baby travel system with swivel car seat

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Introducing Mélange Flax

The Only Rotating Travel System & Car Seat Stroller Combo on the Market

Best Selling Strollers, Travel Systems and Car Seats

"Orbit Baby is a game changer!"

One Hub Fits All

Customize your system with different seating options and positions to ensure seamless travel throughout the days and years.

We've Got Your Back

Easy In, Easy Out

Getting baby in the car is easy and painless. Dock at any angle and rotate into place – designed to save parents from extra aches and strains. 

All Around Engagement

360° Rotation

Enjoy easy reclining and 360-degree rotation. With our patented technology, Baby can be forward-facing, parent-facing, upright, or fully-reclined.

A One-Of-A-Kind Stroller

Style Your Stroll

Stroll with your very own signature look and make a statement with our exclusive designer prints, patterns and playful pops of color.

Concierge Service

From LIVE shopping , to virtual car seat checks , we go above and beyond to help with questions and advice so you can choose the right products and learn to use them safely.

Happy Parents, Happy Babies

★★★★★ "Orbit Baby is luxurious, yet practical. Transitions between stroller and car are phenomenal and make running errands such a breeze." Randi V.

★★★★★ "Extremely convenient and makes life 10x easier. If the baby is asleep in the car seat we can put it directly on without waking the baby." Anthony L.

★★★★★ "Where do I begin? Love everything about it especially the spinning feature! It’s so so convenient!" Violetta T.

★★★★★ "This is the stroller every woman needs! It's high quality, completely customizable, and has every option you can ever need." Kristina

★★★★★ "We are always on the go and the travel system just makes our lives so much easier. I love the features. A must have." Gabriela D.

★★★★★ "This stroller is the G-Wagon of strollers. It’s chic, luxurious and everyone legit stops you to look at it." Katherine M.

★★★★★ "This entire stroller is TOP NOTCH! It is the perfect design and easy to use. If you ever have any questions on anything they're always there to answer them." Ketia

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The Nuna REVV rotating convertible car seat is ready to revolutionize your travel experience. One simple install then rotate the seat 360° effortlessly for a stress-free easy-in, easy-out between adventures. The REVV converts from a rear to forward-facing car seat as your little one grows from newborn up to 40 pounds. The sleek lines provide a stylish look for you, while the luxurious fabrics and ventilation provide a comfortable ride for them. REVV provides security with Steel Strength Technology™, side impact protection, and a ten-position, bubble-free recline for snug and secure comfort. REVV is the stress-free rotating seat of your dreams.

• REVV easily spins 360° for rear and forward facing riding from one simple installation.
• A smooth ride in both function and fashion, the REVV features sleek lines and contemporary contours. No rough edges here.
• 10 total positions. Choose from five recline positions each way they're facing.
• Aeroflex™ side impact protection system, and EPP energy absorbing foam takes security to the next level.
• Carefully curated high-performance materials including all steel frame, super resilient top of the line plastics, and feather weight micro knit fabrics.
• Rear-facing from birth to 40 lbs. – 43 in. max. Forward-facing from 30-40 lbs. – 43 in. max.
• Steel Strength Technology™: Ultra resilient, top of the line plastics and steel reinforcement make for a heavy duty, secure shell.
• True tension™ door aid in ultra-secure and simple installation.
• From fabric to foam and beyond, each element is smartly sourced to be both flame resistant and contain no added fire-retardant chemicals for a non-toxic environment for your child.
• Integrated rebound bar helps minimize rotation during impact. Doubles as a luxe carry handle when switching cars.
• One hand, height-adjustable head support sports ten different positions up to 43 inches.
• No-rethread five-point harness keeps little ones secure and adjusts easily as they grow.
• Integrated magnetic buckle holders help keep straps out of the way when buckling in baby.
• Starts as an infant car seat and grows with your child with removable support wedge and merino wool infant head and body inserts.
• Ventilation panels within the shell create a comfy climate for even the longest of trips.
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Gold Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world's most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, and certified to not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure
• Included with purchase: Two dishwasher safe cup holders and GOTS™ organic cotton infant head & body inserts.

Product specifications

• rear-facing convertible | Birth to 2+ years, with vehicle belt: 5-40 lbs., with lower anchor belt: 5-35lbs., 43 in or less.
• forward-facing convertible | At least 2 years old, with vehicle belt: 30-40 lbs., with lower anchor belt: 30-40 lbs., 43 in or less.
• Car seat dimensions (forward facing): 21.5 to 22.5” L x 18.5” W x 22.5 to 29.5“H | Range varies based on recline and headrest position
• Car seat dimensions (rear facing): 31 to 34” L x 18.5” W x 19.5 to 22“H | Range varies based on recline and headrest position

Q: Will REVV spin in any recline position?

Q: how long can i anticipate using the revv, q: may i wash the seating pad if so, how.

Revolutionize your ride

REVV easily spins 360°

for rear and forward-facing riding from one simple installation.

Next-level security and premium comfor t

Rear-facing

With vehicle belt and tether | 5 – 40 lbs

With lower anchor belt and tether | 5–35 lbs

Forward-facing

At least 2 years old

With vehicle belt and tether | 30 – 40 lbs

With lower anchor belt and tether | 30–40 lbs

Steel Strength Technology ™

Ultra resilient, top of the line plastics and steel reinforcement make for a heavy duty, secure shell.

As baby gear innovations go, the rotating car seat is a big one. These convertible car seats swivel at the base, a fun feature that serves an impressive purpose: making it easier to get your baby or toddler in and out of the car. 

After doing our own real-world testing on rotating car seats, speaking to car seat safety experts and reviewing feedback from thousands of Babylist parents, we think the Evenflo Revolve360 Extend All-In-One Rotational Convertible Car Seat is the best rotating car seat for most families. 

This all-in-one seat works from your baby’s first days, so you can skip the infant car seat if you’d like, well through elementary school, offering great value. It rotates 360 degrees in both rear- and forward-facing modes and you’ll only need to install it once. It also has high rear-facing height and weight limits, which means your little one can be rear-facing longer than in many other rotating car seats—the safest way for babies and young children to ride, according to safety experts.

We also recommend two other options, the Chicco Fit360 ClearTex Rotating Convertible Car Seat and the Evenflo Revolve360 Slim 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat . These seats also performed well in our testing and offer a few more choices as you research the best seat for your family’s needs.

Why Trust Babylist?

Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.

While researching this guide, we spoke to Joe Colella, Director of Child Passenger Safety at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association , a leading industry voice on quality and safety for baby and children’s products and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee, and Dr. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician and the co-founder of The Car Seat Lady . We also spoke with two Child Passenger Safety technicians (CPSTs): Samantha Taylor, founder of Mama Knows Car Seats and Rebekah Kimminau, founder of The Baby Gear Consultant . I drew on my own expertise both as Babylist’s gear editor, where I’ve personally tested and reviewed many rotating car seats, and as a parent with over a decade of hands-on car seat experience with my two sons. I reviewed car seat feedback from thousands of parents through Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey of over 6,000 Babylist users and talked to parents at Babylist for their input. I also reviewed the latest safety data and recommendations from professional organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and leading voices in child car seat safety such as Safe Kids Worldwide and Car Seats for the Littles .

The Best Rotating Car Seats

Best Overall: Evenflo Revolve360 Extend All-In-One Rotational Convertible Car Seat

Also Great: Chicco Fit360 ClearTex Rotating Convertible Car Seat

Best Slim Fit: Evenflo Revolve360 Slim 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

How We Judged

Ease of installation. We made sure all of the seats on our list don’t require a PhD and two hours of your morning to install correctly—and that they’ll fit well in most vehicles. 

Safety. We took into account independent safety ratings, each seat’s individual safety features and the NHTSA’s Ease-of-Use Ratings. We also chose seats that prioritized extended rear-facing, the safest way for babies and young children to ride.

Ease of use. We considered factors like a car seat’s size, materials, ease of rotation, canopy and other features that impact the day-to-day experience of using a car seat.

Value & affordability. A more expensive car seat doesn’t always equal a safer car seat. Our picks were mindful of price relative to the other critical features on our list.

Best Rotating Car Seat Overall

Evenflo Revolve360 Extend All-in-One Rotational Convertible Car Seat - Revere

• High rear-facing height and weight limits
• Rotates a full 360 degrees in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes
• Anti-rebound bar
• Long seat front-to-back
• Newborns and smaller babies may not fit well
• Straps twist easily

Evenflo has been a leader in the rotating car seat space for the last few years, with five different models of swiveling car seats available at the time of this article’s publication. The Revolve360 Extend is my favorite of the bunch and our top pick for a revolving seat overall, bringing together the ease of a rotating car seat with a high rear-facing weight and height limit—the perfect combination.

As its name implies, the Revolve360 Extend turns 360 degrees on its base to make getting your baby or toddler in and out of the car exceptionally easy. The rotation feature works seamlessly—the buttons are easy to access (there’s one on either side of the seat), and I’ve never had the seat get stuck while spinning it.

Before owning a rotating seat, I could understand the premise but didn’t quite grasp how life-changing it would be. I can’t emphasize enough just how easy this seat makes getting my (constantly squirming, often wriggling, sometimes screaming) two-year-old into and out of my car every day. I love this because it makes my daily life easier (big win), but also because it makes rear-facing—the safest position for him to ride right now—easier. And since it’s easier, I’m likely to do it longer. (The “Extend” portion of the seat’s name refers to its extended rear-facing capabilities, which go up to 50 pounds and 48 inches.)

The all-in-one design is another feature to love about this seat. It’s built for 10 years of use in three different modes: rear-facing, forward-facing and as a high-back booster seat. And you’ll only need to install it once if you use the seatbelt installation method, which isn’t the case with all rotating car seats. (Some rotating seats require that you uninstall and reinstall the seat when you’re making the switch from rear- to forward-facing.)

CPST Kimminau notes the Revolve360 Extend is one of her favorite rotating car seats, praising it for the “high rear-facing limit” and the “smooth rotation feature and no-rethread harness for easy adjusting as your child grows.” I also love the added safety of the anti-rebound bar and the six recline options. Be aware that it’s a taller seat front-to-back, something to be mindful of if you own a smaller vehicle, and it’s on the wider side. (For a slimmer option, check out the Evenflo Revolve360 Slim , reviewed below.)

Real Parent Reviews

“This seat is incredible. I no longer dread putting my two-year-old in the car—I actually enjoy it!! Gone are the days of awkwardly contorting my child to get her in her seat. And soon she will be able to get in it on her own and I can just rotate her back to rear-facing. Amazing. This car seat is a NECESSITY if you are doing daily drop-offs and pick-ups. It was so easy to install (I just followed along to the YouTube video and consulted the manual).” — Megan

“Wow, I wish I had this seat when my youngest munchkin was a newborn. The swivel feature makes it so easy to load and unload my little boy and he looks forward to every time he gets to spin. I totally wasn’t expecting how easy it was to spin and how easy it is to unload my little guy when he is asleep as well. Install was easy peasy. I was able to cinch down the seat tight without busting up my knuckles given I was installing it next to another car seat. It was probably the easiest install I have had over the last 8 years. The only con I can think of is the base is surprisingly tall and the seat sits noticeably above the other seats in my car. This is due to the swivel mechanism.” — ClevelandDad

Additional Specs

Chicco Fit360 ClearTex Rotating Convertible Car Seat - Black

• 360-degree rotation
• Can purchase additional bases
• Thoughtful features like magnetic chest clip, buckle holders and vented back panel
• Seat is slightly deep, making loading/unloading more difficult
• No booster mode

The Fit360 is the newest car seat on our best-of list and the first rotating seat from Chicco—and it was well worth the wait. This seat stands out for its smart, thoughtful safety and convenience features and how easy it is both to install and use correctly.

The first thing we noticed when testing out this seat was the simplicity of install. “The instructions were clearer than others,” our tester Laura said. “We’ve installed a Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat, Nuna Rava and a few other rental car seats on vacation, and this one was by far the most intuitive, with logical steps and identification.” She also praised the seat for its compact front-to-back size. “My husband is 6’7” and we struggled to find a car seat that would fit behind his seat. The recline feature is very helpful and likely will make this seat work for all car types,” she said.

The buttons to turn the seat are easy to access and the rotation is smooth. Like most parents who use a rotating car seat for the first time, our tester was both impressed and surprised. “The rotating feature is a game changer for child entry and exit,” she said. “Not only is it easier on the caregiver, my two-year-old daughter also has fun getting in and out of the car seat now, which is something we’ve been struggling with lately.”

The features throughout the seat are both parent- and kid-forward. The easy-to-see indicators turn green when the seat is secured in the correct position and a vented seat back circulates air to prevent overheating. The magnetic chest clip makes buckling and unbuckling less of a chore than with other car seats, and there’s a flex-forward crotch buckle (a buckle that’s more rigid than most and snaps back into place) so you’ll never have to dig around for it every time you use the seat. And the Fit360 is one of only a few rotating seats on the market that offer additional bases for sale so you can switch the seat between cars instead of buying a completely new seat for every vehicle. (Just know the seat itself is pretty heavy, though, if you’re switching between cars.) Safety-wise, the standout features (in addition to ease of install) include a steel-reinforced frame, a deep shell and energy-absorbing foam around the head and torso area.

“Going from the Chicco Keyfit 30, I was surprised how heavy this car seat is, however I realize I won’t have to carry it around anymore! The base and the rotating car seat portions [are] separate and manageable. I like that there is a base with this convertible car seat so that once you move to forward- facing you do not have to reinstall. The installation of the base was very easy. It was surprisingly, very easy to tighten down and the installation instructions were easy to follow. The seat rotates with one hand and makes getting baby in and out much easier than in a standard car seat. There is a green and red indicator to let you know when the seat is in a locked position. The magnetic chest clip is easy for caretakers but still safe so that littles are unable to undo it themselves. The straps tighten easily and slid with ease making getting baby in and out a breeze. I have really enjoyed using the 360 so far and my daughter is comfy and safe!” — Brei04

Best Slim Fit Rotating Car Seat

Evenflo Revolve 360 Slim 2 in 1 Convertible Rotating Car Seat - Salem Black

• Fits 3-across in most cars
• Rotates 360 degrees
• High rear-facing weight limit (50 lbs)
• Can’t be used as a booster
• May not be comfortable for larger/wider kids

The swivel function is what makes rotating car seats stand out, but it’s also why they take up more room in a back seat than many traditional convertibles. (Rotating seats are wide, plus you have to ensure enough clearance in the middle to allow the seat to turn.) The Evenflo Revolve360 Slim is your best shot at making a rotating car seat work if you own a smaller vehicle, need to fit three car seats across or just want a little more room in your back seat.

The Revolve360 was designed with space saving in mind, shaving off about three inches of width as compared to the Extend, our top pick on this list. This slimmed-down seat measures 16.7 inches across and creates a smaller footprint without sacrificing seating space or safety. I’ve used both seats (the Slim is currently installed in our caregiver’s car), and I’m consistently impressed at just how compact it is. While you couldn’t use three Slims across the back seat of an average-sized vehicle (they might fit space-wise, but you’d lose the swivel function and defeat the purpose of a rotating seat), you’d likely be able to fit a non-rotating car seat in the middle seat and a slim on either side if you need a three-across configuration.

Like the OG Revolve, the Slim 2-in-1 rotates 360 degrees in all modes and works as both a rear- and forward-facing seat. You’ll only need to install it once, and installation is just as quick and easy as it is with all of the other rotating seats in Evenflo’s lineup. There are also the same thoughtful features like the machine washable cover, several recline options and extended rear-facing capabilities. (Both seats have 48-inch height maximums for rear-facing, but the Extend has a 50-pound weight limit as compared to the Slim’s 40-pound max.) Keep in mind that the Slim works only as a rear- or forward-facing convertible, while the Extend ultimately transitions to a high-back/belt-positioning booster as your child grows.

“I own a 2021 Mustang GT. I have twins. Life is not easy as far as space goes. It’s cramped but [these are] the only rotating car seats that I have proven can fit for both kids. So if you have a sports car this might be your only option. Thankfully it’s a great option. Don’t listen to the folks telling you that you need to sell. You don’t.” — Aaron S.

“I’d previously been debating to get a rotating [car seat] but hadn’t settled on any certain one yet and the prices were holding me back. But with [a] slim option I HAD to try it! I drive a Ford Expedition Max and this fits very well behind the driver seat. My husband is 6’3” and even in rear-facing mode, it still fits. I installed [the] base using the latch system and tether strap (easy peasy) and the base has no movement whatsoever! For those of you familiar with the tilt-forward seat in these vehicles, passengers in [the] 3rd row can still get out. Car seat has to be spun to forward facing and installed with LATCH to do this. Baby looks comfy in [the] seat and I appreciate the base design as it protects the back of my seat from dirty shoes. I’m short (5’1”) and the rotating feature makes it so much easier to get my kiddo out. As for being slim, my son can still fit his booster seat in [the] middle next to this car seat. Overall, very happy with this car seat and design!” — Tiffany

How We Chose Our Best Rotating Car Seats

We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.

We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including me, Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including rotating car seats.

We spoke to Joe Colella, Director of Child Passenger Safety at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association , a leading industry voice on quality and safety for baby and children’s products and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee, and Dr. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician and the co-founder of The Car Seat Lady .

We also interviewed two CPSTs, Samantha Taylor, founder of Mama Knows Car Seats and Rebekah Kimminau, founder of The Baby Gear Consultant .

We researched information on infant seat safety and reviews from several leading car seat experts, including Car Seats for the Littles and The Car Seat Lady , as well as information from the American Academy of Pediatrics . We also considered the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Ease-of-Use Ratings .

We read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on our Babylist staff about their real-life product experiences.

What Is a Rotating Car Seat?

Rotating car seats, also called swivel car seats, are convertible car seats that spin on the base from rear-facing to forward-facing with the touch of a button.

A rotating car seat has many of the same features you’d find in a traditional convertible seat, such as the ability to rear- or forward-face, a five-point harness, variable recline positions, a LATCH system and more, with the addition of a swiveling seat.

When to buy a rotating car seat

Assuming your baby meets the rotating car seat’s weight minimum (which most full-term infants and even some preemies will), it’s possible to use a convertible car seat from day one. However, convertible seats aren’t as portable or as light as infant car seats, and they can’t be used with a stroller . Most parents choose to start with an infant car seat and switch to a convertible car seat once their little one has reached the infant car seat’s height or weight maximum, usually around one year of age.

Rotating Car Seat Pros and Cons

If you’ve ever tried to wrangle a screaming, squirming child into a rear-facing car seat, you’ll understand pretty quickly why a rotating car seat is such a genius idea. But like most products, there are also some downsides to these types of seats. Here’s how to think through if a rotating seat is right for you.

Rotating car seat pros

Ease and convenience. There’s no doubt: it’s easier to get your child into and out of the car with a rotating car seat than if you’re using a traditional convertible. A rotating seat can be especially helpful if you have a physical limitation or if a grandparent or older caregiver will be driving your child. “Parents and caregivers with certain physical disabilities might be able to take a child independently in a car using one of these seats but would be unable to do so with a non-rotating car seat,” says Dr. Baer.

Safety. “According to the AAP and the NHTSA, it's safest for infants and toddlers to ride rear-facing in a car seat for as long as possible,” says Colella. Rotating car seats make it easier to rear-face your child, and when something is easier, you’re more likely to do it. A growing body of research supports rear-facing as the safest way for babies and young children to ride . It can also be a good option for parents with multiple kids in car seats who need access to their vehicle’s third row. “In vehicles with captain’s chairs in the second row, rear-facing convertible seats typically block access to the center aisle and thus block third-row access, which often prompts parents to turn kids forward-facing too soon in order to preserve that access,” explains Dr. Baer. “A rotating seat may allow for access to the center aisle and thereby encourage a parent to keep the child in the second row rear-facing longer.”

One and done install. If you’re using a traditional convertible car seat, you’ll need to install it once for rear-facing and then again when it’s time to forward-face. With all of the rotating car seats on our list (and the majority on the market), install it once and you’re good to go. (The only caveat is if you’re using your vehicle’s LATCH to install your seat. In that case, you may need to reinstall the seat using your vehicle’s seat belt once your child hits a certain weight. Be sure to read your seat’s instruction manual carefully to learn the specifics of your car seat.)

Rotating car seat cons

Size. The swivel feature—what makes rotating car seats great—is also what makes them take up more room in your back seat. You may not be able to place a rotating car seat directly next to another car seat (or another passenger) in some vehicles or achieve a three-across configuration if you have three car seat-aged children. And some rotating car seats are very large from front to back so are not ideal for sedans or smaller vehicles.

Price. Rotating car seats are more expensive than many convertible car seats.

Low rear-facing weight limit. Although rotating car seats make rear-facing easier, many have a lower rear-facing weight limit than traditional convertible car seats. That means your child will max out of their swiveling car seat’s rear-facing limits sooner than they would with many other seats (though not sooner than in an infant seat—even the best infant car seats have a lower rear-facing weight limit than rotating car seats).

To see all the differences (and similarities) between rotating, convertible and even all-in-one car seats—plus our recommended picks in each category—check out our Ultimate Car Seat Guide .

Rotating Car Seats and Safety

As the needs of specific children and families differ, the basic rules to consider before buying any car seat are that it 1) fits your child; 2) fits your vehicle; and 3) will be used consistently and correctly, says Colella. And while rotating car seats are new to the US, they’re not new globally “While the current selection has boomed over the last few years, they’ve actually been around for decades, especially in Europe,” explains Taylor, because of differences in European car seat safety regulations. But are rotating car seats safe ?

Because all car seats sold in the US must pass the same safety standards, we know that rotating car seats meet the same safety criteria as all other types of car seats sold in this country. Dr. Baer recommends keeping these points in mind when evaluating a rotating car seat:

Pay attention to the seat’s construction. Some rotating car seats are made from two separate pieces, a base and a shell. There is potential for these pieces to separate in the event of a crash, and although this is not supposed to happen, the possibility is always there.

Construction matters. Like infant seats, rotating car seats connect the shell to the base using different mechanisms. Some, like metal-to-metal connections, for example, are more secure than others, such as plastic-to-plastic.

Consider human error. Look for a rotating car seat that minimizes the chances of human error as much as possible. Things like an easy-to-read indicator that shows when the seat is locked into position or a feature that helps you know the seat is properly connected to the base can help maximize your chances of using the seat correctly.

“Rotating car seats are absolutely safe when used correctly,” echoes Taylor. “Like all car seats, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.” Her biggest takeaway is to always be sure the seat is in a locked position when the vehicle is in motion. “That rule stands whether the car seat is occupied or unoccupied,” she says. She recommends habitually turning the car seat to a locked position whenever you remove baby from the seat. Follow these other rotating car seat safety tips:

Two-piece rotating car seats (base + shell) must always be used together, never on their own.

Never ride with a child facing sideways in a rotating car seat. Always be sure the seat is locked into either a rear- or forward-facing position.

Max out your seat’s rear-facing height or weight limits before turning your child forward-facing.

Jen LaBracio,

Senior gear editor, cpst.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor and a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). When she’s not geeking out over car seats, testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, do all things Peloton, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

Best Baby Travel Systems (Stroller Car Seat Combos) 2022

When it comes to buying baby equipment, you would benefit from investing in multi-functional products. This way, you are not left with a million products your child has outgrown and have no use for. Versatile long lasting products, especially ones that go together, are extremely useful. The best baby travel systems combine a stroller and car seat so that you can move between places like your cars, or playgrounds with ease.

A travel system or a travel system stroller and car seat combo can help you kill two birds with one stone. You'll be getting both an infant car seat and a stroller with one buy.  Not to mention it's also more cost-effective. Which brings us to the next question- "What is the best travel system to buy?" This comprehensive review of the top baby travel systems will give you some great ideas.

What Is A Baby Travel System?

A travel system is a 2-in-1 combination of an infant car seat and stroller. How? By using a stroller frame that can accommodate both a car seat, toddler seat, and even a bassinet. The highlight of this unit is that allows you to transport your child using the same unit.

Why Buy A Baby Travel System?

Here are some reasons why you should consider investing in a  travel system stroller:

Undisturbed sleep:

Babies tend to wake up when they are being transferred from their car seat to stroller or vice versa. With a travel system, you can attach and detach the carrier with your baby still sleeping in it. 

Car seats can be heavy to lug around, and if you have a sleeping baby, you'll want a travel system to keep that baby sleeping!

Economical and saves time and energy:

Think of all the time, energy, and money you save on research and purchase with this 2-in-1 model. A travel system consists of a stroller that grows with your child, giving you value for your money.

Strollers can be quite expensive, though sometimes you might need an ultralight stroller as well as a sturdy stroller for day-to-day use. Many parents end up owning 3 or 4 different strollers!

In short, a travel system is all you need from birth through toddlerhood to transport your little one. 

This versatile stroller car seat combo can keep your child safe at all times.  Some models have reclinable seats. This is more suited for newborns as they have poor head and postural control.

Types of Stroller Travel Systems:

Common types of travel systems include:

Lightweight Travel System:

As the name suggests these travel systems weigh light, around 25-30 pounds . Ideally, your stroller must weigh around 15 pounds or less, and the car seat 5 pounds for easy handling. The lightweight factor is what makes these systems appealing for use on public transit and for those with poor arm strength.

Rugged Travel System:

These are ideal for nature lovers who want to take their kids along with them on their hikes.  It has larger wheels that can handle different types of terrain like tracks and gravel,

Jogging Travel Systems:

Runners invest in the jogging travel system. These are light and easy to maneuver. With its easy push feature, you can get back to jogging, with your little one for the company. 

But it should be noted that a jogging travel system is different from a jogging stroller . The latter has extra features to keep children safe such as safety tethers, locking front wheels, and brakes. Even so,  some jogging strollers are compatible with car seats and can double up as a travel system.

Deluxe Travel System:

These are high-quality models with features that enhance their durability, versatility, and reliability.

Buying A Travel System:

You can buy a travel system in two ways :

• As part of a package deal. This is more economical. It also guarantees the compatibility of the car seat and stroller as they belong to the same brand.
• Create your system. Using adaptors, we can combine individual strollers and car seats from different brands. While this method allows you to mix and match brands, you should know that some brands may not be compatible. Also, it's costlier than getting the 2-in-1 model.

Creating Your Travel System:

When creating a travel system, keep in mind the following factors :

If you are using your car seat, check for its compatibility with your travel system chassis. You might also need to figure out how to fit it onto the chassis. Check to see if you need adaptors to secure the car seat onto the frame. Additionally, consider the:

• The type of car seat to get. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you use a rear-facing car seat up to 1 year of age.
• Seat weight and dimensions and maximum weight recommendations for the child.
• Compatibility with your car.

Stroller Frame: 

Check the stroller dimensions and make sure the car seat fits within the frame. Check to see how many adaptors you will need to install the car seat onto the frame.

Selecting A Travel System:

If you're purchasing a regular travel system, here's what you need to look out for :

Comfort and Safety: Look for models with:

• A bassinet or carrycot that can serve as an alternate sleeping area for your child outside.
• Canopies for protection from sun and other weather. You can choose from a wide range of canopies for sun protection. It ranges from full coverage to partial range coverage. Canopies also have a mesh window to increase air circulation and visibility.
• JPMA safety seal, which indicates that the model adheres to the safety standards. The model must not have received a r ecall notice from either the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
• A five-point harness system. The harness helps to secure your baby at all the key points. This includes the shoulders, waist, and between legs, preventing the baby from sliding, or falling out.

Dimensions: The car seat must fit the baby until they are 32 inches tall or weigh 35 pounds. Strollers must accommodate children until they are around 50 pounds. Checking the height and weight limit of the unit can help you determine its period of usefulness.

Frame : Choose a model with a small lightweight foldable frame for easy storage and transport.

Ease of use: The model must be easy to install, and use. You're less likely to use a model that is difficult to open or fold, or takes up time when you reattach the seat to the base. Choose units with a LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). This enables easy attachment and detachment of the car seat from the base and stroller frame.

