Navigating family travel requires gear that simplifies transitions, and a top-tier stroller travel system is indispensable. These systems, combining an infant car seat, base, and stroller, ensure smooth movement from car to sidewalk without disrupting your child’s peace. The car seat effortlessly clicks into the stroller, eliminating the need for extra adapters. Certain innovative systems even feature infant car seats that transform directly into strollers. As your child grows, the stroller often adapts for toddler use, making these systems a long-term investment for growing families.
For any caregiver, from parents to grandparents, a travel system must be intuitive and easy to handle. Ideal strollers offer effortless maneuverability across diverse terrains and prioritize safety with features like reliable brakes, protective UV canopies, and secure five-point harnesses.
To identify the best options, we rigorously evaluated 23 highly-regarded stroller travel systems, conducting tests in controlled lab settings and real-world scenarios with families. Our evaluations focused on assembly ease, stroller design, car seat installation efficiency in vehicles, and overall functionality. Recognizing the investment travel systems represent, we also prioritized value, aiming to recommend durable options that justify their cost.
Our Top Picks for Best Rated Stroller Travel Systems
- Easiest to Use: UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller
- Best Mid-Range: Britax Grove Modular Stroller
- Best for a Smooth Ride: Graco Outpace LX Travel System
- Best Luxury: NUNA RX Car Seat Travel System
- Best Budget: Graco Modes Pramette Travel System
- Best for City Use: Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat Stroller System
- Best Handling: Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System
- Best Jogging Stroller: BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack
- Best Lightweight Car Seat: Bugaboo Fox 5 Bassinet and Stroller
- Best Convertible: Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System
Easiest to Use
UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller
PHOTO: Amazon
$750 at Amazon $700 at Nordstrom View on Pottery Barn Kids
Why We Like It
The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 travel system stands out for its user-friendliness. Arriving almost fully assembled, it required only wheel attachment. Its luxurious, full-grain leather handlebar and adjustable seatback cater to both child and parent comfort. The stroller features a sizable cargo area, capable of holding a medium diaper bag, although a central bar might limit space for larger, bulkier items.
Maneuverability: Lightweight and effortlessly pushed across various terrains, the stroller’s large tires presented a minor challenge on steps, but its lightness allowed for easy lifting. The toddler seat’s high weight capacity ensures longevity as your child grows.
Car Seat Installation: The car seat’s attachment to both base and stroller is seamless, confirmed by a distinct click for secure installation. Removal from both is equally simple with a button press. The base includes a level indicator that turns green when correctly leveled, enhancing safety assurance. The no-rethread harness is easily adjustable, and convenient storage pockets are provided for harness buckles.
But Take Note
While pricier, the system includes valuable extras: a rain cover, a bug-proof mesh cover, and an extendable sunshade for intense sunlight. However, securing the canopy on the infant seat proved somewhat challenging. On the positive side, the stroller folds compactly for enhanced portability.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 35 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 10 lbs. (car seat), 19 lbs. (with base)
- Stroller dimensions: 22.75 x 37.5 x 40 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.
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PHOTO: Parents
Best Mid-Range
Britax Grove Modular Stroller
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PHOTO: Britax
$560 $448 at Amazon View on Pottery Barn Kids View on Britax.com
Why We Like It
The Britax Grove Modular Stroller impressed testers with its “easy breezy” operation. From a quick, under-10-minute setup to features like a lumbar cushion and one-hand fold, it prioritizes user convenience.
Maneuverability: Despite being mid-sized, the Britax Grove handles with the agility of a compact stroller. Its generously sized wheels manage bumps effectively, even without suspension, and it navigated turf and concrete with ease. Pushing felt light and solid, maintaining a high-quality feel even with the car seat attached.
Car seat installation: Featuring Britax’s ClickTight technology, the car seat base offers unparalleled ease of installation. Simply thread the vehicle seatbelt through the base’s compartment (which conveniently opens), buckle it, and snap it closed. This method simplifies car seat base installation significantly. All Britax infant seats are compatible, clicking in and latching out effortlessly.
