Having the right travel system stroller for your baby is more important than you probably think. The travel system that you select should accommodate your lifestyle, provide convenience, and most importantly, provide a comfortable and safe place for your baby to rest. The majority of these car seat strollers are considered convertible devices, meaning they can change over the course of time to accommodate the different stages of your baby’s development.
In order to help you choose the right travel system for your needs, we invested close to 14 hours into analyzing two dozen different models of travel systems, eventually narrowing the field down to just the three best. We also reviewed the best single-seat strollers as well as the best double strollers. If you’re short on time, you can bypass our list and go straight to our comparison chart.
Best Overall: Britax B-Agile/B-Safe 35 Stroller & Car Seat Travel System
Considered the safest travel system available on the market, the Britax B-Agile/B-Safe 35 will give you everything you need to transport your baby in comfort and style. Designed to be a long term piece of equipment, this car seat and stroller in one can be used from birth until the child no longer needs a stroller.
Its specially designed infant car seat is one of the most important features of this system. Made to be contoured so that there is a reduction in side-to-side motion for the baby, the seat is also deeper than many similar products for extra protection. These design features provide your baby with extra protection in the event of an impact. In addition, the seat can be easily attached to the stroller system in a rear facing manner, giving your infant the ability to retain eye contact with you when you are using the stroller. Also, the base of the car seat has shock absorbing qualities. These shock absorbers help keep the ride smooth whether you are going over rough terrain in the stroller or in your vehicle.
The Britax B-Agile B-Safe 35’s infant car seat base has shock absorbing qualitiesThe stroller itself is easy to operate. It can be unfolded with one hand, an important factor for all parents who rarely have more than one hand free at any given time. The stroller is designed with a three wheel system, with the front wheels moving on a swivel. This allows the stroller to maneuver easily, even in tight spaces.
Later, once the baby seat is no longer needed, the stroller can be used to transport your child with ease. The padded harness system is easy to use and comfortable. The oversized shade will protect your child from the elements, and the underneath cargo area will ensure that they have everything they need during your travels.
One drawback to this system is that the handle for the stroller is not adjustable. For those who are shorter in stature, this may make pushing the stroller a little more difficult. However, if you do not mind the higher handle, this is a great system to have for your infant. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Jogging Travel System: Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger
The Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger is a travel system that comes with a stroller specially designed for jogging, and is great for parents and caregivers who want to get a little exercise while taking the baby out for a stroll. The stroller’s Click & Go System combines both car seat and stroller into one convenient package. The stroller sits on three wheels (two in the back and one in the front) which are much larger than those of a standard stroller. In addition, its tires are rubber and filled with air, which translates into a much smoother ride for the baby.
Users will also like that the stroller’s slim design and lightweight construction not only make it very easy to navigate through crowded spaces, but also allows for easy one hand folding and storage.
The Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger comes with the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 infant car seat, which will protect your child beyond the federal safety standards imposed for car seats. A steel frame strengthens the car seat while the base compresses to absorb extra energy during a collision. The car seat is designed with a deep shell that fits snugly in a vehicle and minimizes any side-to-side movement.
When you’re ready to take your child out of the car, the infant seat attaches to the stroller with one simple click. The car seat fits babies between 4 and 35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height, while the stroller can hold a child up to 50 pounds in weight.
Pros
- Easy assembly and disassembly
- Great for jogging
- Easy adjustable harness straps
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Will need a new stroller for a toddler over 50 pounds
- No foot rest on the stroller for children
- Narrow seat may be too tight for heavier children
Best Value: Graco LiteRider Click Connect Car Seat Stroller Travel System
The Graco LiteRider costs about half as much as the Britax B-Agile/B-Safe, but offers many of the same benefits. This versatile travel system stroller includes a snug-fit infant carrier as well as a regular stroller. The Infant carrier is designed to accommodate babies from 4 to 30 pounds as a rear facing car seat or as an infant seat on the stroller. The snug fit of the infant seat provides additional support for your baby in the event of a vehicle impact.
Additionally, the infant seat is part of the Graco Click Conenct system, and easily connects to the stroller. This seat can connect to any Graco stroller that accepts the Click Connect seats. The stroller can be quickly and easily set up with one hand and the seat attached with the other for a smooth transition from car to stroller.
Another plus is that this stroller was designed to provide a smooth ride. The swivel front wheels make the stroller easy to manage, and the shock absorbing system keeps the ride smooth for your baby, so you’ll have some peace of mind knowing that your baby will feel secure and safe when riding in this stroller.