Purpose: This can influence your choice of a system. For use on uneven terrain, you will need a model that has large, lockable, swiveling front wheels. For a smooth ride, you must choose between an air-filled, foam-filled tire, or models with a suspension system. Unlike foam-filled tires, air-filled tires require refilling.

Customer reviews: Choose a model with high customer ratings and safety ratings. It can give you a better idea of the pros, cons, and worth of the model in question.

Customer Support : Buying a product from a reputable company and with good customer service is invaluable when it comes to returning damaged or incorrect products. Also, ensure that the product has a warranty or return policy in place. This will protect you in case of receiving a damaged product.

The Best Travel Systems Of 2022

Bearing in mind these factors, we have reviewed and compiled a list of some of the best travel systems available to you:

The Best Travel Systems Of 2021:

Chicco bravo trio travel system, uppababy vista v2 & mesa infant car seat travel system.

• Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System
• Britax B-Lively & B-Safe 35 Travel System

Maxi-Cosi Zelia Max 5-in-1 Modular Travel System

• Multi-functional 
• Easy to use
• Less space-consuming
• Brakes may not lock in place.
• Plastic wheels more suited to even terrain

Check Pricing

The Chicco Bravo Trio travel system is the most sought-after model at present. Why? Because it ticks all the boxes on our list. It is versatile and doubles as either a car seat or stroller. You can use it right until your child's toddler years, as it can accommodate a weight of 4-50 pounds.

Made out of aluminum the model is both sturdy and lightweight. It has an innovative one-hand fold to help you single-handedly fold the unit. Once folded, self-prop the model or store it away in your trunk.

With reclinable seats (into three positions), adjustable canopy, and large storage space, the Bravo Trio is designed for comfort. Not only for kids, but it also caters to parents' comfort with a parent tray and an easy-to-grip handle adjustable in three positions.

About safety, the Chicco system comes with excellent safety features. It has a 5-point harness system for securing the child and a LATCH system for secure attachment of infant seats onto the base. Energy-absorbing foam and side-impact protection reduce the impact of a collision. Its front swivel wheels (with suspension) and a one-touch brake system make it easy to maneuver the unit.

If you own the Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat, you can easily install it onto the stroller frame and create your DIY travel system.

Our Verdict:

Loaded with features for convenience,  the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel system is the best overall travel system currently available.

• Ideal for growing families
• Durable and easy to use
• Efficient safety features
• Heavier model

Price $$​$$​

If you’re into sleek and elegant designs, the UPPAbaby Mesa may interest you. Although pricey, bear in mind that the cost is inclusive of the VISTA V2 stroller and Mesa infant car seat. And both these products are high-quality products on their own.

The VISTA V2 is easy to install as it has a LATCH system, with an auto-tightening feature. The adjustable reclining base comes with level indicators to help you position the baby at the right height. It has a sliding shoulder harness for smooth, and quick positioning of the harness on the child.

Not to mention the other design features that add to its appeal. These include the breathable merino wool covering on the seat, high back, and deep footrest,  large adjustable canopy for adequate sun protection, and mesh windows for air circulation.

As for safety, the UPPAbaby VISTA is equipped with energy-absorbing foam for side-impact protection; shock-absorbing front and rear suspension wheels to handle rough terrain, and soft tires for a  comfortable ride.

The best part, this model is designed with multiple configuration options especially for growing families. The seat systems allow for two selections, forward or parent facing, and can recline into a flat position. You can use the reversible seating system with a carriage, toddler seat, or car seat and it can be doubled to include two children. That’s right, with the VISTA V2, you can double the car seats, toddler seats, and many more.

Our Verdict: The UPPAbaby VISTA V2 is definitely an expensive buy, but if you are particular about aesthetics along with functionality, then this is the best aesthetically designed model.

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System :

• Safety features that reduce the risk of injury.
• Convertible model, into a double stroller
• No need for adaptors
• Heavy and bulky.
• Thin tires.
• Shoulder harness adjustment is difficult.
• Fails to accommodate for child height.

The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel system is ideal for those looking for a double stroller at affordable pricing. Although the UPPAbaby is equally useful, it is way more expensive. That doesn’t mean the Evenflo Xpand is sub-par.

No indeed. In fact, this system combines the unique Evenflo SafeMax infant car seat with the Pivot Xpand stroller system. Add in super-rich features like adjustable handlebars (3 positions), self-standing fold, front swivel wheels, rear-wheel suspension, and 22 different modes and functions,  you have an efficient, effective travel system in hand.

The multiple configuration options enable this model to double up as a stroller using both the infant car seat and toddler seat, ergo its name ‘the Xpand system.’ That’s not all, it has a reversible (forward and parent facing), adjustable seat, with multiple recline positions making this unit ideal for newborns. Secondly, this is one model that allows for car seat attachment without any adaptor. How? The adaptors are inbuilt into the system, therefore eliminating the extra cost of purchasing additional ones. Let’s not forget the ample storage space (2 feet) under the seat, cup holders, large canopies for sun protection, peek-a-boo windows for increased visibility, and the thick padding and soft fabric that add to the convenience factor of the unit.

As for safety features, the Evenflo Pivot is one of the few travel systems that has been roll-over tested. Besides side-impact protection features, it has an anti-bound bar to reduce the impact of rotational forces preventing injuries in a frontal collision, and a flip-flop-friendly rear brake to safely lock the model in place.

Our Verdict: With its integrated belt lock system, multiple base positions and recline indicator, the Evenflo Pivot system is the best affordable double travel system stroller. With this model, you can be assured that your child is safe and secure in their transportations.

Britax B-Lively & B-Safe 35 Travel System:

• Prioritizes safety of the child
• Easily adjustable harness
• Easy maintenance
• Basic without accessories
• Shoulder space is less.
• Lacks an anti-rebound bar

The Britax B-Lively is a simple model designed specifically for its function, to transport children safely. And that it does well! The system is inclusive of the Britax B-Safe 35 infant car seat, a B-Lively stroller, and adaptors. It provides maximum child protection, especially their head, neck, and torso, using a layer of side impact protection, crash energy-absorbing base, and a v-shaped tether that minimizes seat rotation.

It utilizes the LATCH system to secure and tighten the car seat to the base and has a harness release button to loosen harness straps easily. While the car seat is steel reinforced to keep it more stabilized, the stroller frame is made with aluminum and is lightweight and sturdy. 

The Britax B-Lively offers comfort to the child through its all-wheel suspension system and 3-wheel design for smooth journeys, UV50 canopy for weather protection, ventilation window pockets for increased air circulation, peek-a-boo window for checking on the child, a near-flat infinite recline seat. For parents, the benefits include the one-handed quick fold, lightweight frame for easy maneuvering, large storage basket with front access for conveniently storing the baby’s essentials. 

The covers are removable and washable and you can attach the car seating using the car seat adaptors one for each side. 

Our Verdict: Sometimes safety 1st is our motto and in such cases, the Britax B-Lively with B-Safe car seat is the best safe high-quality system we need for our kids.

• Removable and cleanable fabrics
• Easy maneuvering as lightweight
• Safety features
• Difficult to install the car seat onto the base. 

This 5-in-1 Modular Travel system includes the Mico Max infant car seat, Zelia Max stroller, and the car seat base. Designed for both safety and comfort the Maxi-Cosi is equipped with a big inflated side impact protection, an anti-rebound bar, EPP energy-absorbing foam. Being made with soft-textured fabrics, the model is quite comforting for the kids.

With reversible (forward and parent facing) reclinable seat, removable bumper bar, extendable canopy which has an additional flip-out visor for added protection from the weather, mesh peek-a-boo windows to foster connection and increase ventilation.

Lockable swivel all-terrain wheel and all-wheel suspension help to keep the ride smooth. 

Our Verdict: Although it lacks too many bells and whistles, the Maxi-Cosi is enterprising enough to make its presence felt. The fact that it has washable fabric along with safety and convenient features, makes a huge case for this model, especially since we know how messy and dirty things can get with kids. 

Disadvantages Of The Travel System:

While there are many benefits to using the travel system, there are some cons too, such as:

• These systems are heavier and bulkier and are more difficult to transfer from in and out of the car, and maneuver on uneven roads, and narrow tight spaces like grocery aisles.
• You need to buy a front-facing infant car seat, once your baby outgrows the rear-facing one.
• You will need to buy multiple units (car seat and seat base), if you have different cars, to cut down on time and energy required to unhook and set up the unit each time you use a different car.

Tips For Safe Use:

While it is completely safe to use travel systems for your child, here are some additional safety tips to be aware of:

• Try and ascertain that the model is compatible with your car before purchasing it.
• When assembling the unit, make sure that you use all parts. It is there in the package for a reason.
• Make sure that the car seat is correctly aligned on the seat base or stroller frame before moving, to avoid accidents.
• Check for its expiration date. Some models have an expiration date set after 6 years from the time they are launched. It's good to check this so that you know your product won't expire before your child outgrows its use. Additionally, older models may not adhere to the latest safety standards and may lack the necessary safety features.
• Do not use a travel system as the main sleeping area for your child.

Second Hand Travel Systems:

While it's alright to accept or purchase certain second-hand products, when it comes to travel systems, this is not advised! Only because it might not be safe for your child, especially if it was

• Involved in an accident.
• Misused by the previous owners.
• Has faulty parts or that which do not align properly due to wear and tear.
• Expired warranty, which makes the cost of replacing parts high.

If we’ve been successful in convincing you of the advantages of having a travel system over a standard stroller car seat combo, the next step would be to find your unit. For this, you can use our comprehensive travel system guide to compare different models and find your fit. Or go through our list of travel systems, already reviewed to save you time, and find the one which suits your needs the best. 

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• First Year Products

The best baby travel systems for easy days out

Joie Baby Finiti Pushchair with Sprint

Mamas and Papas Ocarro

Ickle Bubba Stomp Luxe

Nuna TRIV Next

Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System

Venicci Clara 3-in-1 plus travel system

Kinderkraft EVERYDAY Travel System

Silver Cross Reef pushchair

Bugaboo Fox 5

Cosatto Giggle 3in1 Travel System and Accessories Bundle

Joie Versatrax Travel System

Maxi-Cosi Oxford pushchair

Ickle Bubba Altima

Joie Finite with Calmi

Dani Dyer 3-in-1 Travel System - Rose Gold Marble

Whether you're off for a walk in the woods or popping into town, the best baby travel system makes getting around with your little one easy peasy. Attach the best car seat to the pushchair frame, and you can move your baby from car to pushchair and back again, without disruption.

In general, a travel system consists of a pushchair that is compatible with a Group 0+ car seat, suitable from birth to the age of 12 months. You can easily attach or detach it from the frame, and it will either clip on top of the pushchair seat component or attach directly to the chassis with the seat component removed.

Travel systems for babies often also come with a carrycot attachment, so you can use the pushchair as a lie-flat pram. It's vital when choosing a pushchair for your baby that they can lie flat in it until they're six months old to support the healthy development of their spine and lungs.

Let's face it, having a baby is one of the most expensive periods of your life, so grabbing good deals for pushchairs and car seats can be a huge help. A travel system can make for a good value way to get everything you need for taking your baby out and about in one bundle.

How Mother&Baby selected the best travel systems

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, how we test is also supported by consulting experts who specialise in travel systems to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

 Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe also often hold great insights as to which products mums really like best and why, helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want.

 For the essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. The winners and runners-up for each category then will appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

Testing the best travel systems

When it comes to testing travel systems, we considered various aspects of each product including how portable each product was, if it was easy to fold, how impressed we were with the design and the ease of assembly, how convenient it was to clean and how comfortable our tots found it, as well as considering how it handled different terrains, if it was lightweight, the age range it was suitable for, including seat recline, and accessories and the shopping basket included. In terms of combining a great swivel car seat and durable pushchair, we really found the Joie Finiti with Sprint to be a standout product for us. Having said that, the canopy, while providing UV protection, could provide better coverage like the Kinderkraft Everyday travel system that has a sun shade that can even clip to the bassinet providing excellent coverage.

 And although more pricey models like the Mamas & Papas Ocarro impressed us with its wide choice of colours and dual suspension, we also found that some of the more budget options like the Maxi-Cosi Oxford were great too, and the Oxford is particularly good for small spaces, and city living.

As with all products, safety and durability are paramount, which is why testers were so impressed with the Ickle Bubba Stomp which they felt was safe and stable on all terrains and was incredibly sturdy, although some found it hard to fold. For a great, easy to fold travel system, parents loved the Nuna Triv Next which has a one-handed fold and is quick and easy to assemble.

Best travel systems at a glance: • Best overall baby travel system overall: Joie Finiti With Sprint - Buy now on John Lewis • Best baby travel system for on the go: Mamas and Papas Ocarro - Buy now on Very • Best for a bundle: Ickle Bubba Stomp Luxe - Buy now on Amazon UK • Best baby travel system for assemble: Nuna TRIV Next - Buy now on John Lewis

To help you out, we've picked out our favourites. Every year we thoroughly test and review the best new products on the market, including the best travel systems for babies. We can then bring you comprehensive reviews from real parents who've tried out the travel systems in real life. Our annual Mother&Baby Awards also help us bring you the best advice about current products on the market.

The best baby travel systems 2024

1. joie baby finiti pushchair with sprint, best overall baby travel system.

The Joie Finiti with Sprint bundle is suitable from birth up to 22kg, and includes a pushchair and i-size car seat with a base. Our tester loved that it was quick and easy to fold and unfold, and the harness on both items was also really easy to use. Our mum tester, Lauren, said, "the pram is very portable as it can be folded down with the hood removed, it easily fit into the back of my car. The swivel seat was easy to clip and move between the pram frame and the car with a large plastic handle which enabled easy carrying."

With an extendable UPF50+ canopy, the Joie Finiti pushchair has three backrest positions which allows for a lie-flat position, it can also be folded up with just one hand, which is very useful when you're a busy parent with your hands full. Our mum tester said, "It took around 5 minutes of going through the manual with some trial and error to work out how to fold it. Once I figured it out, I was easily able to fold the pram so it could be compact and allow for easy travel."

The Sprint car seat can swivel which although useful, makes assembly slightly tricky with our mum tester commenting, "as a first-time mum I’ve never used car seats or isofix systems before and I found the Swivel seat something of a challenge! It came readily assembled so no need to attach different parts, but I struggled with fixing the seat to my car’s Isofix system. The instruction manual that came with the seat was only a couple of diagrams so to get to the full manual you needed to follow the QR code to their website." That said, she was impressed with its quality. "The swivel seat has 360 movement enabling back facing fit which is the recommended safest position to protect in accidents, it’s very secure when fitted and I don’t doubt it could hold it’s function and be very safe inthe worst case scenario of an impact."

The travel system is convenient for travelling, or just when out and about day to day, as our mum tester found. She thinks it is durable and will last well, noting, "the build quality of the pram and car seat are high quality and the materials used are great, it feels like it would last a long time with little damage. The tyres are strong and would easily withstand the wear from rough road surfaces.

• Lightweight to push
• Ample under-seat storage
• Durable suspension
• One hand fold
• Canopy doesn't completely cover the seat when fully reclined
• Two colour choices
• Five-point harness system
• Lockable swivel wheels
• Extra large storage basket

John Lewis & Partners

2. Mamas and Papas Ocarro

Best baby travel system for on the go.

If the grandparents-to-be are chipping in, or if you've saved hard for a top-of-the-range travel system, we think every penny is well spent on this Mamas and Papas Ocarro travel system. We love the puncture-proof off-road tyres – perfect for rural adventures in style, plus the reversible, lie-flat pushchair seat ensures maximum comfort during snoozes on the move. Our tester said, "I must admit I do love this pram!"

It is easy to use, even when carrying a baby and our mum tester said, "I love the fact that you can put it up and down using just one hand which did make my life easier (especially when caught in the rain)! I like the fact the hood comes down quite far but there's a zip to let some air in and a flap to check on your baby as you're pushing (my previous pushchair didn't have this) which does put your mind at ease, especially the first time you put your baby forward facing! Also, the fact that you can fold the pushchair down with the stroller seat on, and it folds down just as neat as it would without the seat is an added bonus as it saves time when out and about in the car! All in all these little features do make a huge difference!" However, she did note that the basket is not very easy to access, especially if you out larger items in it.

Overall, this is a stylish travel system with some great features. It is easy to use with a one hand fold, and it is also suitable for all terrains which we love. Reviewers commented that it is "extremely well built, unlike the cheaper options. Easy to manoeuvre and good range of accessories."

Read our full Mamas&Papas Ocarro review.

• Choice of colours for all tastes
• One-hand fold for convenience
• Easy to carry when folded making it portable
• Dual suspension for every terrain
• Basket can be difficult to access with larger item
• Lie-back seat
• Large extendable hood
• Puncture-proof tyres
• Reflective wheel rims
• Large easy-to-access basket

3. Ickle Bubba Stomp Luxe

Best for a bundle.

Rrp: £ 599.00

This is a great travel bundle with everything you need from day one with your little one. We love how you can choose the colour way and fabric, to really customise your design. One reviewer, Debbie, said, "We love it, it comes with everything you need and looks really lovely , great value for the price. Would highly recommend, fantastic for first time mums." Although one reviewer commented, "Love the colour combinations and all the accessories that come with it but it's not the same tone and material as the picture. It's actually more of a darker khaki green colour and the material is lighter and thinner than the one shown in the picture while it still appears durable."

Featuring puncture proof rear wheels, this travel system is meant to withstand most terrains and has lockable swivel front wheels. Suitable from birth, it also offers the option of a carry cot and seat unit which can be easily zipped on and off of the pushchair frame. Plus a UPF 50+ hood will protect your little one when the sun is out.

We also really liked the adjustable handlebars, and the stylish leatherette handle and bumper bar, as well as the large shopping basket, perfect for carrying all you need on days out. While it isn't particularly lightweight or compact, reviewers liked how durable and sturdy it feels saying, "Feels really sturdy and great quality! You get lots of extras for the price and I feel really happy as a first time mum that my baby will be safe in this! The car seat is just the same, really safe and sturdy and the Isofix base is really easy to install, to my surprise."

• UPF 50+ hood to protect baby from the sun
• Choice of colours and fabric, plus leatherette handles for style
• Includes infant car seat with ISOFIX base
• Some reviewers didn't think the colours were the same as advertised
• Includes: Pushchair apron, foot warmer, seat liner and rain cover
• Forward or rear-facing
• Puncture proof tyres
• Adjustable handle height

4. Nuna TRIV Next

Best baby travel system for assemble.

The Nuna TRIV Next was awarded Gold for Best Travel System  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Another travel system that really looks and handles well, the Nuna TRIV Next, was a hit with our tester, who found it easy to assemble and was impressed at how simple it was to change the positions. She commented, "the assembly process of the pushchair was so easy, I was able to assemble the pushchair alone at 40+2 weeks pregnant. I also tried out a few of the different seat positions, and changing to the collapsible carrycot the first time I set it up and I was really impressed with how simple that was to do."

We love that the all-season seat keeps your baby warm in winter and converts to breathable mesh in summer, while the rain cover provides extra protection no matter the weather. This travel system is also compact when folded and will stay standing by itself, which is a huge bonus to many. Our mum tester said, "the one hand fold and unfold has to be my favourite feature as it makes life so much easier when collapsing the pushchair in car parks to put away in the boot, or for storing at home."I have two pushchairs and I find I use this one more as my 'grab-and-go' pram as it's much lighter." Testers were also impressed with the carrycot, noting, "I also love that the carrycot is collapsible, it makes it great for storing in the house or car."

It is important to note that our tester thought it's a good "pushchair for someone who is living in a city and not in the countryside as the suspension isn't good enough for the country." Plus, she "did find the cover of the carrycot hard to get zipped up, it was very stiff and I was concerned that the jolting would wake baby up if they were asleep inside."

This is a great travel system for travelling because it is lightweight and compact and it also works well for city life. Our tester thought, "it all felt very good quality, especially the stylish colour scheme of black, really set off by the brown leatherette handle and front bar."

Read our full Nuna TRIV Next review

• Lightweight and compact for travelling
• Easy to use and simple to assemble
• Looks stylish and feels great quality
• Suspension isn't great, especially for rough terrain
• The cover of the carrycot is stiff to zip up
• Compact fold:  Folds up quickly with one hand and stands on its own, making it simple to use out-and-about as well as store away.
• All-wheel suspension : Spring suspension seat technology, all-wheel suspension and large tough, foam-filled rear wheels mean you're ready for smooth rides.
• Travel system compatible : simply attach any infant carrier to the included post adapter and customise the tilt to baby's needs. It also easily converts to a pram with the included post adapter, compatible with the TRIV series carry cot.

5. Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System

Best baby travel system for quick interchanges.

Rrp: £ 1199.00

The Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System was awarded Silver for Best Travel System  at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

If you're looking for a travel system to use in towns or cities, then the Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System could be what you're looking for. Our tester thought it was easy to use and folded down really small, even fitting into a small car with room to spare, she commented, "it was really easy to put together with clear instructions and it’s easy and quick to interchange the different components. The pushchair and bassinet are great, folding down nice and small so that they fit easily even in a small car such as a Fiesta, with a bit of room to spare!"

This product has a long lifespan, lasting from birth to four years, and comes with a carrycot, seat unit, car seat (with adapters), changing bag, foot muff, insect netting and rain covers. Our mum tester commented, "one of the real bonuses for us of this Venicci Upline Travel System is that the seat of the pushchair can be used from the newborn age. It is also really handy that the car seat has ISOFIX incorporated into it, so that the car seat can be securely fitted into many a vehicle without the need of a base."

There are so many features that we love about this travel system, however the basket is a bit too small. Our tester noted that the "basket isn’t huge but big enough for a change bag and a couple of coats." Overall, this is a stylish travel system that is ideal for everyday use, mainly in urban areas however our tester commented that "the travel system seems to have large wheels which would make it good for lots of terrains although I have yet to try this."

Overall, our mum tester thought, "really like the look and quality of this travel system. Looks upmarket compared to many other brands and has some unique features, eg attachable nappy bag and flap under the stroller that you can put down when putting items in then lift up to secure them in place. Both the bassinet and stroller attachments are sturdy and car seat is comfortable and safe."

Read our full Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System review.

• Modern design and luxurious finish
• Water-repellent fabric
• Large with solid wheels
• Cozy footmuff included
• Adjustable footrest
• Seat unit can be folded in rear and forward-facing position when attached to the frame.
• Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping
• Quick, one-hand fold
• Additional suspension
• Compact size and lightweight

6. Venicci Clara 3-in-1 plus travel system

Best baby travel system for simplicity.

The Venicci Clara 3in1 travel system is a ten piece bundle which includes frame, seat unit, carrycot, engo car seat, engo ISOFIX base, footmuff, changing bag, changing mat, and rain cover. We love the stylish look of the pram which is suitable from birth to 22kg. It is incredibly simple and designed to ensure going and out and about with your little one is stress free. One mum said, "beautiful pram looks elegant and easy to manoeuvre and not that heavy. Would highly recommend!"

Ideal for city living with an extremely lightweight frame and stylish design, it is easy to fold and compact. Even better, it features gel wheels which allow the travel system to provide a smooth comfortable terrain even over rough ground. Safety is considered too with reflectors on the seat uni and the carry cot and an iSize car seat and ISOFIX base is included with the travel system.

It is very lightweight to steer through busy urban streets, and although some reviewers found it hard to attach the car seat, we love the simplicity of this pram for busy parents.

• One-handed folding for easy use
• Looks stylish and is comfortable for your little one
• Gel wheels for a smooth ride
• Some mums struggled at first to attach the car seat to the base
• UV 50+ protective fabric
• Water repellant fabric
• Three-position adjustable footrest
• Gel wheels for all terrains

7. Kinderkraft EVERYDAY Travel System

Best baby travel system for easy use.

Rrp: £ 257.09

Award: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2022

Kinderkraft EVERYDAY is a multifunctional 3-in-1 baby stroller with a large carrycot (with a handle) and a soft mattress; it has bamboo viscose fibres in the cover for good ventilation and antibacterial properties. Our reviewer loved that it has good suspension and is easy to use on different terrains. Together with the Kiddy Evoluna car seat, this makes a comprehensive travel system and the car seat lies flat, both inside and outside the car. Our mum tester commented, "this is a great pram to use as the bassinet sits higher up than others. This means it is easier to see the baby and also lift them in and out. It has good suspension and is relatively easy to use on different terrains."

The sunshade is excellent and clips on to the hood and base of the bassinet meaning good shade cover. Plus our mum tester, Charlotte, added, "I loved the design feature of the window in the hood of the stroller so I could see baby at all times." Reviewers also loved the added features, commenting, "there is a useful cupholder and also storage pocket within the bassinet for keys/phones etc."

In terms of usability, our reviewers thought this was a comfortable pushchair and our mum tester, Charlotte, said, "the 360 degree wheels made the pushchair really easy to manoeuvre on all terrains including muddy ones!" Mum tester, Louise, also agreed, saying, "The wheels are a good size and it is easy to manoeuvre on different terrains. The wheels are lockable is desired."

Although this travel system is easy to fold, unfortunately, it does not stay folded. Our mum tester noted, "Once folded there is no way of keeping the whole system together in a tight compact way. Instead it opens out when trying to lift it to get in the boot of the car. This makes it extremely difficult to move due to the size and weight of the stroller."

However, overall mums were pleased with this travel system and felt it was good value for money. One mum tester said "the Everyday 3-in-1 stroller is amazing value for money. For the price you get so much all at a great quality. This product sees your little one from birth through to toddler. I loved that the stroller also came with every accessory you could need including a changing bag for mum complete with changing mat, cup holder and bag hooks for the pushchair."

Read our full EVERYDAY 3-in-1 Pushchair review.

• Easy to use and adjust
• Spacious basket for shopping
• Good suspension for different terrains
• Quite heavy
• Doesn't come with anything to hold the stroller in place once folded to keep it compact
• AUTO-LOCK after folding
• All-wheel suspension
• Telescopic handle with 3-step adjustment
• Central foot brake

8. Silver Cross Reef pushchair

Best baby travel system for all terrains.

The Silver Cross Reef pushchair is a multi-terrain travel system, which is suitable from newborn to 22kg. Our reviewer thought the system was well-designed and sturdy and loved the one-hand fold, but one downside is its weight. This might be an issue for those who have had a c-section, or struggle moving heavier objects out of a car boot. However, the car seat is very sturdy and comfortable and was a hit with the tester's baby. Our tester said "if you find that you are comfortable with the weight then you would be hard-pressed to find a better travel system out there. It is very well designed, intuitive to use, safe, sturdy, secure, user-friendly and very good to look at."

The travel system is great for all weathers. Or tester, dad Ashley, said, "having a winter baby, one of my main concerns was with insulation and making sure my Princess stays warm in the subzero temperatures. I'm happy to say that the padding of the mattress and the quilting of the wall lining in the cot makes for an extremely cosy interior that stays toasty warm." However, he also added that the carrycot will "cater for the warmest of summer months as well. On the front and back of the cot are little ventilation flaps that can be opened and closed. These give a flow of air through the pram and will keep it cool in the summer. All these features in a cot that is approved for overnight use."

Read our full Silver Cross Reef pushchair review.

• Feels safe and sturdy
• Looks and feels luxurious
• Well-designed and user-friendly
• Features the Genius™ harness system with magnetic buckle
• Sustainable outer fabrics
• Vegan leather handle
• Large, easy-to-access basket with a 5kg capacity
• One-handed fold

9. Bugaboo Fox 5

Best lightweight baby travel system.

If you're looking for something that uses sustainable products, then the Bugaboo Fox 5 could be the right travel system for you. It is a versatile and stylish solution for parents seeking a premium pushchair.

Our tester loved its lightweight design, and it seamlessly transitions between a comfortable carrycot for infants and a reversible seat for older children. The Bugaboo Fox 5 features a robust chassis, all-terrain wheels, and adjustable suspension for a smooth ride.

