Baby Gear Strollers The 6 Best Frame Strollers By Maya Polton Updated on April 13, 2022 Fact checked by Emily Swaim Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. A frame stroller is designed to work as a frame that the baby’s infant seat gets clicked into. Typically lightweight and easy to fold, frame strollers are ideal for people who may be in and out of their car often and don’t want to lug a heavy infant seat (plus growing infant) around in the crook of their arm. A frame stroller makes a great addition to a baby registry. Most frame strollers are intended to be used while your child is in an infant car seat (typically only up to one year old). For this reason, you value and longevity are important factors when looking at frame strollers. Additionally, certain frame strollers are only compatible with specific infant seat brands (or need extra adapters), so paying extra attention to those details will save you money and frustration in the end. We carefully considered car seat compatibility, design, ease of cleaning, and value when reviewing products. We've researched the best frame strollers for you and your family. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Baby Trend Snap-N-Go Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier at Amazon ($112) Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Chicco KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller at Amazon ($110) Jump to Review Best All Terrain: Graco SnugRider 3 Elite Car Seat Carrier at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Most Convenient Folding: Chicco Shuttle Frame Stroller at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Twins: Joovy Twin Roo+ Car Seat Stroller at Amazon ($157) Jump to Review Best Jogging Frame Stroller: Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller at Amazon ($450) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Baby Trend Snap-N-Go Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier Amazon View On Amazon $112 View On Walmart $77 View On Target $77 What We Like Accepts Most Car Seat Brands Covered Storage Compartment What We Don't Like Heavier Than Traditional Frame Strollers One of the original frame strollers, the Baby Trend Snap and Go is our top pick because this frame stroller accepts the most brands of car seats. The way the stroller is built, there is a carriage frame that holds the infant seat and then the included straps help secure the infant seat to the stroller frame. At 14 pounds, it’s light, but not the lightest on the market. This stroller is compatible with common infant seat brands like Britax, Maxi-Cosi, Chicco, Graco, Safety 1st, Evenflo, and others. Two cup holders, a covered storage compartment, and a very large under-carriage basket provide new parents with plenty of storage. Key Specs:Product Weight: 14 pounds | Car Seat Compatibility: Most Common Infant Seat Brands | Weight Limit: 45 pounds Best Lightweight Chicco KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller Amazon View On Amazon $110 What We Like Lightweight One-Handed Fold What We Don't Like Single Car Seat Compatibility At only 11 pounds, this frame stroller is lighter than others and a cinch to lift out of a car trunk. Parents love that this light and sturdy frame stroller can fold and unfold with one hand, and taller parents appreciate the adjustable handle height. Once folded, the stroller is able to stand on its own for easier, more compact storage. This frame stroller is designed for and exclusively fits the Chicco Keyfit infant car seat. Key Specs:Product Weight: 11.6 pounds | Car Seat Compatibility: Chicco Keyfit | Weight Limit: 35 pounds Verywell Family / Kristina Squillacioti What Our Editors Say "A frame stroller was a must with my second child. We could throw this into the trunk and easily transport it without heft or bulk. I recommend this product to all second-time parents."–Dwyer Frame, Senior Editorial Director, Verwell Best All Terrain Graco SnugRider 3 Elite Car Seat Carrier Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart $100 What We Like Rear-Facing or Forward-Facing Adjustable Handle Height What We Don't Like Issues with Connecting Car Seat to Frame This three-wheeled stroller frame is extremely maneuverable and works well for bumpy sidewalks, lots of curbs, or uneven walking paths. While it’s not a jogging stroller, the locking front wheel allows for a smoother ride for the baby. Parents love the two cup holders, storage compartment, and adjustable handle height along with the extra-large storage basket under the carriage. The FastAction, one-handed fold is quick and simple, and, once folded, the stroller stands on its own for easy storage. At 13 pounds, this stroller frame is an average weight. Compatible with any Graco Click Connect infant car seat, this frame allows the seat to be faced either out towards the world or inwards toward mom or dad. Key Specs:Product Weight: 13.6 pounds | Car Seat Compatibility: Graco Click Connect and Snugride Snuglock | Weight Limit: 50 pounds The Best Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Verywell Family Most Convenient Folding Chicco Shuttle Frame Stroller Amazon View On Amazon View On Chiccousa.com What We Like One-Handed Fold Large Storage Basket What We Don't Like Heavier Than Other Options Parents of newborns always have their hands full. This frame stroller has an easy-to-reach handle that activates a quick, one-handed fold. The fold handle doubles as a carrying handle, so it’s easy to move and put in and out of a car trunk. At 15 pounds, some parents may find that this frame is heavier than others. It’s compatible with all Chicco Key Fit and Fit2 infant seats. Key Specs:Product Weight: 15 pounds | Car Seat Compatibility: Chicco KeyFit and Fit 2 infant seats | Weight Limit: 35 pounds Best for Twins Joovy Twin Roo+ Car Seat Stroller Amazon View On Amazon $157 View On