13 Best Infant Car Seats and Strollers

13 Best Infant Car Seats and Strollers

Lugging your tiny tot from the car seat to the stroller and back can turn fun downtime into an arduous game of Tetris. This is where infant strollers and car seats or both combo come in. While infant car seats and strollers are two discrete items, there are times you might want to use the car seat as a seat atop the stroller for a safer ride. These bundles, aptly called “travel bundles,” are designed to make carrying your baby around safer and easier. They feature an infant car carrier that serves as both a car seat and a stroller, usually converting or clicking into a stroller. This allows you to transition your tot from the stroller to the car and back without having to unstrap or even wake them.

Since both items are essential for new parents, infant car seats and strollers combo are also popular, as they save money, time, and space. They’re not just a great space saver but also easy to use and versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Here are the 13 best infant strollers for car seats, including combo options.

Maxi-Cosi Zelia Max Travel System

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The Maxi-Cosi Zelia Max Travel System is one of the best infant strollers and car seats combo. This travel system includes a stroller, a car seat base, and an infant carrier. What’s more, it supports a kid that weighs up to 50 lbs. This infant carrier also comes equipped with all necessary safety features, including a neck and head support insert for the tiniest of babies. Furthermore, the carrier also boasts an ergonomic design, making it more comfortable and easier for parents to carry around. Plus, this lightweight stroller folds down very easily, which means it can be stored anywhere. Wrapping up the features is the height-adjustable handlebar for parents, a sizable storage basket, and an all-wheel suspension.

Pros

  • Great storage space.
  • Carrier has an ergonomic design.
  • Provides neck and head support.

Cons

  • No tray.
  • The cup holder is flimsy.

Graco Modes Nest Travel System

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The Graco Modes Nest Travel System is yet another fabulous combo travel system. This travel system is a hit with families on the go, thanks to the three different stroller configurations. Turn the toddler seat into an infant bassinet, or click the infant carrier into a stroller, letting your baby nap or stay awake comfortably. Moreover, the baby’s seat is reversible, allowing them to face outwards or you in both the car seat and infant carrier formations. Despite there not being a parent tray, there are two cup holders for caregivers and parents who need to caffeinate and hydrate. There’s an extra-large storage basket beneath, too, for necessities such as wipes and diapers. Everyone will also love the large canopies that keep the kid safe from rain and the sun. 

Pros

  • Three-stroller designs.
  • Extra-large storage basket.
  • Reversible stroller seat.

Cons

  • Slightly bulky when folded.

Baby Trend Expedition Travel System

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The Baby Trend Expedition Travel System is one of the best infant car seats and strollers combo. Parents don’t need to choose between a travel system or a jogger thanks to this system because it’s both. So, you get a jogging stroller, a car seat base, and an infant carrier all in one. What’s more, the stroller can be converted into a traditional jogger, complete with a five-point harness and an adjustable seat. Additionally, it can also be set up with the carrier. What makes it even better is that the stroller breaks down easily with a single hand and has a child and parent trays with cup holders and storage space. Finally, it’s lightweight and has a lockable front swivel wheel, all-terrain bicycle tires, extra head support and protection, adjustable height options, and an adjustable canopy.

Pros

  • Provides shade.
  • All-terrain bicycle tires.
  • Adjustable seat.

Cons

  • Heavy and bulky.

Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double Stroller

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The Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double Stroller is one of the best infant car seats and strollers combo for parents who have two kids. They not only get a double stroller with multiple configurations but also two bases and two infant carriers, making this one amazing combo pack. What’s more, the car seats are packed with safety features, including neck support and extra padding for the head. Plus, the stroller is designed to help parents with the transition of babies growing from infancy to toddler years. Wrapping up the features are shade canopies, ample storage space, and trays with cup holders for the parent and each child.

Pros

  • This stroller is cross-compatible with major brands.
  • Great storage space.
  • Provides neck and head support.

Cons

  • Slightly heavy.

Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base

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The Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base is one of the best infant car seats on this list. This infant stroller-car seats combo is as compact and simple as it gets. Thanks to this combo, you get a carrier that converts into a stroller without any extra pieces and a car seat base to install in your car. When it’s set up as a stroller, the carrier’s handle extends out, thus making it easy to push. Conversely, when you’re ready to get on the road, the entire stroller collapses into the infant carrier, clicking right into the base. Finally, the carrier meets strict US safety standards and is equipped with all necessary safety features.

Pros

  • Comes in many colors.
  • Easy to push.
  • Easy to fold down.

Cons

  • Slightly costly.

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System

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The Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System is another amazing car seat-stroller combo. This travel system comprises a stroller with six configurations, a car seat base, and an infant carrier all rolled into one. So, it will fit your tot as they grow. What’s more, the carrier clicks easily in and out of the base, with the additional advantage of the stroller being lightweight. Moreover, the parent cup holder and included storage basket are perfect for placing your much-needed iced coffee and your tot’s toys during strolls. Plus, both the stroller and the car seat are equipped with an adjustable canopy, thus keeping rain and sun out of your baby’s face. Finally, the stroller also has a peekaboo window on the canopy, an optional bumper car, and a snack and cup tray.

Pros

  • Provides shade.
  • Great storage space.
  • Lightweight.

Cons

  • No cross-compatibility.

BRITAX B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System

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The BRITAX B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System is one of the best infant strollers and car seats on this list. This travel system earns top marks for the safety precautions that it boasts of. So, it can be used immediately after the birth of your baby. Secondly, the travel system includes a stroller, a base, and a lightweight infant car seat, which can be used with each other. Once your baby outgrows the car seat, it converts to a standard stroller, which is not only lightweight but can be folded down easily with a single hand. Moreover, it has a UPF 50+ canopy that keeps the sun and rain out of your baby’s face. Besides the removable cover being machine washable, the extra storage space is perfect for storing your baby’s necessities.

Pros

  • Machine-washable cover.
  • Easy to fold down.
  • Lightweight.

Cons

  • No cross-compatibility.

UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller

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The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller is another excellent car seat/stroller system. This travel system is as safe and functional as it’s beautiful, making it such a popular choice – and one of the priciest on this list! The rather slim stroller boasts shock absorption with smooth maneuverability. Moreover, the handlebar is accented with hand-sewn leather and allows for easy height adjustment. Furthermore, many parents rave about the roomy storage basket beneath, with the toddler seat allowing for multi-position recline. It also comes with the popular MESA infant car seat and adapter, which can carry infants up to 35 lbs.

Pros

  • Ample storage space.
  • Multiple configurations.
  • Stylish.

Cons

  • Bulkier than other travel systems.

Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System

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Yet another great infant car seat and stroller system are the Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System. This system features the EZ Ride Stroller and the Baby Trend Ally 35 Infant Car Seat together. Secondly, every element has a five-point safety harness for securing your tot. Plus, it also boasts extra-padded seats for maximum comfort levels. This stroller also has multiple recline positions, a peekaboo window for checking in on your little one, a height-adjustable handle, and a covered parent tray with double cup holders. Rounding up the features is the canopy, which shades your tiny one from rain and the sun.

Pros

  • Two deep cup holders.
  • Height-adjustable handle.
  • Multiple recline positions.

Cons

  • Low weight restrictions.

Contours Options Elite Tandem Stroller

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The Contours Options Elite Tandem Stroller is one of the best infant strollers on this list. While it doesn’t have car seats and isn’t exactly a travel system, it comes with multiple seating options. So, you can have your tots facing backward, forward, face-to-face, or back-to-back. Secondly, the Elite tandem accommodates two car seats, unlike many other double strollers on the market. This is thanks to Contours’ click-in adapters, which are sold separately. If that wasn’t enough, the adapters fit on a wide range of car seats, right from big-name brands to smaller ones. Moreover, the dynamic front and rear wheel suspensions ensure a smooth ride sans any bumps. Sun canopies, zipper side access, a large storage basket, and a peek-a-boo window wrap up the features.

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Pros

  • Stadium-style seating.
  • Height-adjustable handle.
  • Swivel front wheel for easy maneuvering.