But Take Note
The stroller’s dual brakes, located on each rear wheel, lack color indicators, making it unclear if they are engaged. Both brakes must be activated to fully secure the stroller. Engaging only one brake prevents rolling but allows turning.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 24 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 9.3 lbs. (seat); 10 lbs. (base)
- Stroller dimensions: 37 x 42 x 23.5 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–30 lbs., up to 32 in.
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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Best for a Smooth Ride
Graco Outpace LX Travel System
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PHOTO: Graco
$300 at Amazon $300 at Target View on Gracobaby.com
Why We Like It
Contrary to the bulkiness often associated with travel systems, the Graco Outpace LX surprises with its maneuverability and smooth ride. Its “ComfiTech” suspension, a wavy bar beneath the seat designed to absorb shocks, effectively minimizes bumps for the baby. Rubber tires further enhance cushioning across varying surfaces. The system’s affordability also impressed testers.
Maneuverability: Ideal for tight spaces or urban environments, this stroller handles remarkably well. Testers noted its tight turning radius for a standard-size stroller and ease of pushing over gravel, carpet, and turf.
Car Seat Installation: Effortless car seat transitions are a key feature. Reclining the stroller and removing the snack tray allows for seamless car seat attachment to the bumper bar. Detachment from the base is equally simple via a button release.
But Take Note
Assembly proved somewhat challenging, taking over 25 minutes even with the manual. The initial setup wasn’t intuitive. The cupholder design also received criticism for being too shallow to securely hold taller water bottles, potentially inconvenient for users with larger beverage containers.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 19 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 7 lbs. (car seat), 11 lbs. (with base)
- Stroller dimensions: 32 x 25 x 39 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–30 lbs., up to 30 in.
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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Best Luxury
NUNA RX Car Seat Travel System
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PHOTO: Courtesy of Nordstrom
$950 at Nordstrom View on Pottery Barn Kids
Why We Like It
The Nuna Mixx Next + Pipa RX Travel System is a luxury choice that combines sophisticated aesthetics with high performance. Its sleek design, premium feel, and smooth maneuverability make it a top contender in the luxury category. Constructed with soft, comfortable, and durable fabrics, this lightweight system is designed to grow with your child.
The stroller arrives fully assembled, requiring only a quick glance at the instructions for unfolding. Thoughtful details include a leather carrying handle, magnetic buckle holders to keep straps conveniently out of the way, an adjustable handlebar, and no-rethread harnesses. The UPF 50+ water-repellent canopy features an extendable sunshade, flip-out eyeshade, ventilation panel, and peek-a-boo window, ensuring baby’s comfort in varying conditions.
Maneuverability: The stroller’s advanced suspension system and rubber wheels provide a remarkably smooth ride with excellent traction. Its lightweight nature enhances maneuverability in any setting. The stroller folds easily with the toddler seat attached and features a one-touch brake for secure stops.
Car Seat Installation: The Pipa RX car seat is impressively light, weighing just over 7 pounds, making it effortless to carry and transfer between base and stroller. Attaching and detaching the car seat is simple and can be done one-handed. Both infant and toddler seats can be positioned forward or backward on the stroller frame for added versatility.
But Take Note
Car seat base installation presented more challenges compared to other tested systems, taking around 30 minutes and requiring consultation of the manual and video guides. Successful LATCH system engagement requires a specific angle, making it less straightforward than other options.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 28.5 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 7.6 lbs. (without base); 25.4 lbs. (with base)
- Stroller dimensions: 23.75 x 32.75 x 45.5 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–32 lbs., up to 32 in.
- Stroller age/weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs.
