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.
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.
Graco Fast Action Fold
This Graco stroller comes with the Graco Snugride Click Connect 35 along with a base to keep in the car. The stroller can be folded effortlessly in one second, so it is amazingly convenient for busy moms on the go. The stroller has a lightweight yet sturdy frame, which is easy to maneuver and to lift into the trunk of the car.
Graco click connect is an excellent system which makes moving the infant seat from the car to the stroller very easy and safe. The one step installation is simple, and with a reassuring click you can be certain it’s held securely in place. The stroller has a 3 or 5 point harness, so it will keep your child safe as they grow. The stroller has both a parent tray and a child tray, which can easily be removed or pivoted to make getting your child into and out of the stroller easier.
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
The Chicco Bravo Trio system comes with the Keyfit 30, which is suitable for infants up to 30 pounds and 30 inches tall. The stroller comes in a choice of contemporary color schemes, in shades such as gray, black and navy. The Bravo stroller has a removable seat, which means it can be used as a lightweight frame for carrying the Chicco Keyfit 30.
The Chicco Bravo stroller has many great features to make life easier for parents when out and about with a baby. For example, it has a one-handed fold, auto positioning wheels and it is self-standing once folded. The stroller has a very large storage basket, perfect for all your baby essentials. The Chicco stroller system has four wheels, but the front two wheels are positioned closer together, meaning it handles easily, more like a three wheel stroller.
Graco Roadmaster
This Graco stroller is great for parents who are looking for convenience. It folds to a size which is 20% more compact than the previous model. It can also be folded single-handed and in just one second. The handle can be adjusted to one of three different positions, so it is ideal for couples who are very different in height! Babies will have a comfortable ride in the Graco jogging stroller thanks to the large, air filled tires.
The Graco baby stroller has a removable seat, which means the frame can be used as a lightweight carrier for the Graco Snugride. The car seat can easily be attached to the stroller frame using the one step secure attachment. The Graco Snugride 30 has been thoroughly safety tested, including side impact testing, and testing under extreme car interior temperatures. So, parents can rest assured that their little one will be safe in the unlikely event of an accident.
Baby Trend EZ Ride 5
The Baby Trend EZ Ride is a stylish stroller for boys or girls. The 3 wheel stroller offers excellent handling on a range of terrains, making it perfect for parents who like getting out and about with ease! The handle is height adjustable so both parents can push comfortably. The seat of the stroller reclines into different positions, and there is a soft, padded head rest included which can be used on either the car seat or the stroller.
The Baby Trend stroller has a pivoting child tray, so they can keep their cup and snack within reach, but you can also move the tray easily to get them into and out of the seat without difficulty. The stroller is capable of carrying children up to 50 pounds, so it’s suitable from birth right up until your child no longer needs a stroller. The stroller has a large sun canopy, with a peek-a-boo window so you can keep an eye on your little one at all times.
Safety 1st Smooth Ride
The Safety First car seat and stroller is suitable for use from birth onwards and has a range of great features for babies and parents alike. The wheels are designed to offer maximum maneuverability, and the storage basket is very large – perfect for a big day out! The Safety First infant car seat has four adjustable harness heights, to ensure a safe and snug fit for newborns as well as older babies.
The Safety 1st stroller is lightweight, and easy to get in the trunk of the car. For children who are not yet able to sit up, it is recommended to use the car seat only, the stroller seat is not suitable for newborns. The stroller is self-standing when folded – ideal for when you are getting your baby into the car. It can also be folded using one hand by simply lifting a lever on the seat area.
Cosco Pink Travel System
The Cosco travel system is great for parents who are looking for comfort and safety on a budget. It comes in a range of beautiful colors and patterns to suit both boys and girls. The car seat comes with a base to leave in the car, and it is suitable for infants weighing between 4 – 22 pounds. It comes with side impact protection, so you can be sure your little one is as safe as can be.
The Cosco Lift and Stroll travel system stroller has both parent and child trays, and a 3 point harness for safety. It is adjustable to grow with your child, ensuring a perfect fit no matter how quick they grow! The stroller is lightweight and folds to a compact size, meaning it can be stored and transported with relative ease.
Minnie Mouse Stroller
This Minnie stroller is a great way for baby girls to travel in style! The car seat can be attached to the stroller frame with one simple click, and it can be used by infants up to 22 pounds. The stroller has handy features such as a child tray, generous storage basket, and quilted canopy with peek a boo window to keep a close eye on yout baby.
The Safety 1st travel system is also available in a red Mickey design, ideal for boys or for moms who want something more gender neutral and less pink! The stroller can carry children up to 50 pounds – it’s the only stroller you will need from birth until around age 4 when your toddler no longer needs a stroller. There is a parent tray with cup holders and a compartment to keep items such as car keys and cell phones handy and within reach.
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.