Keep in mind that the stroller is only designed to accommodate children up to 50 pounds, which some parents may find to be a slight drawback, since there are strollers available on the market that can accommodate higher weights. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Strollers
Best Overall: BOB Revolution FLEX Jogging Stroller
The BOB Revolution FLEX is easily the best stroller on the market. This “jogging” stroller was designed to keep your baby comfortable while providing special features for the parents. Great for all terrains, the BOB Revolution Flex has special shock absorbers that can be adjusted to keep the ride smooth for your baby. Additionally, the stroller, which stands 44 inches high, can accommodate virtually any child’s height. Moreover, its handlebar adjusts to 9 different positions, ensuring a comfortable grip for the parent, and allows a great deal of control when jogging, walking or moving over rough terrain. Also, adjustments can be made quickly and without hassle.
The BOB Revolution FLEX can be conveniently folded for easy storage and transportIn addition, the Bob’s patented suspension system can be adjusted to accommodate different weights and terrain types. To aid in comfort, the front wheel can be set to either swivel or be locked into place. Having the ability to lock the wheel allows the stroller to move over difficult terrain more easily and without disrupting the baby.
The BOB Revolution has a number of other great features as well, like its large cargo area beneath the seat, which can hold just about everything you need to keep your baby happy. Another one is its padded handlebars, which provide additional comfort while walking or jogging, and its easy-to-fill air tires ensure a silky smooth ride. Moreover, this stroller can easily accommodate a car seat with an attachment that you can purchase. The stroller can also be folded, allowing you to place it in the trunk of your car.
The only potential negative of the BOB Revolution FLEX if we absolutely had to point one out is that we felt they could’ve included a few more amenities. There are many add-ons, however, that can be purchased to enhance the stroller. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Lightweight Stroller: GB Pockit
The GB Pockit is the ultimate lightweight folding stroller. Designed to deliver the convenience of an umbrella stroller with the durability of a high-impact stroller, the GB Pockit Stroller provides everything you will need to move your baby in comfort and style.
This unique stroller is made to transition quickly from a folded package to a fully functioning stroller in a matter of seconds. The GB Pockit weighs a mere 11 pounds, and neatly folds into a small package size when not in use. In fact, this stroller is perfect for traveling because it can easily fold down small enough to fit under the seat or in the overhead package area.
Equipped with a small sun shade, comfortable seat with padded harness, and a small storage area at the bottom, the GB Pockit is everything you need when you are an on-the-go family. Users will also like the fact that the front wheels swivel at 360 degrees for easy movement and can be locked in place for rough terrain.
Best Value: Graco Breaze Click Connect Baby Stroller
The Graco Breaze Click Connect is a heavy-duty, yet lightweight umbrella stroller that is specially designed to accommodate any Graco Click Connect Infant Carrier. Use as a regular stroller for older children, or attach your infant carrier for easy traveling with your baby.
Built for adults who are on-the-go, this stroller can quickly be opened or closed with just one hand. And the fact that it’s so lightweight means that any average adult should be able to handle the stroller without much issue.
The seat of the stroller is also adjustable to different reclining positions. Your child can enjoy sitting straight up and looking around, or recline for a quick nap. The padded harness is easily adjustable to their size and is always comfortable. The oversized canopy provides extra protection from the elements, and it is specially coated to provide SPF 50 protection from UV rays.
This is a full feature stroller, so parents will enjoy the extra large storage space at the base of the stroller. Swivel front wheels provide exceptional maneuverability over all terrains, and the suspension system helps keep the ride smooth.
The only true downside of the Graco Breaze is that it is only designed to hold children up to 50 pounds. Many of the other systems that are similar to this one tend to accommodate children of higher weights. Read reviews on Amazon >
4 Best Budget Model: Summer Infant 3Dlite Baby Stroller
The Summer Infant 3Dlite is a very affordable umbrella stroller that offers many fine amenities. This super lightweight stroller weighs only 11 pounds, making it easy to handle and light enough for any adult to carry. The aluminum frame is sturdy and durable, and can withstand continual use over any type of terrain.
In addition, the stroller’s seat reclines to different positions, allowing your child to take a nap or provide the parent with a easy place to make a diaper change. The height of the seat can also be adjusted to allow room for your child to grow, and the built-in five-point harness is padded and comfortable for babies of all sizes.
