If you buy through our links we may receive a commission at no expense to you. Please see our Ethics page.
Don’t know where to start when it comes to infant car seat and stroller combinations? This guide has everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Rather than compare all the best selling brands, this guide is intended to help you think about what you might need and how to make a good choice, as it’s overwhelming. I have picked a few of my favourites and suggested who they would be best suited for.
- Best for grandparents, bad backs and post surgery – Inglesina Electra and Ergobaby Metro+ with 360 car seat.
- Best Budget: Graco Modes Pramette Travel System
- Best infant car seat and stroller combo:Evenflo Shyft
- Best for jogging and walks: Thule Urban Glide 2
- Best ultra compact Ergobaby Metro+ ( Cabin approved Stroller ) with Nuna pipa Infant car seat
What’s the difference between a car seat and stroller and a travel system?
Typically a Car seat and stroller combination is a car seat which can click into a stroller frame with a wheelbase where there are no other toddler seat or pram attachments.
Most brands will allow you to buy the travel system and the car seat separately you might want a pram that converts to a pushchair without the car seat addition.
Do I need a car seat and stroller combination?
NO. this is not an essential item. However, they will be useful for you if you get into taxi’s a lot or are planning to go on holiday, or if you walk older children to school and need to quickly move a baby who might be taking a nap to different places without waking them up. There are no really good birth to ten car seats which allow your baby to rear face for longer. It depends on your routine. A car seat with a stroller frame only should not be your only travel option if you are likely to be transporting your baby places for longer than 2 hours.
How to choose a baby travel system?
When choosing a baby travel system, consider factors such as safety features, ease of use, durability, and compatibility with your lifestyle. Look for a system that includes a car seat and stroller that can be easily attached and detached, and make sure it meets safety standards. Consider the weight and size of the system, as well as any additional features such as storage space or adjustable handles. Overall a stroller suitable for an infant must have a near flat feature as infants that can’t hold their head can suffocate in the seated position. An infant car seat attached to a 6 month stroller is not a safe option for a baby under 6 months for more than 2 hours at a time.
Choose you Stroller First
Consider your own lifestyle and physical needs
Do you want to go on walks with uneven terrain or go jogging with your baby?
Best Stroller for jogging and country walks
Thule Urban Glide Jogging Stroller is compatible with many infant car seats
Thule Urban Glide Car Seat Adaptor compatible with- Maxi Cosi, Besafe, Cybex, Nuna, Joie, Recaro infant car seat brands.
The Thule Urban Glide has a Bassinet (sold separately) that folds flat making it great for travel, and a great option to have as a Pram from birth. A lightweight stroller would be a good option as a second stroller if you are on and off public transport or have had a c-section and need to get a stroller in and out of a car. At 22 IBs this is a medium weight stroller but still far too heavy to be lifting on your own during the first 6 months after surgery.
The Thule infant car seat adapter is compatible with most car seats making this a possible combination with your existing portable infant car seat.
The Thule range of jogger strollers are the best on the Market. If you are a serious jogger or dog walker like me and you want a pushchair that can cope with uneven terrain, there is not better option!
With Premium suspension, quick fold and fairly compact for a jogger, this is a premium product which lasts and lasts. It only has one downfall which is that it doesn’t have a newborn insert, or carry cot. So this isn’t the best jogger for under 6 months.
However, even though this stroller gives a really smooth ride, It is not the best idea to run with a newborn and is better to wait until your baby is able to sit. This stroller will be your best friend once your little one has got bigger as it is so easy to push!
What’s best everyday premium infant travel system?
My Top Pick is the Inglesina Electra Stroller with Darwin i -size ( Inglesina ‘s own brand) or for US compatibility Clek (made in Canada) are a premium comfort luxury product with all parts made and tested in North America. What’s more is that Clek and Inglesina have excellent environmental credentials. Inglesina Electra is also are also compatible with Nuna range of cars seats, Maxi Cosi This is a premium product and you can tell In comparison to other popular premium products such as the Uppa Baby Vista this is far more convenient to put in your oot fold and store lift up steps and get on and off public transport and in and out of shops! As a infant car seat and stroller combo this a great option and is a premium product but more affordable than the Uppa Baby range whilst improving on the practicality of design Inglesina Electra, is slim so it can fit through shop doorways is a lot more lightweight, and far smaller folded whilst maintaining ease to push on uneven terrain. What I also love is that the Bassinet can be used as an overnight bed and comes with a special breathable and washable mattress that has been specially designed to prevent flat head syndrown and has a tilting function. It’s trusted by pediatric hospitals who use it for their neonatal units! With the stand included this offers great value for money as it could be baby’s first crib or a very useful extra.