Its modular design and high-quality materials make it a top choice for modern, active parents. Our tester, Ashley, said "it is impeccably well-designed, managing to be both totally functional and stylish. The fact that sustainable products have been used to manufacture it is a huge plus point in this modern age. The suspension system makes the ride silky smooth and coupled with the lightness and quality steering makes it very easy to push and manoeuvre."

While it is a sturdy and safe pram, our reviewers did find it tricky to put together at first and it takes a bit of patience. Our tester also found the brake pedal was a bit small, saying, "If I had one wish, it would be that the brake pedal is ever so slightly bigger but this may simply be down to my clumsy clown shoes."

Overall though, our tester liked the travel system commenting, "the Fox 5 is a brilliant all-rounder with very few drawbacks and definitely value for money."

Read our full Bugaboo Fox 5 review.

• Stylish appearance
• Lightweight but strong
• Brilliant steering and handling
• Fits into the boot without removing the seat
• Can be difficult to first put together
• One-hand fold with a self-standing design
• Reversible seat can extend by 10 cm
• Large puncture-proof wheels & advanced suspension
• Sturdy yet lightweight

10. Cosatto Giggle 3in1 Travel System and Accessories Bundle

Best baby travel system for vibrant design.

One thing about Cosatto products is you can never call them boring. Their fun designs are perfectly eye-catching for parents and kiddies too, and this travel system, the Cosatto Giggle 3in1 Travel System & Accessories Bundle, is no different. The bundle includes the chassis, convertible pram to seat unit, car seat (with adaptors) and raincover. Our tester thought it was brilliant for the price, but would have liked a larger basket and felt the rails scratched too easily. She said, "I am very pleased with my pram. It looks amazing and it is easy to drive."

While it is stylish for life about town, it can handle the rough terrain of the countryside too. Our tester commented, "I have tried it so far on the pavement but went off-road too." Design is a major plus point for Cosatto and our reviewer said, "my little one loves to observe cute foxes inside." However, she did add that the "rails are a little too easy to scratch and the basket could be bigger. "

Overall it is an easy to manoeuvre pram with a great design. Our tester said, "I highly recommend this pram, you can't get a better design at this price. Love it!"

• Three wheels for easy manoeuvrability
• Lightweight chassis
• UPF100+ protection sunshade hood
• Storage basket could be bigger
• Multi-recline duo-directional seat
• Flat-folding lightweight chassis
• Stitched leatherette handle
• Quick-release removable wheels
• 4 position recline

11. Joie Versatrax Travel System

Best baby travel system for excellent storage.

The Joie Versatrax is another stylish travel system, which is free-standing when folded. Appealing to those who are eco-conscious, this travel system is made from 153 recycled bottles. It comprises of a carrycot, infant carrier and stroller, and was easy to push according to our tester. Along with the travel system, you'll get a raincover, bumper bar, cupholder and adapters. Our reviewer said, "I found it really easy to push and liked the colour and materials used, it felt really stylish."

Comfort is a big plus for this pram and our mum tester said, "my son found this buggy really comfortable and had no problems falling and staying asleep in it." Reviewers were also really impressed with the size of the basket, commenting, "the basket is really nice and big so I can fit all of my shopping bags in there when I go to the supermarket. This is a great advantage as I don't always have use of the car so it means I can get more shopping in one trip rather than having to go every day. We often like to take picnics, a blanket, football etc when we go for days out so the big basket is very useful once again."

Reviewers did find that the pram quite hard to adjust and mum tester, Laura, said, "The opening of closing of the pram could be better, easier and less fiddly." They also thought it was quite large which can be problematic when out and about, noting, "the pram is quite wide, and a little tricky to manoeuvre through narrow door ways."

Overall, mum tester, Hannah, was impressed and said, "The pram keeps on surprising and surpassing me - super smooth wheels, huge canopy for extra ventilation, lots comes included - rain cover, cup holder, hidden zip and pocket storage in huge basket! Super elegant black matt frame with brown leatherette and a stylish grey flannel all encompassed seat makes this so trendy and good looking. Handlebar swivels so no need to remove. Easy usability from birth to preschool."

Read our full Joie Versatrax review.

• Comfortable for baby
• Large basket for shopping
• Excellent foldability for quick folding
• Carry handle included
• Not as easy to adjust compared to other prams
• Quite big in size
• Rearward and forward-facing seat
• One-hand, instant flash fold mechanism
• Extendable UPF50+ and water-repellent canopy
• Adjustable calf support
• All-wheel suspension with fake air tyres

12. Maxi-Cosi Oxford pushchair

Best stream-lined baby travel system.

The Maxi-Cosi Oxford pushchair is the perfect travel bundle for cool, relaxed city living. This travel system can fit into a small flat without compromising your baby's comfort, and is suitable for newborn to 4 years, plus it includes the R129 approved pebble car seat. One reviewer thought, "this would be an ideal pushchair for grandparents or other carers who are not using it all the time" believing it is more suited to a city environment.

Despite not feeling as sturdy as other prams , our testers thought it was comfortable to push commenting, "it was lovely to steer and push and easy to slot into place." Plus, it is suitable for a wide range of ages with one mum saying, "I like that I have the option to use it if I were to have another child with the Pebble Plus car seat."

We love that it offers a lie-flat recline option making it suitable from newborn plus the UPF 50+ canopy is extendable adding extra protection and making it great to use for nap times while out and about. The 10kg storage basket is brilliant for storing everything you need when out for the day, or popping to the shops. Reviewers liked how compact it is saying, "very comfortable, manageable and beautiful chair. Easy and compact folding. I would buy it again without a doubt."

• Good value for money
• Comfy and cosy for all ages
• A great option as a second pram and city living
• Could be sturdier, especially on rough terrain
• Lie flat recline for newborn
• One-hand fold
• Large basket
• Baby car seat adapters are included

13. Ickle Bubba Altima

Best all-in-one baby travel system.

Rrp: £ 699.00

Another travel system with a one-hand fold, loved by our reviewers, is the Ickle Bubba Altima. Our mum tester, Clare, thought this was a great travel system, saying, "it’s packed full of useful features, like lots of breathable air flow mesh which will keep baby cool, and the unique selling point of being able to fold the pram with the seat unit still in place, in a simple, one-handed action. " Although she did add that it takes a while to get the knack of the one-handed fold.

Suitable from birth up until 22kg, this is a great travel system for longevity and our mum tester commented: "It’s clear that the Altima travel system is centred around functionality, comfort and style. I love the fact that I won’t be forking out for a new model when she outgrows the new born carrycot, but instead I’ll change to the seat unit. From easily switching between parent-facing and world-facing positions to coming with a cosy, padded seat liner, the seat unit has so many great features. Then with its side impact protection, pop-out impact panels and a supportive newborn liner, I felt happy in the knowledge that my newborn baby would be safe in the car seat while on the move. The car seat and ISOFIX base meet all the necessary standards for car seat installation."

Mum tester Clare notes that "with all its useful features at a reasonable price, it feels like the Altima is a great investment." She also adds, "It’s compact and easy to store, which will be a great space saver when parked up in our front room, or while putting it in the car boot."

• Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
• Compact when folded
• Great for longevity from birth to toddler
• Initially tricky to get to grips with one-hand fold
• One handed fold
• Suitable up to 22kg
• Includes cup holder and rain cover

14. Joie Finite with Calmi

Best travel system for newborns.

Award: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023

This is a great travel system for parents with newborns. The Calmi car seat which comes with the travel system allows parents to easily transfer their little one from a lie flat position in the pushchair, to lie flat in the car. Our mum tester, Kellie, says, it is "quick and easy to use when out and about - don't need to take lots of different attachments or adapters as the 4-in-1 options allow me to choose the best set up for me and my baby in the moment. It is easy to switch from the seat to the Calmi without the need for adapters." However, some mum testers were disappointed with the Calmi because they could not easily fit it in their cars. One mum said, "the Calmi is such a good idea that would make my life easier as a mum, however I could not get it to fit in my car as I have another car seat in the back which I was a bit gutted about to be honest."

With a one-handed fold the Finiti pushchair makes life when out and about really simple. Our mum tester, Rachel, commented, "The one-handed fold to a compact is easy and great too. Being on my own was made much easier with this feature and has given me more confidence going out and about." We also really like the seat recline options which make it suitable from newborn until toddler. One mum said, "My baby is very comfortable in the pram and loves being able to see what’s going on around him, which is made better by being able to sit up."

The Joie Finiti with Calmi travel system is lightweight but still sturdy and stable on all terrains. Mum Cate, says, "baby slept easily through walks with this pram despite our local pavements not being the most even, and then it was lightweight and easy to get in and out of car boot and reassemble when we were out and about." However, one mum wasn't keen on the size of the handlebar, saying, "I found the handlebar too thick and struggled to get my hand around it and hold on to the pushchair properly."

Read our full Joie Finiti with Calmi review

• Lightweight and easy to fold
• Allows newborn to stay lying flat in the car
• One handed fold is convenient
• The car seat is not compatible with all cars
• Easy one-handed folding
• Lie flat car with R129 rating
• 4 recline positions
• Easy to assemble
• Suitable for all terrains

15. Dani Dyer 3-in-1 Travel System - Rose Gold Marble

Best baby travel system for a compact fold.

www.very.co.uk

Award: Won Bronze in the Mother&Baby Award2022

The Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System was designed with celeb mum Dani Dyer as part of her Cherish range. Its design adapts as your family grows and includes a bassinet which can attach to the stroller frame for family strolls and fresh air, eventually progressing to the reversible seat. Our mum tester said, "this travel system is amazing. It's so easy to put up and fold with one hand, and switch between seat styles, which is everything you need In a travel system. The fact it all comes as a package and you don't need to worry about finding the correct accessories anywhere else, the box has it all."

Like the Ickle Bubba, it comes with a built-in buggy board for tots, which we love, and detachable wheels for compact storage at home or on the go. It is also really well priced for such a versatile product, and folds down to a compact size, perfect when you have a lot to fit in your boot! Plus our mum tester was impressed with the shopping basket, saying, "the shopping basket being large with zips is a godsend."

However, some reviewers thought it was tricky to assemble, commenting, "I would change the design of the frame to make it more sturdy and easier to unfold (give clearer instructions in the manual if not). This would save even more time when setting up." While many loved the design, saying, "I would choose this travel system above any other because I love the boldness of the design", others felt that it was limiting, adding, " I would choose the pattern to make more gender neutral as I did have a lot of comments when putting my newborn baby boy in the bassinet."

However, it is a practical choice for travel with mum Joanna-Belle, noting, "the fact it folds up so small, means that travelling with a child of any age with all their accessories, is the biggest selling point for me, it can fit in the smallest of car boots with zero effort."

Read our full Dani Dyer Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System review.

• Compact fold, great for small cars
• Larger seat for prolonged use
• In-built buggy board
• Tricky to assemble
• Some parents didn't consider it gender-neutral in design
• Height adjustable push handle
• Multi-position reclining seat with 5-point harness
• 2 position adjustable and extendable leg rest
• 3 position, extendable canopy with viewing window

What to look for in the best travel system

Convenience is the main benefit, as you can transfer your baby to and from a pushchair without removing them from their car seat. This is less disruptive for your child and saves time and stress. A travel system is often more expensive and sometimes bulkier than a standard pushchair, so it's only worthwhile if a car is your main form of transport.

It's important to keep in mind that different travel systems are compatible with different car seats, although there is some crossover. The most important thing about buying the best travel system is to make sure it will fit in your car.

Here are some things to look out for when considering your purchase.

Shopping basket

A big basket is essential! It should be large enough to hold everything you need when you're out with your baby, including the rain cover and your baby changing bag . The basket should be accessible, even when the carrycot is attached, or the pushchair seat is fully reclined.

Seat recline

The recommended sleeping position for babies is flat on their back, so a pushchair seat that reclines fully flat is a must for naps in the pushchair. It should be easy (and quiet!) to adjust with your baby in the seat.

A height-adjustable handlebar ensures the pushchair is comfortable for you, your partner or anyone else who might use it regularly. Check that it's easy to adjust and comfortable to hold.

Is the car seat included in the price, or do you have to buy it separately? Factor in the price of the base, too, and don't forget car-seat adaptors to attach it to the chassis.

Babies shouldn't sit in car seats for more than two hours at a time - we've looked at the research into how long a baby should stay in a car seat - including when it's attached to a pushchair chassis. Choose a travel system with a comfy lie-flat carrycot. Your baby will outgrow it by six months old, so check how bulky it is to store – some are cleverly designed to convert to an upright seat.

Seat direction

A travel system with a reversible seat unit means you can choose which way your baby faces. A parent-facing seat encourages your baby's communication skills, but an inquisitive toddler might prefer to face where they're going. There are regulations and advice on how to keep your baby rear-facing for longer .

Accessories

Some travel systems come with coordinating accessories such as a footmuff or change bag. Think about which ones you actually need and whether they're included in the price.

Fold mechanism

A travel system will be in and out of your car boot. Choose one that's compact and easy to fold, leaving room for shopping or luggage.

The brake should be comfortably positioned and easy to operate without the risk of applying it by accident or scuffing your shoes. Check how reliable it feels and whether it's easy to release.

All-terrain wheels make for easy manoeuvrability on muddy walks. Smaller, solid wheels make light work of city pavements and shiny shop floors. If you're likely to switch between different types of terrain, go for lockable, swivel wheels.

Do I need a baby travel system?

A baby travel system can be convenient has they come with all the travel essentials you need for your baby. They are often good value, however if you buy an ISOFIX car seat to stay in your car, you wouldn't need a travel system that comes with a car seat.

What other things do I need to consider when buying a baby travel system?

Not all infant car seats can be attached to all pushchairs, and you may need to buy adaptors. If you'd prefer an i-Size car seat, which sits your baby in the safer rear-facing position until they are at least 15 months old, you'll need to choose a pushchair frame that's compatible. If you want to keep your child rear-facing in the car beyond 15 months, you'll need an extended rear-facing car seat. However, these are designed to stay in your car, so a travel system isn't an option.

The car seat will either clip on top of the pushchair's seat component or attach directly to the chassis with the seat component removed. Adapters are sometimes required to fix the car seat onto the pushchair or chassis. Check if these are included. If they aren't, find out what the additional cost will be.

What about the pushchair?

A travel system often has a seat component that enables it to be used as a 'normal' pushchair. Many mums use the car seat clipped into the frame when their baby is very young, using the larger seat component as their little one grows. If you intend to keep your newborn in the pushchair for long periods, you will need a travel system with a fully reclining seat component.

Newborns should only remain in car seats for a few hours at a time, as lying horizontally is better for their breathing and healthy spine development. Some travel systems also offer the option of a pram-style carrycot. While this can add expense, the carrycot can double as a Moses basket and portable travel cot.

Can you use a travel system for toddlers?

Only Group 0+ car seats will fit on the travel system. These will be outgrown at around 12-15 months. Most mums will continue to use the travel system with the seat component fitted after that.

For toddlers, a seat that reclines for naps is useful, but it doesn't have to be fully horizontal. Some pushchair seats are reversible, so your baby can face you, to begin with, but face outwards to get a better view of the world as they get older. For older children, you may want to look into the best car seat for 4-year-olds .

How easy is it to fold?

All travel systems fold up so that they can be stowed in a car boot. Try out the folding mechanism in the shop – your 'tricky' might be another person's 'easy'. Consider that you may sometimes need to hold your baby while you fold and unfold the chassis. You'll also have to lift the folded pushchair chassis in and out of the car boot, so consider its weight – anything over 10kg could be a struggle.

How big is your car boot?

Travel systems are more compact than ever, but some models are still pretty bulky to allow for all the extra functionality they offer. Before you buy one, check it fits in your car boot. You can always remove the carrycot or seat unit from the chassis and store it on your back seat. Although, this will limit space in your car for other passengers.

Can I use a second hand travel system?

While it can be perfectly fine to use a second hand travel system, it is not advised to use a second hand car seat unless you are absolutely sure that it has never been in an accident.

It would be advisable to only use second hand if it's from a very close relative or friend.

What is the difference between a 2in1 and 3in1 travel system?

A 3in1 travel system includes a car seat, carry cot and a pushchair all on the same frame, where as a 2in1 would only include the car seat and pushchair.

The bonus to both is that they are interchangeable with a car seat, which can be handy when you're out of the house and don't want to disturb your baby if they fall asleep.

Emily Gilbert  is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

The 6 Best Travel Systems of 2024

Wondering what the best travel system of 2024 is? Wondering what stroller car seat combo is best for your family? Finding the best infant car seats and the best strollers on the market gave our team a pretty good idea of the different combinations available today and which travel systems are best for different situations. A travel system consists of an infant car seat that easily attaches to a baby stroller, allowing you to travel with ease. We recommend getting the same brand for your car seat and stroller, but if you are interested in different brands check out our compatibility guide to ensure they will work together.

Recommended

The ultimate car seat and stroller compatibility guide.

In this article you will discover the top travel systems of 2024 and which is the best travel system for your family based on your lifestyle and desired features. When it comes to selecting the best travel system for your needs, there are several factors to consider. First, look for durability and stability – you want to ensure the travel system is built well enough for regular use without compromising on safety or comfort. You’ll also want something lightweight and compact in size , as this will make transportation easier when traveling by airplane or public transit. Additionally, make sure the travel system includes basic and additional features you are looking for such as adjustable handlebars, swivel wheels and storage. Read more about stroller features in our stroller buying guide .

Baby Stroller Buying Guide

Finally, consider your budget when selecting a travel system. Many travel systems come with features that may be unnecessary for your needs, so it’s important to understand what you need before making any purchases . Traveling with a baby can be both exciting and daunting. That’s why having the right travel system is essential to make sure your journey remains safe and stress-free . By taking into account all these factors, you can rest assured you’ll find the perfect travel system for your family! Without further ado, here’s our list of the 6 best travel systems of 2024 :

1. Chicco Bravo Trio: Best Overall Travel System

• Exceeds crash test ratings.
• Durable tires.
• Large cargo space.
• Easy to move the car seat in and out of.
• Overlapping sun shades.

We don’t like:

• Almost no shocks.
• Car seat is a little on the narrow side.

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

The Chicco Bravo Trio includes the Bravo quick-fold stroller and the Chicco KeyFit 30, one of the best infant car seats on the market (read our full review of the Chicco KeyFit 30 ). The stroller is easy to use, comfortable to push and provides a smooth ride. It provides ample storage, and can be accessed from the front and back of the stroller. And once the child grows out of the car seat, the main seat has a child tray and the seat reclines far enough back for sleeping and even changing a diaper when on the go.

2. UPPAbaby Cruz: Best Travel System for the City

• High quality fabric.
• Stroller drives very smoothly.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Canopy slides up and grows with your child.
• More expensive than others.
• One of the heavier travel systems.

We recommend the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 and Mesa Infant Car Seat if you can bump up your budget for a premium travel system. The extra features are great and we love the natural wool fabric (less nasty chemicals and more breathable for your baby). It is a stylish travel system, and there is even an additional bassinet you can purchase if you want.

3. Baby Jogger City Select: Best Travel System for the Outdoors

• Easy to steer and provides a smooth ride.
• Converts to a double stroller.
• Lighter frame than similar strollers, and very compact when folded.
• Lifetime frame warranty for the stroller (which the customer service does deliver on).
• Not the most comfortable handlebar (although it is adjustable).
• A little tricky to fold and unfold.

W here to buy: Check price on Amazon

We recommend the Baby Jogger City Select 2 Travel System with the City GO 2 Infant Car Seat. Baby Jogger is a reputable brand in the market with high quality strollers known for safety and flexibility — since the stroller can easily be converted to a double tandem stroller. Another notable difference is how compact the stroller is when folded. However, they claim “all-terrain” wheels, whereas we find them appropriate for the city, but not “all-terrain”.

4. Chicco Activ3 Jogging: Best Travel System for Jogging

• Durable foam filled tires and suspension, great for smooth or rugged terrain.
• One-hand fold, and three different fold configurations.
• Extendable canopy with two peek-a-boo windows.
• Like many jogging strollers, a bit on the heavier side.
• No child tray.

Not only is this one of the few jogging travel systems, but it is a superb system in general. It is built of high-quality materials, is super easy to put together and operate, and has the most advanced safety options available today. In addition, it includes just about any feature you can think of: additional wrist strap, parent storage, reclining seat, front wheel lock, and more. It is also easy to securely snap the car seat into and out of the stroller and the base.

5. Evenflo Pivot Xpand: Best Double Stroller Travel System

• All the different configurations!
• Car seat sits directly on frame.
• Self-stand fold.
• Spacious under-carriage.
• Folding mechanism is more complex than competitors (although still able to figure out).
• May have to purchase an additional car seat and/or toddler seat.

The Evenflo Pivot Xpand stroller is a “Modular Travel System” that works well with the SafeMax Infant Car Seat, and can be transformed into 22 different configurations including a double stroller requiring no tools or extra parts. But keep in mind that a double stroller takes up more room than your standard single stroller.

6. Baby Trend Expedition: Best Budget Travel System

• Excellent price!
• Stroller can stand upright when folded.
• The lightweight car seat, 6.6 lbs.
• Metal frame on stroller.
• Padding/cushion and fabric not the highest quality (but it is machine washable).
• More difficult to fold than a standard stroller.

The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger stroller wins as our best value stroller when it combines with the lightweight Baby Trend Ally 35 infant car seat, plus it is also a jogger stroller. The stroller is meant for any terrain and includes the standard features of a jogging stroller including air-filled tires, wrist-strap, brakes, and an excellent grip on the handlebar. It also comes in a variety of color options!

How we select the best Travel Systems of the year?

We worked hard to make this list of the top travel systems of 2024 as objective as possible. For us, this started by recognizing that there is no absolute best. Every family has different needs and lifestyles , so we needed to first understand what the different expectations might be before evaluating strollers and car seats against those expectations. For example, you’ll have very different expectations from your car seat if you’re always using it with its base fixed in your car versus using the seat in taxis without its base. Similarly, families who already have a stroller and want a car seat that is compatible with that stroller, will have different criteria (take a look at our ultimate infant car seat and stroller compatibility guide if that’s the case for you). Read our guides on buying the best infant car seat or the how to find the best stroller for your family .

So how did we go about selecting the best travel systems of the year? We started by creating a list of the top 35 best infant car seats available today and cross-referenced with the best strollers . In addition, we used authoritative resources (see the full list below) and then analyzed safety ratings, scores, and reviews for each model to narrow down our list to the top models. We purchased each infant seat on our top list and gave two models to each family in our group. Everyone used their seats for a period of five months with their kids. Each seat was used extensively to get hands-on experience. We paid particular attention to their pros and cons and what they are like on a day to day basis. To read more about our favorite infant car seats, read our Best Infant Car Seats article .

Further reading recommendations about infant car seat and Stroller safety

We used several authoritative sources to help with our list of the best travel systems, for both infant car seats and strollers. We recommend that you read them if you want to learn more about car seat or stroller safety in general. These are also great resources if you want to understand a particular aspect of child safety or want to stay up-to-date with the latest research. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Child Passenger Safety Board have excellent in-depth resources on car safety for children. We recommend you start there:

• www.nhtsa.gov
• www.cpsboard.org

If you want to explore car safety even further, we recommend the following resources that were used when writing this article:

• www.safekids.org
• www.nsc.org

For additional information on stroller safety we recommend reading:

• https://www.cpsc.gov

Best Travel Systems: Frequently Asked Questions

Are travel systems safe for newborns.

Yes, travel systems are safe for newborns. Travel systems must meet certain requirements and should always be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including age/height limits, installation guidelines, and proper stroller usage (with adapters if needed).

Which travel system is best for baby?

We found the overall best travel system to be the Chicco Bravo Trio . There are a variety of types of travel systems, the best travel system depends on your family’s lifestyle and is one that is safe and durable, is easy to use, but overall makes portability and travel easier.

How long do travel systems last?

Travel systems typically last about 3-5 years, depending on the quality of the stroller, the wear and tear the family placed on it, and the height and weight limits of the stroller or car seat.

Which travel systems have a bassinet or carry cot?

There are several strollers that support a bassinet, aka carriage or carrycot. Some strollers like the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 and the Evenflo Pivot Suite include a bassinet. While others require you to purchase the bassinet separately, like the Mockingbird stroller and Britax Willow Brook S+ .

Megan is a wife and mother of three, as well as an experienced foster mother. She loves building and testing new products, and helping identify what works best for readers and clients. She has her degree in Computer Software Engineering and has been a Product Lead with over 8 years of experience designing, building, testing, and selling products to companies ranging from sole proprietors to the largest retailers in America!

Best Baby Monitors of 2024

• Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro
• Eufy SpaceView Pro

Best Strollers of 2024

• Summer 3DLite
• UPPAbaby Cruz v2
• Evenflo Pivot Xpand

Best Infant Car Seats of 2024

• Chicco KeyFit 30
• Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
• UPPAbaby MESA V2

Best Travel Systems of 2024

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The Best Car Seat and Stroller Combos for Traveling Near and Far

Move your newborn seamlessly from the car to the stroller with these editor-tested travel systems.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Notable Travel Systems
• Our Testing Process

Our Experts

• Factors to Consider
• Safety Tips

Parents / Dera Burreson

A travel system—an infant carrier, base, and a compatible stroller—allows a seamless transition from a vehicle to the sidewalk, so you don’t have to wake up your sleeping baby (or needlessly annoy an awake one). The infant car seat attaches directly to the stroller without additional accessories. Some travel systems are one unit, meaning the infant car sea t converts directly into a stroller. Once your child outgrows their infant carrier, you can often use the stroller for their toddler years or pass the entire system down to a younger sibling. 

Car seat and stroller combinations should be user-friendly for parents, grandparents, babysitters, and others who may watch your child. Additionally, the strollers should maneuver effortlessly on different terrains and have safety features, such as brakes, UV canopies, and five-point harnesses.

To find the best travel systems, we tested 23 highly rated models in our testing lab and at home with our own children. We looked at assembly, stroller design, ease of installation in and out of vehicles, and function. Additionally, we considered value because travel systems can be costly, and we want families to find an option that lasts.

Easiest to Use

Uppababy cruz v2 + mesa v2 infant travel system, why we like it.

In terms of ease of use, the Uppababy Cruz travel system is hard to beat. The stroller arrived nearly assembled in the box—all we had to do was pop on the wheels. The sleek, full-grain leather handlebar and seatback are adjustable to accommodate both kids and parents. The large cargo area easily holds a medium-sized diaper bag, although a bar runs through the middle, making it difficult to have anything bulky and large. 

Maneuverability : The stroller is lightweight and easy to push on all terrain. We only had trouble getting it up steps due to the large tires, but it was light enough to be picked up and carried. It’s also worth noting that the toddler seat has a high weight capacity, so this can grow with your child as they get older.

Car Seat Installation : We tested Attaching the car seat to the base or stroller is seamless and makes a loud clicking sound, so you know it's installed all the way. Taking the car seat out of the base or stroller is also simple with the push of a button. A level indicator on the base turns green when it’s leveled correctly, giving you peace of mind your baby is secure. The no-rethread harness is simple to adjust, and there are storage pockets for harness buckles. 

But Take Note

Though it’s on the pricier side, it comes with several extras: a rain canopy, a mesh canopy to keep bugs away, and an extendable sun shade for super sunny days. Unfortunately, we had difficulty getting the canopy on the infant seat to stay securely in place. On the plus side, the stroller folds in half for easier portability. 

The Details:

• Stroller weight: 35 lbs. 
• Car seat weight: 10 lbs. for car seat, 19 lbs. with base 
• Stroller dimensions: 22.75 x 37.5 x 40 in.
• Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.

Best Mid-Range

Britax grove modular stroller.

According to one of our testers, everything about this stroller felt “easy breezy.” It’s almost effortless to use, from a less-than-10-minute installation to comfort touches like a lumbar cushion to a one-handed fold. 

