On-the-Go Convenience: Top Picks for the Best Car Seat Stroller Combos

Best Car Seat Stroller Combo

Parenting a child is filled with tons of amazing moments, but also come with a lot of stress.  There are certain ways that parents can help alleviate some of this stress when it comes to purchasing the right baby gear for you and your family.  Many baby products these days come with a multi-function option which means you get many products and uses all in one.  From walkers that can transform into highchairs and cribs that transform into toddler beds, there is no shortage of great time and money saving products out there for you.  The most popular by far is the car seat and stroller combo.  This is a quick favorite for parents when it comes to picking out the best stroller for their little one because it is a two piece deal that actually grows with your child.  A stroller and a car seat are at the top of the list of baby gear items you need, so why not combine them and save you some hassle?    

What is a Car Seat Stroller Combo and Why Should You Get One?

Car seat stroller combos are complete traveling systems for your baby.  They typically include a full size fully functioning stroller that is fitted with a car seat.  The infant seat on these strollers is easily detachable to become a completely safe car seat that latches into either a base in your car or can be manually buckled in.  You don’t have to worry about never being able to use your stroller without a car seat either because most models can be used as a regular high back stroller without the seat being snapped in.  

This is a perfect choice for families who find themselves doing a great deal of traveling because generally the car seat stroller combo systems are better structured for durability and are literally built to last.  Car seat stroller combos or also known as “Sit and Strolls” are a great option too when it comes to saving money.  Once you factor in purchasing the car seat, the stroller and then later in life a bigger stroller better suited for a larger child, that is a good chunk of change.  These systems, however, are a one-stop shop when it comes to travel gear for your baby and will save you big money in the long run.

There are a couple of downsides to purchasing a car seat stroller system too.  Some people find them difficult to install because they work with a specific base system that buckles into your car and requires the base to be perfectly straight for to best safety.  To mend this issue many models are now fitted with a tiny level in the front of the base to help you literally see when the base is straight enough for installation.  By doing this, the guesswork is taken out of the equation for you and you can be sure your child is in for a comfortable and safe ride.

Another complaint that some parents have it that these systems tend to be bulky and heavy.  Some parents don’t understand why they may need a large stroller when they could very well go out and get a more lightweight umbrella stroller option.  Every parent knows the feeling of trying to quietly move a sleeping baby from their car seat to their stroller.  With this system all you need to do it lift the car seat of its base and attach it directly into the stroller without ever disturbing your sleeping little bundle of joy.  Also, newborns have a lot of stuff.  The bigger more convenient strollers are fitted with every little add on you never thought you needed until you saw them.  With tons of storage space for both you and baby, you and your child can travel about your day without worrying that you left anything behind.

What to Look For in a Car Seat Stroller Combo

If you’ve made the smart decision to make a car seat stroller combo the primary traveling system for your child then the next step is to know what to look for before shopping.  Many of these systems will offer similar features and standards when it comes to safety and function but there is a large list of extras to set each apart.  Here are things to keep in mind when looking for the best car seat stroller combo for your family:

• Safety 

The first thing on every parent’s mind should obviously be safety, especially since this system includes a car seat which is your child’s number one defense and protection during collisions.  The car seat part of this system should meet all standard safety regulations like proper buckling harnesses and cushioned detailing for impact support.  Along with making sure the car seat has all of the safety features you want; make sure that the stroller passes these tests as well.  Strollers should also have a good buckle system as well as shock absorbent wheels.  Check the structure of this system for a better understanding of how it functions in times of need.  A stronger frame and support system means not only a safer ride but also promises a longer life spam of the product in general.

• Size

Planning ahead of time when purchasing a car seat stroller combo can save you a lot of headaches down the road.  Imagine finally settling on your favorite system just to take it home and find that the stroller simply just doesn’t fit in your trunk.  So do yourself a favor and take some measurements.  You want to make sure that the stroller not only fits into your vehicle properly but you should also keep in mind what kind of vehicle you own.  If your car is a two door model you should consider looking for something on the smaller side so the car seat can be easily removed from your car for when you want to snap it into the stroller and go.  