Walmart $190 View On Babylist.com What We Like Folds Easily Four Cupholders What We Don't Like Heavier Than Other Options Popular with twin parents, this double frame stroller fits two infant car seats. The unique side mount positions the babies sideways (they can both face the same way or opposite ways) which allows for easy access for the parent, although some reviewers felt the positioning put their twin babies too much on display. The frame is compatible with two Chicco KeyFit 30 car seats, and sold separately adapters make this frame compatible with 23 leading infant seats from brands like Britax, Graco, UPPA-baby, Maxi Cosi, and more. At 21.6 pounds, this frame isn’t exactly lightweight, but it does fold easily and includes four cup holders for drinks or bottles. Key Specs:Product Weight: 21.6 pounds | Car Seat Compatibility: Chicco KeyFit 30 | Weight Limit: 70 pounds Best Jogging Frame Stroller Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller Amazon View On Amazon $450 View On Potterybarnkids.com View On Nordstrom $450 What We Like 5-Point Harness Compact Fold What We Don't Like Costly Heavier Than Other Options While it’s not recommended that parents go out for a run with an infant seat on a jogging stroller, it is possible to stroll or power walk as an alternative. The Thule Urban Glide is not a traditional frame stroller, but rather a jogging stroller plus a separately sold car seat adapter. The all-terrain stroller boasts 16-inch wheels for an ultra-smooth ride. Alone, the stroller weighs 25 pounds and does fold into a compact size, but not as small or flat as traditional frame strollers. Key Specs:Product Weight: 25.3 pounds | Car Seat Compatibility: Most Common Infant Seat Brands (with adapter) | Weight Limit: 75 pounds The Best Double Jogging Strollers, Tested by Active Parents of 2 Final Verdict If you already have a car seat that you love and worried about finding a frame stroller that works with it, the Baby Trend Snap-n-Go (view on Amazon) is compatible with most car seat brands. It's lightweight and at an affordable price point. For parents who plan to use their frame stroller as more of an everyday stroller during the early infant phase, the Graco Snugrider Elite 3 (view on Amazon) is very light, easy to use, maneuverable, and a well-loved frame stroller when used with a compatible car seat. What to Look for When Buying a Frame Stroller Lightweight One of the best features of frame strollers is their weight. Because they are designed to hold a car seat, which is typically heavy, you want the stroller to be lightweight to make it easier to tote around both. Frame strollers are a great option if you haven’t officially picked a traditional stroller or simply need an option that’s convenient and lightweight for traveling. And the best part? Frame strollers typically cost less than a traditional stroller. Extra Features Because frame strollers are just that, a frame for a car seat to sit in, they may be lacking in the extra features category. Before you purchase a frame stroller, decide what features you can’t live without. Some frame strollers offer cupholders or storage baskets while others are bare bones and are designed to just get the job done. Consider your daily activities or where the stroller will be used and how often, and then decide if you need a bigger storage basket or can sacrifice on cupholders. There are also other features to be on the lookout for, such as brakes and maneuverability. Compatibility If you’re about to pull out your wallet to purchase a frame stroller, double-check that it’s compatible with your child’s car seat. With frame strollers, some only connect to the brand’s car seats while others are not brand specific and offer way more flexibility. There’s also the possibility of using a car seat adapter with the frame stroller. So, if your child’s car seat doesn’t fit with the frame stroller you’ve picked, check to see if your frame stroller allows for an adapter to fit another brand’s car seat. Frequently Asked Questions What is a frame stroller? When it comes to a frame stroller, think bare bones. Frame strollers are essentially strollers that only feature the frame of a car seat to lock into. They are lightweight, convenient, and still have some of those important extra features many parents and caregivers look for, like a storage basket. Depending on the frame stroller’s weight limit, they can last a child until one year old, or as long as they sit in a bucket car seat. They’re ready for use immediately after birth since you can lock in your baby’s car seat to the frame. Should I buy a frame stroller instead of a traditional stroller? There are many differences between frame strollers and traditional strollers. It’s up to you to decide on what differences you’re okay with and what you just can’t sacrifice. Frame strollers are great to use once your baby is born, and are convenient because they’re lightweight, typically cheaper, and can still be used for a long time after birth. Of course, they can’t be used after a certain weight limit is reached, but all strollers have requirements. As for traditional strollers, they usually aren’t safe to use straight after birth, which means a travel system is required for potentially the first 6 months. They are more expensive, but they will be used longer than a frame stroller. Traditional options are also roomier and have more features, like several cupholders, large storage baskets, and sun canopy. Why Trust Verywell Family Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. Her well-loved frame stroller that she used for her first two kids was discontinued before she could use it for her daughter. Since she had a garage full of strollers, she couldn’t justify buying another and added an infant seat adapter to a big stroller she already had. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit