Navigating parenthood often feels like a journey itself, and when you add actual travel to the mix, having the right gear becomes crucial. A stroller travel system—combining an infant car seat, a base, and a compatible stroller—is designed to simplify transitions from car to curb. These systems allow you to move your sleeping baby without disruption, a feature every parent cherishes. The beauty of a travel system lies in its seamless integration; the infant car seat clicks directly into the stroller frame, often without needing extra adapters. Some innovative systems even convert directly from car seat to stroller, offering ultimate convenience. As your child grows beyond the infant carrier, many strollers in these systems can be used well into the toddler years, providing long-term value for families.
For any caregiver, whether parents, grandparents, or babysitters, ease of use is paramount. The best stroller travel systems are not only intuitive to operate but also engineered for safety and maneuverability. Features like reliable brakes, protective UV canopies, and secure five-point harnesses are essential. Furthermore, a stroller that can handle various terrains effortlessly is a game-changer for active families.
To guide you in choosing the perfect travel system, we rigorously tested 23 of the highest-rated models. Our evaluations took place both in controlled lab settings and in real-world scenarios with our own children. We assessed each system based on ease of assembly, stroller design, car seat installation (both in and out of vehicles), and overall functionality. Recognizing that travel systems represent a significant investment, we also prioritized value, aiming to highlight options that offer durability and longevity for growing families.
Our Top Picks for the 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
Price: $750 at Amazon, $700 at Nordstrom, View on Pottery Barn Kids
Why We Recommend It
The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 travel system stands out for its exceptional ease of use. Right out of the box, the stroller is practically ready to roll—just pop on the wheels, and you’re set. Parents will appreciate the luxurious feel of the full-grain leather handlebar and seatback, both adjustable to ensure comfort for both child and caregiver. While the stroller boasts a generous cargo basket capable of holding a medium-sized diaper bag, it’s worth noting the central bar might restrict space for larger, bulkier items.
Maneuverability: This stroller is remarkably lightweight and a breeze to push across various terrains. Although its larger tires presented a slight challenge on steps, its lightness made it easy to lift and carry. The toddler seat’s high weight capacity is a significant advantage, allowing the stroller to adapt as your child grows.
Car Seat Installation: Achieving a secure car seat installation is effortless with the UPPAbaby Cruz V2. Attaching the car seat to both the base and stroller is seamless, accompanied by a reassuring click to confirm proper connection. Removal is just as simple, requiring only a button press. The base includes a level indicator that turns green when correctly leveled, providing added peace of mind regarding your baby’s safety. The no-rethread harness is easily adjustable, and thoughtful storage pockets for harness buckles are a bonus.
Keep in Mind
While it’s positioned at a higher price point, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 justifies the cost with included extras like a rain cover, a bug-shielding mesh canopy, and an extendable sunshade for maximum sun protection. However, we noted that securing the canopy on the infant seat could be finicky. On a positive note, the stroller folds compactly for convenient portability.
Key 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 inches
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs, up to 32 inches
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Best Mid-Range
Britax Grove Modular Stroller
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PHOTO: Britax
Price: $560 $448 at Amazon, View on Pottery Barn Kids, View on Britax.com
Why We Recommend It
The Britax Grove Modular Stroller earns high praise for its user-friendliness, with one tester describing the experience as “easy breezy.” From a setup process that takes less than 10 minutes to thoughtful comfort features like a lumbar cushion and a convenient one-handed fold, this stroller is designed with parents in mind.
Maneuverability: Despite being a medium-sized stroller, the Britax Grove handles with the agility of a compact model. Its generously sized wheels effectively absorb bumps, even without suspension, and it performed admirably on both turf and concrete surfaces. Testers noted the stroller felt light, sturdy, and premium when pushing with the car seat attached.
Car Seat Installation: The car seat base features Britax’s ClickTight technology, simplifying vehicle installation. You simply thread the seatbelt through the conveniently opening base compartment, buckle it, and snap the compartment closed. This method is arguably the easiest among car seat bases. All Britax infant car seats are compatible, clicking in and latching out with ease.
Keep in Mind
A minor drawback is the dual brake system, with individual brakes on each rear wheel lacking color indicators for engagement. Both brakes must be engaged to fully secure the stroller. Engaging just one will prevent rolling but still allows the stroller to pivot.