• Style

While the look of your car seat stroller system may seem like a trivial thing, it certainly is not!  This is a chance for you to customize the look of your baby gear while asserting a little style.  Take in consideration of the styling theme you’ve already chosen for your little one, chances are you can find a design that matches their stuff perfectly.  Also think about the interior of your car, there is bound to be a color scheme that prevents color clashing.  

• Price

Wanting safety, style and structure does not always mean that you need to spend a fortune for the best car seat stroller system for you.  More affordable brands have jumped on the stroller system trend to bring some really great products to families who are on a tighter budget.  If you do have some extra cash to spare however, there are some great luxury options available to offer more than what you would ever expect to need when it comes to a car seat or a stroller.  It all depends on what you’re comfortable with.  If you have your heart set on a higher end model just plan on it ahead of time and try to find a way to work it into your budget, if not, that’s okay too!  

• Extra Features

Once you have all of the basic needs down you can finally get into some fun stuff, like finding a stroller that has some great extra surprise features.  If you’re a parent who loves being on the go or taking your baby for long walks, look for strollers that feature all terrain wheels, safe sun shades to protect your little one and cup holders for water bottles.  If you spend most of your day running errands, check out strollers that feature a ton of extra storage space.  Chances are that if you think you need it, someone has thought of it and designed it.  So don’t be afraid to aim high when making a list of the things you want.

Now that you know what to look for in a car seat stroller combo but still are not sure where to start; check out this list of some of the top selling systems to help get you started on the right path to a comfortable ride for your baby and a satisfied purchase for you.

Graco LiteRider Click Connect Travel System

You may recognize the first brand to make an appearance on this list, that’s no accident!  Graco has been a trusted name when it comes to baby gear for many years so it’s no surprise that they have come out with their own car seat stroller traveling system.  This is a perfect choice for parents who want all of the features of a full traveling system but who are also put off by how heavy and bulky they can be.  The Graco LiteRider Click Connect Travel System is a completely lightweight product which is perfect for still recovering moms.  

This snap and go system comes with a base that installs and stays in your car so all you have do is click the car seat in and out when needed without having to mess around with buckles.  When you’re ready to get moving just snap the car seat directly into the stroller for a smooth ride.  A great selling point of this car seat stroller combo is the flat fold design.  The light stroller folds over on itself to lay flat which is perfect for families with smaller vehicles.  When it comes to styling, the Graco LiteRider does not disappoint either.  Its sleek black and gray design with a pop of colorful teal detailing makes a perfect stylish product while also remaining gender neutral.  There are some of the amazing features and function that you can find with this traveling system:

• Rear facing car seat holds up to 30 lbs
• Front facing seat holds up to 40 lbs
• Lightweight at 24 pounds overall
• Cup holder and snack tray
• Click connect system
• Large storage basket
• Lockable swivel wheels
• One handed folding feature
• Reclining and adjustable seat
• Modern simple styling
• Five point harness 

All in all the Graco LiteRider Click Connect Travel System is a great option for you and your family.  The best part is the price point.  Even with all these amazing features and the innovative light fold design that price hits just below $170.00 for the whole system making it a great product for families who are on a budget but don’t want to settle.  

Britax 2016 B-Agile/B-Safe 35 Travel System

Next on the list we have the Britax 2016 B-Agile/B-Safe Traveling System.  Britax has been a very popular brand when it comes to luxury baby gear and this travel system is absolutely no exception.   This car seat stroller combo has all of the features that you would expect from any other traveling system but much like other Britax products, this has just a little bit more.  Offering not only the best protection when it comes to the actual car street but superior protection with the stroller has made this traveling system a top seller and a received many awards.  

The Britax Travel System is constructed out of a “built to last” steel frame to supports the stroller and it also fitted with a steel reinforced frame in the base of the car seat making it the safest ride for your baby.  They designed the car seat this way to provide maximum protection in case of impact, this helps to create a cushion shell around your child and keep them safe.  This with the five point harness means that your child can enjoy a smooth ride and you can have a stress-free drive knowing that your baby is cared for.

