Getting out and about with a young baby is difficult, but if you have a great travel system it’s so much easier. Here, we will take a look at some of the most important things to think about when shopping for a stroller and car seat for a young baby. We also have some reviews of different models, to help you find one which is right for your family’s needs.
The benefits of having a good stroller combo system
A travel system can make a huge difference to how easy it is to get out and about with a young baby, especially if you are a new parent heading out alone. They allow baby to stay asleep when being transferred from the car to the stroller, meaning you don’t have to disturb their nap.
Getting out and about with a young baby is difficult, but if you have a great travel system it’s so much easier. Here, we will take a look at some of the most important things to think about when shopping for a stroller and car seat for a young baby. We also have some reviews of different models, to help you find one which is right for your family’s needs.
Considerations when finding the best infant car seat and stroller combo travel system
The first thing to think about is the car seat. It’s so important that the seat meets current safety standards, and has been thoroughly tested in different situations. It’s a good idea to find a stroller which you can easily lift into the trunk of the car, and which is small enough to fit once folded. You should also think about how long the stroller will last. Your baby will outgrow the car seat pretty quickly, but that’s to be expected. Many children still use a stroller when they are toddlers and beyond, so ensure the seat can hold 40 or 50 pounds, and has enough head room.
Choosing between Travel Systems
There is a lot of variation between different models, and choosing the right one really depends on your situation and what you are looking for. We recommend going for a well-established brand so you can be sure of the quality. You should also consider whether you would prefer a stroller with three wheels or four, or a three-wheeled jogging stroller. Again, this depends on your family and where the stroller will mainly be used.
Must have Features
There are so many great newborn travel systems, it’s sometimes difficult to compare them. Whilst every parent will have their own list of must-haves, there are a few key things to look for in any travel system. It’s essential to have a car seat which has been thoroughly tested and meets or exceeds current safety standards. Look for side impact protection as well as a safe and comfortable harness. It’s a good idea to make sure the harness is easy to adjust, and the seat should be simple to install in the car. We also recommend a stroller which is easy to fold, for when you are out with baby alone to keep things simple! A good amount of storage space is also essential for when you’re out all day – handy for your diaper bag or any shopping you are doing.
Things to avoid in 2018
We recommended against buying a used car seat, as you don’t know its history. Car seats should not be used after being involved in a crash, so we don’t recommend buying a second-hand one for this reason. We also don’t recommend a travel system which is too bulky and heavy – many are, and can be quite difficult to maneuver. You should also avoid a system which is too complicated to use – make sure the car seat is easy to attach to the stroller frame, then back into the car.
Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
The Evenflo Pivot is a stylish travel system which comes with a car seat base, an infant car seat for babies up to 35 pounds, and the stroller, which can accommodate children up to 50 pounds. The versatile stroller can be used in six different modes. The toddler seat can be used facing parents or facing the world, and it can convert to a bassinet for young babies, which can be used forwards or rear facing. The car seat can attach to the frame, and can also be facing in either direction. Therefore, this stroller is sure to provide years of use. There is a rain cover included to keep kids out of the rain and wind.
The car seat stroller combo also features a large canopy to keep your little one protected from the sun. There is a removable cup holder for mom or dad, and an extra large storage basket underneath. The travel system folds easily, and is a nice compact size once folded. It’s easy to use, and the car seat can be moved from the stroller frame to the car in seconds.
Babytrend Jogger Travel System
This jogging stroller features inflatable tires which are ideal for all terrains. The front wheel can be locked and can also swivel, for maximum maneuverability at all times. The Baby Trend travel system includes both a parent tray and a child one, meaning you can always have drinks and important items close to hand. The stroller folds effortlessly using a trigger, and it stores neatly once folded.
The Baby Trend Expedition comes with the car seat base and infant car seat, suitable for infants weighing 5-30 pounds and under 30 inches tall. The Baby Trend stroller comes with reflectors on the footrest making it great for using in poor visibility conditions. It also has an extra-wide foam padded handle meaning it is very comfortable to push, even for long walks. The comfortable, padded seat reclines to several positions and features a five point adjustable harness to keep baby safe.
Britax Stroller and Car Seat Combo
This Britax travel system comes with a baby car seat as well as a base to make fitting it in the car easy. The base is made from impact-absorbing materials, and the seat has added side-impact protection making it very safe for your little one. The base can easily be installed in the car using the LATCH system, and attaching the car seat to the stroller is just as simple. The Britax stroller folds easily using one hand, in a matter of seconds.
The Britax B Agile travel system comes in a choice of five stylish colors, including bright red, blue or green.The stroller features an aluminum frame which is lightweight and easy to carry. The B Agile stroller features a three-wheel configuration which makes the stroller more maneuverable. The front wheel can be locked or left to swivel, giving the stroller a tight turning circle.
Graco Jogger Travel System
The Graco fast action fold stroller comes with an infant car seat and base, which is suitable for babies up to 35 pounds. The stroller can be folded using one hand, and in as little as one second – perfect for busy parents! The stroller offers excellent storage, both in the large basket underneath and the convenient parent’s tray. The tray features two deep cup holders and a smartphone cradle which holds your phone securely in place. This is great for listening to music or hands-free calling when you’re on-the-go.
The Graco click connect stroller allows the car seat to be attached to the stroller frame in one simple step, and gives an audible click so you can be sure it’s attached properly. It features air-filled tires giving your child a smooth and comfortable ride on any terrain. This Graco travel system is ideal for parents who are looking for something which is comfortable to use anywhere, and will last for many years.
Final Thoughts and Our Conclusion
We recommend the Britax stroller and carseat combo, as the car seat is extremely safe. The whole system is very easy to use. The car seat uses the LATCH system, so it is quick to install in the car. Attaching the seat to the stroller is just as easy. It’s also really easy to fold, perfect for when you are trying to get organized with a young baby.