Key Details:
- Stroller weight: 24 lbs
- Car seat weight: 9.3 lbs (seat); 10 lbs (base)
- Stroller dimensions: 37 x 42 x 23.5 inches
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–30 lbs, up to 32 inches
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Best for a Smooth Ride
Graco Outpace LX Travel System
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PHOTO: Graco
Price: $300 $240 at Amazon, $300 at Target, View on Gracobaby.com
Why We Recommend It
Often, travel systems are associated with bulkiness and challenging maneuverability, but the Graco Outpace LX defies this stereotype. We were pleasantly surprised by its ability to handle bumps and diverse terrains, delivering an exceptionally smooth ride. This performance is likely attributed to Graco’s “ComfiTech” suspension system—a wavy bar beneath the seat designed to absorb shocks and minimize jostling for your baby. The rubber tires further contribute to cushioning and seamless transitions between surfaces. Adding to its appeal is the surprisingly affordable price point of this travel system.
Maneuverability: For those with limited space or residing in urban areas, the Graco Outpace LX’s maneuverability is a significant advantage. “It navigated tight turns surprisingly well for a standard-size stroller and was effortlessly pushed across gravel, carpet, and turf,” noted our tester.
Car Seat Installation: The car seat is designed for easy transitions, popping in and out of the base with minimal effort. Simply recline the stroller seat and detach the snack tray to seamlessly attach the car seat to the bumper bar. Detachment from the base is equally straightforward with a simple button press.
Keep in Mind
Assembly proved to be somewhat time-consuming in our lab tests, taking over 25 minutes and requiring careful manual consultation. The initial setup wasn’t as intuitive as some other models. Design-wise, the cupholder depth was a minor concern, potentially not accommodating taller water bottles or larger beverage containers, which might be inconvenient for users of popular large-capacity bottles.
Key Details:
- Stroller weight: 19 lbs
- Car seat weight: 7 lbs (car seat), 11 lbs (with base)
- Stroller dimensions: 32 x 25 x 39 inches
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–30 lbs, up to 30 inches
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Best Luxury
NUNA RX Car Seat Travel System
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PHOTO: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Price: $950 at Nordstrom, View on Pottery Barn Kids
Why We Recommend It
The Nuna RX Car Seat Travel System, featuring the Nuna Mixx Next stroller and Pipa RX car seat, exudes luxury with its sleek and sophisticated design. Beyond aesthetics, it delivers high quality, adaptability to your growing child, and exceptional maneuverability. This lightweight system is crafted from soft, comfortable, yet durable fabrics, ensuring both baby’s comfort and long-lasting performance.
The stroller arrives fully assembled, requiring only a quick glance at the instructions to master the easy unfolding mechanism. While the cargo basket accommodates a diaper bag, some users might desire a slightly larger capacity. Premium details abound, including a leatherette carry handle, magnetic buckle holders to keep straps conveniently out of the way, an adjustable handlebar, and no-rethread harnesses. The UPF 50+ canopy is water-repellent and packed with features like an extendable sunshade, a flip-out eyeshade, a ventilation panel, and a peek-a-boo window.
Maneuverability: The stroller’s advanced suspension system provides a remarkably smooth ride, complemented by rubber wheels offering excellent traction. Its overall lightweight nature enhances maneuverability in any setting. The convenience of folding with the toddler seat attached and the secure one-touch brake system are further highlights.
Car Seat Installation: The Pipa RX car seat is impressively lightweight, weighing just over 7 pounds, making it effortless to carry and transfer between the base and stroller. Attaching and detaching the car seat to both the base and stroller is simple and can be done one-handed with a button press. The system also offers versatility in stroller configuration, allowing both the infant seat and toddler seat to face either forward or backward.
Keep in Mind
Car seat base installation proved to be more challenging compared to other systems tested. It took approximately 30 minutes and required consulting the manual and instructional videos. The LATCH system installation demands a specific angle for successful engagement, making it less straightforward than other options.
