The Best Travel System Strollers To Simplify Every Outing

Forbes

30-04-2025

The best travel system strollers offer convenience and safety, making it easy to go anywhere with your baby, whether that's in the car or the stroller. 'Most parents are looking for something that is safe, simple and practical. They want a setup that's easy to use, makes life with a baby more manageable, and—most importantly—keeps their little one safe,' says Kyleyn Gosewisch, a customer care specialist at Strolleria, a baby gear specialty store. After researching dozens of options, interviewing experts and personally testing over 40 strollers, including a variety of travel system strollers, my top pick is the Uppababy Cruz V2 + Mesa V2 travel system. The car seat easily attaches to the stroller without adapters, the stroller is easy to maneuver and the whole system is user-friendly.
The best travel system strollers make it that much easier to tote baby around, especially from the ... More car to the stroller.
Choosing the right travel system stroller for your family depends largely on how you plan to use the system. 'You'll want to consider factors such as whether you live in an urban or suburban location, how often you fly, if you have a car or take taxis and rideshares, if you'll want something that works for not just one but two (or three) kids, if you're a runner and so on,' says certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) and Chief of Staff at GoodBuy Gear, Amanda Brown. After careful consideration, testing and research, these are our picks for the best travel system strollers.
Amazon
Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 35 pounds (or up to 32 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 9.9 pounds | Stroller weight: 19 pounds (frame only)
There's a good reason the Uppababy Cruz V2 is such a popular stroller. It's easy to maneuver, has user-friendly features and is comfortable for kids. When combined with the Uppababy Mesa V2 car seat, it transforms into an intuitive travel system. The car seat connects to the stroller without any adapters, giving you one less thing to buy and keep track of. Once your baby outgrows their car seat, the stroller has a spacious toddler seat with an extra-large extendable canopy and the high-quality materials means it will hold up for years. I've personally used this stroller for years with three kids, as has Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala. 'My Uppababy Cruz lasted through three kids, and then I passed it down to another family because it was so well-made. It was also my go-to travel system,' says Sala.
The stroller is Greenguard Gold-certified and has a famously large undercarriage basket. The car seat comes with an infant insert to keep even the youngest babies cozy and snug, and it also has a large hideaway sun-protective UPF 25+ canopy that's ideal for naps. User-friendly features include a one-handed car seat release and a simple fold. The car seat can also be installed with or without a base, which is really helpful if you'll be traveling with the stroller.
Uppababy strollers and car seats can be an investment, but the Mesa V2 has one of the highest weight and height limits of any of the infant seats on our list, which means you'll be able to take full advantage of the travel system for longer. When your baby is still tiny, they'll probably enjoy facing you on walks, and when they get older and want to explore the world more, you can turn the car seat to face out on the stroller.
Amazon
Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 22 pounds (or up to 30 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 9 pounds | Stroller weight: 19.6 pounds
The best travel system strollers aren't always the most expensive. I see parents using Chicco travel systems often, and it's easy to understand why. The Chicco Mini Bravo Sport Travel System gives you a comfortable and safe infant car seat along with a solid stroller that even includes a parent tray with two cupholders. While it may not have more premium fabrics or a super stylish design, it's safe, sturdy and durable. When the canopy on the stroller combines with the one on the car seat, they create a well-ventilated shield for your baby, which is great for parents who want to keep away well-meaning people trying to touch and coo over them. The car seat can only face in on the stroller, so you won't be able to turn your baby out to face the world.
Purchase of the travel system includes the adapter that you'll need to click the Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat into the stroller. The seat includes head and body support for newborns that you can remove as they grow. While the car seat itself is great for the tiniest of babies, it does have a low weight maximum (22 pounds), so your baby will outgrow this seat faster than many of the others on our list. The stroller itself is a solid option with a nicely sized basket and a simple fold.
Amazon
Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 30 pounds (or up to 32 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 9 pounds | Stroller weight: 22 pounds
The Britax Willow Brook Travel System is one of the easiest and most straightforward car seat-stroller combos I've tested, making it a top favorite. Britax's car seats are known for being easy to install and comfortable for kids, and it's the brand I used most often when my three kids were newborns. You don't need any adapters to attach the Willow car seat to the Brook stroller, and your baby can face in or out. When it's time to install the set in your vehicle, you can do so with or without the base. The base is super easy to install thanks to Britax's ClickTight installation, and the seat installs with no-fuss—even without the base—using the quick-push LATCH connectors. In the car, the handle of the car seat acts as a rebound-reducing bar for additional safety.
The stroller folds in just a few seconds, and there is a lock to keep it in place. Other features include a parent cupholder and a cargo basket. Once your child is ready to move on to the toddler seat in the stroller, they'll be able to use the child snack tray.