Maneuverability: The Britax Grove is a medium-sized stroller, but our testing found that it takes turns more like a compact stroller. Its generously sized wheels are large enough to take bumps in stride, even without suspension, and the stroller handled turf and concrete like a pro. The stroller felt light, solid, and high-quality while pushing with the car seat in place. 

Car seat installation: The car seat base features Britax ClickTight technology, meaning you can install it in a vehicle by threading the seatbelt through the base compartment (which conveniently opens), buckling it, and then snapping it back to close. This installation method is the easiest of all the car seat bases. All Britax infant seats work with a simple click-in and latch-out method. 

The only thing we didn’t love about this stroller is that it has two brakes, one on each back wheel, and they don’t have color indicators to show which is engaged. You have to press both brakes to keep the stroller entirely in place. If you press one, the stroller won't roll away from you, but it will turn. 

• Stroller weight: 24 lbs.
• Car seat weight : 9.3 lbs. seat; 10 lbs. base
• Stroller dimensions: 37 x 42 x 23.5 in.
• Car seat weight/height limits: 4–30 lbs., up to 32 in.

Best Luxury

Nuna rx car seat travel system.

Courtesy of Nordstrom

With a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design, the Nuna Mixx Next + Pipa RX Travel System feels high-quality, grows with your child, and maneuvers like a dream. It’s a lightweight travel system with soft, comfortable, and durable fabrics. 

The stroller came fully assembled—we only had to glance at the instructions to figure out how to unfold it, which was easy. The cargo area holds a diaper bag , but we wish it were a little bigger. Details like a leather carrying handle , magnetic buckle holders to keep straps out of the way, an adjustable handlebar, and no-rethread harnesses are all great touches. Plus, the UPF 50+ canopy is water-repellent, featuring an extendable sun shade, a flip-out eyeshade, a ventilation panel, and a peek-a-boo window to see your baby. 

Maneuverability : The stroller's suspension system gives it a smooth ride, and the rubber wheels have good traction. An overall lightweight feel makes it extremely easy to maneuver no matter where you are. We love how it still folds with the toddler seat and the one-touch brake that keeps the stroller securely in place. 

Car Seat Installation : The car seat is impressively light at just over 7 pounds, making it a breeze to carry and move from the base to the stroller. Attaching the car seat to the base and stroller—as well as detaching it from both—was simple, and we could do it one-handed with the press of a button. You can also adjust the infant seat or toddler seat to face forward or backward in the stroller.

The car seat base was trickier to install in a vehicle than other combos we tested. Installing the base took about 30 minutes, and we had to consult the manual and instructional videos to figure it out. Ultimately, we discovered that you have to be at a particular angle to use the LATCH system successfully, and overall, this was more difficult than many other options we tested. 

• Stroller weight: 28.5 lbs. 
• Car seat weight: 7.6 lbs. without base; 25.4 lbs. with base
• Stroller dimensions: 23.75 x 32.75 x 45.5 in. 
• Car seat weight/height limits: 4–32 lbs., up to 32 in. 
• Stroller age/weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs.

Best Budget

Graco modes pramette travel system.

The Graco Modes Pramette is one of the most inexpensive travel systems on the market. It offers a smooth ride and plenty of storage space . The fabric is nice, and the spacious cargo area holds enough items for babies and parents. We appreciate extra features like a phone holder, cup holder, reclining toddler seat, and adjustable canopy. 

Maneuverability : This lightweight stroller has an excellent glide. It rolls smoothly over various terrains and is easy to lift over curbs, even with a 20-pound child and a diaper bag in the cargo space. The wheels operated efficiently around corners and through curvy "roads" in the lab. 

Car Seat Installation : Installing the car seat base into the vehicle using the LATCH system is simple. The infant car seat felt secure and fairly lightweight at just about 10 pounds. Attaching the car seat to the base is straightforward, while detaching it is slightly more tricky (the button is under the canopy). But the seat pops right in and out of the stroller and makes a clicking sound to let you know it’s secure. 

We had a little trouble assembling the stroller and detaching the toddler seat. The buttons on either side of the stroller seat require two hands to push down. Also, the handlebar doesn’t adjust, and we can’t fold the stroller one-handed. 

• Stroller weight: 20.9 lbs. 
• Car seat weight: 9.8 lbs. without base 
• Stroller dimensions: 23.5 x 34.5 x 44.75 in.
• Car seat weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in. 
• Stroller age/weight limit: Up to 50 lbs.

Best for City Use

Doona convertible infant car seat stroller system.

The Doona is a one-piece stroller and car seat. The car seat converts into a stroller in seconds , with fold-down legs and a pull-out handlebar. It’s a convenient space saver and ideal for people who often use ride-shares or public transportation. We also recommend it for families who just want (or need) something quick and simple for in-and-out trips from the car to the next destination.

Maneuverability : Overall, we’re impressed with how easily this stroller maneuvers despite its 17-pound weight. It offers a gentle glide on most terrains, although its lack of suspension made us dubious of how it would perform on a rocky or bumpy surface. The size is small and narrow , so navigating crowded spaces and tight spots isn’t challenging. While the stroller is comfortable and straightforward to clean, it doesn’t feature any sort of storage basket or cup holder, and the seat does not recline. 

Car Seat Installation: We initially had difficulty figuring out how to attach and detach the seat from the base. You have to click a button on the base, which isn’t intuitive but becomes less complicated each time. We were in the same situation when learning to release the wheels; once you know how to operate, it’s simple. 

The Doona can be a little awkward to use because the handlebar is so low, and it doesn’t grow with your child as much as some other options—you’ll need to buy another stroller once your child reaches the weight limit of 35 pounds. 

• Stroller/car seat weight: 17 lbs.
• Stroller dimensions: 17.3 x 23.6 x 26 in. 
• Car seat and stroller weight/height limits: 4–35 lbs., up to 32 in.

Best Handling

Chicco corso le modular travel system.

The Chicco Corso travel system boasts a sleek design, convenient extra features, and a stroller that maneuvers easily on almost any terrain. The trendy design with mixed colors and leather accents stands out and includes several convenient features like a parent cup holder, a removable handlebar for kids, and an extendable canopy for full sun coverage. Plus, the spacious cargo area holds a lot of stuff. 

We appreciate the stroller’s simple one-handed fold that “can be done with a baby on your hip at the same time,” one tester noted. The stroller grows with your child, with a comfortable toddler seat that faces forward or backward, and you get a lot for the price.

Maneuverability: This travel system moves seamlessly with a loaded car seat and full cargo space. It maneuvers surprisingly well on almost every surface; we only had a minor issue when going over a crumbling sidewalk. 

Car Seat Installation: Installing the car seat base into the vehicle using the LATCH system only took a few minutes. We had no problem attaching and detaching the car seat to the base with one hand, and throughout the process, each piece felt sturdy and secure.

One thing to note is that this combo requires a separate piece to click the car seat into the stroller. While this attachment comes with your purchase, you’ll need two hands to put the car seat and stroller together and connect the car seat and base. 

• Stroller weight: 18.7 lbs., 24.8 lbs. with toddler seat
• Car seat weight: 10 lbs. for seat, 18.5 lbs. with base 
• Stroller dimensions: 34.5 x 24.8 x 42.8 in. 
• Stroller age/weight limit: 50 lbs.

Best Jogging Stroller

Bob gear wayfinder pack.

The BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack is comfortable to use as an everyday stroller, but it’s also ideal for joggers and runners, thanks to special features. For instance, the stroller has a hand brake, wrist strap , Velcro-shut mesh peekaboo window, an adjustable canopy, and more (like a parent cup holder). The cargo area zips to prevent anything from spilling out during jogs and runs, too. 

Maneuverability: For as heavy-duty as this jogging stroller is, it was downright effortless to maneuver, even with the front swivel wheel locked, which our testers, who are long-time runners, attested is unusual for a jogging stroller. The stroller maneuvered through turns and over every surface with ease, and the suspension kept the ride smooth , even on gravel. One key feature joggers will appreciate is that although the locked wheel will keep the stroller in a straight line, it can move left or right to weave through a crowd if necessary. 

Car Seat Installation: The car seat with the base is heavy, at nearly 20 pounds, and we struggled to snap it into the base. Beyond installation, the entire unit felt secure and didn’t wiggle. 

You may have to take the fabric off to adjust the car seat straps, which can be challenging (and time-consuming). Also, folding this stroller is more tedious because of its many features meant for maximum durability. 

• Stroller weight: 31.1 lbs.
• Car seat weight: 9.3 lbs. for car seat, 10.2 lbs. for base
• Stroller dimensions: 28.1 x 24.11 x 16.9 in.

Best Lightweight Car Seat

Bugaboo fox 3 bassinet and stroller.

The Bugaboo Fox 5 Stroller is compatible with the impressive Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna car seat (sold separately). We tested this car seat with the Bugaboo Fox 5 and found the travel system thoughtful, simple, and lightweight. The stroller is also lightweight yet sturdy and has just the right space in the under-storage basket, snack tray, and cup holder. Although it is a larger stroller, so you’ll want to check that you have the space to accommodate it if you need to store it indoors. 

Maneuverability: Our tester could wheel the Bugaboo around with one hand, taking sharp turns and sailing through doorways as smooth as butter . With cargo in the seat and basket, it still turned on a dime on all terrains. The brakes are also very easy to engage, so immediately stopping is doable.

Car Seat Installation: We are currently finalizing our testing of the compatible Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna car seat and recline base. Installation requires adapters, but the company includes them with this bundle. A color-coded chart on the reclining base specifies which position your baby should be in based on their current weight, with easy options to switch it up as needed. Installing the car seat base does require a few steps, per the product manual, but once it’s in, the base is very secure. 

Converting the bassinet to a seat is a challenge and requires two adults. Our testers admitted that they actually broke out into a sweat doing it. The good news, however, is that the transition is only a one-time thing, so once you finish it, you’re done with that task. Despite the claim that it’s a one-handed fold, we also found that reality requires two hands to complete the job. 

• Stroller weight: 22.97 lbs.
• Car seat weight: 7.06 lbs. for car seat
• Stroller dimensions: 36.6 x 23.6 x 41.3 in.
• Car seat weight/height limit s: 4 to 32 lbs., 15.7 to 32.6 in.

Parents / Jessica Juliao

Best Convertible

Graco modes nest2grow travel system.

The Graco Modes Nest2Grow is a three-in-one travel system , with the stroller transforming into an infant car seat carrier, infant pramette, and toddler stroller. We love the useful features, like an expandable cargo area ideal for a whole-day excursion. (This is particularly useful for city dwellers who walk to the store). We also appreciate the included cup holders for parents and kids and a snack tray. There’s also some adjustability: you can move the seat up or down to your preferred height, and though the fabric does feel a little scratchy, it looks pricier than it is. 

Maneuverability: The stroller glides smoothly over different terrains and is surprisingly easy to lift up stairs. Without a child inside, the stroller feels lightweight. The stroller folds, so you can put it in your vehicle’s trunk or store it out of sight, but you’ll need two hands to fold it. 

Car Seat Installation : With some guidance from the manual, installing the car seat was mostly simple, but we had some difficulty assembling the stroller. We had no trouble installing the car seat base into the vehicle using the LATCH system (though it also feels secure with a seat belt installation). Additionally, we encountered zero issues when attaching and detaching the car seat and toddler seat into and from the stroller. At just 7.5 pounds, this car seat is very lightweight , so it’s a great option if you plan to carry it around often.

The stroller is a little heavy to push, especially with a child inside the infant seat, and it’s on the larger side for a stroller. 

• Stroller weight: 21.96 lbs. 
• Car seat weight: 7.5 lbs.
• Stroller dimensions: 38 x 26.77 x 41.85 in.

Parents / Tamara Staples

Parents / Leticia Almeida

Other Notable Car Seat and Stroller Combos

We also tested the following car seat and stroller combinations, and while they did not make our final list of recommendations, we found them worth mentioning.

• Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System : The Chicco Bravo is a straightforward stroller that offers value and ease of use. Unfortunately, it doesn’t push as smoothly on concrete surfaces as the other strollers we tested, and it had one loose wheel. 
• Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System : While this travel system had some nice features, like great maneuverability and a sleek design, it lacked any additional bells and whistles that would justify its price tag. 
• Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System : Unlike most car seat and stroller combos, this Baby Trend doesn’t “click” into the stroller but attaches over a child tray, so it does come with a bit of a learning curve. It’s a basic stroller meant for rugged terrain. 
• Evenflo Shyft: The Evenflo Shyft is an infant car seat that converts into a stroller. However, you can’t use the stroller as a standalone version past the infant car seat stage, so we felt that there were more functional options for the price point. 

Our Testing Process 

Parents editors, staff, and real parents tested 23 car seat and stroller combinations in our testing lab and real-life situations over time, reassessing results at two-month and six-month intervals. We tested each car seat both as a standalone car seat and in combination with the stroller and assessed the following attributes: 

• Ease of Assembly: We assembled each stroller, if necessary, noting what pieces we required attachment and if the process was effortless or challenging. 
• Vehicle Installation: We timed how long it took to install the car seat base into the car using the seat belt or LATCH system, paying attention to how simple it was to click the car seat into the base and remove it. We noted whether these things could be done one-handed and if doing so jostled the seat enough to wake a sleeping baby.
• Stroller Installation: To assess how the car seat worked with its stroller, we examined whether the seat popped effortlessly into the stroller and if the process required one or two hands.
• Design: We considered the weight, features, adjustability, and size of the car seats and strollers. 
• Maneuverability: We walked the strollers on different terrains in the lab and real world, including concrete, grass, rocks, and more. We wanted to know if strollers felt stable or shaky and how they maneuvered up and down steps or curbs. 
• Ease of Cleaning: Testers followed the manufacturers’ cleaning directions for the car seats and cleaned each at least once during the testing period. 
• Value: At the end of the initial testing period, we asked testers if they felt their travel system was worth the cost or overpriced. We wanted to know if they would pay the price tag—or more—or on sale. 

We consulted the following experts on safety tips and features to keep in mind when choosing a car seat and stroller combination:

• Petra Stanton, car safety seat installer and trainer at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida
• Kelly Moriarty, Injury Prevention Coordinator at Novant Health in Charlotte, North Carolina

Factors to Consider When Buying a Stroller Car Seat Combo

Along with personal factors, such as your budget and any brand preferences, we found it helpful to consider the following when choosing a stroller and car seat combo:

• Age, Weight, and Size Limits: Most car seat-stroller combinations have a weight limit of 35 pounds (but check your brand’s specific limits). “Keep in mind that your child may be ready to transition into a larger car seat in the first year of life, so look at the stroller and decide how convenient it will be to use the stroller after the child outgrows the car seat,” adds Stanton. “Thinking ahead is the key here.” If the travel system has a detachable infant car seat, you can use the stroller for older infants without an infant car seat, surpassing the average 35-pound limit.
• Stroller Size and Portability : In general, most parents want a stroller that is fairly compact, easy to store when not in use, narrow enough to fit through most doorways, and portable enough to be taken almost anywhere. Bulky, large strollers may quickly feel inconvenient. On the other hand, a larger stroller that can convert after the infant car seat stage offers longevity for older children, too. Consider how you’ll use the stroller, such as quick in-and-out trips for school pickups, navigating public transport, or using it for travel.
• Maneuverability: A stroller shouldn’t be difficult to push, so look for features to enhance maneuverability, such as a suspension system and durable tires. These features make a difference once you add a child’s weight (and potentially their car seat) to the seat.
• Installation: Remember the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safety guidelines when installing the infant car seat base into your vehicle. You can use either the seat belt or LATCH system, but regardless of the method you choose, tightly secure the car seat and allow for zero wiggle room. Remember that infants should ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible until they max out on height or weight. If you are unsure of how well you installed the seat or experienced an issue, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. “Find a local nationally certified car seat technician in your area,” suggests Stanton. “The list of technicians can be found on cert.safekids.org . If there are none in your area, look for technicians who offer virtual education.” 

Is Buying an Infant Car Seat and Stroller Together Worth It?

Travel systems are very convenient for families and caregivers who are often on the go. Think about how often you’ll need to click your car seat into a stroller. If you plan on running many errands with your baby or taking them out a lot, a travel system can save you time and energy. If you don’t plan on doing this, it’s not necessary—you can just purchase a separate car seat and stroller. 

How to Use Infant Car Seats and Strollers Safely

Don’t assume that learning to use your car seat and stroller is intuitive. “Read the manual that comes with it to make sure you are using the products correctly, from strapping the child in properly to correctly installing the carrier in your car,” Moriarty urges. If you need additional help, many parenting products feature a scannable QR code to pull up a digital manual on your phone.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind: 

• Ensure the stroller fits you: A stroller and car seat should fit your baby, but they’ll also need to fit you to adhere to ergonomic standards and keep your own back and body healthy. “Make sure the stroller is a good height and that you are able to operate it comfortably,” says Moriarty. A car seat that attaches and detaches from the base and stroller with just one hand makes it much simpler for caregivers with their hands full. If these processes require two hands, it may not be the best option, especially if you have more than one child. 
• Know how to use all the safety features: Since car seat safety is the biggest priority, “ease of car seat installation is one of the main points to look for,” Moriarty says. An improperly installed car seat may not work in a crash or a sudden stop. The same goes for the stroller: check for features like brakes that lock with clear visual indicators, “click-in” car seat installation, and level indicators. You’ll also want to check for any potential safety hazards, like buttons or levers little fingers could get pinched in. 
• Keep your baby properly harnessed: All travel systems or car seat stroller combinations in the U.S. will come with a full five-point harness. Our safety experts recommend keeping your baby harnessed even when using the car seat outside of the vehicle. 
• Avoid sleeping and strolling: Don’t completely replace the stroller seat with the car seat, our experts advise. Whenever possible, your baby should sleep in a car seat while strolling. “Car seats are for riding in cars, not all-day stays,” Stanton warns. “While it’s easy to keep the baby sleeping in the car seat, it may not be the safest choice. Safe sleep research shows that babies are safest in their empty beds on their backs.” If you want your baby to nap safely while on the go, opting for a travel system with a bassinet attachment might be beneficial. 
• Register your car seat stroller combo: Lastly, now that parenting product safety regulations are updated frequently, registering your car seat and stroller is always a good idea to get notifications about any safety recalls. For recall notices, you can also check the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s (CPSC) site . 

Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN , is a labor and delivery nurse turned health and parenting writer and a mother of five. She has written extensively on parenting products, including car seats and strollers and their combination use. Although not a primary pick on our list, Chaunie’s favorite travel system was the Baby Trend jogger, primarily because she pretended to be a jogger down her rural dirt roads in her prime baby-rearing days.

Car Seats: Information for Families . American Academy of Pediatrics. 2024.

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The Best Travel Car Seats

By Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

Let’s face it: Traveling with little kids can be a slog. But a lightweight, compact, easy-to-install travel car seat is one tool that can make trips a bit easier.

We’ve tested 17 travel car seats for infants and up, and we examined how they performed in various circumstances, including during air travel and in rental cars. The Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks for the best infant car seats , is an excellent choice for both travel and everyday use. For an affordable and easy-to-use convertible car seat for toddlers and preschoolers, we recommend traveling with the Cosco Scenera Next , which fits kids up to 40 inches tall for rear-facing or 43 inches for forward-facing. For kids bigger than that who still need a seat with a five-point harness, we recommend the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 , which also converts to a high-back booster. The backless, lightweight Cosco Rise is great for booster-age kids.

If you’ll be hopping in and out of taxis or ride shares with a baby, the Doona is a unique but expensive infant car seat that converts to a stroller. And instead of purchasing a dedicated convertible car seat for travel, another option is to bring yours along with the Britax Travel Cart .

Everything we recommend

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex

The best infant car seat for travel.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is easier than most infant car seats to install securely without its base.

Buying Options

An infant car seat and stroller in one

This unusual car seat has integrated wheels that pop out to turn it into a stroller. It’s best for parents who frequently need to move their car seat in and out of different vehicles.

Cosco Scenera Next

The best convertible car seat for travel.

This affordable and easy-to-use car seat weighs 6.8 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing. But kids can outgrow it quickly.

Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

The best harness booster car seat for travel.

This no-frills seat converts from a forward-facing five-point harness to a high-back booster. It weighs just 12 pounds.

Britax Travel Cart

A travel cart for lugging your own seat through the airport.

This sturdy, smooth-rolling travel cart helps you transport your own convertible car seat—and avoid buying a standalone travel seat. You can even strap your child into their seat and use it like a stroller.

The best backless booster seat for travel

This basic booster seat weighs only 2.2 pounds and can work for children as small as 40 pounds. But it has a rather large footprint and will be too big to fit in most carry-ons.

May be out of stock

How we picked

A seat that’s lightweight is more manageable to carry between multiple locations. A more compact seat is also easier to pack.

We considered the seat’s comfort and ability to adjust straps and buckles.

Ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it will be done properly.

We looked at crash-testing scores and ease-of-use ratings. Our infant, convertible, and harness booster picks are FAA-approved for use on a plane.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a great all-around infant car seat—and one of the ones we recommend for everyday use. But for travel it stands out: It has a European belt path that makes it easier to get a secure install without the base than for many car seats, and it’s cheaper than other seats that have this belt routing option.

Weight of seat: 10 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

Parents who can’t leave their infant seat base installed in a specific car but instead need to travel by taxi or rideshare frequently may find the innovative Doona to be a convenient option. This sleek infant car seat has integrated wheels and converts to a stroller that maneuvers easily, plus the seat is FAA-approved for use on an airplane. But the versatile Doona is much heavier and more expensive than a regular infant car seat.

Weight of seat: 14.3 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

The Cosco Scenera Next is a notably lightweight, affordable convertible car seat that is simple to install and carry on an airplane. It receives strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is FAA-approved for use on a plane. But many kids will outgrow it before they reach the height or weight limit because of the low position of the shoulder straps.

Weight of seat: 6.8 pounds Orientation: rear- or forward-facing Weight range: 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing; 22-40 pounds forward-facing Height range: 19-40 inches rear-facing; 29-43 inches forward-facing

For children using a forward-facing five-point harness, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a lightweight and affordable travel option that is FAA-approved for use on a plane (in harness mode only). It also converts to a high-back booster. However, it has lower height limits than some boosters, so kids may not get as many years of use from it, in comparison with pricier options.

Weight of seat: 12 pounds Orientation: forward-facing only Weight range: 30 to 65 pounds for harness mode; 40 to 100 pounds for high-back mode Height range: 32 to 49 inches for harness mode; 43 to 52 inches for high-back mode

Bringing your own car seat to the airport has one big advantage—you don’t have to learn how to install yet another seat. But your own convertible car seat is likely to be heavy (our picks in our guide to convertible car seats range from 19 to 33 pounds). The Britax Travel Cart is compatible with most convertible seats, and when your car seat is secured to it with LATCH, you can use it like a stroller to push your toddler through the airport. The cart can then be stored in an overhead bin during your flight.

Weight of cart: 7.6 pounds

If you need a cheap, no-frills booster seat, we recommend the Cosco Rise . It’s a bit too large to fit into a carry-on suitcase or backpack, but it’s easy to attach with a bungee cord to a carry-on for plane travel. It’s also a great option if you just need a spare booster for carpools or to order ahead for use at the grandparents' house.

Weight of seat: 2.2 pounds Weight range: 40 to 100 pounds Height range: 43 to 57 inches

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, the best infant car seat for travel: chicco keyfit 35, an infant seat and stroller in one: doona, the best convertible car seat for travel: cosco scenera next, the best harness booster seat for travel: cosco finale 2-in-1, a great car seat caddy: britax travel cart, the best booster seat for travel: cosco rise, other good travel car seats, should a kid sit in a car seat on the airplane, what about checking a car seat, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

The authors of this guide have collectively interviewed 40 industry experts, safety authorities, and physicians. Among them were certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) such as Lani Harrison, who installs more than 300 car seats each year; Dr. Aditya Belwadi, a biomechanics research scientist who previously led the child passenger safety research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and now works at Tesla in Crash, Safety, and Occupant Protection/Biomechanics; and Bill Horn, head sled testing engineer at Calspan , one of the country’s top crash-testing facilities. The authors also talked with dozens of parents and representatives from leading car seat manufacturers.

The original version of this guide was written by Rebecca Gale, whose reporting on policy and parenting has appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Slate, and The Washington Post. Rebecca has also been certified as a CPST, completing a 40-hour training program through the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

In 2022 and 2023, this guide was updated by Christina Szalinski, a science writer whose reporting on health and parenting has appeared in The Atlantic and Kaiser Health News . In addition to writing the most recent versions of Wirecutter’s infant and convertible car seat guides, Christina is responsible for Wirecutter’s guides to the best baby formula and kids face masks .

Few people strictly need a separate car seat for travel as you can gate- or baggage-check any car seat for free with most airlines. But lugging your regular (likely heavy and bulky) seat in and out of the car and through the airport can be a major hassle. Investing in a smaller, lighter-weight option may be worthwhile, especially if you fly or use ridesharing services or taxis frequently.

Infant car seats for travel

If you’re traveling with an infant or baby, bringing along your usual infant car seat without its base (to cut down on weight and heft) is typically the best option. Our top infant car seat pick, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX , is relatively lightweight and, like other infant car seats, can be safely strapped in with a seatbelt only and no base.

There are two possible ways to install an infant car seat without a base: either with the belt directly across the top, called “American routing,” or with the shoulder belt placed around the back of the seat in addition to the top, called “European routing.” It’s easier to get a secure fit with European routing, and two seats we recommend in our guide to infant car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 35 and the Clek Liing , are designed to allow for that type of install. If you know you’ll be traveling with your infant often, it may be worthwhile to choose one of these as your baby’s first car seat.

Many infant car seats are compatible with easy-to-fold stroller frames, such as the Chicco KeyFit Caddy , which turns an infant car seat into a stroller and can be convenient for travel. Most infant seats are FAA-approved for airplane use, should you decide to purchase an airplane seat for your infant.

Convertible car seats for travel

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, deciding on a car seat for travel can be trickier. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician, CPST, and co-founder of the website The Car Seat Lady , recommends bringing your own convertible car seat and using a travel cart . That way you have a seat that you’re already comfortable installing. But some people will prefer a dedicated travel car seat, as they can be significantly lighter than regular seats—as little as 7 pounds versus 20 to 30 pounds.

If you do buy a dedicated travel seat, it’s a good idea to practice installing it before your trip—you don’t want to be figuring it out for the first time when you, and your kid, are potentially jet lagged and feeling extra cranky. Installation can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of using a car seat—and particularly a convertible car seat—and is often the point of failure for using a car seat correctly.

Booster seats for travel

If your everyday booster seat has a removable back (as with our top pick and runner-up pick, the Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus and the Graco TurboBooster LX ), you may prefer to simply bring that seat for travel, leaving the bulky back at home. But like with convertible seats, it’s also an option to get a dedicated travel booster that may be significantly lighter and smaller than the one you rely on every day.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, offered several tips for bringing along a backless booster, especially if it’s not one that’s compact: “I bungee cord them to my luggage while traversing the airport. On most flights, my kids could shove them under the seat in front of them and still have room to throw their backpack on top. On some flights, I’ve put them in a tote in the overhead compartment.”

Travel car seat alternatives

If you’re headed to a familiar destination, you could look into borrowing a seat from friends or relatives. Or, you may be able to rent one through a baby equipment rental service.

Many car rental companies also offer car seats for a daily fee, but it can cost up to $15 a day—adding up to much more than the cost of a travel car seat, which can be less than $50. And though you can reserve one in advance, rental car seats are subject to availability, so there’s no guarantee that one will be available when you arrive. The car seat provided may also be difficult to install properly, especially in an unfamiliar car. That said, you may be able to find discounts or other benefits through programs such as AAA, which offers one free car seat rental for members when they book a car through Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty. Ridesharing and airport and town car services may also provide a car seat with advance reservations.