Key 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 inches
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–32 lbs, up to 32 inches
- Stroller age/weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs
Best Budget
Graco Modes Pramette Travel System
PHOTO: Amazon
Price: $300 $240 at Amazon, $300 at Target, View on Gracobaby.com
Why We Recommend It
The Graco Modes Pramette Travel System is a standout for budget-conscious families, offering exceptional value as one of the most affordable travel systems available. It delivers a smooth ride and ample storage capacity, making it a practical choice for everyday use. The fabric quality is commendable for its price range, and the generous cargo basket provides plenty of space for both baby and parent essentials. Added conveniences include a phone holder, cup holder, reclining toddler seat, and adjustable canopy, enhancing its overall appeal.
Maneuverability: This lightweight stroller boasts an excellent glide, navigating smoothly across diverse terrains and easily lifting over curbs, even when carrying a 20-pound child and a fully loaded diaper bag. The wheels performed efficiently around corners and through simulated curvy paths in our lab tests.
Car Seat Installation: Installing the car seat base using the LATCH system is straightforward. The infant car seat feels secure and remains relatively lightweight at approximately 10 pounds. Attaching the car seat to the base is simple, while detaching requires a bit more finesse (the release button is located under the canopy). The seat clicks securely into and out of the stroller frame with an audible click, ensuring proper connection.
Keep in Mind
Stroller assembly presented some challenges, as did detaching the toddler seat, which requires two hands to operate the buttons on either side. The handlebar is non-adjustable, and one-handed stroller folding is not possible.
Key Details:
- Stroller weight: 20.9 lbs
- Car seat weight: 9.8 lbs (without base)
- Stroller dimensions: 23.5 x 34.5 x 44.75 inches
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs, up to 32 inches
- Stroller age/weight limit: Up to 50 lbs
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Best for City Use
Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat Stroller System
Price: $550 at Amazon, $550 at Target, $550 at Nordstrom
Why We Recommend It
The Doona is a unique one-piece system that ingeniously combines a car seat and stroller. Transforming from car seat to stroller in mere seconds, it features fold-down wheels and a pull-out handlebar. This convertible design is a fantastic space-saver, especially beneficial for families frequently using ride-shares or public transportation. It’s also highly recommended for quick errands and seamless in-and-out trips.
Maneuverability: Despite its solid 17-pound weight, the Doona impresses with its maneuverability. It offers a smooth glide on most surfaces, although the lack of suspension might make it less ideal for very rough or uneven terrain. Its compact and narrow profile excels in crowded urban environments and tight spaces. While easy to clean, it lacks a storage basket and cup holder, and the seat does not recline.
Car Seat Installation: Initially, attaching and detaching the seat from the base required a learning curve. Releasing a button on the base, while not immediately intuitive, becomes easier with practice. Similarly, releasing the wheels becomes simple once you understand the mechanism.
Keep in Mind
The Doona’s handlebar height is quite low, which might be less comfortable for taller users. Its lifespan is also limited as it doesn’t grow with your child beyond the 35-pound weight limit, necessitating a separate stroller purchase later on.
Key Details:
- Stroller/car seat weight: 17 lbs
- Stroller dimensions: 17.3 x 23.6 x 26 inches
- Car seat and stroller weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs, up to 32 inches
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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
Price: $582 at Amazon, $582 at Target, View on Chiccousa.com
Why We Recommend It
The Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System impresses with its combination of sleek aesthetics, practical features, and exceptional stroller handling on diverse terrains. Its stylish design, characterized by mixed colors and leather accents, is visually appealing and packed with convenient extras, including a parent cup holder, a removable child handlebar, and a fully extendable sun canopy. The spacious cargo basket further enhances its practicality.
Testers appreciated the stroller’s effortless one-handed fold, noting its usability even while holding a baby. The stroller’s adaptability to a growing child, with a comfortable, reversible toddler seat, combined with its comprehensive features, delivers excellent value for its price.
Maneuverability: Even with a car seat and a full cargo load, this travel system moves seamlessly. It demonstrates surprisingly nimble maneuverability across various surfaces, with only minor difficulty encountered on severely uneven sidewalks.
Car Seat Installation: Vehicle installation of the car seat base using the LATCH system is quick and straightforward, taking just a few minutes. Attaching and detaching the car seat from the base is easily managed with one hand, and the entire system feels robust and secure throughout all operations.
