Traveling with an infant is not easy. As a parent, you have to secure the safety of your child at all times whether inside the car or outside. This is the reason why infant car seats and strollers were invented. With this equipment, you can drive your car and take a stroll around with your baby with ease.
On the other hand, transferring your infant from the stroller to the car seat can be inconvenient, especially when you don’t want to wake up a sleeping child. In cases like this, you better have a travel system stroller instead.
This looks like a standard stroller but comes with a variety of features. And these include a compatible car seat that can fit perfectly to the stroller. Now you won’t have to worry if your child will be disturbed as you transfer her to the stroller because you can just lift the whole car seat and affix it to the stroller.
And since the two often come as one package, you can make one purchase. Although there are standard strollers that are ready for car seats, you are not always sure if they will fit just right. With travel system strollers, you are guaranteed that both of them will work together.
How to use a travel system stroller?
This kind of stroller is designed for convenience for parents who need to move quickly and carefully when dealing with infants. That is why you can expect that the best travel system stroller is easy to use and assemble.
Basically, all you need to do is remove the car seat from its base and attach it to the stroller. Some brands who likes to innovate have even created strollers that can be folded in just one step.
This makes it easier to put inside your car’s compartment. On the other hand, the setup may require three or more steps for you to adjust the handles and secure the seat belts as well as the wheels.
Two Types of Travel System Strollers
A travel system stroller is often divided into two types, which are full-sized and lightweight. There are not many differences between the two because both can have the same features. The car seats still fit to the strollers and can be unlatched easily.
The major differences would only be the size and the weight. A full-sized travel system stroller is usually bulkier and heavier than the other type. Since it is big, there are extra features like bells, whistles, cup holders, and things that may not be necessary. On the other hand, a lightweight travel system stroller is more compact and only weighs around 20 to 22 lbs.
They are designed to be easier to fold and put inside your car or compartment. Most of the travel system strollers are able to carry a load of 30 to 50 lbs. under both categories, allowing your child to use the stroller and the car seat as she grows into a preschooler.
Advantages
Economical
Buying a travel system stroller and getting two essential baby equipment saves money. Your baby needs both a stroller and a car seat that she can use over time. Aside from this, it also saves you from the dilemma of having to find a separate car seat that will fit your stroller.
Convenient
Like what has already mentioned above, this kind of stroller is both convenient to parents and infants. You can unclip the car seat from the base and attach it to the stroller in one go. You don’t even have to move your baby at all and disturb her sleep while transferring her to and from the stroller.
Safe
Moving the whole infant car seat from the base is safer than moving your child from the infant car seat. This is because the infant car seat offers stability and protection for the baby’s entire body as you transfer him or her.
Stylish
Parents who like to follow the trend will be happy to have a travel system stroller. This is because the car seat and the stroller often come matching colors and materials.
Disadvantages
Bulky
One of the major drawbacks of this type of stroller is its size. Because the infant car seat should fit the stroller, the stroller has to be bigger so that it is harder to fit inside your car. Even though the lightweight type is smaller, it is still relatively bigger than the regular stroller.
Hard to maneuver
Another problem caused by the size of the travel system stroller is its maneuverability. Though there are brands with excellent wheels that run smooth on any surface, the bulkiness can make it hard to maneuver through narrow alleys and spaces.
Safety Ratings
The best travel system stroller has the most important safety features such as a 5-point safety harness and brakes. These are some of the things that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looks for before they certify a particular model.
The administration has a certain standard and specifications that should be met by all travel system stroller manufacturers before their products can be sold. If you want to make sure that the stroller you are buying is safe, see to it that it has NHTSA’s certification.
Factors to Consider in Buying a Travel System Stroller
The following are factors you should consider in buying a travel system stroller, whether you are browsing online or checking instore.
Handle
The best travel system stroller is not only comfortable to use for kids but for parents, too. Look for a model that has a handle which is high enough for you. There are models that have telescoping handles that are adjustable according to your preference. If the handle is too low or short, it will be awkward to push.
Storage
The reason why you are buying a stroller is not just so you can stroll with your child. Most probably, you will be using it for running some errands, too. When you don’t have a nanny to look for your child, you have no choice but to bring her with you.