With the steel frame and extra safety features you may be surprised to know that it is extremely lightweight.  The stroller is fitted with a one hand fold feature for quick and easy storage while the streamline design helps the whole system maintain an easy to carry feel.  The styling of this car seat stroller is a classic black with light detailing making it a perfect match for any car without any chances of clashing.  Some of the stand out features that makes the Britax B-Agile/B-Safe travel system a great purchase is:

• Lightweight
• One handed easy fold
• Car seat is top in safety standards
• Side impact tested
• Strong steel frame design
• Easy install car seat base
• Easy maneuver wheels
• Classic black
• Large storage basket
• Impact absorbent base

All in all the Britax system is a great choice for you and your family.  You get all of the safety features of other luxury strollers but without the bulkiness.  The more compact car seat has a shell like shape that makes it a great choice for families with smaller cars.  The price is on the higher side, priced at around $440, but when you buy any Britax brand baby gear you’re paying for the best on the market.  

Chicco Cortina CX Travel System

Chicco is another well known baby brand that tends to run in the middle of the road when it comes to price and features making it a safe and fair option for you.  The Chicco Cortina CX Travel System is a favorite among families when it comes to car seat stroller combos because of their high safety trusted ratings and their classic styling.  Much like most car seats these days, The Chicco Cortina comes with an easy to install base that features a liquid level system right on the side for a perfectly level fit each time.  Once the seat is level all you have to do is either install it into your car’s latch system or buckle it in manually.  The car seat has a five point harness, side impact cushion and energy absorbing foam for the best when it comes to safety.  The actual car seat fits into the base like a dream with audible clicks to let you know that your child is secure and ready to go.

The stroller is pretty great to.  It is a large system so it is fitted with all the extras you would expect to see in a bigger stroller like cup holders and storage space.  The high back feature of the stroller is completely adjustable to recline to fit your growing child.  The sun shade it also a great feature to have and is perfect for families who spend a lot of time outdoors.  The stroller itself is perfectly comfortable enough for children without the need to snap in the car seat, so you don’t have to worry about taking the seat out of your car if you just want to take a quick trip around the block.  The best features that make the Chicco Cortina CX Travel System a best seller are:

• Side impact tested
• Energy absorbing foam
• Five point harness
• Leveling system in base
• Audible KeyFit snap in system
• Fully adjustable 8 position seat
• Large storage basket
• Cup holders
• Lock wheels and brakes
• Adjustable height position push handles
• Free standing one hand quick fold
• Front wheel suspension
• Easy turn wheels

Overall it is clear to see why many parents chose the Chicco Cortina as a top pick for them when it comes to the best car seat stroller combo.  This is just a great looking stroller system with the traditional black and gray color scheme.  This Chicco traveling system will run you about $300 but when you consider all that you are getting, it is totally worth the price.  

Baby Trendz EZ Ride 5 Travel System

The Baby Trendz EZ Ride 5 Travel System is another excellent choice when it comes to finding a great car seat stroller system.   This car seat stroller combo combines all the agility of a jogging stroller with the convenience of a traditional stroller making it a great two for one purchase.  Jogging strollers are a popular choice for parents who want to maintain their active lifestyle while caring for a child.  These strollers are unique because of their special front wheel design that places the wheels right in the center for a smoother run.  These strollers are not only great for joggers but are perfect for parents who enjoy taking the trail less traveled.  The wheels were constructed and placed to maneuver perfectly when on the fast track.  They also have an all terrain tread pattern that lets you roll over sticks and stones without disturbing your sleeping baby.