The fabrics on the car seat are also machine washable. There are also various places to adjust the seat straps to help your baby stay comfortable: the hips, shoulders and between the legs. Unfortunately, you'll have to rethread the straps each time you need to adjust them.
Amazon
Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 30 pounds (or up to 30 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 5.9 pounds | Stroller weight: 20 pounds (frame only)
I love the Uppababy Vista V3 stroller and plan to use it with my kids until the day they outgrow it. It's such a smooth stroller and has plenty of room in the under-seat basket. I'm not the only one who's a fan. 'The Vista was my everyday go-to stroller. Whether it was to the park or at Disneyland, the basket held a ton of stuff including an overly packed diaper bag, it was super comfy for my baby and it was a breeze to snap the infant car seat in during the early months,' says Forbes Vetted editor and mom of three, Esther Carlstone.
It's a great option as a travel system for more than one kid, too, because you can configure convert it into a double stroller in a wide variety of ways. Use it with two newborns or two toddlers; it allows two bassinets or two infant car seats. The Uppababy Aria infant car seat attaches directly to the stroller without adapters, though adapters and an additional seat are sold separately to convert the stroller to a double. Add on a ride-along board for additional siblings or tots who would rather stand.
The Aria car seat is very lightweight at under 6 pounds, making it easier to carry on your arm. The travel system is also Greenguard Gold-certified and has machine-washable fabrics. Other car seat features include an infant insert, an anti-rebound panel and a stabilizing load leg. You can install the car seat without the base, but in this setup, you lose the anti-rebound panel and stabilizing load leg.
Amazon
Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 35 pounds (or up to 32 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat-Stroller combo weight: 17.2 pounds
If you're looking for something lightweight and intuitive, the Doona is ideal. What makes this travel system so unique is that the car seat is built into the stroller, so there's nothing to carry around or store in the trunk of your vehicle once you have your child secured in the car. By simply pushing a button, you can transform the Doona from a car seat to a stroller. When it's time to ride in the car again, the wheels fold under the seat. 'I'm dreading the day she outgrows the Doona—it's been the ultimate all-in-one solution, both for travel and everyday, and I honestly don't know how anything else will compare,' says Alexis Caldwell, Forbes Vetted's vice president of business development and partnerships.
The Doona is especially useful when you're traveling or if you have a compact car since it doesn't take up any extra space in the trunk. Safety features include an anti-rebound handle and a UPF 50+ sun-protection canopy. An important note: While the stroller is lightweight when compared to others, it's heavy when you compare it to other car seats. Because it's an all-in-one travel system, you can't detach the seat from the stroller. The seat has a higher child weight and height limit compared to many others on our list, which can help you get your money's worth since you can't use the stroller once your baby outgrows the infant seat—but this is not a one and done stroller that you can use for many years.
Nordstrom
Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 22 pounds (or up to 29 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 7 pounds | Stroller weight: 14.6 pounds
If you live in a city or frequently travel, you want something light, compact and simple that's still comfortable for your baby. Enter: the Nuna Trvl and Pipa Urbn Travel System. At only 14.6 pounds, it's an incredibly lightweight stroller, and the car seat is one of the lightest on our list as well at just 7 pounds. Car seats can quickly feel heavy when carried, making this compact option ideal. The seat is also easy to install in rideshares or taxis without a base using the PipaFIX rigid latch, which is why this system makes sense for those living in or visiting urban environments where they won't have their own car or don't want to lug a car seat base on their journey.
I used the similar Nuna Trvl Dubl with my twins and been really happy with it. Even though it's a travel stroller, the seats are still pretty roomy. The stroller is also easy to maneuver. The car seat releases from the stroller with one hand, and it clicks into the stroller without an adapter, giving you one less thing to keep track of. Between the canopies on the stroller and the car seat and the pull-down sky drape, you can get a lot of privacy for your infant.
Other features of the travel system include a one-handed fold and unfold, a UPF 50+ canopy, and Greenguard Gold certification. The fabric is also machine washable, so you can easily take care of diaper blowouts, spit-up and other messes. The only major drawback of this travel system is the lower height and weight limit of the car seat. Babies outgrow this seat at either 22 pounds or 29 inches.
Amazon
Car seat child weight limits: 4 to 30 pounds (or up to 32 inches tall, whichever comes first) | Seat weight: 7.2 pounds | Stroller weight: 20.9 pounds
I found that fresh air often calmed my babies—and me—when they were fussy, so taking them out for a stroll in a bassinet or stroller with a flat recline was helpful for us. Our top travel stroller pick for newborns, the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System, offers such an option at an affordable price without the need to lug a bulky bassinet attachment along on your travels. It includes an infant car seat, and the main seat of the stroller transforms into a pramette, giving your baby a safe place to lie down flat. 'Using the car seat attachment for a travel system is great for short trips. However, if you will be out for multiple hours, ensure your newborn has a flat environment for safe sleep and healthy spine positioning,' says Brown. If your baby falls asleep in the pramette, you'll also want to move them to a safe, flat sleep surface like a bassinet as soon as possible to be extra cautious.