So you have to look for a model that has enough storage space for diapers or grocery bags. Another reason for this is that you can keep all the things your baby needs such as milk, toys, and pacifier within your reach.
Foldability
Another important question you should ask is if the travel system stroller is easy to fold? Getting your child safely in the car with a car seat is one thing and putting a hard to fold stroller is another thing.
You would not want to waste your time and energy wrestling with a stroller on the floor just to put it in your compartment. So make sure the model you choose can be folded in at least three steps.
Weight Capacity
As your child grows, her body weight increases. To be able to use a travel system stroller and its car seat for a long time, you have to find a model that can accommodate the size and weight of your growing child.
And since you are also putting some important belongings in the stroller, the weight capacity of your stroller should be at least 40 lbs.
Maneuverability
Test out the stroller if it is easy to steer through alleys and sidewalks. Since you will be pushing the stroller all the time, this feature is something you should ensure.
If you are checking online, choose the model that offers wheels that run smoothly. Of course, always check the credibility by reading online reviews.
Other Features
If you have checked all the important factors and still want more, that is the time to look for other features. Travel system strollers have varying designs and the features are limitless.
Almost all of them have features such as a reclining seat. Others add another safety feature which is a light indicator that shows when a car seat is secured properly or not.
Image |
Product |
Price |
Rating |
| Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Baby Travel System | $$ | 4.5/5 | |
| Chicco Bravo Trio System | $$ | 4.7/5 | |
| Britax 2017 B-Agile/B-Safe 35 Travel System | $$$ | 4.1/5 | |
| Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System | $$ | 4.3/5 | |
| Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System with onBoard 35 Infant Car Seat | $ | 4.5/5 | |
| Evenflo Vive Travel System with Embrace | $ | 4.4/5 | |
| Maxi-Cosi Adorra Travel System | $$$ | 4.1/5 | |
| Eddie Bauer TR238CFM TriTrek Travel System | $$ | 4.5/5 | |
| Chicco Cortina CX Travel System | $$ | 4.5/5 | |
| Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System | $$ | 4/5 |
5 Most Recommended Models of Travel System Stroller on Amazon
There are good travel system strollers and there are also great ones. And according to buyers and review sites, below are the best travel system strollers they want to recommend to other moms and dads. All of the models have more than 4 stars on Amazon.
Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Baby Travel System
Graco is the company behind the inception of travel system strollers. And obviously, they have some of the best models that offer comfort, safety, and convenience. This explains why their Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Baby Travel System is a top-seller.
The model comes complete with the Graco Snug ride Click Connect 35, which is a rear-facing type of car seat. The car seat itself accommodates a child that is 4 to 35 lbs. while the whole travel system holds up to 50 lbs. of weight.
This product does have features that make child caring easier and enjoyable. For one, the stroller has a one-hand fold feature that allows you to put it inside the car’s compartment effortlessly.
Another feature that you will like is the padded seat that reclines to multiple positions for your child’s convenience. Meanwhile, the air-filled rubber tires are designed for most kinds of terrains, ensuring maneuverability.
Lastly, the product also has huge storage and a parent’s tray where you can put all your essential belongings.
Pros
- Easy to attach and detach from the stroller and car seat base
- Lightweight and folds in one second
- Huge storage basket
Cons
- Still bulky and difficult to fit in a small car
- Parent’s tray is not compatible with smartphones with larger screens
- Seat does not recline to flat position
Read the Full Review Buy Now on Amazon
Chicco Bravo Trio System
This travel system not only gives you two but three travel essentials in one purchase. It boasts of its great design which is catered to infants and preschoolers. You can use it for varying purposes and different occasions.
If you bought this for your infant, you can expect to make the most out of its amazing features until she is too big for the car seat. The stroller has a removable seat that transforms into a lightweight carrier which is great for newborn babies.
Meanwhile, the KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is perfect for 6-month-old children to toddlers. It is compatible with the stroller with the help of a latching system.
When the time comes that your baby outgrows the car seat, you can still use the stroller as a full-feature stroller. It can hold up to 50 lbs. of weight, ensuring that your child and belongings in the stroller are safe and protected.
The other amazing features of this product are for the parent’s convenience. There is an adjustable and padded handle so you can push the stroller with more ease. And like the first one on this list, this model also folds in seconds.