Best Budget
Graco Modes Pramette Travel System
PHOTO: Amazon
$300 at Amazon $300 at Target View on Gracobaby.com
Why We Like It
The Graco Modes Pramette Travel System is an exceptional value, being among the most affordable travel systems without compromising quality. It delivers a smooth ride and ample storage. The fabric is pleasing, and the spacious cargo basket accommodates baby and parent essentials. Convenient extras include a phone holder, cup holder, reclining toddler seat, and adjustable canopy.
Maneuverability: This lightweight stroller offers excellent gliding capability and smooth rolling across diverse terrains. Lifting over curbs is easy, even with a 20-pound child and a diaper bag in the storage space. Wheels performed efficiently around corners and simulated curvy paths in testing.
Car Seat Installation: Vehicle installation using the LATCH system is straightforward. The infant car seat feels secure and is relatively light at about 10 pounds. Attaching the car seat to the base is simple, while detaching requires slightly more effort due to button placement under the canopy. The seat clicks securely into the stroller.
But Take Note
Stroller assembly and toddler seat detachment were slightly challenging. Buttons on the stroller seat sides require two hands to operate. The handlebar is not adjustable, and one-handed stroller folding is not possible.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 20.9 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 9.8 lbs. (without base)
- Stroller dimensions: 23.5 x 34.5 x 44.75 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.
- Stroller age/weight limit: Up to 50 lbs.
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Best for City Use
Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat Stroller System
$550 at Amazon $550 at Target $550 at Nordstrom
Why We Like It
The Doona stands out as a unique one-piece stroller and car seat system. Transforming from car seat to stroller in seconds with fold-down legs and a pull-out handlebar, it’s a superb space-saver, ideal for ride-sharing, public transit, and quick trips.
Maneuverability: Despite its 17-pound weight, the Doona maneuvers impressively, offering a smooth glide on most surfaces. Its compact and narrow design excels in crowded areas and tight spaces. While easy to clean, it lacks storage and a reclining seat.
Car Seat Installation: Initially, attaching and detaching the seat from the base was not intuitive, requiring a button press on the base. Releasing the wheels also had a slight learning curve. However, operation becomes simpler with familiarity.
But Take Note
The Doona’s low handlebar can be less ergonomic for taller users, and its growth potential is limited; a new stroller will be needed once the child reaches 35 pounds.
The Details:
- Stroller/car seat weight: 17 lbs.
- Stroller dimensions: 17.3 x 23.6 x 26 in.
- Car seat and stroller weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
Best Handling
Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System
PHOTO: Amazon
$582 at Amazon $582 at Target View on Chiccousa.com
Why We Like It
The Chicco Corso travel system is praised for its sleek design, practical features, and exceptional maneuverability across diverse terrains. Its stylish aesthetic, featuring mixed colors and leather accents, is complemented by parent-friendly features like a cup holder, removable child handlebar, and extendable sun canopy. A large cargo area adds to its practicality.
The stroller’s one-handed fold is a standout convenience, easily managed even while holding a baby. Its adaptability grows with the child, offering a reversible toddler seat, providing excellent value for its price.
Maneuverability: This system maintains seamless movement even with a car seat and full cargo load. It navigates various surfaces remarkably well, with only minor issues on uneven sidewalks.
Car Seat Installation: Installing the car seat base via LATCH is quick, taking only minutes. Attaching and detaching the car seat is effortlessly one-handed, with all components feeling robust and secure.
But Take Note
A separate adapter is needed to connect the car seat to the stroller. Although included, this requires two hands for car seat-stroller assembly and car seat-base connection.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 18.7 lbs., 24.8 lbs. (with toddler seat)
- Car seat weight: 10 lbs. (seat), 18.5 lbs. (with base)
- Stroller dimensions: 34.5 x 24.8 x 42.8 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.
- Stroller age/weight limit: 50 lbs.