If you have a bad back or have had or likely to have a c-section this is also a great option for you as the stroller is lightweight for an everyday stroller.
Are you likely to be getting on public transport or taxis with your baby travelling on a plane, or popping to the shops/ school nursery in the car? A Light weight car seat compatible stroller will be a must have for you.
What’s the best car seat and stroller combination?
In recent years there has been a lot of hype about car seats with strollers built in. The Doona or Evenflo Shyft are stroller and car seat attached system which are great for travel with an infant and solve the issue of carrying both a car seat and stroller around. However, they are not for everyone, we compare the top two bestsellers and suggest some other options for easy of travel.
The Doona™ Infant Car Seat is a very safe car seat which has built in wheels. It converts to a stroller at the push of a button and has a really good recline on the car seat. It is a brilliant option for parents who are likely to be flying in the first 6 months
Evenflo Shyft™ DualRide is a more recently designed car seat with integrated stroller. It also has a handle release system to instantly turn it from a car seat to a stroller. This is a really good option for prem babies as it has a wide weight limit from 3- 35lbs.
| Model | Pros | Cons | |
| Evenflo Shyft™Dual Ride | low birth weight compatible, removable wheels so can be used just as a lighter carrying seat. App controlled baby sense system, will send alert if not secured properly Multiple adjustable back rest positions | Likely to be too heavy to carry baby in past 8 months. | Check Price |
| Doona™ Infant Car seat | Older product with many sold and reviewed with high ratings. Very good near flat position making it safer for infants under 6 months | height of the harness is not suitable for most newborns Wheels are not removable making it heavy to carry. | Check Price |
An Evenflo Shyft Dual ride is my top choice, due to its removable wheels. However its a very tight call and the verdict is about 50/50 with many preferring the Doona
Personally, this would be a second or additional stroller for me as it isn’t designed for your baby to be in all day and doesn’t have the easy to push all terrain wheels for more uneven ground. However, it’s great for a holiday or the school run, or quick trips to the shops.
Best infant car seat and stroller combo for Grandparents, bad backs and post c-section
You shouldn’t be carrying a baby in a car seat! So any baby car seat and stroller combo should be for DAD/grandparents to carry only! Even after your c-section has superficially healed you need to take extra care of your back.
Insead use a travel system ideally with a pram attachment and larger wheels so that’s easy to push and has height adjustable positioning so that you are not leaning down to your baby as much. Ideally you should be able to push so that your hip is to the handle or the chair and the wheels and suspension are good to make it really easy for you to manage uneven surfaces.
Best Budget travel system
Graco Modes pramettes
Pros
light
very easy to convert from pram
easy to manoever
reversible
built in pramette
good sized basket
cup holders included
cell phone holder
tray
affordable
best for smaller person
decent tyres and suspension
Cons
no slide to me feature for different heights
not as high end fabrics and plastics as more expensive strollers
no rise to me feature
no adjustable handlebar for taller people
This is a great affordable option compatible with a choice of Graco Infant Car Seats
Inglesina Electa Stroller
Pros
19 lbs with stroller seat
only 11lbs frame only!
full sized stroller yet compact folded
only 50 cm so its really easy to get into doors
Super easy One hand Fold Stands without cloth touching floor
Great foot break
Reversible seat
Lovely textiles
Italian designed and made
extendable canopy with mesh window SPF 50
Compatible with Nuna Pipa Lite and Clek, Maxi- Cosi with car seat adaptors- sold separately
Bassinet/carry cot accessory for newborns
Gorgeous patented wellness pad used and approved by Italian baby hospital for optimum sleep position and anti flat head syndrome head rest
Can adjust backrest from front of carry cot for optimal positioning
bassinet/carry-cot comes with stand so you can use as overnight bassinet
beautifully ventilated
big basket
tall seat with shoulder pads
adjustable footrest
comes with cup holder
adjustable handle
raincover included
Cons
erm it’s hard to find any if you do please let me know!