There are hundreds of travel car seat options for infants, toddlers, and older kids. We began the whittling down process by examining online customer reviews and existing media coverage, which included going to Car Seats for the Littles , Lucie’s List , and the Car Seat Lady . We found the travel car seat category to be sorely lacking in an abundance of great options, so we also considered some “regular” car seats and alternatives.

We knew from our expert interviews that proper installation is generally a far bigger problem than the level of protection that a seat inherently provides, so we searched the NHTSA ease-of-use installation database to help determine which seats offer easy installation and come with clear instructions. We also relied on the personal experience of Wirecutter staffers, volunteer testers, and car seat techs who had used the car seats in the past.

Our research led us to conclude that the ideal travel car seat should be:

Lightweight and compact: A travel car seat will likely need to be carried between multiple locations, sometimes with a baby inside (if we’re talking about an infant). The less the seat weighs, the easier it is to deal with when combined with children and carry-on items. A more compact seat can also fit more readily in a wide variety of vehicles.

FAA approved: For parents who want to use their infant seat, convertible car seat, or harness booster on a plane, FAA certification is crucial.

Easy to install: As with all of our car seat recommendations, ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it is to be done properly.

Easy to use: Straps should be simple to adjust to get a snug but comfortable fit in a five-point harness. The buckles should be easy for parents to clip and unclip but difficult to impossible for children to mess with. We considered the experience of both parents and kids in using the seats, as well as how easy each seat was to clean.

Safe: When it comes to travel, convenience can trump a minor safety advantage; a seat that you can bring along with you is vastly superior to no seat at all. Still, we did take the relevant government safety data from NHTSA into consideration.

Over the past five years we’ve tested 17 car seats with travel specifically in mind.

If you’re shopping for an infant car seat with travel in mind, we recommend the FAA-approved Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks in our guide to infant car seats . It is lightweight and easy to use, and it can be installed securely without its base using the European belt path, a method that generally provides a superior install. (Any infant seat can be installed without its base, so if you already have an infant seat, using what you already own is likely the easiest choice.)

You can save on weight and bulk by leaving a car seat base at home when traveling. There are two ways to install an infant seat without its base. The most common is American belt routing, in which the seat belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the baby’s knees. We’ve found that it can be very difficult to secure an infant seat in the car securely using this method.

A few seats also offer the option to rely on the European belt path, the method we prefer, in which the lap belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the shoulder belt goes around the back. It’s easier to get a secure install with the European belt path, but it’s only found on a few car seat models. Of the four infant car seats we recommend, only the Chicco KeyFit 35 and Clek Liing offer the option of using the European belt path.

Beyond the advantage of the European belt bath, the Chicco KeyFit 35 has everything we love about the more popular Chicco KeyFit 30 with a few bonus features, such as an anti-rebound base as an added safety option. The KeyFit 35 can also accommodate a slightly larger baby (up to 35 pounds) than the KeyFit 30.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The KeyFit 35 is about $50 more than our top infant car seat choice, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX . It probably doesn’t make sense to buy this seat just for travel if you already own a similar infant car seat. But if you plan to be jet-setting with your baby, it may be worth the additional $50 or so to get a better on-the-go install from the start.

The Doona is an FAA-approved infant car seat (rear-facing only) with built-in wheels that allow it to convert to a stroller. For travel, this is about as convenient as it gets, allowing caregivers to rely on a single piece of equipment to accomplish two goals: avoid gate-checking a stroller—assuming an airline seat is purchased for the infant—and hop in and out of cabs without having to stow anything in the trunk.

Compared with a regular infant car seat, the Doona has some drawbacks. For one thing, it did not perform particularly well in Baby Gear Lab’s crash testing (there are no government crash tests available yet for this seat). For this reason, and because it’s tricky to install without its base (as most infant seats are), one of our car seat experts does not recommend this seat. At 14.3 pounds, it’s heavy and bulky to carry and maneuver when in car seat mode. The Doona also has the steepest price of any of the car seats (including infant, convertible, and boosters) that we’ve reviewed. It does come with a traditional infant car seat base that allows for an easy click in and out of a car, but the extra width means it could be impossible to fit three across in a backseat. And it would defeat the point to use that base for travel.

Switching the Doona from car seat mode to stroller mode and back requires “both hands and concentration,” said one tester, as well as “quite a bit of practice for me. It takes a rather specific, subtle motion to collapse it back and tuck the wheels.” It’s harder than taking a regular infant car seat off of a stroller with an infant seat attachment. Plus, once your child outgrows this seat, you’ll have to buy another stroller.

As a stroller, the Doona maneuvers easily, and the brake is intuitive and easy to use. But though it comes with an attached storage bag, the Doona lacks a storage basket.

The inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next weighs just 6.8 pounds, is relatively easy to carry and install, and can be used rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 22 to 40 pounds. It’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane (using the plane’s seatbelt).

The Scenera Next sells for $60, which is a bargain compared with many convertible car seats (the Graco Extend2Fit , our favorite convertible seat for everyday use, is a little over $200). The seat gets strong safety ratings from NHTSA, and given its low weight and heft and easy-enough install, we think it’s the best option available for an on-the-go or backup car seat. We strongly prefer the (heftier) Graco Extend2Fit for everyday use. That’s because it’s easier to get a safe, secure install with that seat and to adjust it to fit the child. Plus, it can be used forward-facing until a kid is 65 pounds and 49 inches tall—a much longer usable life than the Scenera Next.

Several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Scenera Next, appreciating its low cost, low weight, and small size. They’ve found that the seat’s slim profile makes it a great option for smaller cars (specifically, a Prius or Renault Scenic). Senior editor Courtney Schley found that the Cosco allowed her to get three seats (two Scenera Nexts and one infant car seat) across in her family’s car.

The Scenera Next’s low shoulder straps mean that a child may outgrow this seat well before they are ready for a booster. ( Shoulder straps should hit at or below the shoulders when a child is rear-facing; when forward-facing the straps should hit at or above the shoulders.) The low straps mean that many 3-year-olds with longer torsos may outgrow the seat in forward-facing mode, even though the seat’s height and weight limits indicate that it should fit an average-size kid up to age 4. With a long torso, the straps end up hitting below the shoulders, a situation that can compromise safety.

Though the Scenera Next is simple to install compared with other lightweight convertible car seats we tested, some of our testers still found it difficult to get a tight, secure install. It has hook LATCH straps that aren’t particularly easy to use—you really have to tug on the LATCH straps to get a tight fit, and getting them off can be an even bigger challenge. We preferred installing the seat with a seat belt in unfamiliar cars, which was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt), and made it much easier to uninstall.

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness wasn’t as responsive or easy to use as those on more expensive seats. The Scenera Next also has less padding than many seats, though Baer points out that the padding on most seats is highly compressible, meaning that just because a seat looks fluffier doesn’t mean it provides much more cushion.

This seat also has a few downsides if you bring it on a plane. Like most convertible car seats, it’s wider than the aisle, so you have to carry it awkwardly down the plane to get to your seat, which can be quite a challenge if you’re on your own and have other carry-on items (plus your child). Additionally, the plane’s seat belt buckle is going to be pushing into your child’s back if the seat is oriented forward-facing. Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends installing any seat with this issue rear-facing, even if a kid is used to forward-facing. Or you can put a diaper or other soft item over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a solid option for kids who are no longer rear-facing but still benefit from a five-point harness. It’s affordable, weighs just 12 pounds, and is relatively easy to install using the car’s seat belt while in harness mode (it also comes with LATCH straps, though we didn’t find these as easy to use). Like other boosters, when in booster mode, this seat relies on the car’s seat belt to secure the child, so there’s no need to install it.

This bigger-kid seat can see a growing child through years of travel: It can be used as a forward-facing five-point harness booster seat from 30 to 65 pounds and then as a regular (harness-free) high-back booster from 40 to 100 pounds (up until a child is 52 inches tall).

As a five-point harness, it’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane using the plane’s seatbelt. However, when it’s in booster mode, like all boosters, it cannot be used on an airplane.

In harness mode, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 performed well in an NHTSA crash test. And several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 while traveling after their child outgrew the Cosco Scenera Next—they liked the price and straightforward install. Converting the seat to a booster is fairly straightforward , and the seat has storage for the harness, crotch buckle, and chest clip. Once the seat is in booster mode, your child can’t use it on an airplane, but many airlines will allow you to check a booster seat for free (you may wish to check with your airline in advance).

A more expensive version of the Cosco Finale 2-in-1, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 , is also available. The only difference between the two is the fabric—the DX has a tiny bit more cushion and a slightly less slippery texture. We asked several children to try each seat and then report their favorite (they wore blindfolds, to remove color preference as a factor). There was no clear winner between the two seats, and our adult testers could hardly distinguish a difference in the cushioning. For this reason, we don’t think it’s worth the extra $20 for the DX.

When using the Finale 2-in-1 in harness mode, you first have to install it in the car, which you can do either with the seat’s LATCH straps or with the car’s seat belt. We found the Finale 2-in-1’s hook LATCH straps difficult to use—it’s hard to get a tight fit in the car, and getting them off can be a big challenge. As we did with the Cosco Scenera Next, we preferred installing the harnessed seat with a seat belt; this was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt) and also made it much easier to uninstall. (When the harness is removed and the seat is in booster mode, you do not need to install it in the car, since the car’s seat belt holds it in place and secures the child.)

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness was a bit more difficult to open compared to those on more expensive seats like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 . The straps have to be manually threaded through the car seat, which isn’t particularly difficult or time consuming, but you have to remember to do it before you install the seat. It also has less padding than many seats, though our child testers didn’t complain (however, we didn’t take it on any long road trips).

This seat won’t have as many years of use as other travel options, like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1, because the Cosco has a maximum height of 52 inches (most boosters go to 57 inches) and does not convert to a backless booster.

If you need to travel with a convertible car seat, you can bring the one you already have to the airport and onto the airplane with the Britax Travel Cart . The main benefit of bringing your own is that you’ll have a seat that you (and your child) are comfortable with, and that you know how to install confidently.

There are a number of similar travel carts out there, but we think this one offers the most for the price. We like that when the car seat is strapped onto the cart using the car seat’s LATCH clips, you can use the whole thing like a stroller and push (or pull) your child through the airport. The frame is also studier than other models—it can hold a total of 100 pounds of car seat and child. Plus, when it’s time to get on the plane you can fold the cart to stow it in an overhead bin.

At about $100 for the cart, it is cheaper to purchase a budget convertible car seat like the Cosco Scenera Next. However, depending on your circumstances, the Britax Travel Cart may outlive the expiration of many car seats (which are between six and 10 years), and could be used for future car seats, or passed along without as much consideration as a used car seat.

For a cheap, no-frills booster seat, the Cosco Rise is a reliable option that weighs only 2.2 pounds. It’s simple to use: Like other backless booster seats, it does not need to be physically attached to the vehicle; a child simply sits in it and fastens the car’s lap belt over their knees (under the seat’s sides).

The Chicco GoFit Plus is our overall top pick for the best backless booster seat because it’s cushy, made with easy-to-clean materials, and includes two cup holders and a LATCH system to anchor the seat to the car. But it’s bulky, heavy, and not great for travel. The Cosco Rise has fewer bells and whistles, but it offers a key safety feature: Unlike many other boosters, this seat has a strap that attaches to a car’s shoulder belt to adjust the belt’s position for smaller riders (the shoulder belt should always rest on a child’s collarbone, and not against their neck).

The Cosco Rise can accommodate children as small as 40 pounds, as long as they are also 43 inches tall, meaning it will work for most kids 5 and up but may not accommodate some 4-year-olds.

This seat is a bit too large to fit easily into a carry-on suitcase or backpack (it takes up almost all the room top-to-bottom in a standard-sized carry-on, with only a little room left on the side). There is also almost no padding on this seat, merely a polyester cover, but for short rides, our testers didn’t complain.

If you want an upgraded infant seat that’s great for travel : We recommend the Clek Liing , one of our favorite infant seats . Like the Chicco KeyFit 35, the Clek Liing can be installed without its base using a European belt path, which is much easier to get secure than the standard American belt routing found on most infant car seats. And when you’re at home, we love how easy it is to install the Liing’s base, which includes an added safety feature: a load leg .

If you want a high-end infant seat and don’t own a car: The lightweight, easy-to-clean Clek Liingo is similar to the Clek Liing but without the base. In general, we think installing a seat with the base is an easier and more secure option with infant car seats. But if you don’t own a car, the Liingo can be installed without a base in several ways. It has the same European belt path that the Liing has, which routes the lap belt over the top and the shoulder belt around the back for more security than an install that just goes over the top of the seat. The Liingo also comes with a LATCH strap that routes in the same spot as the lap belt—though we found this was not nearly as secure as the European belt path routing.

If you want a longer-lasting five-point harness seat for older kids: The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is a good choice. This forward-facing-only seat has a five-point harness that holds kids from 22 to 65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall, and it can be adjusted without rethreading it, so it is easier to modify as your child grows. When your child is ready for a regular booster, you can remove the harness and crotch buckle, converting the seat to a high-back booster that can hold a child from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. Finally, you can remove the back and convert the seat to a lightweight backless booster that can also be used from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.

First off, a car seat must be FAA-approved—as all of our recommended infant and convertible seats are—for a kid to ride in one on an airplane. (Booster seats are reserved for older children and not intended for use on airplane seats.)

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and CPSTs believe it is safer for kids under 2 to ride in a car seat aboard a plane rather than in their parents’ arms. In the event of turbulence or rough air, a child is much safer if strapped in. Being injured in turbulence , though unlikely, does affect a handful of American flyers each year, and recent research indicates that turbulence is on the rise due to climate change.

Many parents find that air travel is easier when their child has their own seat (though of course you have to pay for that additional seat). Children are allowed to sit on caregivers’ laps on planes until age 2, but few toddlers can sit still for a long period of time, and that extra harness and recline (as well as familiarity) provided by the car seat may keep a child seated comfortably longer, especially once they are mobile but still too young to fully understand how to sit still in a lap belt.

There are a number of challenges to bringing a car seat, especially a convertible seat designed for a toddler, onto a plane. Some smaller planes may have seats that aren’t wide enough for many convertible car seats. And even if the car seat is narrow enough for the plane, not many seats are narrow enough to easily fit down the aisle. The Clek Foonf , one of our convertible car seat picks, is one of them, but it is pricey and heavy. (The Clek Fllo , Graco SlimFit3 LX , and Graco True3Fit LX also fit on an airplane seat, but we did not test them.) You’ll generally have to lift a car seat above the seats to carry it to the rear of a plane.

Finally, unlike a car seat buckle, which sits on your hip, a plane’s seat buckle sits right in the middle of your lap. That means for many car seats, once you install them on the plane, there’s going to be a large metal buckle below your child’s legs or behind their back (the Clek seats are among the few without this issue). Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends using convertible seats with buckle-in-the-back issues rear-facing, even with a larger child—they’ll likely be more comfortable if their feet have a place to rest, plus they won’t be trying to rest their feet on the passenger’s seat in front of them. You can also put a diaper or spare T-shirt over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

Some parents may find it simpler to use a CARES harness (Child Aviation Restraint System) to help keep kids in their seats on a plane (and their kids may prefer sitting in an airplane seat over a car seat); you install this four-point harness around the child’s seatback and under the tray behind it.

Most airlines allow at least one car seat to be checked for free but doing so has several potential problems . The luggage can be handled roughly and tossed, damaging the car seat in the process. Seats, like any piece of luggage, can also be lost or misplaced in transit. Ultimately, the main reason you may want to have your child use a car seat on the plane is so that you are absolutely confident you’ll have the car seat when you arrive at your destination.

For people who do check in their car seats, Harrison recommends—ideally—using the original box and styrofoam that the seat came with if they are available or using Bubble Wrap and a garbage bag if not. Examine the seat for visible damage when it comes out at baggage claim, and be prepared to replace the seat if it’s broken or bent.

Infant travel seats

The Chicco Fit2 can accommodate infants as small as 4 pounds and toddlers as large as 35 pounds or 35 inches. Like the Chicco KeyFit 35 we recommend as the best infant car seat for travel, it can be installed with a European belt path. But because of this seat’s large size, some seat belts are too short to route over the car seat securely.

Convertible travel seats

We previously recommended the lightweight, foldable, forward-facing WAYB Pico (rhymes with “baby”) as a good travel car seat for kids who are too big for the Cosco Scenera Next but still need a five-point harness. Its adjustable seat back allows it to accommodate taller kids, and its slim design means it takes up less room in the backseat than other car seats. The 8-pound seat is exceptionally convenient to install, uninstall, and carry around, including through airports and onto a plane. In September 2019, however, WAYB announced it was recalling 4,558 Pico car seats manufactured between March 1 and May 12, 2019, due to reports of breakage in the aluminum tube connecting the headrest to the seat. You can read NHSTA’s report (PDF)  for details about the recall, how to identify your car seat’s date of manufacture, and how to inspect your car seat for damage. Since the recall, there have not been further reports of problems. Like all car seats sold in the US, the Pico was self-certified by WAYB to pass NHTSA standards (PDF) for safety testing.

The EvenFlo Tribute is a lightweight seat (9 pounds) similar to the Cosco Scenera Next and also has a weight limit of 40 pounds, but as our convertible car seat guide testing showed us, it’s not as easy to get a good install with this seat. CPSTs like Harrison recommend using a towel or pool noodle when using the Tribute to address this. It’s also more expensive than the Cosco Scenera Next.

Booster travel seats

We previously recommended the BubbleBum , an inflatable, portable backless booster seat for older kids. However, in February 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety raised concerns about the safety of inflatable boosters. A study using a computerized model determined that an inflatable booster may not have the stiffness required to keep a child from sliding out from under the lap belt upon impact in a car crash.

The backless Cosco Topside is too large to fit into a carry-on or a backpack. Unlike the Cosco Rise , our favorite backless booster for travel, this booster seat also doesn’t have a belt-positioning clip, which can help the shoulder belt fit better on a smaller rider.

We liked the Graco RightGuide booster seat because it was small enough to fit inside a carry-on or backpack. But it was discontinued.

The Immi Go is a booster car seat with a five-point harness that folds conveniently into its own carrying bag. Due to low sales, it is no longer for sale in the US, but you may see this seat if you travel abroad.

The MiFold backless booster seat (currently unavailable) is small enough to fit into the back pocket of some pants and weighs less than 2 pounds. It works by moving the seat belt down to fit the kid (as opposed to raising the kid to fit the belt, as other boosters do). However, our testers found its hard plastic shell uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time and said that the seat was complicated and unintuitive to set up. Also, a car seat safety expert we consulted noted that the design of the seat may encourage a child to use bad posture while they’re sitting in it—in an effort to find a more comfortable position, the child may tend to scoot forward, moving the slick-bottomed seat along with them, which could pose a safety concern.

Travel carts

The Torevsior Car Seat Travel Cart is about $30 less than the Britax Travel Cart we recommend, but it’s also less robust—the frame just doesn’t feel as sturdy. The weight limit is also lower than the Britax’s, at 70 pounds versus Britax’s 100 pounds. Like the Britax travel cart, the Torevsior cart has hooks for LATCH straps, to secure a car seat onto the cart so that your child can ride in it as you’re moving through the airport. It’s 6.4 pounds (Britax is 7.6 pounds), and extends up to 46 inches (Britax to 42 inches).

All of the guidelines for car seat care, use, and maintenance in our other car seat guides apply to travel car seats as well.

This guide was edited by Ellen Lee, Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , email exchange , August 1, 2022

Alisa Baer, pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor, and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady , phone interview, July 15, 2022 and January 9, 2023

Lani Harrison, CPST, Car Seats for the Littles , email interview , January 28, 2019

Meet your guides

Christina Szalinski

Christina Szalinski is a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology.

Rebecca Gale

Further reading

The Best Booster Car Seats

by Rebecca Gale

After researching over 50 booster car seats and testing 13, we’ve concluded that the convenient Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus is the best overall choice.

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

The Best Infant Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski

After extensive research and field testing, we found that the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the best infant car seat for most families.

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee.

Best Rotating Car Seats of 2024

If you find yourself twisting and struggling to get your child in and out of your vehicle, rotating car seats help significantly. This car seat type swivels and rotates up to 360 degrees, so instead of manipulating your stance to finagle your baby in and out, you simply turn the car seat to come to you . It may seem like an insignificant thing, but people who are regularly running to school drop-offs, visiting grandparents, and going to the grocery store know how valuable the swivel feature is.

Another helpful thing about rotating car seats is that they tend to also be convertible car seats, meaning they convert from rear-facing to forward-facing units to last for years. If you’re going to invest in a car seat that stands the test of time anyway, you might as well make sure that it rotates to make your life just a little bit easier.

Table of Contents

• Best Rotating Car Seats
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend Rotational All-in-One Convertible Car Seat  »

One-hand, 360-degree rotation in all modes

Extended rear facing up to 50 pounds

Converts to forward facing and booster

SensorSafe senses potentially unsafe conditions

14 headrest positions and multiple recline positions

Zip-on, reversible leg rest

On the bulkier side

Harness buckle is shorter

The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend Rotational All-in-One Convertible Car Seat has just about everything you’d want in a car seat, which is why it’s our best overall pick. This unit allows you to rotate it 360 degrees with just one hand, and that swivel capability is available as it converts from rear facing to forward facing to high-back booster mode. It was designed to keep your child up to 50 pounds rear facing, the safest position for an infant or toddler, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), for an extended period of time.

This best rotating car seat uses the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for installation, and it can also be used with your vehicle’s seat belt. It features a SensorSafe clip that lays across the chest and alerts parents to four potentially unsafe conditions, including an unexpected unbuckled chest clip, temperatures that are too hot or cold, an unattended child in the car, and a child seated for too long.

This Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA)-certified model lasts until your child reaches 120 pounds or 57 inches tall, making it well worth the fair cost. And they’ll be plenty comfortable for years to come with the included zip-on, reversible leg rest.

Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Rotating Car Seat  »

Car seats are a regularly used piece of baby gear that serve the ultimate safety purpose, which is why price tags are typically in the hundreds. The Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Rotating Car Seat is the top option you can get at a relatively budget-friendly price. It has gone through Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 213 crash testing and is Graco ProtectPlus Engineered, meaning it has passed a combination of rigorous crash tests for frontal, rear, and rollover crashes.

Its first standout feature is its no-rethread harness, meaning you’ll be able to move the straps up and down without having to reroute them as your child grows. Speaking of which, this best rotating car seat accommodates your child from rear facing to forward facing to high-back booster. The downside, however, is that the seat is only able to rotate in the rear-facing position.

Installation with this Graco is quick, as it utilizes InRight LATCH connectors or your vehicle’s seat belt. It’s also certified to be used on your next airplane ride, though it does weigh 30 pounds.

Nuna Revv  »

GOTS organic cotton head and body inserts

GreenGuard Gold Certified and fire retardant-free

360-degree rotation

Rear-facing and forward-facing modes

Magnetic buckle holders

10 headrest positions and 10 recline positions

Doesn’t convert to a booster seat

Although the Nuna Revv doesn’t convert to a booster seat, it does convert from rear-facing to forward-facing mode – and it has 360-degree rotation in both positions. Magnetic buckle holders come in handy when you’re trying to place a fussy newborn in the seat quickly.

This unit’s high price tag might come from the fact that it’s GreenGuard Gold Certified – meaning it’s built to contribute to safer, healthier air and has been screened for more than 15,000 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Plus, it uses Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) organic cotton in the included infant head and body inserts. So you’ll feel good about putting your infant in this option. The seat pads are machine washable, too.

To make sure your little one is as comfortable as possible, this model offers 10 headrest positions (that can be adjusted with one hand) and 10 recline positions. The integrated anti-rebound bar will minimize rotation in the unfortunate event of a collision. There are so many appealing features that make sure infants will be carefully cradled during their earliest days.

Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat  »

Premium padding and removable infant insert

CoolMax moisture-wicking material

10 headrest positions and five recline positions

One-hand, 180-degree rotation

Patented rotation brings child 10 inches closer to you

Durable steel-reinforced frame

Only rotates in rear-facing mode

You want your baby to be as comfortable as possible, especially if long car rides are on the horizon. With the Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat, the fabric is the star of the show. It has premium padding and an infant insert that you can remove when your child outgrows it. The seat features CoolMax moisture-wicking material so their temperature will be regulated in the back seat. Plus, there are 10 headrest positions and five recline positions to help them enjoy their seat.

One downside, like our best budget pick, is that the City Turn only rotates when it’s in the rear-facing mode. So once you convert it to the forward-facing position, you’ll lose that capability. Baby Jogger says that when you’re able to use the 180-degree rotation, however, it’ll bring your baby 10 inches closer to you for easy in and easy out, thanks to patented technology.

This unit has a no-rethread harness, an integrated push-button LATCH, and a dishwasher-safe cup holder for additional nice touches that make the Baby Jogger a high contender.

Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 Rotating All-in-One Convertible Car Seat  »

360-degree FlexiSpin technology in all modes

Rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster modes

ClipQuik magnetic chest clip

Machine-washable and dryer-friendly fabrics

Two rotating, dishwasher-safe, sippy cup-compatible cup holders

May be difficult to install

May be difficult to swivel with one hand

There’s a lot to love about the Maxi-Cosi Emme 360 Rotating All-in-One Convertible Car Seat. This American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)-certified and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)-compliant model features 360-degree FlexiSpin technology, which can be used as it converts from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster modes. Scooting yourself into the car to get your baby out is a thing of the past.

The LATCH connectors make installation quick, and the red-to-green tension-sensitive indicator ensures it’s done correctly. You can also just use your vehicle’s seat belt. There isn’t room for extensive finagling to get your child out of the car seat either, as it features a ClipQuik magnetic chest clip for a struggle-free moment.

The Maxi-Cosi Emme has 10 headrest positions and five recline positions. The unit has two innovative cup holders, which also rotate, are removable and dishwasher safe, and can hold your toddler’s sippy cup. To make cleanup easy, the fabrics can be tossed in the washing machine and dryer for all of life’s little accidents. The toughest decision you’ll have to make here is which of the six color combinations to select.

The Bottom Line

The big appeal of rotating car seats is that they allow parents to get their child in and out of their vehicle with ease. Not all models, however, can be turned a full 360 degrees. And not all of them include that swivel feature after it converts out of the rear-facing position. You have to decide if either of those factors are deal breakers for you. (Remember that by the time your little one is in the forward-facing position, they’ll be more helpful with getting themselves in and out of the seat). Once you decide on those two things, move on to the can’t-live-without features. Look for things that make your life easier, like machine-washable fabrics and various headrest and recline positions. It also doesn’t hurt to have magnetic buckle holders, dishwasher-safe cup holders, and a GreenGuard Gold Certified status, but things like that are most likely not make-or-break additions. We stand by our best overall pick, the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend Rotational All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, which packs in the safety features and nice extras.

Things To Consider When Buying Rotating Car Seats

Safety Certifications and Ratings

In order for a car seat – rotating or not – to be sold in the United States, it must meet stringent safety regulations, as set by the NHTSA, explains Joe Colella, JPMA director of Child Passenger Safety and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee. “A car seat that meets these standards is required to be labeled with, ‘This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards,’” he says.

You may have noticed that some car seats, and other baby gear, have additional certifications. When a product is JPMA certified, it means that an independent laboratory tested it to ensure it meets the highest standards for quality, safety, performance, and functionality. The process is voluntary and focuses on baby products. The ASTM establishes the performance requirements and test methods that organizations, like the JPMA, use to test products.

Ease of Installation

Installing a rotating car seat isn’t necessarily different from any other car seat. Most have LATCH connectors for a secure, stable fit that makes the process painless. Many are also compatible with just your vehicle’s seat belt. And some are even approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for aircraft use.

Properly setting up a car seat can be intimidating, so it’s helpful when it includes other features to ensure you’ve done it right. Some models have level indicators or colored seat belt paths for a stress-free installation. Don’t forget to check for manufacturer videos that walk you through the steps.