The car seat is not left behind when it comes to design either.  Constructed with the most recommended five point harness system and shock absorbent padding, you can guarantee your child a safe ride in the car when you’re not out blazing trails.  This system also comes with a base that stays in your car for easy in and out movement.  Baby Trendz EZ Ride prides themselves on having a complete traveling system that will fit every family’s lifestyle.  The Stroller is not only great for outings but also provides the best features when it comes to comfort and style.   It comes standard with cup holders, snack trays and an accessory tray for parents.  Not only are you protecting your baby from bumps along the road but you are also keeping them safely out of the sun with the full pull down canopy sunscreen that has a peek-a-boo window so you can keep an eye on your sleeping little one.  Some features that make this stroller system perfect for your family are:

• Five point harness
• Three wheel design
• Cup holders and snack tray
• Sunshade with see-through window
• Reclining seat
• Adjustable handle push bar
• Holds up to 50lbs
• Large storage basket
• One hand easy fold
• Height adjustable for baby
• Different patterns and styles
• Easy click in base

The Baby Trendz EZ Ride 5 Travel System is a great choice if you’re looking for the best car seat stroller combo and also want to maintain your active lifestyle.  The look of this stroller is a great additive to help you make your mind up.  It comes in three different available patterns like a very sophisticated blue hounds tooth or the light and girly pink paisley.   Whichever one you choice, at under $160 for the whole system, you cannot lose.

Cosco Lift and Stroll Travel System

The Cosco Lift and Stoll Travel system is another great option for a traveling system for your family.  Cosco combines the ease of a lightweight stroller with the multi-function of a complete travel system all for under $140 making it the number one choice for families on a budget.  Being on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t get everything you want out of a car sear stroller combo.  Not only does this stroller have amazing features but it comes in the most adorable patterns which is great if you’re bored with basic black.  There are over six different patterns to choose from like the adorable teal elephants to the pink butterflies, you are sure to find the right style that matches most of your other baby gear.  If you’re not into patterns, don’t worry!  The Cosco Lift and Stroll also comes in a bunch of solid color combos too.

The car seat doesn’t sacrifice any safety features either.  The seat comes with a base that is easy to install and works with both a rear facing and front facing position.  The seat also passed all of the standard safety testing and features shock absorbent foam to help protect your child during impact.  The stroller itself is not only lightweight but also folds completely flat which is great for families who have smaller trunk space.  Cosco boasts on having not only a lightweight stroller but the lightest car seat currently available now on the market.  All the things you need to know about this stroller before making the big purchase are:

• Lightweight stroller and car seat
• Fold flat design
• Supports up to 50 lbs
• Rear facing and front facing seat
• Multiple patterns and colors to choose from
• Protective harness system
• Cup holder and snack tray
• Affordable price
• Storage basket

The Cosco Lift and Stroll Travel System has all of the basics you need when shopping for a great car seat stroller combo and nothing more, that’s how they managed to keep the cost so low.  Even though it is on the low end of scale it has still received mostly five star reviews and ratings from parents who have tried and loved this system.  So if you really want to give these innovative dual systems a try but are scared away from the price, give this one a go.

Eddie Bauer TriTreck Travel System

The next traveling system on our list comes from Eddie Bauer and it is also a jogger style stroller.  If you enjoy an active lifestyle and are fond of the outdoors, Eddie Bauer is probably not a new name to you.  You may be surprised to know, however, that this brand makes some of the best products when it comes to baby gear.  The main thing most people think of when they hear the name Eddie Bauer is durability.  Their products are rugged and meant to hold up during even the harshest conditions.  The Eddie Bauer TriTreck Travel System certainly lives up to those standards and expectations.   This stroller is perfect for an off-road adventure with the all terrain wheels and shock absorbent frame.  The stroller not only offers an amazing traveling ride but the best in luxury features. 