Parentecho’s Top Choice for best all round
This is the best all round stroller by a country mile!
I love the Trebecca green color way It also comes in black and grey.
As a travel system it’s got everything unless you need it to fold small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of a plane or for it to be a double stroller then this stroller will meet your needs! For the convenience of its size and weight, the quality of the Italian build and design, the comfort and coziness of the pram attachment and with many extras included in the price this is a premium quality stroller with more convenience, style and functionality than other leading brands.
This is only compatible with the Inglesina Car Seats.But here you won’t be disappointed. All car seats in their range have excellent above standard safety ratings. Darwin i-size scoring good with ADAC 2022 tests and the highest in its class for ergonomics for your baby. A range of bases also allows you to choose a 360 model which can be very helpful for those recovering from surveyor with bad backs. There is also a specialist Cab seat with lighter weight base for those who use public transport or different cars regularly. This makes it much safer and easier to install than using the traditional seat beat route. There is no compromise with this travel system. Infant Car Seats but there you wont be dissapointed.
Inglesina Car seat models are also suitable from 40cm (approx 3.5IBs) making them a really safe choice for newborns.
Benefits of a convertible car seat
It’s also worth considering not using an infant car seat. Especially if you are likely to have surgery or if you have a bad back. Postpartum mothers should not be lifting anything more than the weight of their baby. This applies for at least 6 weeks for those that have had surgery. Many ignore this advice to the detrement of their back health and healing! Even after 6 weeks that car seat with your baby in will be around 20Ibs that’s a lot! This puts a lot of strain on your back and healing body.
If you are likely to have surgery consider instead buying a convertible swivel car seat such as Evenflo 360 which has the benefit of a swival base for easy access and will rear face for a really long time making it really safe. Additionally you safe a lot of money buying one car seat that will convert to suit your child’s age.Unless its an extra for travelling with a partner or an essential for public transport you can therefor forget the Infant car seat and save your back and some money!
The same applies to strollers. If your stroller is going to be up in your house and your don’t have to fold it or put it in your boot the weight matters less, However if you need to pick it up and put it in your boot or carry it up stairs, please consider its weight as a priority. Over 20IBs is going to feel tough. Under 20IBs is optimal and if your want to be able to throw it around an airport or over head compartment go for 16IBs and under! If you want a really lightweight stroller that is suitable for an infant and you can use up until your baby is 3-4 years old for days out and trips and that will stand the test of time the ErgoBaby Metro+ at under 14IBs is a brilliant option. For those with bad backs or having had recent surgery. Its very light so you won’t struggle getting it in and out of your car, and has adjustable height handles and good suspension.
The best car seats are car seats that are fitted correctly, which is one reason I don’t love carry ons so if you are going to choose one make sure it is really easy to fit as a priority. Look for a model that has a clear visual to tell you that you have done the job right.
ErgoBaby Metro+ Deluxe
Pros
lightweight 14lbs
Premium breathable fabrics
Infant Car seat compatible
Cabin size approved
Converts to a pram without additional attachments
Good suspension for most city surfaces
Expandable shopping basket
All over raincover (additional)
Cons
Can’t parent face
wheels only good for city roads
This folds small and is lighter than the Graco for public transport with slightly more plush fabrics if your not going on uneven roads and are not bothered about parent facing it’s a great option
Baby Jogger City Tour 2
Pros
Ultra lightweight 14lbs!
Great maneuverability
Lays near flat
magnetic peekaboo window
brilliant raincover
Very easy one hand fold
great for baby and toddler through to 3 years
affordable
great accessorize
compatible with most infant car seats
Cons
No second child attachments
Only outward facing
not suitable for jogging
All round this is a brilliant affordable versatile stroller that will last, is neat and easy to fold for traveling. It’s good on Metros and City transport.
FAQs
How long do babies need to lay flat in prams?
At least 3 months, but ideally 6 months. This is not only to support the best growth of their spine but also to prevent asphyxiation.
