried with one hand. Next, we attached the car seats to the strollers, noting how the attachments worked, if the car seat popped in easily (or one-handed), whether the sandbag stayed in place, and if the setup felt safe.

Once attached, we adjusted the stroller’s canopy and took note of its roominess and if it provided full coverage. We then repeated the same steps we followed with the stroller, executing a three-point turn and taking it through an obstacle course and over different terrains. Next, we took the travel system up and down stairs to test for stability and then detached the car seats. For the final steps, we used real cars to test the ease of car seat base installation. After installing the bases, we attached and detached the car seats, noting if the process was intuitive, if it would have woken up a baby, and how well the car seat locked into the base.

After our lab test, editors took our top picks home to continue testing them with their own families. They've been testing these travel systems for over three months now, and we'll continue to update this article as we learn more. Additionally, we consulted with Michelle Pratt, Certified Child Passenger Technician and founder of Safe in the Seat, on safety and what to expect from a high-quality travel system.

Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

What to Look for in Car Seat and Stroller Travel Systems

Safety Features

When shopping for a travel system or car seat stroller combo, safety is a primary concern. All car seats on the market have to meet federal car seat standards so they’re safe when used correctly. However, “that ‘when used correctly’ part is the key,” says Pratt. She recommends looking for features that help you use the car seat component correctly every time. “For some families, this means prioritizing the easiest base install. For others, it’s more important to choose a car seat that offers super-simple harness adjustments to accommodate a growing baby,” she says. 

Other safety features to look for include a UPF canopy, stroller wheel locks, a five-point harness, and an anti-rebound bar. Regardless of the features your travel system has, make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when assembling and using it.

Weight and Height Limitations

Every travel system has height and weight limitations for both the car seat and the stroller. It’s important to make sure your baby fits within these limits for their safety. Plus, keep the limits for the car seat in mind so you’ll know to transition your baby into a larger rear-facing seat when the time comes.

“Infant car seats are designed to be used from birth. This applies to travel systems too,” Pratt says. “Just make sure that the car seat and stroller manuals are both followed carefully.” Since travel systems include regular stroller seats in addition to the car seat, you’ll want to pay close attention to the requirements for that, too. “For example, some stroller seats don’t recline enough for newborns, so there may be age requirements or milestone minimums—such as sitting up—before a baby can use the stroller seat instead of riding in their car seat,” Pratt adds.

Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Stroller Configuration Options

Many travel systems and car seat stroller combos are designed so that your child can use the stroller as they continue to grow well past the infant car seat stage, while others, like the Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base, are strictly for the infant phase. Some of our picks have many conversions, like the Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System, which can convert into a double stroller without purchasing a second seat.

Think about what you’d like out of the product to help you narrow down your best options. If you plan to have another baby close in age, a double travel system that can fit an infant and a toddler is a useful choice.

Ease of Use

Loading your kids into the car is hard enough—no one wants to add fighting with complicated baby gear into the mix. When shopping for a travel system, you’ll want to find a stroller that’s simple to set up and break down so you can toss it in the trunk. When it comes to the car seat, you’ll need one that clicks in and out of its base or the stroller without a big fuss. After all, the point of a travel system is to make your life easier!

The type of travel system that’s most convenient for you will also vary based on your lifestyle. “City dwellers with minimal storage space or those who frequently use rideshares may want a small, compact-fold stroller that opens and closes with one hand,” says Pratt. “And suburban families will have a whole different priority list. They may want a stroller that handles a bit rougher terrain or fits in their minivan with the third row up.” Luckily, car seat and stroller combos come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, so there’s one out there that will fit your family’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I buy a travel system?

    While there are many benefits, travel systems particularly come in handy if you travel by car with your baby often. These systems consist of a compatible infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, so they’re designed to work together to make transporting your baby more practical. “It’s so convenient to click an infant car seat into the stroller for quick errands, doctor’s appointments, or neighborhood walks,” says Pratt. “Just be mindful of how much time a baby spends in their car seat outside of the car, and offer lots of breaks.” 

    Plus, car seat safety is incredibly important, and it can be helpful to have gear that’s specifically made to go together so you can ensure you’re using the pieces correctly. Some infant car seats are also compatible with other brands’ strollers, but if you’re using different brands, make sure that the pieces are confirmed to be compatible and safe to use together.

  • What is a LATCH system?

    A LATCH system—an acronym for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children—is a common way to secure a child’s car seat without using the vehicle’s seat belts. Typically, LATCH systems are found in car seat bases, and they consist of latches, hooks, and anchors that keep the car seat securely in place at the right height.

    After installing a car seat base that has a LATCH system into a vehicle (which can be relatively permanent if you frequently drive the same car), you’ll need to attach the base and the car seat each time you strap your baby into the car. Thankfully, most brands make this process easy and safe, with helpful indicators and clicking sounds letting you know when the car seat is positioned correctly.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. As a commerce writer and avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. After personally testing more than 20 car seats and strollers in our lab and through the streets of New York City, she has become quite an expert on the subject. Her favorite strollers so far are the stylish Uppababy Vista V2 (it has tons of conversion options!) and the lightweight Bugaboo Butterfly for travel. For this article, Phoebe also spoke with Michelle Pratt, Certified Child Passenger Technician and founder of Safe in the Seat, in addition to carefully reviewing guidance from the AAP on car seat safety and stroller safety.

Additional reporting by:

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer, a mom to a 1- and 4-year-old, and she has personal experience in researching and using infant carriers, strollers, and travel systems. Key considerations she focused on when selecting these products include personal experience, safety features, ease of use, and user reviews.

3 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Car Seats: Information for Families.

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller.

  3. Car Seat Checkup. HealthyChildren.org