The Eddie Bauer TriTreck travel System, like others on the list, is fitting with cups holder, snack trays and a storage basket but one key feature that sets it apart is the adaptive phone holder.  These days no one goes anywhere without their phone permanently attached to their hands, Eddie Bauer had this in mind when they designed this neat add-on feature.  By allowing you to walk around with your phone in a visible position you can enjoy a complete hands free experience or even follow your GPS to your next big adventure with your baby in tow.  The amazing features of this traveling system include:

• Phone holder
• Cup holder and snack tray
• Storage basket
• Sleek and modern color schemes
• All terrain wheels
• Supports up to 50 lbs
• Trusted brand name 
• Sun shade
• Quick click attachment
• 3-Wheel design
• Reclines to a flat position
• Easy Collapse fold
• Automatic lock wheels

You may be surprised to hear that this whole car seat stroller combo will only set you back around $180.  With a decent price tag and all of the extra features this is sure to keep parents and children happy.  The best feature by far is the full reclining seat which can lay flat for ultimate comfort for your little one.  This means that you’re free to explore the world while your child sleeps soundly.  

Evenflo Vive Travel System with Embrace

The Evenflo Vive travel System hits this list hard with another affordable fully featured option.  This product promises another lightweight option for you with probably the easier fold.  The secret to folding this stroller flat is something everyone has around them at all times, gravity.  Evenflo lets gravity do the work with just a press of a button making this stroller system super versatile and traveler friendly.  Some mothers have a hard time get moving after the arrival of their little ones due to a lengthy healing process and the worry of heavy lifting and storage.  This stroller system helps to ease the mind of those mothers and promises you the least amount of effort so you don’t have to be fearful about getting out there and exploring nature with your child.  

The safety of this product is also at the top with their shock absorbent frame and easy lock brakes.  The car seat is fitted with a five point harness and a level base making it the best option for safety.  This system also comes with cups holders and a snack tray as well as a sun shaded canopy for a perfect day out.  The features you will find in this stroller system are:

• Easy gravity fold and store
• Five point harness
• Cup holder and snack tray
• Large sun shade for protection
• Pee-a-boo window
• Holds up to 50 lbs
• Shock absorbent frame
• Easy lock brakes
• Easy glide wheels
• Colorful design

The Evenflo Vive Travel System with Embrace is priced at just around $170 is available is three different colors like mint green and bright violet.  This stroller system comes highly recommended from verified buyers who agree that is by far one of the best travel systems available on the market today.  

Baby Trend Nexton Travel System

The Baby Trend Nexton Travel System has all the features you will swoon over while providing you with the peace of mind that your bundle is snug and safe in the backseat.  This stroller system has the busy parent in mind by not only making this system great for travel but easy to clean.  The cup holders and snack trays are removable and cleanable for a great defense against life’s little messes.  Baby Trend also has your little ones precious skin in mind by installing an adjustable sun canopy that fits in multiple positions so it can be quickly and smoothly shifted around to provide the best shade needed from the sun’s harmful rays.

The seat on the stroller is covered completely in padding for the softest ride ever while the back is adjustable to recline to many different positions.  When it comes to safety, the Baby Trend Nexton Travel System has their entire basis covered.  With a five point safety harness and specialized tethered strap for the most secure fit for your little one.  Like the other systems on this list, the Baby Trend system folds easily with a one hand click fold.  Why should you consider this system for your baby?  Here are some great features that cannot be beat:

• Rear facing and front facing seating
• Five point harness
• Tethered buckle strap
• Cup holders
• Removable snack tray for easy clean up
• Large storage undercarriage
• Flex-Loc infant seat
• Peek-a-boo canopy 
• Single hand fold system
• Extra head support

The one main feature that sets the Baby Trend system apart from the others is the Flex-Loc add-on.  This allows the base and the car seat to lock in perfectly without any shifting make the ride a less bumpy one and keeping your baby in place where they belong.  This along with the additional support in the padded headrest makes this a great choice for the best car seat stroller combo for you.  Retailing for under $180 and coming in a couple different color schemes makes it a deal hard to pass up on.