Compatibility With Your Vehicle

There’s a very good chance that the rotating car seat you have your eye on is going to work just fine in your vehicle. But it doesn’t hurt to check, and that’s where your car’s user manual comes in handy. Look at the dimensions and any information that would suggest the car seat might not be a fit.

“Rotating car seats, while offering enhanced convenience, may be slightly larger than traditional seats,” says Alli Cavasino, co-founder and CEO of JoyLet. “This size consideration is important for ensuring a secure fit in your vehicle and maintaining the comfort of other passengers. For this reason, if you’d like to install three rotating car seats in a row, that might not be possible in your vehicle. If they do all fit together, you will likely not be able to use the swivel functionality.”

Rotating car seats are, for the most part, designed to stay put in the vehicle. However, some models may be compatible with travel stroller systems. As if we haven’t said it enough: Check the specific model to be sure either way.

Weight and Height Limits

Even if two car seats are from the same brand, that doesn’t mean they have the same weight and height limits. These numbers are specific to each model for a reason, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific seat. “These allowed ranges are reflected in the instructions and on the labels, and they must be followed to ensure optimal crash protection,” says Colella.

All the best rotating car seats on this list are convertible from rear facing to forward facing, and some go up to a booster, too. “To make it easy for parents to learn about the proper use of each mode, many manufacturers color-code their labels and instructions by mode of use,” says Colella. “That allows you to easily find the information appropriate for the way you are using the car seat at the time, and helps reduce confusion when instructions differ among modes of use.”

Seat Rotation Mechanism and Positions

The rotation feature is part of the base, so you do need it to use it. Not all rotating car seats are the same, though, and some extend a full 360 degrees while others stop at 180 degrees. Be sure to check if the swivel is available in all the car seat’s modes, including rear facing, forward facing, and booster. It’s only possible in rear-facing position for some models.

“The swivel feature may also help parents stick to their rear-facing goals longer. If it’s easy to get a toddler into their seat with a rotating car seat, you may not be tempted to transition to forward facing as soon,” says Cavasino.

It’s a perk when a brand specifies that its rotating car seat can be operated with one hand, but that’s not the case for each unit. “Parents should be aware that the ease of the seat rotation mechanism can differ among various models,” says Cavasino. “When selecting a rotating car seat, consider the comfort and convenience of the swivel mechanism for yourself.”

How We Chose the Best Rotating Car Seats

At U.S. News 360 Reviews, we know that safety is the most important factor when considering baby gear. When selecting the best rotating car seats, we looked at their safety certifications and features to make parents as comfortable as possible with their choice. We spoke with Joe Colella, JPMA director of Child Passenger Safety and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee, who offered his expert insight on car seats’ weight and height limits. We also consulted Alli Cavasino, co-founder and CEO of JoyLet , a baby registry site, who has extensive experience with baby gear, about car seat features, such as vehicle compatibility. Other considerations were ease of installation, headrest and recline positions, and price. With all of this in mind, we narrowed down our search to the best rotating car seats.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick , the author of this piece, has been researching, writing, and editing stories in the commerce space since 2017. Her expertise includes baby gear, and she has tested top accessories in their categories. For U.S. News 360 Reviews, she’s covered a range of the best products for little ones, including the best strollers , best bassinets , and best baby bathtubs and bath seats . As a mom herself, Fitzpatrick understands the importance of spending your money on quality items that stand the test of time and keep your child comfortable in the process. Megan Wood is U.S. News 360 Reviews Senior Editor, focusing on baby gear, a role that perfectly combines her decade of product review and editorial testing experience with her love of obsessively helping parents find the right products for their families.

Who knew a simple rotation would change the way you get your child in and out of your vehicle?

“The swivel feature allows you to turn the seat to face you, eliminating the awkward twisting and bending often associated with traditional car seats,” says Cavasino. “This convenience is especially valuable for parents dealing with the challenges of placing a child in a car seat, making the process smoother and more comfortable.”

Cavasino suggests considering a rotating car seat for your family if:

• You struggle with bucking or harnessing.
• You will be getting your child in and out of the car multiple times a day.
• You have medical issues or challenges.

For the most part, you shouldn’t have a problem fitting most rotating car seats in most vehicles, but there are exceptions. To make sure yours isn’t one of them, do a bit of research.

“We recommend checking both the car seat and vehicle manuals to ensure proper installation,” says Cavasino. “Pay attention to size constraints, ensuring the seat securely fits in your vehicle without compromising the safety or comfort of your child or other passengers.”

Rotating car seats add a layer of convenience that parents appreciate. It allows them to get their child more easily in and out of the car without twisting themselves to get at the right angle. It also has its perks for kids, too.

“For young infants, they provide the parent easy access to the seating surface, the harnesses, and adjustment features,” says Colella. “For toddlers who may be uncooperative at times, in the case of convertible or all-in-one models, similar easy access allows parents and caregivers to better control the situation. For older children, the rotating feature can allow them to be seated more easily.”

About Our Team

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

Contributor

Senior Editor, 360 Reviews

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Best Baby Travel System – Stroller and Car Seat Combos Reviewed

Today’s parents are out and about, and their babies are, too. That’s why a baby travel system is totally essential to a parent’s ability to be busy.

The best baby travel system? Depends on your needs.

Best Double Stroller Travel System

Although the Graco Uno2Duo Travel System is bigger than single stroller systems, it offers more flexibility for your family.

Graco Uno2Duo Travel System

Great for Growing Families

No matter if you are just beginning your family or expanding it, flexibility is key. The Graco Uno2Duo Travel System offers the ability to work as a single or double stroller so that you can adjust according to your needs. 

The Car Seat

Graco makes some of the best infant car seats, and the SnugRide SnugLock 35 that’s included with the Uno2Duo system is no exception. Here is a quick overview of the specs of the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 infant car seat:

• Holds infants from 4 to 35 pounds, and up to 32 inches
• SnugLock technology means you can install the base tightly every time
• Click Connect compatible with Graco strollers
• Weighs only 7 pounds
• Adjustable reclining base connects to vehicle with latch connector straps for added security
• Meets or exceeds all US car seat safety standards
• Made with EPS foam for safety, and has particularly good side impact protection
• 5 point safety harness with one hand adjust system
• Large canopy to protect baby from the sun
• Removable infant support pillow

At this point, you’re probably wondering if Graco is secretly paying me to give all their products rave reviews. While I wish they would, they aren’t. I have simply compared Graco products to other products and they hold their own. This lovely travel system is no exception. It’s gotten outstanding reviews on many websites.

You can check out our full review of the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 30 , which is an extremely similar car seat model that can be bought separately.

The Stroller

Graco has taken the best of the single stroller world and combined it with the best of the double stroller world. Graco says that this stroller “is ready for 1 and grows for 2.” And that’s exactly what it does.

It has a lightweight design . This stroller frame alone weighs in at 23.2 pounds, which is not too bad, considering that it can hold two children. The car seat adds an additional 7 pounds, and the toddler seat adds 6.5 pounds, so, all told, this stroller weighs 36.7 pounds before babies and bags are added.

As for that flexibility we talked about, there are 18 total ways to configure the stroller – 10 for one child and 8 for two children. Think about it this way: you have a toddler seat that can sit in front or back of the stroller. That same toddler seat can convert into an infant bassinet, which can sit on the front of the stroller. There’s a standing platform for an older child. And finally, the car seat can attach to either the frame, front or back, or it can click into an extra toddler seat. For those who like math, that second toddler seat (sold separately) adds an additional 4 ways to ride, for a grand total of 22 ways to ride!

It sounds like that second seat is really going to crowd the stroller, but not when you expand the frame! The frame expands out 5 inches and locks into place, which allows for 2 kids to ride comfortably and not be squashed. And if you are only rocking with 1 baby and need a little extra storage? Go ahead and expand that frame and get 5 extra inches of room out of the big storage basket. It’s amazing!

A double stroller needs double storage, that’s just baby science. Thankfully, while the Uno2Duo doesn’t have a parent console, it does have a dishwasherable cup holder and a parent phone caddy that clicks onto each side of the handle. And don’t worry, baby has their own snack tray and double drink holder, so they won’t be hogging up your precious space. This snack tray also acts as the adapter for clicking the car seat in and out if you choose to use it with the seat and not just on the stroller frame. 

Some double strollers require super-human strength, a full-length truck bed, and a Ph.D. in mechanics to fold. Graco is well known for their “fast action fold,” which is supposed to take one second and be done with one hand . This stroller can definitely be folded easily. While most strollers fold in half at the seat, this stroller collapses down upon itself. Just pull the release lever on the handle and push down, and you are left with a compact stroller ready to store. Bonus: no handle drags on the ground when folded!

For your baby’s comfort, there’s a convertible 5 point safety harness to 3 point safety harness. This is nice, since baby can stay in the toddler seat until they reach 50 pounds. There’s also a multi-position reclining seat that can recline to be almost all the way flat (that’s how you get that bassinet, remember?). It’s got a large canopy that’s extendable with a visor and has a peek-a-boo window. 

Exact Specifications

Car seat weight limit: 4 to 35 pounds

Car seat height limit: Up to 32 inches

Car seat weight: 7 pounds

Stroller weight: 23.2 pounds frame, 29.7 pounds with toddler seat

Stroller weight limit: 50 pounds per seat

Areas for Improvement

• Tires need some work – they get stuck and start to wear down easily
• Bigger price tag
• Configuration can be awkward with second seat in the lower back – not much space to get in/out and can’t see ahead
• Bigger and bulkier than other single stroller systems

Here’s the full breakdown of the Graco Uno2Duo stroller . 

Best Baby Travel Systems

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 and Doona Infant Car Seat are best for travel, while the Evenflo Pivot Travel System and Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System are more affordable options for your family.

UPPAbaby Vista + Mesa Travel System

Pricey-But-Plush

Let’s start with the biggest thing for the UPPAbaby Mesa + Vista travel system : safety. The UPPAbaby Mesa infant car seat has a big head pillow that provides both comfort and an additional level of side impact protection for your growing child. The EPP foam helps absorb the energy of the impact away from your child and also helps them stay comfy.

This best car seat was awarded the NHTSA 5-Star rating for ease of use . That means that this seat makes it simple for parents to get a safe and secure fit every time. The Smart Secure system helps you to get the car seat in and ready in just a few seconds. It has an adjustable base, self-retracting latch connectors, and a tightness indicator . It even has levels on each side and a smooth, finished base for no vehicle seat indents.

Oh, and to get it out of the base? The release button is on top of the carrying handle . Genius!

Babies of all sizes will fit in this seat thanks to the 5 position adjustable and no-rethread harness . It’s even padded! You can move the bottom buckle to one of 2 positions to get the perfect fit.

The merino wool fabric of the UPPAbaby Mesa is stylish, naturally fire resistant , and even moisture wicking. The canopy is huge. You can wash both the seat cover and the canopy. One note: despite the cool fabric, babies tend to get hot in this seat.

At just 17 inches wide , the UPPAbaby Mesa Infant car seat fits well in smaller vehicles . The size of the UPPAbaby MESA car seat, together with the adjustable straps and plush infant insert , makes it perfect for preemies as small as 4 pounds.

Like the Mesa car seat, the UPPAbaby Vista Stroller has a ton of features .

The big draw of this stroller is that you can fit up to 3 kids in it. There are 2 seat options and a stroller board option. Both seats can face either forward or backward and can be reclined. The only downside is that you have to have the second seat and the stroller board removed in order to fold and store the stroller.

Speaking of folding, it’s really easy to do. And once you get it folded, the stroller will lock and stand on it’s own .

For when there’s just one baby, you can attach the cozy bassinet . It has a lot of padding, and a complete coverage sun shade. The bassinet can be detached and used as a carrier to keep baby sleeping. (Note: we said carrier, NOT car seat)

The toddler seat has inifinite recline, a massive sun canopy, and removable/washable fabrics .

As for working as a travel system, it’s the stroller base that accommodates the Mesa Infant Car Seat. Just click in the adapters and click the car seat down in. You can even haul around 2 bassinets or 2 car seats if you have 2 little ones! Many parents have complained that it can become crowded with the second seat, though.

For this price, you get more than just plastic wheels on a frame. Both the front wheels and the rear wheels have suspension and no-puncture tire design . The result is the baby stroller Cadillac equivalent. Like riding on air.

The storage for this stroller is so-so. The under seat basket is big and easy to get to. But that’s all there is. No drink holders or snack trays here. At least the telescoping handle bar and child arm bar are swaddled in real leather!

See how the Vista stroller compares to the Cruz stroller in our Uppababy comparison .

Car seat weight: 10 pounds

Stroller weight limit: Up to 50 pounds

Stroller frame weight: 19.3 pounds (26.6 pounds with toddler seat attached)

• Luxury features mean very high prices
• Car seat gets pretty hot (not breathable)
• Second seat must be removed in order to fold and store stroller
• No snack or drink trays on stroller
• Crowded with second seat attached

Evenflo Pivot Travel System

Small-Budget Friendly with Great Features

The Evenflo Pivot travel system features a fantastic car seat: the Evenflo SafeMax Infant Car Seat. This best infant car seat works for babies that are 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall .

The SafeZone base and has an anti-rebound bar (similar to some Britax models). It reduces the amount of movement that can happen after impact.

You can install the base with Evenflo’s very user-friendly latch system . Simply hook on the two lower anchor hooks (with button release!), tighten, and use the integrated belt lock off system to lock the base tightly into place. If you are using the vehicle belt, you’ll get just as secure of an installation because of this lock off system.

The base also has recline to get it at the right angle. You can use the built-in knob to adjust the seat until the built-in indicator level is in the right spot. With all these base safety and convenience features, it’s almost impossible to install it wrong .

The seat clicks easily into the base and the stroller and has an easy to access release latch on the back of the car seat. It might take you a couple tries to line it up, but once you do, it clicks into the base or stroller tightly.

Safety is most important. Like all Evenflo car seats, this seat has been designed and tested to meet or exceed all US safety standards two times over . It’s also got extra rollover and side impact protection to keep baby safe in any scary scenario.

The SafeMax has lots of padding , including an infant pillow insert, and uses breathable fabrics, so baby stays comfortable. There’s a 5 point safety harness that has an easy front adjust and padding, a big 3-panel canopy , and a padded handle for better carrying.

The stroller is the main attraction when it comes to this modular travel system. This one stroller actually functions as three different strollers: a baby carriage, an infant stroller, and a toddler stroller.

The Pivot stroller features 6 different ways to ride . How does it do this? Well, within the three different modes that I just mentioned, you can have the baby facing you or facing the world.

That means that as a baby carriage , which is probably the first mode you’ll use, you can have the baby bassinet facing toward you or toward the world .

This is not a totally unique feature but there aren’t that many bassinet stroller travel systems.

Then when you have a toddler on your hands, You can put them in the toddler seat , complete with padded harness, reclinable seat, and huge, 3 panel canopy with peek-a-boo window . You’ll have a convenient snack holder for baby too.

(I love seats that can face both ways! Check out my Urbini Reversi review for another great travel system that has a flippable seat.)

But do you want to hear the best part of the Evenflo Pivot ? The toddler seat and the baby carriage are the same piece of gear. You can convert it from one into the other with just a buckle and a strap. It works as a seat until baby reaches 50 pounds .

Finally, there is frame stroller or infant stroller mode . This is when you detach all seats from the stroller frame and use the frame itself to carry the SafeMax car seat . You can attach the car seat so that it faces you or so that it faces away from you. No adapters needed – it simply attaches to the frame itself on the sides.

The Pivot stroller is foldable . All you do is click the button on the sides of the frame, and the frame folds in half on itself. It can be folded with the toddler seat on, or when its just the frame alone. It is then pretty flat and easy to load into a trunk. It weighs in at about 15 pounds, so it’s not terribly heavy to fold and move. Maneuverability is nice, with front swivel wheels that are nice and thick. The back wheels feature a two-step (aka not linked) braking system .

Besides the amazing versatility and easy use of the stroller, you’re going to get a stroller that has very stylish design . Anyone looking at this stroller would have no idea that it’s an Evenflo. It honestly looks like an expensive boutique purchase.

The storage basket at the bottom has ample room and can be accessed from both the front and the back. There is a simple parent cup holder that can be placed anywhere on the handle.

Bonus: The Evenflo Pivot Xpand

I want to mention another version of this stroller really quickly. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel System has all the same features and user-friendliness of the single version, but with a bonus seat.

There are just as many ways to ride with the double version. There are up to 22 configurations with the second seat option. You can turn the seats in several different ways and you can adjust it with the amazing slide-and-lock feature that attaches the seat to the frame.

You still get a big storage basket, a peek-a-boo canopy, large tires, standing fold, adjustable handles, and other great extras. If you might expand your family some day, and love the idea of the Pivot, then the Pivot Xpand is definitely for you.

Car seat height limit: 17 to 32 inches

Car seat weight: 8.9 pounds

Stroller weight: 15 pounds

• Frame is a bit large, even when folded
• Front wheels get stuck
• Requires 2 hands to fold/unfold

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

A Reliable and Very Traditional Stroller Combo

The seat included with this travel system is the Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat. This best infant car seat is one of the safest on the market . It meets or exceeds all safety standards and also has EPS foam and a contoured shell for outstanding protection in an accident.

The included base has latch connectors and an easy tightening system to make sure that it’s installed properly. It does have clear belt routing and integrated lock-offs to install it easily without the base in place.

This car seat can hold an infant from 4 to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches in height. It has a newborn head and body support. It also has a nice, large canopy, and it’s easy to tighten and adjust five-point safety harness. It’s also easy to clean.

This seat is also relatively narrow. If you have multiple kids and need a narrow seat , there are quite a few good options.

See the different Keyfit versions in our complete Chicco car seat analysis.

They call this the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System because it has a trio of modes for use. The first mode is a car seat carrier. You can completely remove the seat, footrest, and canopy of the stroller to have just a frame to attach the car seat carrier. You do have to have the adapter, which is included when you purchase the travel system, in place to be able to click the KeyFit 30 car seat into place.

The next mode is a travel system mode, where you can have the Bravo stroller with the adapter for the car seat. This allows the baby to either sit in the car seat or sit in the stroller, as long as you remember to bring the adapter with you.

The final mode is the toddler stroller which is just the regular Bravo stroller. In this mode, the stroller can hold a child up to 50 pounds.

Besides these modes, it has a multi-position recliner for the back of the seat. It has an extra-large canopy with a peek-a-boo window. There’s a fantastic folding system that can be done one-handed. You just grab the handle under the seat and pull it up, then the auto-swivel wheels rotate inward automatically, and the stroller folds to a small and compact standing form . It’s basically foolproof.

The brakes of the all-wheel suspension stroller are linked, which means that braking one wheel in the back will also brake the other wheel. This stroller has two front wheels that can be swiveled or locked into place as you need.

The Bravo Trio stroller does weigh about 23 pounds. To finish out, the stroller also features a very large storage basket that’s easy to access in any mode, a small parent tray with two cup holders, and a 3-position adjustable push handle.

Car seat weight limit: 4 to 30 pounds

Car seat height limit: Up to 30 inches

Car seat weight: 9.6 pounds

Stroller weight limit: 5o pounds

Stroller weight: 23 pounds

• Stroller seat only faces out (can’t switch)
• Uses adapters for travel system (included)

Graco Modes Travel System

Lots of Flexibility and Features

The seat included with the Graco Modes combo is the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat . It’s really similar to the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 car seat that’s included with most Graco travel systems.

The big difference is that is uses the SnugLock installation instead of Click Connect . But the good news is that the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 is compatible with Click Connect strollers , just in case you ever change strollers or have a separate jogging stroller or something.

The SnugLock tech still gives that comforting and very audible “click!” when the car seat is attached to the base or stroller. You can install the car seat using the latch system or the seat belt . Either way, it takes 3 steps and it’s in nice and tight because of the unique locking arm that keeps the base in place.

The install is made even easier by the 4 position recline base and the bubble indicator that’s simple to read and use.

You’ll know it’s safe because it meets or exceeds all Federal safety standards . It also has EPS foam to keep baby comfortable and safe in any situation. This foam also keeps this best car seat lightweight, with it weighing just 7.5 pounds .

It’s got ample newborn head and body padding and an easily adjustable safety harness . There’s also a large rotating canopy . It’s meant for babies from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches .

Oh, and one last cool thing! It has a storage compartment to keep the product manual and latch straps in place for when you need them. I love little extras like this!

This stroller can function as 3 different types of stroller : an infant car seat carrier, an infant stroller, and a toddler stroller. Between those 3 functions, there are a grand total of 10 different ways to ride in the Graco Modes stroller.

Here’s a breakdown of the 10 modes:

• Infant car seat carrier with car seat facing parent
• Infant car seat carrier with car seat facing outward
• Travel system with both stroller seat and car seat attached, facing parent
• Infant stroller with seat facing parent
• Infant stroller with seat facing outward
• Little toddler stroller (footrest all the way up) with seat facing parent
• Little toddler stroller with seat facing outward
• Older toddler stroller (footrest all the way down) with seat facing parent
• Older toddler stroller with seat facing outward
• Big kid stroller, with no snack tray and footrest extended

There are a ton of cool features on this versatile stroller. The 3 position leg rest is what really helps give this the many modes, because it can be f olded all the way up to enclose an infant, or folded down flush with the seat for a big kid.

The reclining seat helps, too. It can be folded up straight, or it can be laid down flat to make the bassinet-like infant enclosure .

The wheels have suspension and do a pretty good job at turning. The front wheels have locks to make keeping on the straight and narrow (sidewalk) easy.

The standing, one-hand fold is really nice. Just click down the button on the handle and fold down. There’s a kickstand that keeps it up and there’s a lock that keeps it shut. Just undo the lock and pop it back open when you need it again.

You’ll also find a 3- or 5-point safety harness with removable pads. There’s a parent tray with drink holders and a covered compartment. There’s a similar snack tray for the kiddos . This snack tray and the supporting arm rests can both be removed when your baby gets big.

Finally, there’s a big canopy with a peek-a-boo window and a large under-seat storage compartment with both front and rear access.

If you have 2 kiddos (or might some day), check out the version that can hold two seats: the Graco Modes2Grow . There’s also a straight-up double version called the Graco Modes Duo .

Stroller weight limit: 50 pounds

Stroller weight: 21 pounds

• Harness is hard to buckle and unbuckle sometimes
• Can’t fold the stroller when in infant mode
• Handlebar can’t be adjusted
• Plastic wheels aren’t ideal, but still handle well

Baby Jogger City Mini GT Travel System

Tiny Fold for Easy Travel

This travel system comes with the Baby Jogger City GO infant car seat . This rear-facing car seat has a fully adjustable stay-in-car base with integrated belt lock-offs. The push-button latch hooks are so much easier to use when installing and removing the base! And if you want to go baseless, you can use the taxi-safe seatbelt path to secure the car seat in the vehicle.

This safe car seat meets or exceeds all safety standards. It has been side impact tested to ensure maximum safety. It uses EPS foam for both comfort and protection. It’ll fit a baby from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches.

This best car seat only weighs 10.2 pounds on it’s own, and even more with the base attached. This makes it one of the heavier, more solid car seats on the market. 

The 5 point safety harness is comfortable and easy to adjust. You don’t have to rethread the harness to adjust it, which is an incredible feature. It has a large carrying handle , a removable infant support insert , and a massive UPF50+ canopy as well. This car seat might not have a ton in the way of features, but it’s basic, simple, and safe. That’s all you really need!

This stroller will hold a child up to 65 pounds . This is nice since you’ll get many years of use out of it.

Your kiddo can relax in the reclining and padded seat . They’ll be protected by the large canopy with a mesh peek-a-boo window .  The large basket at the bottom has plenty of storage for bags, toys, snacks, and anything else you need.

The braking system is hand-operated and works really well. You can easily click it in and you don’t have to worry about snapping a toenail off.  The handlebar is adjustable as well. The front swivel wheels provide easy maneuvering for the sturdy frame. You can lock the wheels if you prefer.

There is no snack storage for kiddos. There’s also no storage for parents, aside from the bottom basket. You can purchase these items separately. You also have to use the adapters to put the car seat in, so that’s one more piece (well, technically 2) to keep track of. 

The fold is incredible . It only takes one hand to pull the strap to fold it and lock it into place. It’s just as easy to unfold. The fact that it folds up to be smaller and is light  means that you can carry it around with just one hand, too.

• Car seat weight limits: 4 to 30 pounds

Stroller weight: 22 pounds

• Folded stroller dimensions: 29.53″ x 24.21″ x 10.24″
• Stroller canopy is flimsy and comes undone easily
• Getting car seat lined up in car seat adapters is a learning curve
• Opening the folded stroller takes two hands
• Due to larger size overall, stroller is still pretty large when folded
• Name is deceiving; you can’t actually jog with this stroller!

Doona Infant Car Seat

All-in-One Option for City-Dwellers

The Doona Infant Car Seat is a sensational, one-of-a-kind product that incorporates all the best of the car seat and stroller worlds. 

As a car seat, this works for babies 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches, just like every other car seat on the market. It’s also approved for use in the car and on airplanes, just like most other car seats. 

This rear-facing only car seat has a unique carrying handle that turns into the stroller’s handle. It also acts as an anti-rebound bar while the car seat is installed in the vehicle. 

One of the best things about this best car seat is that it’s super narrow . Even with the reclining base , it’s small. At only 17.3 inches , it won’t hog the whole back seat. This does mean that it is smaller in general, though, so big babies beware.

The car seat is the stroller. I know, your mind is blown.

This stroller works as a true travel system base: the car seat just attaches at the snack tray to get pushed around. The stroller’s peek-a-boo canopy means that you can cover baby and still keep an eye on them. It’s got a 3 wheeled design with durable plastic wheels and front wheel suspension .

The height adjustable handle and parent snack tray/drink holders are great to have. The bottom basket is large, but hard to get to if the stroller seat is reclined.

The child seat reclines to several different positions. There’s a 5 point child safety harness, too. All this is topped off by an awesome 2 drink-holding snack tray that can be clicked off.

You can fold the stroller relatively easily with just one hand. The folding mechanism takes some practice and some muscle, since the stroller still weighs 33 pounds . Once folded, it’s nice and compact .

Car seat weight limit: 5 to 30 pounds

Car seat weight: 9.45 pounds

Stroller weight: 33 pounds

• Less-than-perfect quality
• Front wheel is hard to maneuver
• Car seat buckle is annoying
• No infant insert for car seat
• Smaller height and weight limits on both seat and stroller

Britax B-Free & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System

Streamlined Safety and Style

The seat included with the Britax B-Free and B-Safe Gen2 travel system is the Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit. This is Britax’s newest car seat and an update to the much-loved Britax B Safe 35 Infant Car Seat . This seat will hold an infant from 4 to 35 pounds and 32 inches tall or shorter. For the smaller babes, it has a lovely head and body cushion that’s removable as baby grows.

The B Safe Gen2 meets or exceeds all US safety standards. This is one of the best infant car seats because it features Britax’s SafeCell impact protection. This little network of plastic honeycombs inside the base and the car seat itself does wonders for absorbing energy in a crash. The car seat was also designed with a steel frame to help stabilize the car seat at the connection point to the vehicle, which is where the most durability is needed. The car seat has a wonderful contoured shell design, now with more interior room for baby to sit. Not only does this make it smaller in your vehicle , but it also helps the car seat to move around less and also offers deep side impact protection.

The base has SafeCell impact protection, and it also has the SafeCenter latch feature. This is a set of center-pull straps that make tightening the base in the car a cinch . The latch connectors are created with an on/off button that allows you to make placing and releasing the anchors very easy as well. It also features built-in lock-offs for when you want to use your car seat belt to install it.

The Gen2 FlexFit, just like the B Safe 35, also features a quick-adjust harness. This allows you to move the safety harness and the headrest up as your child grows. You simply remove a lever and the entire headrest and shoulder strap system moves upward. There’s no need to rethread straps every time you need to make an adjustment.