Keep in Mind
A notable point is the requirement of a separate adapter piece to connect the car seat to the stroller. While this adapter is included, assembling the car seat and stroller and connecting the car seat to the base necessitates two hands.
Key Details:
- Stroller weight: 18.7 lbs (stroller only), 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 inches
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs, up to 32 inches
- Stroller age/weight limit: 50 lbs
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Best Jogging Stroller
BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack
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Price: $850 at Amazon, View on Bobgear.com, View on Albeebaby.com
Why We Recommend It
The BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack stands out as a versatile stroller, equally suited for daily use and rigorous jogging or running, thanks to its specialized features. Designed with active parents in mind, it includes a hand brake, wrist strap, Velcro-closure mesh peekaboo window, adjustable canopy, and a parent cup holder. The zippered cargo area is a thoughtful addition, preventing items from falling out during runs and jogs.
Maneuverability: Despite its robust, heavy-duty construction typical of jogging strollers, the Wayfinder Pack is surprisingly effortless to maneuver. Even with the front swivel wheel locked—a setting long-time runners found unusual for jogging strollers—it remained highly maneuverable. It navigated turns and various surfaces with ease, and the suspension system ensured a smooth ride, even on gravel. A key feature for joggers is the locked front wheel that, while maintaining a straight line, still allows for slight left or right adjustments to navigate crowds.
Car Seat Installation: The car seat and base combination is substantial, weighing nearly 20 pounds, and testers found snapping it into the base somewhat challenging. However, once installed, the unit felt secure and stable without any wobbling.
Keep in Mind
Adjusting the car seat straps may require removing fabric, a process that can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Folding the stroller is also more involved due to its durability-focused design and numerous features.
Key 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 inches
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–30 lbs, up to 32 inches
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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
Price: $1,099 at Amazon, $1,099 at Target, $1,299 $1,100 at Nordstrom
Why We Recommend It
The Bugaboo Fox 5 Stroller, when paired with the Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna car seat (sold separately), creates a thoughtfully designed, simple, and lightweight travel system. We tested this car seat with the Fox 5 stroller and found the combination to be exceptionally well-integrated. The stroller itself is lightweight yet robust, offering just the right amount of space in its under-seat basket, snack tray, and cup holder. Despite being a larger stroller, it remains manageable, though indoor storage space should be considered.
Maneuverability: Our tester could effortlessly maneuver the Bugaboo Fox 5 one-handed, executing sharp turns and gliding through doorways with ease. Even with cargo in the seat and basket, it maintained its nimble handling on all terrains. The brakes are highly responsive, allowing for immediate stops.
Car Seat Installation: Our testing of the compatible Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna car seat and recline base is nearing completion. Installation requires adapters, which are conveniently included with the bundle. The reclining base features a color-coded chart indicating the appropriate recline position based on the baby’s weight, with easy adjustments as needed. While installing the car seat base involves a few steps as per the manual, once set up, it provides a very secure foundation.
Keep in Mind
Converting the bassinet to a seat is a complex task, often requiring two adults and considerable effort. However, this conversion is a one-time process. Despite being advertised as a one-handed fold stroller, testers found that two hands were necessary to complete the folding action.
Key Details:
- Stroller weight: 22.97 lbs
- Car seat weight: 7.06 lbs (car seat only)
- Stroller dimensions: 36.6 x 23.6 x 41.3 inches
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4 to 32 lbs, 15.7 to 32.6 inches
- Stroller age/weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs
Best Convertible
Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System
PHOTO: Amazon
Price: $490 $392 at Amazon, $490 at Target, $400 at Walmart Affiliate Program
Why We Recommend It
The Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System is a versatile three-in-one system, transforming from an infant car seat carrier to an infant pramette and finally to a toddler stroller. Its practical features, such as an expandable cargo area ideal for all-day outings (especially convenient for city dwellers who walk to shops), are highly appreciated. It also includes parent and child cup holders and a snack tray. Adjustability is another strong point, allowing you to raise or lower the seat to your preferred height. While the fabric has a slightly scratchy texture, its overall appearance belies its affordable price.
Maneuverability: The stroller glides smoothly over various terrains and is surprisingly easy to lift up steps. It feels lightweight when pushed without a child. While it folds for trunk storage, two hands are required for the folding process.