Graco Aire3 Click Connect Travel System

Graco is making another appearance this list because they just have so many amazing products and baby gear systems out there that it’s hard to ignore.  The Graco Aire3 Click Connect travel System is different from the last one of their travel systems on the list due to their three wheel design which is meant for tons off outdoor traveling.  The popularity of these jogger style strollers has grown so much over the years that it is no surprise that Graco jumped at the chance to bring their own version to families.  The biggest selling point of this travel system is that all of the features are either versatile or adjustable so that they grow with your child meaning your child can enjoy a smooth ride well into their toddler years.  The headrest and the footrest are adjustable to grow with your little one in the stroller while the car seat’s buckle system expands easily to support your child until they are ready to move to a booster.

The Graco Aire3 Connect sells itself on the way it moves.  The wheels are designed for a smooth soft ride even through the heaviest of terrain while the stroller remains lightweight enough for a parent to carry it and their child at the same time.  It is also fitted with an extra large sun shaded that has a detachable screen to protect your baby from bugs or to keep them cool in the hot sun.  Among all the things to love about this system, the easy in and out feature is by far the best selling point.  Parents often feeling like moving their child from one place to another feels like they are traveling to the moon, but with the Graco Aire3 connect you can make those little moves so much smoother.  The number one thing that Graco had in mind was accessibility and mobility because parents shouldn’t feel restricted but should feel free and open to move around with much hassle.  Some great selling points of this stroller are:

• Easy maneuver wheels
• Cup holders and snack tray
• Sun shade with removable netting
• Three wheel design
• Easy fold and lightweight carry
• One hand hold feature
• Shock absorbent frame
• All terrain wheels
• Adjustable headrest
• Rear facing and front facing car seat positions

The Graco Aire3 Click Connect Travel System quickly became a fast seller among new parents and it’s not hard to see why.   Retailing for under $300 this car seat stroller combo does run pretty high on the price scale but it is very reasonably priced for a jogger stroller system.  With the features that allow your child to grow with this system and allow the system to adapt to your child, it really is worth the price.

Cybex Agis M-3 Air Travel System

Last on the list is the Cybex Agis which is by the far the coolest and most luxurious one yet.  This innovative and stylish travel system was constructed with city living families in mind.  Every parent who lives a city life knows how difficult it is to transport their child around with traditional clunky stroller systems.  Moving from a train to a cab to the street can often feels like it takes all day.  Not with the Cybex!  It offers everything you would expect from a true lightweight stroller like a one hand easy carry and fold feature.  Not only do you not have to struggle to trek around the city with your baby, but your baby will actually enjoy the ride.  The seat is an extra wide and reclines all the way down with extra cushion as well as a padded head rest.  Your child might actually forget that there is a big loud city going on around them with the privacy canopy that features a see-through window so your child doesn’t have to miss out on all the wonderful sights.  

The jogger style stroller has extra large back wheels to make weaving through foot traffic a breeze while the giant under carriage storage basket lets you get a whole day worth of shopping done in comfort.  The adjustable push handle bar is a great feature for taller parents as well, meaning that you can customize the height to best fit whoever is pushing it that day.  The car seat itself is a shell like shape one which protects your baby from all angles and allows your little one to be surrounded by support.  Some great features include:

• Energy absorbing car seat shell
• Privacy shade
• Three all terrain wheels
• Extra large storage basket
• Five point adjustable harness
• Quick and secure install base
• Modern sleep look
• One hand fold
• Free standing fold
• Lightweight foam filled wheels
• Adjustable handle bars

All in all the Cybex Agis M-3 Travel system is an amazing choice if you’re looking for a top of line luxury car seat stroller system.  With luxury features and modern styling you will have to pay a higher price.  The Cybex Agis retails for around $400 and is only available in a black and gray color scheme.  If you don’t mind the price and do a great deal of city walking, this travel system is perfect for you.

Wrapping it up

At the end of the day, a stroller and a car seat are two baby products that are very difficult to live without.  So why not get them both in one amazing product and for just once price.  Just remember to look for a system that tops the list in safety features and functions so that you can travel with your child worry free.  By also looking for models that are adjustable and durable you can ensure that you can get many years of use out the product, saving you money and time in the long run.  Good luck and take care.