Extras: In addition to the wonderful safety features, this car seat has perks like an extra-large canopy, spring-assisted recline, and ergonomic handle for comfortable caring, and an extra-padded 5 point safety harness. And as an added bonus, you can use this car seat with any Britax stroller, just in case you buy an additional one or buy a different one later.

Video Review of the B-Free B-Safe Gen2 Travel System

The B-Free is a high-quality and lightweight stroller. It’s got a light aluminum frame, weighing in at only 22 pounds. That makes the stroller both easy to carry and easy to push . This holds true all the way through the 65-pound child weight limit. 

All-wheel suspension and a swivel front wheel give you additional ease of movement and a really tight turning radius . You can easily hit the brakes by using the linked parking brake . That will stop both rear wheels with just one push of the toe. And the no-flat wheels have the feeling of being air-filled without the hassel. 

The stroller is both fast and easy to fold . You can do it with one hand, and it folds to be very compact. It has a frame lock that’ll keep the stroller together while traveling or while in storage.

Additional features include an extra large canopy with the ventilation window/peek-a-boo window and UV 50+ sun protection, a huge under seat storage compartment that can be accessed from the front, additional zippered pockets for storing parent items, a reclinable seat that can even adjust to be all the way flat for an infant, and a very padded and comfortable 5-point harness.

The click and go capabilities of the stroller mean that you can attach any other Britax car seat, as long as you have the adapters. It does require 2 tower adapters, which are 2 small plastic pieces, to get the car seat to click in. This personally isn’t my favorite way to click a car seat into a stroller, but it does work. Just come up with a smart system of keeping the adapters with the stroller so you don’t lose them.

I haven’t had the pleasure of using this exact system myself, but I can tell you that thousands of parents swear by this system and this company alone. And with a 1 year warranty on the car seat and a 2 year warranty on the stroller, you can see why.

You can read our Britax B-Lively review to see another 3-wheel stroller from this brand.

Or, if you prefer a 4 wheeled stroller, but love the Britax brand, check out the Britax Pathway stroller review from Experienced Mommy.

Car seat weight: 9 pounds

Stroller weight limit: Up to 65 pounds

• Car seat is heavy
• No storage for parents
• Known to have recalls on parts

Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System

Modern Look with Small Price Tag

The Smooth Ride Travel System comes with the Safety 1st OnBoard 35 LT Infant Car Seat. This is a comfortable and safe car seat for babies up to 35 pounds.

For starters, it has exceptional safety with side impact protection and a deep shell design . It meets and exceeds all Federal safety standards in the US.  

It’s a good choice for small babies, since it has soft and thick newborn padding . The head and body inserts are removable as baby grows. You can also adjust the harness to one of 4 different heights as baby grows. And to tighten the harness? Just use the easy adjustment strap in the front.

The base is fully adjustable thanks to the recline foot, This helps make sure that you get a safe and secure fit in your vehicle. It has easy-to-use latch straps of the normal kind (just plain hooks).

The best infant car seat attaches to both the stroller and the base with Safety 1st’s QuickClick technology . It stays in the stroller very securely , and the loud noise helps you know when it’s in place so that you don’t have to wonder if it will fall out of place.

Finally, the soft seat pad on this lightweight, 7.6 pound car seat is removable and machine washable . There is a canopy to keep everything shaded as well.  

Let’s start at the bottom of the Smooth Ride stroller. It has decent wheels that, while small, actually do a pretty good job at maneuvering . The best part of the wheel system is that the separate back brakes are flip-flop friendly . The brake lever looks like a teeter-totter, so you don’t have to crack a toenail to release the brakes.

Then there’s the fold . It’s really easy- just pull the strap in the center of the seat and it folds and stands on its own . Once folded, you will need both hands to undo the lock and open it back up. But the fold is pretty flat and would work well for most trunks.

This stroller doesn’t lack in storage. It has a huge mesh storage basket at the bottom. There’s also a child tray with drink holder, and a parent tray with 2 drink holders and an open compartment. You can fit pretty much everything you need in here.

The canopy is thin, but it’s large. Your sitting child has a lot of headspace even with the canopy open. You can also completely cover the car seat’s opening when used as a travel system. The canopy has a mesh window for spying and for airflow on a hot day.

Your child will be comfy in the padded 5 point safety harness and the soft fabrics .

Overall, while a very cheap option, it works well for most parents that don’t want anything too fussy.

Stroller weight: 18.2 pounds

• Car seat latch straps are tiny and so hard to get undone once clicked in
• Shell design means car seat is on the narrow side (kind of like Chicco)
• Not the highest quality materials overall
• Stroller doesn’t like to stay open

Chicco Viaro Travel System

One of the Top-Rated 3-Wheeled Strollers

This Chicco Viaaro travel system comes with the KeyFit 30 infant car seat. Let’s get some quick stats on this best car seat:

• For babies 4 to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches
• Meets or exceeds all safety standards
• Deep, contoured shell design
• EPS foam lining
• Base has button release latch connectors and SuperCinch easy belt tightening
• Integrated lockoffs and clear belt routing for use with vehicle belt
• Newborn support pillow
• Large canopy
• 5 point safety harness with padding and easy tightening

The Chicco Viaro stroller is a lightweight and sleek stroller. It weighs only 18 pounds . The 3-wheel design makes it easily maneuverable and easily pushable. The nice suspension gives a smooth ride for baby.

The front wheel swivels to allow for better movement and a tight turning radius. However, the plastic wheels don’t seem as durable. The wheels are thin and soft and get peppered by rocks or gravel. At 7 inches for the front wheel and 8.75 inches for the back wheels, they’re big enough to tackle a lot of terrain.

It has a two-step braking system . This means that you have individual toe top brakes to lock the back wheels individually. This makes quick stops easy, but it requires more effort and isn’t foot friendly.

The fold on the stroller is fantastic. It’s my favorite feature. It’s a truly one handed fold . All you do is push a release button under the seat of the stroller, pull up on the strap, and you have a compact and self-standing folded stroller . It doesn’t lock once folded , so you have to be careful when getting it in and out of the trunk. The perk of it not locking is that you can reopen the stroller quickly and easily with just one hand as well. Just pull up on the handle and click it open.

Chicco claims that this is their most lightweight stroller. And even though it’s light, it can still hold a child up to 50 pounds . The multi-position backrest (which unfortunately can’t lie flat) and the a djustable 5 point safety harness easily grow with your child for many years of use.

The stroller features an extra large canopy . It’s made from a thick and sturdy material that shades the baby well. And the best part is that it can completely shade the baby when used with the KeyFit Car Seat . This protects baby from nosy people and hot sun alike! I do wish that the canopy had a spy window, since it’s so big and blocks the parent’s view of baby.

This stroller features great storage for being so sleek. There’s a parent storage area on the push handle with two cup holders and a middle tray. There’s a child snack tray with two cup holders and a place for food. The bottom storage basket is wonderful. It’s deep and big. It can also be accessed from the rear, like a normal stroller, or it can be accessed from the front by lifting up the seat’s footrest. I like this added convenience.

The Chicco Viaro travel system has a lot of fantastic features. See our full review of the Chicco Viaro Travel System .

We’ve talked about both the Chicco Bravo and Chicco Viaro strollers as part of travel systems. Want to know which is best? Read our Chicco Viaro Stroller vs Chicco Bravo Stroller article.

Car seat height limit: Up to 30 pounds

Stroller weight: 18 pounds

• Stroller doesn’t lock when folded
• Takes up lots of space when folded
• Cheap wheels and fabrics
• No peek-a-boo window on huge canopy

You can check out how the B-Agile stacks up against the Chicco Bravo in our Chicco Bravo vs Britax B-Agile article. There’s also a head-to head battle of the lightweight B-Agile and City Mini in our Britax B-Agile vs Baby Jogger City Mini review.

Maxi Cosi Zelia Max Travel System

High-End Features and a Lifetime Warranty

The Maxi Cosi Zelia Max travel system comes with the Mico Max 30 car seat. This is a highly-rated  car seat that meets or exceeds all federal safety standards. The Air Protect side shields offer strong protection, and the included base has an anti-rebound bar to direct any impact force away from baby in a crash. 

The base is safe and easy to use, but you can also install this car seat safely without the base. That makes it ideal for travel . 

This car seat works really well for all babies up to 30 pounds . This big upper limit means that your baby can stay rear facing longer -well after their 1st birthday- since that’s the safest position for babies to travel in . But since the weight limit is so low, at just 4 pounds, it is nationally recognized as a good car seat for low birth-weight babies , too. The Cozi Dozi infant padding  gives head and neck support and is also reversible.

The seat padding itself is both moisture-wicking and comfortable. And if baby makes a mess, which they will at some point, you can remove the entire pad and machine wash and dry it, all without having to unthread the harness!

The 5 point safety harness has 4 different shoulder positions for baby’s comfort. The easy adjust harness controls are front and center by baby’s feet. All of this is shielded by the very large canopy with flip-out visor .

This best car seat is made from heavy duty and durable plastic , making it 25% lighter than other car seats in the same category. It weighs in at just over 8 pounds ! That includes the large, contoured carrying handle , with multiple positions for carrying and convenience.

The Maxi Cosi Zelia stroller has 4 wheels , like a traditional stroller. The rear wheels are larger, which helps with steering and durability . This smooth riding stroller will fit a child up to 50 pounds for use well into the preschool years.

You can fold the Zelia in half with the folding system . The folding system is more complicated than some other models, but it does break down each part of the stroller. Once folded, it is small enough to fit into most trunks . It’s self-standing , too.

Because this is a modular stroller , there are 5 different modes . You can easily turn the stroller seat into a carriage by reclining it and zipping up the sides. It can then face in or out. You can carry the car seat on the frame and you can switch the stroller seat to face inward or outward. 

Parent features include a large underseat storage basket with front and back access , adjustable handles with vegan leather details  and a flexible cup holder on the handle. Kiddo features include a 3 to 5 point safety harness with padded straps and buckle, reclining seat ,  adjustable foot rest, a moveable bumper bar for safety, and a large, full-coverage canopy with peek-a-boo window.

The whole thing is wrapped up with a lifetime warranty. You seriously can’t beat that.

Stroller weight limit: 0 to 50 pounds

Stroller weight: 21.5 pounds

• Drink holder is flimsy and falls off when folding stroller
• Need two hands to fold or transition to different modes
• Wheels seem flimsy and can get stuck

Best Baby Jogging Travel Systems

The car seat included in the Baby Trend Expedition system supports up to 30 pounds, while the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 can be combined with the car seat of your choice.

We have a comprehensive review of jogging baby travel systems here Best Jogging Stroller Travel System , but these are the leading products:

Baby Trend Expedition Jogging Travel System 

Works on All Terrains

The best car seat included with the Baby Trend Expedition travel system is the Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc infant car seat. This is a top rated infant car seat that’s designed to hold a baby between 5 and 30 pounds. It will accommodate your child until they reach 30 inches. It comes with a small and soft head support for those little tiny babies.

Made with EPS foam, it provides superior protection in a car accident. It even has extra padding that helps with side impact protection. It meets or exceeds all safety standards in the US.

It’s called EZ Flex Loc because of the latch system that it uses. The base has flexible latch hooks as opposed to rigid, one-piece latch hooks. If you look at the latch connectors, you can see that they’re hinged . This means that once they’re hooked in, you can adjust the seat to get a secure fit without having to re-attach the anchors.

Besides having the Flex Loc, the base also has a push-button that allows you to adjust the height to 4 different positions for correct installation. It even has a level indicator that let you know when you have it at the proper level for installation.

This car seat has a small and lightweight design . It weighs just over 7 1/2 pounds, and the car seat is about 16 1/2 inches at its widest spot. This means that it takes up less room in your car and makes it really easy to put more than one car seat in the back of your car. This is definitely a good choice for parents that have to do two or more car seats in the back.

The way that you release this car seat from the base and stroller is unique. Usually, there’s a lever at the front of the car seat, behind where the baby’s head is, that you will pull to get the car seat to pop out. With this one, it’s down by baby’s feet . This is both good and bad. It works really well in smaller cars where you don’t have a lot of headspace for the car seat, but it does make it tricky because you have to put your hand down between the car seat and the backseat of your vehicle to get the car seat free.

The harness system of this car seat is good, but it can be frustrating. It’s a 5 point safety harness with some good qualities. You can adjust the car seats harness straps by simply turning a knob on the back of the car seat. This makes it nice because you won’t have to rethread harness straps every time your baby grows. It also has a one-handed release mechanism in the front. The biggest pain about this harness system is that you have to stack the buckles in order to buckle them in.

Finally, the best car seat has the delta multi-grip carrying handle. This is a smooth carrying handle with a triangle shape. It’s designed to not irritate your arm and make it much easier on your back and arms . I personally love this type of car seat handle, because it makes holding the car seat in both your hands and on your arms a lot easier in nearly any position.

The Expedition Jogging Stroller is included with this travel system. This stroller is specially designed for running or jogging on nearly any surface. It has 16 inch rear tires that are air-filled bicycle tires . It’s got a 12-inch front tire with swivel or locking capabilities. Having it locked is great for going for a run, while being able to swivel will make this stroller be able to go from the trail to the mall in a snap. And having such large, air-filled tires means that you get a smoother ride on any surface. This translates to the stroller gliding more easily during a run so that you don’t encounter as much resistance.

This stroller features 3 separate brakes . One brake is on the front wheel that allows it to lock in a straight and non-swiveling position. Both of the back wheels have their own brakes. This is somewhat inconvenient, but it is nice if you’re just going to make a quick stop, as you can just apply one of the brakes.

The stroller’s made with a lightweight steel frame . The overall weight of the stroller is about 26 pounds. Now, this is much more than a regular stroller, but you have to remember that you have much bigger tires and you need a bigger frame to support that. Still, at 26 pounds, this is one of the lighter ones on the market.

The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System is so easy to use.

Folding this lightweight stroller is a breeze, as it features a trigger fold that easily folds the stroller in half in a compact unit. You just pull the two triggers on each side of the handle and the stroller will fold in half, and then it can be locked into place. It does stand on its own as long as all three wheels are touching the ground.

The stroller features a lot of great safety features. For starters, it’s got a fully adjustable 5 point safety harness for the kid. This 5 point safety harness is a bit complicated to buckle, but it’s very secure. The stroller also features a tether strap for the parent to hold onto while running . This means that you won’t have a runaway stroller going downhill. Another safety feature is the footrest reflectors. This means that if you’re going for an early-morning or late-night jog, everyone will be able to see you and your stroller.

Some comfort features included are a seat that can recline to many different positions , including flat, and an adjustable canopy with a peek-a-boo window. The handle is extra wide and ergonomically shaped. It’s covered in a soft rubbery material that provides good grip during a run while also providing comfort. These features will come in handy across the life of the stroller, which will last you until your kiddo reaches 50 pounds.

The Expedition Jogger Stroller has no shortage of storage. For starters, it has a parent tray that has two cup holders and a covered compartment. There’s also a child tray that has two cup holders. This tray also doubles as the adapter that allows the car seat to click in. There’s an extra-large storage basket underneath that fits a lot of items, including a larger diaper bag. It’s also easy to access.

Read up on this system in our Expedition Jogger review.

Car seat weight: 7.5 pounds

Stroller weight: 26 pounds

• Newborn insert puts small babies at a weird angle
• Base is tough to get tight
• Have to align harness buckles to click them in
• Carrying handle is hard to push back
• Swivel wheel sometimes shakes when running

BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Travel System

Perfect for Active Families

The setup for the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Travel System is pretty simple. There’s a car seat, an adapter, and a stroller. The car seat is actually the freshly-updated Britax B-Safe 35 Gen2 infant car seat .

Since we’ve already gone over the B-Safe 35, here’s a quick look at the specs on the B-Safe Gen2, which is the roomier and softer update to the B-Safe 35:

• Safe Cell impact protection on the base
• Steel frame
• Safe Center latch installation
• FAA approved
• Huge canopy
• Clicks easily into stroller and base
• Spot clean only
• Base recline
• Ergonomic handle
• Padded 5 point safety harness
• One-hand buckle release
• No obnoxious tags!
• Roomier/wider seat design

The BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Travel System is for serious runners only ! I’m talking training for a marathon, 7 miles a day type running.

That’s because it utilizes one of the best jogging/running strollers ever. Here are the outstanding features:

• 75 lb weight capacity
• Mountain bike-style suspension
• Locking front 360-degree swivel wheel
• Air-filled 12 inch tire on front and 16-inch tires on back
• 28.5 lb aluminum frame
• Easy fold (can even remove rear wheels to make smaller!)
• Linked rear parking brake that’s foot-friendly
• Hand strap for safety
• Padded seat with 5 point safety harness and recline
• HUGE UPF 50+ canopy with magnetic peek-a-boo window
• Under child storage basket and parent pockets

This stroller is wonderful. As a runner/hiker/walker/generally super-active person, I can’t sing its praises enough.

Check out more BOB strollers on our Best Lightweight Jogging Stroller list.

If you have the money and are serious about running, please DO NOT hesitate to get this system , because you’ll get a very safe car seat and base, together with a top-of-the-line jogging stroller.

Stroller weight: 28.5 pounds

Stroller weight limit: 75 pounds

• Much more expensive than non-jogging stroller systems
• Heavy car seat
• Can’t wash car seat cover

Comparing the Best Travel Systems

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.

How to Choose a Travel System

How would you pick a travel system?

If you’re anything like me, then you’d probably spend hours and hours online pouring over reviews from a bunch of different sites to try and weed out which travel systems are the best. You probably go to your local Target or Toys R Us and test out a few travel systems in person. You’d probably ask around and talk to all of your mom friends to see what they use and what they like and don’t like about it.

Well, that’s exactly what I’ve done here. I have looked at all of the big websites, from Amazon to Target to Toys R Us and beyond. I have spent hours reading through each and every customer review to see what people have to say about these travel systems. I’ve even looked at the strollers and the car seats separately and looked at their reviews to see what people say about them on their own.

I have been that lady in the middle of Target playing with a stroller. I have let my son push them around and even sat my baby in a car seat or two. This is all done in the name of research. Because, if at all possible, the best thing to do is actually get your hands on a travel system. Looking at pictures and videos is one thing, but actually using and manhandling the stroller and car seat is another thing altogether.

I’ve talked to all my mommy friends to see what they like and don’t like about their current travel systems. The mommy friends that I’m close enough to would let me try out certain features, like folding the stroller or clicking the car seat in and out, or buckling their baby in and out. I’d ask them what they would change about the stroller and car seat, and what they love. I’d ask them if they had to do over, would they buy that system again?

Basically, as part of my review process, I’ve done everything that you would do. I’ve done all the footwork for you, so that all you have to do is sit back, read my reviews, and decide for yourself if you like these top travel systems just as much as I do.

FAQ for Baby Travel Systems

How much should i pay for the best travel system.

Don’t get stuck on a certain number in regards to how much you want to pay. Instead, you’ll want to look for a good value.

Notice that I said a good value, not a good deal. There might be travel systems on the market that are really cheap, but you’re probably going to get what you pay for. You’ll probably get a system that’s not going to hold up and won’t have as many features as you want or need.

And while I don’t believe in just purchasing a cheap travel system, I also certainly don’t believe in spending oodles and oodles of money on a car seat and stroller. Especially because your baby is probably going to outgrow the whole thing in about 3 years.

That’s when you find the balance of getting a good stroller and car seat for your money and your budget. You want a car seat that is safe and effective, but not overly expensive. You want a stroller that has all the bells and whistles you desire, without costing as much as your monthly mortgage payment.

How do I choose a travel system for my baby?

It’s not easy to choose a travel system. Although it seems like such a straightforward purchase, it’s actually not. There’s many parts and pieces to consider and you also have to consider how they all work together. 

Look at the car seat you’d like to get. Consider safety and comfort and size of the car seat, because it’ll be protecting your most precious cargo for about 2 years.

Then look at the stroller. You’re going to use the stroller a lot longer than one year, since most strollers will accommodate children clear up until they’re into preschool, so make sure you get one you like. Consider things like the number of wheels, weight limits, storage, and other things (more on that below).

Don’t overthink it – use your budget and your judgment and make the best choice you can! I’ve used all kinds of car seats and strollers from cheapest to most expensive. They all do essentially the same thing. 

How do car seat and stroller combos work?

The stroller of a travel system will accept the car seat, either by clicking it onto the snack tray or bar or by clicking directly into the frame itself.

I look for a travel system where the car seat easily clicks in and out of the stroller. I don’t want it to be a 10-step process. I would prefer 1 or 2 steps that can easily be done. 

You might want a car seat and stroller set up that is compatible with more than one brand of car seat . For example, I love the Inglesina USA Triolgy lightweight stroller, but it’s only compatible with a couple of expensive and hard-to-find car seats from one brand. I prefer the Uppababy or Britax approach, where you can mix and match from a few different car seats.

Also, there are a lot of car seats and strollers that you can make into a travel system on the market, but they aren’t designed that way. You have to use adapters or other special tools to make it work as a travel system . Keeping track of the extra parts is a pain, but I will go for this method if the car seat stroller combo is so great, that the extra parts are justified.

Do they make travel systems for twins or two kids at once?

If you are looking for more than one car seat, check out tandem travel systems .

If you have more than one child, these strollers are amazing! Most of them work as a travel system for your baby, while your bigger kid gets a seat somewhere else on the frame. Some also work for doing 2 car seats at once. I personally think that these strollers are smart for parents who might someday extend their family, or for those who already have a couple of kids to tow around.

Check out our Britax B-Ready vs UPPAbaby Vista article to see 2 of my favorite tandem travel systems. Or, if you like more high-end items, be sure to check out the Baby Jogger City Select stroller review.

Which is more important, the stroller or the car seat?

I think the car seat is arguably the most important part of the travel system. It’s what you need to keep your baby safe whether or not you’ll use the stroller.

So when I look for a good travel system, I look for a reliable and well-tested car seat. It has to meet or exceed all standards, and be completely safe for my child. I look for a best infant car seat that can be installed with the base and a latch system, or without a base using the car seat belt for when I’m traveling. I also look for a car seat that has high weight and height limits, as it means my child can stay in it and stay rear-facing for longer.

What are the best stroller features to have?

The stroller, while probably not quite as important as the car seat, still is extremely important. Here’s what you’ll want out of a great stroller:

Mobility : You want a stroller that can go where you want to go, so you may need an all-terrain or jogging stroller option.

Number of wheels :  You can go with the traditional, 4-wheeled stroller, or, you can go with the newer model 3-wheeled strollers. The biggest difference in these is going to be stability and maneuverability, as well as weight and size. Also, it usually comes down to personal preference.

Tires: I look for tires that have good traction, good maneuverability, and a nice long life. Even if the tires are air-filled, I want them to be stable and not have to fix them constantly. And if they’re made from plastic, I want them to be a thick and sturdy plastic that’s not going to get tore up quickly.

Storage: I also look for a stroller that has good storage underneath the seat, as well as snack trays for both mom and child. Making sure that my kiddo can have a snack and drink when they need it and that I have a place to put my drink and keys and phone and snacks is very important to me. I love Britax strollers, but they always let me down in the storage category because of the lack of a child or parent tray. Like the Britax B-Free stroller – amazing underseat storage, but nothing else!

Canopy: I prefer a canopy with a peek-a-boo window, as I like to be able to keep a sneaky eye on my child. I also like a canopy that extends far out so that it shades them from rain or sun. This feature is really important when you have a newborn, and it still is important when your child gets older, because they get vocal about things like sun and rain in their face. One of my all-time favorite canopies is on an incredible stroller called the Joovy Ballon . You have to see it- it’s huge!

Braking system : Some strollers have single braking systems, while some of them have a bar braking system, while still more have a hand brake system. I personally prefer either a handbrake or a dual braking system with a bar. Single brakes are fine, and they serve their purpose, but I just feel like they’re a hassle. I personally want a braking system that’s really easy for me to use and doesn’t require me to crack a toenail every time I want to park my stroller.

• 13 Best Strollers of 2024, Tested by Parents , www.thebump.com
• Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat Review , www.consumerreports.org
• Car Seat FAQs – AAA Exchange , safeseats4kids.aaa.com
• Car Seats for Preemies and Low Birth Weight Babies , www.consumerreports.org

Hi there, I'm a proud mamma of 4 kiddos (ages 2, 4, and 8 plus one on the way!). We are Jesus-loving, homeschooling, curious adventurers and our home is never quiet! I want to help fellow moms find the best products to help their families thrive! In the tiny shreds of free time I get, I love to hike, sing, bake, and watch Netflix. Or sleep.

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Best Stroller and Car Seat Combos

These top-performing travel systems feature high-quality strollers and car seats that work well on their own and together

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Buying a traditional stroller and researching the many models and features that you can choose from, is a rite of passage for many new parents. But there are reasons you might want to buy a child car seat and stroller together—also known as a travel system —instead.

Travel systems bundle together a stroller and a compatible car seat. The car seat clips into the stroller to function as the seat, and it can pop easily into and out of a car seat base, making for seamless transitions on the road with your baby. For many parents, that’s an irresistible advantage.

That’s why we’ve put six popular brands through both our rigorous stroller and car seat tests—so that you can find one that works best for you.

5 Best Stroller and Car Seat Combos

• Why Buy a Travel System?

How CR Tests Travel Systems

The car seats and strollers in these systems work seamlessly together, but each can also be bought separately, unless where noted. Make sure your purchase is compatible with the stroller or car seat you have before you buy.

Why Buy a Stroller and Car Seat Combo?

A few reasons: First, when you don’t have to take your baby out of a stroller harness and strap her into a car seat, she’s more likely to stay asleep when you make those transfers between stroller and car. You simply click the car seat out of the stroller and click it into the base in the car. As any sleep-deprived, peace-and-quiet-seeking new parent knows, this is particularly helpful.

There’s also the fact that infant car seats can turn some strollers designed for older children into infant-friendly models. A stroller’s seat might not recline fully, as it needs to in order to accommodate an infant under 6 months old—but if it accepts an infant car seat, you can use the stroller with the car seat for those early months of your child’s life. Then, once they’re old enough, you can put your child directly into the stroller.

Finally, and very importantly, bundling the stroller and car seat usually costs less than buying the two items separately. For instance, the Chicco Mini Bravo Plus stroller and the Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat retail for about $200 each, but the Chicco Mini Plus travel system , which includes both, costs around $380.

It’s worth noting that a travel system is different from a car seat stroller , which is a car seat with attached wheels and a handle. With a car seat stroller, the whole contraption functions as a stroller when fully expanded and a car seat when collapsed. It’s a handy design, but when your child outgrows the car seat, you’ll need both a new car seat and a new stroller. Travel systems and car seat strollers are also both distinct from car seat carrier strollers , which are simply frames on wheels that a compatible car seat can clip into to function as a stroller.

If you already own a car seat, you can buy a compatible traditional stroller and car seat adapter; the stroller and car seat don’t need to be from the same brand. But our testers say you’ll get the most seamless experience when you buy a dedicated car seat and stroller bundle.

“With a travel system, you’re getting products that the manufacturer has designed to work together,” says Joan Muratore, who oversees CR’s stroller lab.

The Overall Score for each travel system in our ratings is based on the performance of the stroller in our dedicated stroller tests, the performance of the car seat in our dedicated car seat tests, and how easily the car seat and stroller attach to each other. For the stroller test, we assess safety, maneuverability, and (among other things) how easy it is to fold and manage the straps. For the car seat test, we evaluate how easy it is to use in addition to how well its crash protection works and how easily it fits into a vehicle using the car’s LATCH system or safety belts. For more details on how we test, see our articles on the best strollers and the best car seats .

To learn more about how to shop for strollers, see our stroller buying guide . Curious about how other strollers compare with travel systems? See our comprehensive stroller ratings , where you can sort by type, price, and more.