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
Best Jogging Stroller
BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack
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$850 at Amazon View on Bobgear.com View on Albeebaby.com
Why We Like It
The BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack excels as both an everyday stroller and a jogging companion, equipped with features tailored for runners. These include a hand brake, wrist strap, Velcro-closure mesh peekaboo window, and adjustable canopy, plus a parent cup holder. The zippered cargo area prevents spills during jogs.
Maneuverability: Despite its robust build, this jogging stroller is remarkably easy to maneuver. Testers, including experienced runners, were impressed by its effortless handling, even with the front swivel wheel locked—uncommon for jogging strollers. It navigates turns and varied surfaces with ease, and the suspension ensures a smooth ride, even on gravel. The locked front wheel, crucial for jogging, can still be slightly adjusted left or right for navigating crowds.
Car Seat Installation: The car seat and base are heavy, weighing nearly 20 pounds, and snapping the car seat into the base required some effort. Once installed, the unit feels secure and stable.
But Take Note
Adjusting car seat straps can be cumbersome, requiring fabric removal. Folding is also more involved due to its durable, feature-rich design.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 31.1 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 9.3 lbs. (car seat), 10.2 lbs. (base)
- Stroller dimensions: 28.1 x 24.11 x 16.9 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–30 lbs., up to 32 in.
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
Best Lightweight Car Seat
Bugaboo Fox 5 Bassinet and Stroller
PHOTO: Bugaboo
$1,099 at Amazon $1,099 at Target $1,100 at Nordstrom
Why We Like It
The Bugaboo Fox 5 Stroller pairs with the Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna car seat (sold separately) to create a thoughtfully designed, lightweight travel system. The stroller is both lightweight and robust, featuring well-proportioned under-seat storage, a snack tray, and a cup holder. While it’s a larger stroller, its maneuverability and features justify its size for those with sufficient storage space.
Maneuverability: Testers could effortlessly maneuver the Bugaboo one-handed, navigating tight turns and doorways smoothly. It remained agile on all terrains, even with cargo in the seat and basket. Brakes are highly responsive, allowing for immediate stops.
Car Seat Installation: The compatible Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna car seat (testing ongoing) requires adapters (included). The reclining base has a color-coded guide indicating appropriate positions based on baby’s weight, easily adjustable as needed. Base installation involves several steps as per the manual, but once set up, it’s very secure.
But Take Note
Bassinet-to-seat conversion is challenging, often requiring two adults and significant effort. However, this is a one-time process. Despite being advertised as a one-hand fold, testers found two hands necessary.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 22.97 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 7.06 lbs. (car seat)
- Stroller dimensions: 36.6 x 23.6 x 41.3 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4 to 32 lbs., 15.7 to 32.6 in.
- Stroller age/weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs.
Best Convertible
Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System
PHOTO: Amazon
$490 at Amazon $392 at Target $400 at Walmart
Why We Like It
The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is a versatile 3-in-1 system, transforming into an infant car seat carrier, infant pramette, and toddler stroller. Its expandable cargo area is ideal for extensive outings, especially for city residents who walk to shops. Parent and child cup holders and a snack tray add convenience. The seat height is adjustable, and while the fabric is slightly less soft, its appearance belies its price point.
Maneuverability: The stroller glides smoothly across terrains and is surprisingly easy to lift on stairs. It feels lightweight without a child. Folding is possible for vehicle transport or storage, though it requires two hands.
Car Seat Installation: Car seat installation is mostly straightforward with manual guidance, though stroller assembly was slightly challenging. LATCH system vehicle base installation is easy and secure (seat belt installation is also secure). Car seat and toddler seat attachment and detachment from the stroller are seamless. The car seat is notably lightweight at 7.5 pounds, convenient for frequent carrying.
But Take Note
The stroller can feel heavy to push, particularly with a child in the infant seat, and it’s relatively large.
The Details:
- Stroller weight: 21.96 lbs.
- Car seat weight: 7.5 lbs.
- Stroller dimensions: 38 x 26.77 x 41.85 in.
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.