The car seat can face in or out on the stroller frame and extra features include a parent cupholder and phone holder, as well as a child tray with cupholders for when your baby graduates from the infant seat. The stroller has a one-handed fold, making it easy to pack up and go. It can also accept any Graco infant seat without an adapter.
Forbes Vetted's baby and kids gear team is committed to reviewing the best products, from the best strollers to the best bottle sterilizers.
To find the best travel system strollers, we considered our experience testing strollers and car seats. We also relied on insight from experts and compared various features and attributes of each system.
When shopping for the best travel system strollers, consider how you plan to use the stroller, whether that's for walks around the neighborhood or frequent travel. Here are some factors to consider that can help you make your decision.
When you buy a travel system package, you're typically buying an infant car seat and a stroller that are compatible, either with or without adapters. However, if you decide to mix and match different strollers and car seats, you'll want to make sure they are compatible. 'A lot of parents assume that a 'travel system' means they need to buy a matching stroller and car seat from the same brand, but that's not actually the case. Many don't realize that they can mix and match brands, as long as the car seat is compatible with the stroller (either directly or with an adapter). Sometimes choosing a stroller and car seat separately can give you more flexibility to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle,' says Gosewisch.
There is a lot to consider when it comes to safety for strollers and car seats. You want something sturdy that will support your infant. Some car seats have additional safety features like anti-rebound bars, load legs or energy-absorbing foam. 'These can add extra layers of protection in the event of a crash,' says Gosewisch.
Extra safety features are nice, but they aren't necessary. 'The safest car seat is one that fits your child, your vehicle and can be installed and used correctly every single time,' says Brown. Gosewisch recommends reading manuals, watching installation videos and getting a car seat check from a CPST.
One of the great things about travel system strollers is that they make it easy to get your baby from the car to the stroller and vice versa. 'Choose a car seat that is user-friendly and comes with clear installation instructions. Some models may include features like color-coded indicators or built-in leveling systems to assist with correct installation," says Brown. She also advises considering how the car seat will fit in your specific vehicle—or multiple vehicles—and alongside other siblings or car seats.
Other features to consider in terms of ease of use include the weight of the stroller, the weight of the car seat, how easy the stroller is to fold, the tire type and suspension on the stroller.
'It's especially important to consider how often you will be installing the car seat. If it's going in and out of the same car regularly, you'll want a base to make it as easy as possible to click it in securely or a baseless seat that has a simple installation like a seat with rigid lower anchors,' says Brown.
It's important to choose a travel system that is appropriate for the size of your child. 'Because travel systems are compatible with rear-facing seats, this means you can use the travel system from birth until your child weighs about 30 pounds. Travel systems are most helpful in the first year or two of your child's life,' says Brown. If you have an older or larger baby, this is particularly pertinent.
'Choose a stroller that has comfort and safety features aligned with your family's lifestyle. Many families appreciate a travel system stroller that has a sizable cargo area for a diaper bag or groceries, an extendable UV canopy for sunny days and an easy-to-use braking or locking mechanism. An adjustable handlebar will also be helpful for caregivers of varying heights,' says Brown.
Though it can be difficult to imagine your baby outgrowing their infant seat, you'll also want to think about what features you'll appreciate as they get older. For example, once your baby is a toddler, you might want them to have a snack tray. Or perhaps you're planning on having kids close in age and you want a stroller that can convert to a double in a year or two.
For many families, a travel system stroller is a great purchase. 'By buying a travel system, you know that your car seat, stroller, base and bassinet are all compatible. You don't need to do any extra research into which adapter is necessary and compatible with both your stroller and car seat model. The price can also be lower when you purchase everything together, versus purchasing the car seat and stroller separately,' says Brown. As your baby gets older, you won't need to purchase another stroller, either. You'll simply stop using the car seat attachment.
Travel system strollers are stroller and car seat combinations that can be used together. Sometimes, this means you'll need to use an adapter to attach the car seat to the stroller, and other times they are built to work together without an adapter, especially if made by the same brand.
While strollers do not expire, car seats do. This means that the entire travel system will not expire, but the car seat portion will. Most car seats expire between seven and ten years after the manufacture date. It's important to keep an eye on this date, especially if you'll be using the same car seat for subsequent kids since an expired car seat is no longer safe to use.