Cons

  • Some parents say that it’s slightly heavy.

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

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The Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System is one of the best infant car seats and strollers on this list. Families that live life on the fly will love this infant car seat and stroller combo. The lightweight travel system features a self-standing position and one-handed foldability. What’s more, the included Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat weighs less than 10 lbs, making for easy carrying. The bottom storage is nice and roomy, along with a parent tray with storage and cup holders. This is much-needed for parents who want to stay hydrated – or rather, caffeinated – during family outings. What many parents appreciate is that this car seat has removable cushions for both the body and the head for additional support during the baby years.

Pros

  • Parent tray with cupholders.
  • One-hand fold design.
  • Removable support cushions.

Cons

  • Some features could vary depending on the color you select.

Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System

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The Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System is one of the best car seat stroller combos. Firstly, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. Secondly, the one-click car seat attachment makes transitioning in and out of your vehicle a breeze. What’s more, the onBoard 35 LT infant car seat features a five-point harness, infant head inserts, and side-impact protection. Hence, you can rest assured that your tot is secure and enjoy a safe ride. Furthermore, the stroller has a generous storage compartment, a parent tray with cupholders, a large canopy with a peekaboo window, and one-hand foldability. Finally, the car seat is ideal for kids weighing 4 to 35 lbs, while the stroller seat can be used for kids who can sit unassisted until they reach 50 lbs.

Pros

  • UPF-protected canopy.
  • Easy to fold.
  • Large storage basket

Cons

  • The car seat doesn’t recline.

Bob Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Travel System

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The Bob Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Travel System is one of the best infant strollers and car seats combo on this list. The combined durable and rugged jogging stroller and infant car seat offer a mountain-bike style suspension, making it suitable to be taken out on all kinds of terrains. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about the handle height as this stroller features an adjustable handlebar for parents. Furthermore, the 360° swiveling front wheel allows for easy maneuvering of the stroller while your tot sits comfortably in the spacious seating area made from smooth-touch knit fabric. And thanks to the XL UPF 50+ canopy, your baby is covered and protected at all times from rain, snow, and the sun.

Pros

  • Adjustable harness.
  • Safe center latch.
  • Safe-wash removable canopy cover.

Cons

  • None.

How To Choose The Best Infant Strollers and Car Seats?

Safety features

One important factor that parents need to ensure is that no matter which travel system they invest in, it should meet car seat standards. Also, the stroller needs to have a sturdy frame to keep your kid protected, no matter what conversion state it’s in. What’s more, you also need to look for additional safety features such as enhanced padding in the car seat, harness straps (for stroller conversions), stroller wheel locks, UPF canopy, etc.

Height and/or weight limitations

No two travel systems are built or designed alike. So, they all have different weight and height limitations. Hence, one needs to ensure that they know these limits for car seats and strollers for infants. This is important for you to be able to transition your baby into a rear-facing and larger-sized seat when the time comes.

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Stroller configuration options

Some infant car seats and strollers combo and travel systems are designed for your kid to use the stroller even as they grow. While some can be used even when your kid is well out of the infant car seat stage, there are others that work strictly only for infants. So, you need to think about what exactly you need out of the product for your baby according to their age and needs so that you can narrow down your choices.

Ease of use

Finally, we come to one of the most important factors for infant car seats and strollers – you want them to be not difficult to use! Look for strollers and car seats for infants that can be easily set up and broken down. Furthermore, car seats should easily click in and out of their base or the strollers. Also, overly complicated strollers or those that don’t click properly completely defeat the purpose of investing in such travel systems.

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Do all infant car seats fit in all strollers?

No, actually. Not all infant strollers and car seat brands are compatible. So, you’ll have to ensure there’s a universal adapter that can connect the car seat to the stroller that you’ve been eyeing.

Do strollers and car seats fly free?

Baby prams/buggies/strollers can be used as checked-in baggage, free of charge, provided they’re being used by an infant that’s traveling. If not, then they need to be pre-booked as checked baggage allowance.

Is it safe to use a car seat in a stroller?

Absolutely. If you have a lot of traveling to do around, then car seats in strollers can be very helpful.

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