Is there a stroller frame which fits most car seats?
Babytrend Snap and Go Stroller Frame fits a lot of infant car seats however for the best fit buy a travel system where the car seat and stroller from are made to fit together.
The universal frame can fit two car seats and is suitable to carry up to 90lbs total weight.
Only claims to fit Baby Trend Car Seats, whereas reviews from parents state that other branded car seats are also compatible
you wouldn’t necessarily be able to tell if this is a good fit for a different brand of car seat without trying in out which could be a risk and a waste of money. Personally I recommend by a travel system if you want to be able to transport your infant car seat easily.
What’s the difference between a pram and a stroller?
A pram is designed for newborns and young infants. It has a flat and fully reclined surface for the baby to lie on. A stroller, on the other hand, is designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit up and support themselves. Strollers have a seat that can be adjusted to different angles and can be folded up for easy storage and transport, typically these do not go fully flat. Additionally badly positioned straps can be a cause of asphyxiation . A baby travel system typically includes both a pram and a stroller, as well as a car seat that can be attached to the stroller frame.
How long can a baby be in a car seat?
Two hours! It is recommended that infants should not be in a car seat for more than 2 hours at a time and should not be in a car seat for more than a total of 4 hours per day. It is important to take breaks and allow the baby to stretch and move around to prevent any discomfort or potential health issues.
89% of deaths of infants whilst in car seats occurs whilst the baby is OUTSIDE the vehicle. This is why I don’t really love the idea of car seat and stroller combinations as your only means of transport for an infant.
It’s way too tempting when you are out and about to get distracted by the shops and leave your baby in the car seat for too long. Or leave your baby asleep in a car seat carried in from a car. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY ASLEEP UNATTENDED IN A CAR SEAT. This is because your under six months cannot duly support themselves and whilst sleeping and sitting their head may roll forward and they could suffocate.
Do Car Seats attach to prams?
Yes. here are many leading car seat brands which make compatible travel systems, which allow you to easily transport your baby from a car to a quick stop somewhere else, such as a shop, school drop of, playdate etc. This is a great idea as you can move your baby to the pram section after they have had their nap if you are out and about for longer without risking your infants health.
What are are the height and weight limits for infant car seats?
The typical height and weight limits for infant car seats are 30-35 pounds and 30-32 inches in height. However, it is important to always check the specific limits for your car seat model, as they can vary. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for when to transition to a larger car seat. For example the Chicco Fit2 car seats will fit most children until they are two years old or 35 pounds. Most infant car seats that have carry handles are are adaptable to fit a stroller or travel system will be too small once your child is 18 month old. But it’s very unlikely that you will be attempting to carry them in the car seat at this age as they will simply be too heavy. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions on both the height and weight maximum limits for your child. It’s really important to check the your baby is the right height and that the shoulders of your baby are not above or below the shoulder straps.
Baring in mind that you are most likely only going to be able to carry your baby in their an infant car seat for the first few months of life you may choose to opt out and by a car seat that will last a lot longer. Or if money isn’t a restriction buy a rear facing adaptable car seat that allows you to easily get a bigger/older baby out of the car. See our Car seat reviews hear
Final Thoughts
Before getting carried away and making one of the biggest investments you’ll make as a new parent, consider what you will use your stroller for most. What are your needs? I ended up buying 4 strollers for for first born, yes 4! I bought a plush pram which I loved for about 3 months whilst I pushed my premature baby around my village, but as soon as I was nipping about on planes and on the subway it was not suitable at all. Having read extensively and seen first hand the importance of face to face time with babies in my professional life, I wanted a parent facing pushchair for walks in the park so that I could talk to my baby and they could see my face and copy my speech. This was well worth it, so many extra bonding moments were created form having this function. Whereas I think with better research I could have bought two a travel system and a holiday stroller. For for most people there Isn’t a simple one item fixes all solution. To find a pushchair that meets most of your needs and is healthy for your baby try to think about your daily routine and buy the best that you can afford. Unfortunately with strollers you get what you pay for. Those that have spend the least initially often regret their choices due to quality, durability and safety. i hope this article has been helpful. Happy wise shopping, and have fun!