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PHOTO: Parents
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PHOTO: Parents
Other Notable Car Seat and Stroller Combos
In addition to our top selections, we tested several other car seat and stroller combinations that, while not primary recommendations, deserve recognition for their qualities.
Our Testing Process for Best Rated Stroller Travel Systems
The Parents team, including editors, staff, and real parents, rigorously tested 23 car seat and stroller combinations both in our testing lab and in diverse real-life situations over extended periods. We re-evaluated our findings at two-month and six-month intervals. Each car seat was tested individually and within its travel system, assessing these key attributes:
- Ease of Assembly: We documented the assembly process for each stroller, noting the parts requiring attachment and the overall simplicity or complexity.
- Vehicle Installation: We timed the car seat base installation using both seat belt and LATCH systems, evaluating the ease of clicking the car seat into and out of the base. We noted if these actions could be done one-handed and if they risked disturbing a sleeping baby.
- Stroller Integration: We assessed how easily the car seat integrated with its stroller, noting if it popped in smoothly and whether it required one or two hands.
- Design: We considered car seat and stroller weight, features, adjustability, and overall size.
- Maneuverability: We tested strollers across various terrains in both lab and real-world settings, including concrete, grass, and rocks, evaluating stability and handling over steps and curbs.
- Ease of Cleaning: We followed manufacturer guidelines to clean each car seat at least once during testing.
- Value: Post-testing, we surveyed testers on whether they felt the travel system justified its price, asking if it was worth the cost or overpriced, and if they would repurchase at full or sale price.
Our Experts in Child Safety and Travel Gear
We consulted with leading experts in child safety and stroller technology to ensure our recommendations meet the highest standards of safety and usability.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Stroller Car Seat Combo
Beyond personal budget and brand preferences, consider these factors when selecting a stroller and car seat combo:
- Age, Weight, and Size Limits: Most systems have a 35-pound car seat weight limit, but always verify specific brand limits. Detachable infant car seats allow stroller use for older infants beyond the car seat limit.
- Stroller Size and Portability: Consider your lifting capacity and choose a lightweight option for easy vehicle loading and unloading. Opt for easy folding for compact storage in tight spaces and car trunks, enhancing overall portability.
- Maneuverability: Prioritize strollers that are easy to push, looking for suspension systems and durable tires to enhance maneuverability, especially with added child and car seat weight.
- Installation: Adhere to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for car seat base installation, using either seat belt or LATCH system, ensuring a tight, wiggle-free fit. Infants should remain in rear-facing car seats as long as possible. Consult certified car seat technicians for installation concerns at cert.safekids.org.
Is Buying an Infant Car Seat and Stroller Together Worth It?
Travel systems offer significant convenience for active families. If frequent car-to-stroller transitions are anticipated, a travel system saves time and effort. Otherwise, separate car seat and stroller purchases are viable.
How to Use Infant Car Seats and Strollers Safely
Always consult manuals for car seat and stroller use, and utilize QR codes for digital manuals when available.
Safety tips include:
- Ensure Stroller Fit: Stroller handle height should be ergonomic for the pusher to prevent back strain. Comfortable feature access is also important. One-hand assembly systems are useful for parents managing multiple children.
- Master Safety Features: Car seat safety is paramount. Ensure easy-to-use safety features like clear brake indicators, “click-in” car seat installation, and level indicators. Check for pinch hazards.
- Proper Harnessing: Always use the five-point harness in car seats and strollers, even outside the vehicle.
- Limit Sleeping in Seats: While short naps in infant seats are acceptable per AAP, bassinets are preferable for safe napping during strolls.
- Register Your System: Register your car seat and stroller to receive recall notifications and check the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s (CPSC) site.
Who We Are
Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN, a labor and delivery nurse and mother of five, is a health and parenting writer for Parents, specializing in parenting products, including car seats and strollers.
Anja Webb, Associate Editor at Parents, brings eight years of editorial experience and a background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies to provide insightful analysis for modern families.
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