Pros
- Travel systems can be used for different functions
- Has padded and adjustable handle
- Easy to fold
Cons
- Still heavy to lift
- The full-feature stroller is too big for toddlers
Read the Full Review Buy Now on Amazon
Britax 2017 B-Agile/B-Safe 35 Travel System
If safety is the most important factor for you, then the Britax 2017 B-Agile/B-Safe 35 Travel System is what you are looking for. This product is packed with safety features to protect your baby from any harm.
Some of the features that provide protection are the impact absorbing base as well as the side impact protection of the car seat. For added stability, there is also a linked parking brake.
Aside from these, it seems like all the other parts of this travel system are made of durable materials like aluminum. This way, you can use this equipment during more travels for a longer time.
The manufacturer also takes convenience to a higher level by integrating the 3-wheel configuration to the stroller. With swivel front wheels, you can steer and maneuver through narrow spaces and most terrain with ease.
When it is time to get back in the car, simply detach the car seat from the stroller and place it back on the base. Then fold the stroller in seconds to put it in your car. You don’t have to move your baby at all or wake her up. Other than the reclining seat and huge storage, there are no more extra features for this product.
Pros
- Packed with safety features for your child’s protection
- Easy to fold and remove to and from the stroller
- Durable and sturdy parts
Cons
- Lack of extra features such as a parent or baby tray
- Still heavy like a standard stroller
- Issues with maneuverability
Read the Full Review Buy Now on Amazon
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System
This product combines safety and convenience which makes it one of the most versatile travel systems. Like the other brands, you don’t have to buy a separate car seat that will fit the stroller.
The Baby Trend Easy Flex Infant Car Seat attaches to the stroller securely, making sure that your child will travel safe and sound. It can hold up to 30 lbs. of weight and a child that is 30 inches tall. Meanwhile, the whole travel system can accommodate a total weight capacity of 50 lbs.
This way, you can bring your baby diapers, milk, and toys and put them in the storage space under the stroller.
The seat reclines to multiple positions including a flat position. It also has a comfortable pad with impact-absorbing foam for added protection. The car seat has a 5-point harness, which is the type of harness recommended by experts.
On the other hand, the wheels of this model are not the ordinary wheels you will often see attached to standard strollers. They are bicycle tires that are more durable and stable. Other features for this product are the padded push handle, parent tray, child tray, and a sun-proof adjustable canopy.
Pros
- Affordable and durable
- Easy to fold
- Combines safety and extra features for the child’s protection and parent’s convenience
Cons
- Issues with the car seat being difficult to remove
- The pads of the car seat might be too hard for babies
Read the Full Review Buy Now on Amazon
Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System with onBoard 35 Infant Car Seat
The last but not the least product on the list is the Smooth Ride Travel System from Safety 1st. It comes with a compact on Board 35 Infant Car Seat that is compatible with the stroller frame.
One of the key features of this product is the lift-fold design that eliminates the struggle of folding the stroller just to put it inside the car. And since its profile is small, the travel system stroller can effortlessly fit inside your compartment.
It can even stand by itself. Other good things about this product are the latch system that secures the car seat to the base or stroller and the agile wheels that allow easy steering and maneuvering.
For added safety, the manufacturer included extra pillows to support a newborn’s head and body. This way, you can rest assured that your baby can sleep well during the ride.
For all the items you need within your reach, you have three storage options. The parent tray for your bottled water and drinks, the baby tray for her toys, and the huge storage space below for other baby essentials. With its affordable price and amazing features, you can say that this product offers a great deal.
Pros
- Folds easily
- Has side impact protection and extra pillows for infants
- Agile wheels are easy to maneuver and steer
- Three storage options
Cons:
- Car seat is small for toddlers
- Issues with the latch system
- Short straps
Read the Full Review Buy Now on Amazon
Conclusion
All the products included in the top five best travel system strollers have features that make them a better choice over the others. In order to choose the best among them, remember to prioritize your child’s safety over the other not important features.
After that, choose the best stroller that offers the convenience you need and other accessories that fit your style. This way, both you and your child will be happy having a new travel system stroller you can use inside or outside the home.