The Summer Infant 3Dlite also has a large canopy with an extendable sun visor, which is made out of a treated fabric that makes the canopy UV proof up to 99.5 percent, giving extra protection for your baby. There’s also a cup holder on the handlebar for the parent to enjoy, as well as a large cargo area beneath the seat. Additionally, the Summer Infant 3D Lite stroller is quick to open, easy to store and can accommodate children up to 50 pounds. The only real disadvantage of this stroller is that it will not accommodate an infant carrier and cannot be converted to a travel system. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Double Strollers
Best Overall: Baby Jogger City Select Double Stroller
The Baby Jogger City Select is, in our opinion, the best double stroller that money can buy (although some would argue that the BOB Revolution Duallie is equally as good). Perfect for a growing family, this extremely versatile, multi-use stroller can be easily converted to accommodate two small children, a child and a baby carrier or two baby carriers at once. Overall, there are 16 different configurations that you can make with this multi-purpose stroller to suit the needs of your family.
The City Select is a very durable stroller that has 12 inch wheels in the back and 8 inch wheels in the front to ensure smooth operating with two children on board. A hand brake system adds an additional level of control and safety, and a telescoping handlebar can adjust to the height of any adult using the system.
Parents will also like that the stroller is equipped with SPF 50 canopies that have peek-a-boo windows in them to give your children the protection they need from the elements, but still have a way to see you and feel safe. Each seat has adjustable foot rests so that the stroller can grow with your children.
There’s also a large cargo space underneath the stroller that easily accommodates everything that you need to keep two children happy. Additional devices, such as a bassinet, can be purchased separately to add to the stroller.
The Baby Jogger City Select is designed to accommodate children up to 45 pounds in weight for each seat. It should be noted that despite the name of the manufacturer, the City Select is not designed and should not be used as a jogging stroller. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Lightweight Double Stroller: Britax B-Agile
The Britax B-Agile is a superior lightweight stroller that can be conveniently converted to a double OR single travel system. This umbrella styled stroller is very lightweight, but has a very sturdy frame to ensure the safety of your children. Each seat has the capability of adding a Britax infant carrier Click and Go system if desired.
As a double stroller, parents will enjoy an easy to use stroller that opens and closes with one hand. The handlebar is adjustable to meet the needs of the adult pushing the stroller, and each of the B-Agile strollers is equipped with a large storage area underneath the seats.
The padded seats have a padded harness system for ultimate comfort. Seats can be positioned separately, and both will go back to a full reclining position. Each seat has a large canopy that offers UV protection to the children.
This stroller will provide many years of use for growing families. It can accommodate two children up to 50 pounds each at full capacity. One of the only disadvantages of this stroller is that the foot rests do not change in height to accommodate the children. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Value: Graco Ready2grow Click Connect LX Baby Tandem Stroller
The Graco Ready2grow, in our opinion, offers the best “bang for your buck” of any tandem/double stroller. This stroller is an excellent addition to any baby gear a growing family needs, and can easily accommodate two small children or a small child and an infant in an infant carrier (note: this unit is made to work with the Graco ClickConnect Infant Car Seat).
This double stroller is designed to sit one child in front of the other, allowing the adult to use the back seat as an area for the infant seat if desired. Infants are seated facing the adult so that there is always eye contact between adult and baby for extra comfort. In all, there are 12 different possible riding positions that you can set the seats at while using this stroller.
In addition, the stroller is built to move easily over all types of terrain. The front wheels swivel for easy use, but can be locked if necessary. The stroller has a superior suspension system to keep your children from being bounced all around when going over rough ground.
However, one drawback of this stroller, if we had to nitpick, is that the second seat is a bench seat for a toddler or older when not being used with an infant carrier. Some parents may find this inconvenient. Only the front seat of this stroller is a full seat that can recline and adjust to different positions. Read reviews on Amazon >
4 Best Budget Model: Joovy Caboose Stand On Tandem Stroller
Parents with a toddler or older child may find the Joovy Caboose Tandem to be the right fit for their family. This fairly inexpensive double stroller is made for the front seat to be used in conjunction with an infant carrier or as a seat for a smaller child. The second seat is a bench seat area where a toddler or larger child can sit on the seat or stand while holding on to the stroller.
Many parents find this to be an ideal setup when they have a toddler who is filled with energy and wants to stand up and see everything. A double sided canopy provides UV protection for both seats, so the back seat rider will always be protected from the elements when sitting down.
The front seat can accommodate an infant carrier or be used for a smaller child, and can be moved into several positions for ultimate comfort or to create a nice spot for a quick diaper change. A large cargo holder underneath ensures that you have everything you need for both children.
All in all, this is a great stroller for families who are on-the-go with a small child that may not just like to sit and ride. The ability to move about from sitting to standing for this child may be the right choice to keep everyone happy. However, for parents with two very small children at the same time, a different seating arrangement may be preferable. Read reviews on Amazon >
How To Choose The Best Stroller
When shopping for a stroller, there are several things that you need to consider. These include:
- Type of Stroller
- Ease of Use
- Safety and Comfort Features
- Add-On’s
- Warranty
Type of Stroller
The first thing you must address is the type of stroller that you want to purchase. There are many options available, and fine tuning your decision will allow you to select a stroller that can be used for several years.