Car Seat Installation: Car seat installation is mostly straightforward with the manual’s guidance, although stroller assembly was slightly more challenging. Installing the car seat base using the LATCH system is simple and feels secure, even with seat belt installation. Attaching and detaching both the car seat and toddler seat from the stroller frame presented no issues. The car seat is notably lightweight at just 7.5 pounds, making it an excellent option for frequent carrying.
Keep in Mind
The stroller can feel somewhat heavy to push, particularly with a child in the infant seat, and it is on the larger side for a stroller.
Key Details:
- Stroller weight: 21.96 lbs
- Car seat weight: 7.5 lbs
- Stroller dimensions: 38 x 26.77 x 41.85 inches
- Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs, up to 32 inches
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PHOTO: Parents
Other Notable Car Seat and Stroller Combos
We also evaluated several other car seat and stroller combinations that, while not making our top recommendations, are still worth considering.
Our Testing Process
Parents editors, staff, and real parents put 23 car seat and stroller combinations through rigorous testing both in our lab and in real-life scenarios, with reassessments at two-month and six-month intervals. We evaluated each car seat both independently and as part of a travel system, focusing on these key attributes:
- Ease of Assembly: We assembled each stroller, noting the complexity and time required for setup.
- Vehicle Installation: We timed car seat base installation using both seat belt and LATCH systems, assessing the ease of clicking the car seat into and out of the base, including one-handed operation and potential disturbance to a sleeping baby.
- Stroller Integration: We evaluated how seamlessly the car seat attached to the stroller frame, noting if it required one or two hands.
- Design: We assessed weight, features, adjustability, and overall size of both car seats and strollers.
- Maneuverability: We tested stroller handling on various terrains, including concrete, grass, and rocks, evaluating stability, shakiness, and curb/step navigation.
- Ease of Cleaning: Testers followed manufacturer cleaning instructions and cleaned each system at least once during testing.
- Value: We gathered tester feedback on whether each travel system’s price was justified, asking if they would repurchase at the tested price or wait for a sale.
Our Experts
We consulted with safety experts to identify crucial safety features and considerations for selecting a car seat and stroller combination.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Stroller Car Seat Combo
Beyond personal preferences like budget and brand loyalty, consider these factors when choosing a stroller and car seat combo:
- Age, Weight, and Size Limits: Most combos have a 35-pound car seat weight limit, but always verify specific brand limits. Systems with detachable infant seats allow stroller use beyond this limit for older infants without the car seat.
- Stroller Size and Portability: Consider your lifting capacity and choose a lightweight stroller for easy vehicle loading and unloading. Opt for easy folding for storage in tight spaces and car trunks, enhancing overall portability.
- Maneuverability: A stroller should be easy to push. Look for features like suspension and durable tires for enhanced maneuverability, especially with a child’s weight and car seat.
- Installation: Adhere to AAP safety guidelines for car seat base installation using seat belts or LATCH, ensuring a tight, wiggle-free fit. Infants should remain rear-facing as long as possible, within height and weight limits. Consult certified car seat technicians at cert.safekids.org if unsure about installation.
Is Buying an Infant Car Seat and Stroller Together Worth It?
Travel systems offer significant convenience for active families. Consider how often you’ll transfer the car seat to the stroller. Frequent errands and outings make a travel system a time and energy-saving choice. For less frequent transitions, separate purchases may suffice.
How to Use Infant Car Seats and Strollers Safely
Don’t assume intuitive use. Always consult manuals for proper assembly and operation. Many products include QR codes for digital manuals. Key safety tips:
- Ensure the stroller fits you: Handlebar height should prevent hunching and back strain. Comfortably access features without strain. Consider one-handed operation for multi-child families.
- Know safety features: Prioritize car seat safety. Improper installation compromises safety. Check for clear brake indicators, “click-in” car seat installation, and level indicators. Watch for pinch hazards.
- Proper harnessing: Use the five-point harness at all times, even outside the vehicle.
- Limit sleeping in strollers: For safe napping during strolls, use a bassinet attachment if available.
- Register your combo: Register for recall notifications and check the CPSC’s site for recall notices.
Who We Are
Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN, is a labor and delivery nurse and mother of five, writing on parenting and health for Parents.
Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents, with a background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies.
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