Travel System or Umbrella Style?
A travel system is a stroller that can accommodate an infant car seat. It is designed to hold the car seat and then, later, it can be used as a regular stroller. These strollers provide everything you need in baby transportation for the first few years. The car seats come with the purchase which ensures that they work safely with the stroller system.
Umbrella styled strollers is a general category for strollers that are moving chairs for small children. These strollers often have canopies for sun protection, a seat that reclines for quick naps, and storage areas. This type of stroller is what many would call a “standard” design. Some of these strollers now come with adapters that can convert them into travel systems.
Standard or Jogger
Standard strollers are designed for everyday use. These strollers usually have swivel front wheels for easy maneuvering and some will have locking wheels for rougher terrain. Depending on the stroller you purchase, the tires on these strollers may be solid rubber or plastic or may need to be filled with air.
Jogger strollers are designed with a single front wheel in the center of the stroller. These strollers are made so that the adult can go out and exercise while still caring for their baby. The wheels on these strollers are made for heavy duty use and are generally air filled. If you love to jog, then this is the type of stroller you should consider. Joggers are available in standard, travel systems and for multiple children.
Ease of Use
The stroller you select should be easy to use. Most strollers are now designed to be easily set up or folded with just one hand. You will want to make sure that your stroller has this option. It is very rare for a parent or other adult to ever have more than one hand free when caring for a child, so you will need to make sure that the stroller is easy to use.
Another thing that you will need to consider is the handlebar height. People are all different heights and some strollers have stationary handlebars that are above a comfortable level for shorter people to operate. This makes operating the stroller a little more difficult and a lot more uncomfortable. Seek out a stroller with handlebar options such as one with an adjustable handlebar or one that has multiple positions that are stationary on the bar.
Safety and Comfort Features
Safety Features
There are several safety features that you must consider. In travel systems, for instance, you will want to make sure that the baby car seat meets or exceeds all recommendations for baby safety. This means that the seat should cradle the baby snuggly and should be deep enough to provide extra side protection for the infant in the event of an impact. The seat should have a base that keeps it steady in the car and then locks into the stroller system. The seat should have a padded harness for security and comfort.
Safety features on the stroller should include a three or five point harness system that are padded and easy to adjust. Infants should use a five point system while older children will remain safe with three. There should be a bar for the children to place their feet so they are not dangling or getting near the wheels.
A parking brake for the stroller is also very nice to have. This ensures that when the stroller is stopped that it remains in one place. This is also very handy when you have toddlers who like to move around a lot when the stroller is stopped. It keeps the vehicle in place and protects your child.
Comfort
Look for padded seating for your child. This will make their ride more pleasant and allow you to stay out for longer periods of time. Seats that recline to a flat position are very helpful for naps and diaper changes and can give your child a chance to relax and play.
Consider a stroller that has a sun canopy that has been UV treated with at least 50 SPF. This protects your child from damaging UV rays and can also help reduce heat. Seek out canopies that have peek-a-boo windows on the top, these help keep children happy.
Add On Features
Look at the types of amenities that are offered on the stroller. Does it include a snack tray and drink holder for your child? Can you attach any playthings to the stroller? Does it have enough cargo room? Do the handlebars have a drink holder or phone pouch? Can you purchase any of these amenities separately if they are not included? These are all the questions you need to ask before making a purchase.
All of these amenities really do matter in the end. Being able to give your child a snack or drink to keep them happy while you are out can make all the difference in the world. An unhappy child generally leads to a much shorter outing. And conveniences for the adult are also important. Just because you are the adult doesn’t mean that you do not want to have your drink or phone easily accessible.
Warranty
A final thing to look at when you are purchasing a stroller is the warranty. Each manufacturer and retailer will offer a different type of warranty. If you are not satisfied with the warranty but really like the stroller, consider purchasing an additional plan from the retailer. You are making a large investment when you purchase a stroller and it should be protected.
Comparison Chart
Our Top Pick
$$$$$
Travel System
Yes
37 lbs.
Best Jogging Travel System
$$$
Travel System
Yes
38 lbs.
Top Rated
$$$
Travel System
Yes
33 lbs.
Best Stroller
$$$$
Jogger
Yes
29 lbs.
Best Value Stroller
$$
Standard
Yes
18 lbs.
Best Budget Stroller
$
Standard
Yes
12 lbs.
Best Double Stroller
$$$$$
Tandem/Double
Yes
35 lbs.
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