@consumerreports There are many reasons why you might want to buy a car seat and stroller combo, also known as a travel system. Learn more through the link in our bio. #parentsoftiktok #babytok #carseat #carseatsafety ♬ original sound - Consumer Reports

Keith Flamer

Keith Flamer has been a multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports since 2021, covering laundry, cleaning, small appliances, and home trends. Fascinated by interior design, architecture, technology, and all things mechanical, he translates CR’s testing engineers’ work into content that helps readers live better, smarter lives. Prior to CR, Keith covered luxury accessories and real estate, most recently at Forbes, with a focus on residential homes, interior design, home security, and pop culture trends.

Molly Bradley

Molly Bradley is a home and appliance writer at Consumer Reports. Before joining CR in 2023, she managed the editorial team at Digg, and has devoted her career to helping readers navigate the world and make their lives a little easier, elucidating topics in technology and culture. Molly earned a master’s degree in writing from Bennington College and lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her cat, Saltine. Follow her on X @mollyguinn .

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Mountain buggy terrain, maxi-cosi mara xt ultra compact, chicco bravo le cleartex quick fold, uppababy minu v2, baby jogger city sights, bugaboo dragon fly seat, britax grove, britax brook+, peg perego booklet 50 travel system, peg perego ypsi travel system.

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Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System Review

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Mima Xari 4G Complete Stroller with Car Seat Adapters

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360 Degree Swivel Seat Cushion for Car, Rotating Seat Cushion, Portable Rotating Memory Foam Car Seat Pad, 360 Car Seat Swivel for Elderly Support, Swivel Car Seat Ergonomic Design (Grey)

About this item.

• 👍🏻【 Widely-Useful Seat Cushion Pad 】 The round chair cushion pads are suitable for most office chairs, desk chairs, dining chairs, car seat and airplane. Put it to anywhere you want. Can be used as office pillows, rocking chair pad, outdoor camping chair pad, patio lawn chair pad, kitchen chair pad, but also as a recliner cushion garden mat and a tatami mat.
• 👍🏻【 Safety Non Slip Swivel Cushion 】 swivel seat cushion prevent it from moving to other place. Extra mobility during driving with the help of a fixed cylindrical sponge and non rotation seats to facilitate your travel, ensure your safety.
• 👍🏻【 360° Rotating Seat Cushion 】 Providing smooth, easy movement in either direction, the swivel cushion rotates a full 360 degrees. exit or enter any seat by twisting and pivoting.
• 👍🏻【 Comfort Easy Turn Rotating Seat Cushion 】The swivel seat cushion provides comfort on most hard surfaces. car universal four seasons design, the swivel seat cushion is made of good pleated cloth, safe to use, soft, comfortable and breathable, lightweight and portable for carrying.
• 👍🏻【 Ergonomic Rotating Seat Cushion 】Designed for women, the elderly and other people with limited mobility. Swivel seat for car is and environmental friendly features, help them to getting in and out of the seat on their own without moving the chair.

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🪑⭕ 🪑⭕ 360° Rotating Seat Cushion 🛒👉

🐑🐑 Features:

🪑⭕ The cushion freely rotates with your body.

🪑⭕ Provides pressure relief for back and hips while seated.

🪑⭕ Comfortable touch, the swivel seat is constructed with resilient, contoured foam.

🌈🌈✨ Specification:

✔️ Material: Steel.

✔️ Size: 20.47"L x 15.75"W x 0.72"H, 0.52 Pounds.

✔️ Color: As Shown.

📦️📦️ Package includes：

● 1 X 360° Rotating Seat Cushion.

● Due to manual measurement, the size and weight may vary slightly.

● Due to the difference between monitors, there may be slight color differences.

Important information

rotating seat cushion

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Free Infant Car Seats in All 50 States

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on obtaining Free Car Seats for your little ones. We will first delve into the general types of organizations that offer Free Car Seats or assistance programs. These include state or local health departments, non-profit organizations, WIC programs, Medicaid, insurance companies, state car seat inspection stations, local churches, hospitals, health care systems, and pregnancy life centers. Some of these operate at a national level, ensuring wide reach and accessibility.

Following this overview, we will provide a state-by-state guide with specific information and links to resources in your area. This comprehensive approach ensures that no matter where you’re located, you’ll be able to find the assistance you need. Use the Table of Contents to quickly access information.

• Connecticut
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• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
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• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington DC
• West Virginia

Where to Find Free Car Seats

State or local health departments.

State or local health departments are government-run organizations that oversee public health issues at a state or local level. Examples include the Texas Department of State Health Services, the California Department of Public Health, the New York State Department of Health, among others.

You can find these departments by searching for your specific state or local health department’s official website or contacting them through their official phone number.

They often serve low-income families or those who demonstrate a specific need, but some programs may serve all residents.

It’s important to note that the availability of programs and eligibility criteria can vary by state or even by county. Contacting the department directly provides the most accurate information.

Many of these departments’ programs require you to take a short safety course before receiving a car seat.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations operate independently from the government and are dedicated to addressing a particular social issue or advocating for a specific cause. Examples include Safe Kids Worldwide, United Way, Baby2Baby, and Buckle Up for Life.

The latter has donated tens of thousands of car seats to low-income families and often requires participation in safety classes.

You can find them through an online search. Websites like Charity Navigator can help determine their legitimacy.

They may serve a wide range of individuals, but usually those who demonstrate a specific need or fall within a certain income bracket.

Non-profit organizations often rely on funding and donations, so the availability of Free Car Seats can be contingent on these factors.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Programs

WIC is a federal assistance program providing nutrition education, healthy food, breastfeeding support, and other services for low-income women and children.

You can search for your local WIC agency online or through local government resources.

WIC generally serves low-income women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or have children under the age of five. If you’re already enrolled in WIC, you may have access to a car seat program.

Similar to other programs, WIC often requires you to take a safety course before receiving a car seat.

Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage to people with low income, including some low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.

You can apply for Medicaid through the Health Insurance Marketplace website or your state’s Medicaid website.

Medicaid generally serves low-income individuals and families. Those eligible for Medicaid might also be eligible to receive a free car seat.

Similar to other programs, Medicaid often requires you to take a short safety course before receiving a car seat.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are organizations that provide insurance policies to individuals or entities, covering a range of risks. Examples include State Farm, Allstate, Geico, etc.

If you’re looking for your current insurance provider, you can visit their official website or contact their customer service. If you’re searching for new insurance providers, online comparison tools can be useful.

Insurance companies generally serve their policyholders, but it can depend on the specifics of the policy and the provider. Many insurance companies provide car seats free of charge to insured new mothers or pregnant women.

The availability of Free Car Seats can be a part of specific insurance benefits. It’s crucial to read your policy carefully or speak directly to an agent for accurate information.

State Car Seat Inspection Stations

State Car Seat Inspection Stations, including firehouses and sheriff departments, are locations where certified technicians can inspect car seat installations for safety. Examples could include your local fire station, police department, or sheriff’s department.

You can locate these stations using the NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator or through an online search of your local city or county’s resources.

They serve the general public, providing safety services and occasionally Free Car Seats to families in need.

Not all inspection stations offer Free Car Seats, so it’s advisable to call and ask in advance. They often have programs for the free installation of car seats and can help you find new car seats for free as they are familiar with various charities.

Local Churches

Local churches are religious institutions that often have community outreach programs.

You can search for local churches online or through a directory.

They typically serve community members. Churches may be able to connect you with charities or institutes that provide resources to low-income families.

Availability of resources may vary widely, so it’s best to reach out directly.

Pregnancy Life Centers

Pregnancy Life Centers are often non-profit organizations that offer various resources, support, and education for women during pregnancy and early parenthood. They can provide important aid such as maternity items, baby supplies, and even Free Car Seats.

To locate a Pregnancy Life Center, you can do an online search specifying your local area. Some well-known national networks of pregnancy centers include Care Net and Heartbeat International, but there are also many independent centers that may be local to your area.

Pregnancy Life Centers primarily serve women who are pregnant or recently became mothers. They aim to support these women through their pregnancy journey and beyond, often extending their services to the early years of child-rearing.

Most Pregnancy Life Centers offer their resources and aid as part of a wider program, often involving parenting or childbirth classes. Expectant mothers who enroll in these classes may be eligible to receive items like car seats free of charge. The specifics of what’s provided and the requirements for receiving these items can vary by center, so it’s best to contact them directly for detailed information.

Do remember that these centers are often funded through donations and community support, so the availability of specific items may fluctuate. They strive to provide as much assistance as they can to support mothers and their children.

Hospitals and Health Care Systems

Hospitals and Health Care Systems are medical institutions that provide patient treatment with specialized staff and equipment. Examples include Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, etc.

You can locate these through a local directory or online search.

They typically serve pregnant women, new parents, or families with young children who are patients within their system. Hospitals may provide car seats without any cost or direct you toward some great local resources.

Not all hospitals or healthcare systems offer this service. It’s best to directly contact the hospital or health care system for information on any available programs.

Free Car Seats by State

Alabama free car seats.

Alabama Department of Public Health (Statewide): May offer car seat assistance to expectant mothers or parents who are receiving federal benefits like WIC, AllKids, Food Stamps, or Medicaid. The Injury Prevention Branch in Montgomery hosts monthly car seat clinics, which are occasionally booked two months in advance and are by appointment only. The car seat program is active in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville. More details can be found on their website .

Alabama Farmers Federation (Statewide): Members can avail of low-cost car seats for children and can acquire certain car seats and booster seats by picking up an order form at their nearby Alfa office. Available seats prices, which include shipping and handling, are: $40 for Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Seat, $40 for Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster, $30 for Cosco Pronto Belt-Positioning Booster. Check out their website for more information.

Children’s of Alabama, (Birmingham): Children’s of Alabama provides a free car seat program for patients who don’t have a car seat at the time of their discharge. Before receiving the seat, families must watch a short educational video about its correct usage.  Learn more about the Children’s of Alabama car seat safety program

Baby’s Bounty (Montgomery):  Baby’s Bounty serves the Montgomery area, providing essential items for newborns, including car seats, for families in need.  Find out more about Baby’s Bounty

ALASKA Free Car Seats

Safe Alaskans (Anchorage): Provides car seats for families in need, with a suggested $10 donation for booster seats and $35 for car seats. Check out their website for more information.

Community Pregnancy Center (Anchorage): Offers Life Lessons classes, where participants can earn Baby Bucks to spend in the Mini Depot on car seats or other essential items. More details are available on their website .

Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults (Wasilla): Offers car seats for all families at a reduced cost based on a sliding scale. You can find more information on their website .

Alaska Injury Prevention Center (Anchorage): Has a limited number of car seats and booster seats available for a small donation. Visit their website for more details.

Alaska Child Passenger Safety Coalition (Statewide): Lists several events on their calendar where Free Car Seats and booster seats are available. Check their event calendar for more information.

Fairbanks Safe Rider Program (Fairbanks): May have car seats or booster seats available for families, contact them to find out more on their website .

Juneau Police (Juneau): Offers inspections by appointment and will provide a replacement seat for a minimum fee if necessary. Find out more on their website .

Alaska DOT (Statewide): Maintains a page with potential resources you can contact for free car seat information. Check out their website for more details.

ARIZONA Free Car Seats

Children Are Priceless Passengers (Statewide): Operates in nine locations across the state. A $35 fee is required for a safety class. Those lacking a safe and effective car seat can receive a new one for free. For more information, visit their website .

Phoenix Children’s Hospital (Phoenix): Offers car seat distribution. Detailed information can be found on their road safety programs page .

Yavapai Regional Medical Center (Prescott): Provides free or discounted car seats in conjunction with a safety class. For more information, call (928) 771-5651 or visit their website .

Deer Valley Unified School District Child Car Seat Safety Program (Phoenix): Offers limited Free Car Seats alongside an education class. Visit their website for more details.

Tuscon Medical Center Car Seat Loaner Program (Tucson): Allows you to pay $40 and get a car seat for one month. They also have car seat giveaway events sponsored by Safe Kids Pima County. Register on their website or call for more information.

HealthLinks Car Seat Program (Phoenix): Offers a free car seat to those who meet the qualifications and take a two-hour class. Further details can be found here .

ARKANSAS Free Car Seats

Farm Bureau Federation (Statewide): Membership entitles you to advantages like the Infant Car Seat Program when you have auto, home, life, farm, or other insurance with Farm Bureau Insurance of Arkansas. A car safety seat costs as little as $15 when you participate in this program. The price of this order includes shipping and handling. Visit their website for more details.

Rogers Police Department Car Seat Loan Program (Rogers):  The Rogers Police Department runs a car seat loan program for families experiencing financial hardship. They can loan one car seat per family. Car seats are distributed every Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm. The department also offers a car seat installation service.  Find out more about Rogers Police Department’s car seat program

CALIFORNIA Free Car Seats

Related Reading : Free Car Seats in California  (by county, bigger list)

California Office of Traffic Safety (Statewide): This organization has a county-based directory that provides resource information for car seat education and distribution. You can visit their website for more information.

Police Departments & California Highway Patrol Offices (Statewide): Most locations offer a free exchange for an expired car seat. More information can be found here .

OC Health (Orange County): This resource provides a list of area organizations that offer car seat education and free/low-cost car seats. Detailed information can be found here .

First 5 LA (Los Angeles County): The New Economics for Women’s Child Passenger Safety Program offers a free car seat if you complete their safety class and qualify. Visit their website for more information.

Clinic in the Park’s Boosters in a Bag (Orange County): After completing an online course, you can receive a booster seat for free. More details can be found here .

Pacific Safety Center (San Diego County): This organization offers Free Car Seats to low/median income families, as well as Native American and military families. More information is available on their website .

Solano County Public Health (Solano County): Vibe Solano offers car seat safety classes and low-income families can receive vouchers toward the purchase of a low-cost car seat. Visit their website for more details.

Safe Kids Sacramento (Sacramento County): Low-income families may qualify for a low or no-cost car seat upon completion of an online class. More information is available on their website .

River to Coast Children’s Centers (Sonoma County): This organization offers a low-cost car seat program and safety education for low-income families. Visit their website for more information.

City of Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz County): The city provides Free Car Seats for low-income families, but an appointment is needed. More details can be found here .

CHOC Child Safety Seat Distribution Program (Orange County): For CHOC patients, a seat is available for $30 after completion of a safety class. More information is available on their website .

Camarena Health (Madera County): This organization offers classes on car seat safety, and if you can prove and show what you learned, you get a free car seat. More information can be found here .

Family Health Centers of San Diego (San Diego County): Patients enrolled in the Prenatal program may be eligible for a free car seat. Visit their website for more details.

Venice Family Clinic (Los Angeles County): The clinic offers monthly car seat safety classes including Free Car Seats for low-income families in several locations. Visit their website for more information.

St. Mary’s Medical Center (Los Angeles County): The Welcome Baby program has referrals to free or low-cost baby essentials, including car seats. Visit their website for more information.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (Los Angeles County): This hospital offers car seat safety classes twice monthly and a free car seat for families receiving public assistance. More information can be found here .

St Francis Medical Center (Los Angeles County): The center offers a free car seat to eligible families upon completion of a class. More information can be found here .

East Valley Community Health Center (Los Angeles County): This organization offers a free virtual car seat safety class with a free car seat for families that qualify and complete the class. More details can be found here .

Whittier Hospital (Los Angeles County): The hospital provides a complimentary rear-facing car seat and diaper bag for moms delivering at the hospital. More details can be found here .

Butte County Public Health (Butte County): The county provides a free car seat class with low-cost car seats for qualifying low-income families. Visit their website for more information.

San Diego County Public Health (San Diego County): The Keep Em Safe program provides Free Car Seats for low-income, active military, or refugee women who are at least 8 months pregnant and families with children up to the age of 9. More information can be found here .

Shasta County Health and Human Services (Shasta County): This organization offers a free car seat for pregnant moms that attend 3 classes and meet other qualifications. More information can be found here .

Plumas County Public Health Agency (Plumas County): The agency offers a free car seat to eligible families upon education and installation by a certified car seat technician. More information can be found here .

Colusa County Family Action Centers (Colusa County): The center has classes for $20 and families may qualify for a free car seat. More information can be found here .

Merced County Public Health (Merced County): The county charges $25 for a car seat class,

COLORADO Free Car Seats

Safe Kids Larimer County (Larimer County): Safe Kids Larimer County provides a car seat resource program. Though not explicitly free, they do request a $30 donation for each car seat distributed. More information can be found on their website . Further details about the county can be found here .

Morgan County Public Health (Morgan County): Morgan County offers car seat vouchers worth $50 for low-income families. These can be redeemed at the local Walmart. If the car seat costs more than $50, the family will need to pay the balance. Further information about Morgan County can be found here . Contact them directly for more details on the car seat voucher program.

Custer County Program (Custer County): For Custer County, you can contact Terra Raye who may provide car seat resources. You can reach her at 719-783-9451 or via cell at 719-371-3046. Alternatively, you can email her at [email protected] . The selection criteria are not well-defined, but it’s suspected that she prioritizes county residents who qualify. More information about Custer County is available here .

Montezuma County Car Seat Program : Located in Montezuma County, this program is committed to child safety in vehicles. Certified car seat technicians are on-hand to ensure that children are correctly fitted to age- and weight-appropriate car seats. Parents are also taught how to use and install the car seats properly. Last year, this program supplied over 200 car seats to families at a reduced cost.  Learn more about Montezuma County’s Car Seat Program

CONNECTICUT Free Car Seats

St. Gianna Pregnancy Resource Center: This center provides a range of maternity and baby items to those in need. For more information, please visit their website .

Hope Pregnancy Center: Hope Pregnancy Center offers the “Earn While You Learn” program, providing educational and material assistance to expecting parents. This continues after the baby is born, offering vital support for growing families. More information can be found on their website .

Southington Police Department: For those in need of a child passenger seat, Southington Police Department offers consideration for this essential item. Please contact their community relations division by sending an email to [email protected] with a brief narrative explaining your child passenger seat request. You can visit the Southington Police Department’s Facebook page using this link .

Carolyn’s Place Pregnancy Care Center: This center offers “Earn While You Learn Classes” for first-time parents. These consist of childbirth and parenting classes, and upon completion of the course, clients may be eligible to receive items needed for baby’s care, which may include a crib, car seat, clothing, diapers, etc. Visit their website for more details.

DELAWARE Free Car Seats

Delaware Opportunities Inc. (Statewide): Income-qualified families living in Delaware are eligible for a free car seat and instruction on appropriate installation through Delaware Opportunities Inc.’s car seat safety program. More information can be found on their website .

Delaware Division of Public Health (Statewide): The Delaware Division of Public Health collaborates with local organizations to set up car seat inspection stations around the state. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians perform the inspections and provide Free Car Seats. Dates for these events are posted on the calendar .

FLORIDA Free Car Seats

Florida Department of Transportation Safety Office (Statewide): This office sponsors the purchase and distribution of car seats to trained/qualified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) instructors and technicians. More information can be found here .

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg): This hospital offers low-cost car seats for families in need. More information can be found here .

Florida Farm Bureau (Statewide, Members Only): Florida Farm Bureau provides up to three (3) car seats for $25 and booster seats for $15 via forms on their website under Member Benefits. More details can be found here .

Tampa Police Department (Tampa): The Tampa Police Department employs Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who can provide and/or install child safety seats for residents in need. Check their website for more information.

Safety Council of Palm Beach County, Inc. (Palm Beach County): Their Childsaver Car Seat Program provides child safety seats at a reduced cost to those in need in Palm Beach County. More details can be found here .

Florida Health Pinellas (Pinellas County): Offers workshops on proper safety seat usage. Additionally, those who meet certain financial requirements can obtain low-cost safety seats. Check their website for more details.

Mothers Helping Mothers (Sarasota, Manatee, and surrounding counties): This non-profit organization provides basic necessities such as clothing and baby items (including cribs, car seats, strollers, formula, breast pumps, and more) to families in need. More information can be found on their website .

St. Johns County Tax Collector – Project Buckle Up : This Florida-based program provides Free Car Seats to families in need. It also offers education on the correct installation and usage of car seats.  Project Buckle Up

Wolfson Children’s Hospital Car Safety Program : This Jacksonville, Florida-based program offers a low-cost car seat workshop. Participants can receive a car seat at a reduced cost while also gaining knowledge on car seat safety and correct installation.  Low-cost Car Seat Workshop

GEORGIA Free Car Seats

Child Occupant Safety Project (Statewide): Offers child safety seats and information on correct installation and use through the Mini Grant Program. This program collaborates with local community partners to deliver best practice education and services. More information can be found here .

South Health District Car Seat Program (Valdosta, Lowndes County): Provides a child safety seat to low-income families in need. More details can be found on their website .

District 4 Public Health (Troup County and eight other counties): Offers complimentary booster seats and safety training to financially eligible families through a Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grant. More details can be found here .

Safe Kids Cherokee County (Cherokee County): Provides up to ten car seats and education to financially qualified Cherokee County families through the mini-grant. More information can be found here .

Safe Kids North Fulton (North Fulton County): Offers qualifying families a child seat education as well as a free child seat through the Safe Kids North Fulton Child Passenger Safety Mini Grant. More details can be found here .

Northeast Georgia Health System (Northeast Georgia): Offers Car Seat Safety Class with Car Seat Distribution. In exchange for attending the lesson, you will receive a discounted car seat. Check their website for more information.

Women’s Enrichment Center of Dalton (Calhoun, Gordon County): Will be giving a Car Seat Education Class. Each child will receive a free car seat. More details can be found [here](https://www.wecnorthga.org/gordoncounty-carseats).

Bartow County Fire & Emergency Services (Bartow County): Provides car seat checks and installations and assists low-income Bartow County families in obtaining car seats. More information can be found here .

Safe Kids Program at Children’s Hospital of Georgia : Safe Kids, hosted by the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, provides a range of services to promote child safety, including a program for car seat safety. Contact the hospital for more information on potential assistance with car seats.  Safe Kids Program

Safe Kids Cobb County : This coalition hosted by Cobb & Douglas Public Health, works on injury prevention among children, including car seat safety. Please contact them directly for more information about potential car seat assistance.  Safe Kids Cobb County

HAWAII Free Car Seats

Statewide: Hawaii State offers a tax credit of $25 per year for the purchase of a booster or child safety seat. More information about this can be found here .

Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children (Oahu): In previous years, Farmers Insurance Hawaii has partnered with the Child Passenger Safety Program at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children to offer Free Car Seats and education to families in financial need. The continuation of this program into 2023 is not explicitly stated on their website, but you can contact the Car Seat Check office to schedule a free car seat check and inquire about the availability of Free Car Seats. More information can be found on their website and here .

Oahu Pregnancy Center (Oahu): This center provides baby supply assistance and may be able to provide families with a free car seat. You can find more details on their website .

Aloha Pregnancy Center (Oahu): The center’s Baby & Me Boutique is stocked with big-ticket baby items, including car seats and high chairs, and is open to families in need. You can find more details on their website .

Keiki Closet (Oahu): This organization partners with LIV, a pregnancy and women’s center, to help provide baby essentials to moms in need. You can call them and request a car seat specifically and they can either provide one or direct you to other resources. More information can be found on their website .

Malama Pregnancy Center of Maui (Maui): This center provides material assistance to clients. While it’s not explicitly stated that they have Free Car Seats, this could be a great resource for finding a free car seat on the island of Maui. You can find more details on their website .

IDAHO Free Car Seats

St. Luke’s Children’s and Kohl’s – Right Seat 4 Kids 4 Care (Statewide): Offers Free Car Seats to families in need. Contact St. Luke’s Children’s Car Seat Program at (208) 381-3033. More information can be found here .

Kootenai Health (Kootenai County): Provides car seat education, installation, and limited free seats available for those who qualify on a donation basis. More details can be found here .

Safe Kids USA (Statewide): You can contact the following districts for free or discounted car seats:

• DISTRICT 1: Kootenai Health, (208) 666-2030
• DISTRICT 2: Moscow Police Department, (208) 883-7054 (ask for Kirstin); Success by 6 of the Palouse, (208) 882-7387; St Joseph Regional Medical Center-Family Beginnings, (208) 799-5430 (ask for Linda Rosetti)
• DISTRICT 3: Canyon County Paramedics, (208) 466-8800 (Car seats available based on income guidelines)
• DISTRICT 4: Safe Kids Treasure Valley, (208) 381-3033; Meridian Fire Department, (208) 884-0597
• DISTRICT 5: Safe Kids of Magic Valley, (208) 814-7640 (Also has low-cost car seats and booster seats)
• DISTRICT 6: Southeast District Health, (208) 478-6315
• DISTRICT 7: Madison Memorial Hospital, (208) 359-6710

Medical Home Portal – Idaho Car Seat Safety : The portal provides a directory of Idaho resources for car seat safety, including various organizations that offer car seat inspection, assistance, and education. Check the link below for detailed contact information for each organization.  Medical Home Portal – Idaho Car Seat Safety

ILLINOIS Free Car Seats

DuPage County Health Department’s Child Car Seat Program (DuPage County): In collaboration with the Carelink Foundation, provides Free Car Seats to low-income families. Parents must complete safety training provided in both English and Spanish. More details can be found here .

Buckle Up Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Program (Chicago, Cook County): Provides car seat information, installation assistance, and reduced-cost car seats to at-risk families through monthly car seat seminars, car seat inspection stations, and a network of over 15 community partners. More information can be found here .

CountyCare (Cook County): Provides Free Car Seats to expectant parents. More details can be found here .

Fair Hope (Vermilion County): Supplies car seats to families that DO NOT OWN A VEHICLE. The car seats are designed for children weighing 5 to 40 pounds. More details can be found here .

Safe Kids Coalition (Statewide): Hosts safe car seat events to provide instruction on safe use and inspect car seat installation. Many also provide free or low-cost car seats and other safety products. More information can be found here .

OSF Children’s Hospital (Peoria, Peoria County): Offers a low-cost car seat program that provides families in need with low-cost car seats. More information can be found here .

Auxiliary Stroger Hospital : Through their community outreach programs, the Auxiliary Stroger Hospital offers assistance to families in need. Their efforts include providing necessary items like car seats to those in need. You can find more information about their services on their website.  Auxiliary Stroger Hospital Community Programs

Grant A Wish Inc. Chicago : This organization runs a Baby Program which aims to provide a range of essentials to parents who are unable to afford them. Car seats are among the items provided. Visit their website for more information and eligibility criteria.  Grant A Wish Inc. Baby Program

INDIANA Free Car Seats

Community Health Network (Marion County): This Indianapolis-based organization provides Free Car Seats to parents who need them. More details can be found here .

Gear-Up for Safety Program (Statewide): Families receive the essential safety equipment they need to make their homes child-safe, including car seats. More details can be found here .

Project L.O.V.E. (Statewide): A program for law enforcement that educates families on the correct use and installation of child safety seats. Only parents or caregivers who are Indiana citizens and meet low income financial qualifying requirements are eligible to receive free child safety seats. More information can be found here .

Franciscan Health Car Seat Safety Clinics (Tippecanoe County): Installed more than 100 Free Car Seats for families in need. Reservations are necessary and eligibility restrictions must be met in order to receive a free car seat. More details can be found here .

Indiana University School of Medicine (Marion County): In partnership with a San Francisco-based auto insurance firm, Go Insurance, they have a project that provides Free Car Seats as a part of its recently introduced nationwide kid passenger safety initiative. More details can be found here .

Spencer County Car Seat Program : This Indiana-based program offers car seat inspections and provides car seats for families who meet the income eligibility criteria. Visit their website for more information and how to participate.  Spencer County Car Seat Program

IOWA Free Car Seats

Unitypoint Health – Des Moines, Statewide : Offers Child Passenger Safety Technicians that may assist in instructing caregivers on how to properly utilize car seats. Families in need may be able to receive Free Car Seats through this program, but it does not give out baby carriers. Convertible, combination, and booster seats are provided under this program. A newborn weighing as little as 5 pounds can fit in the convertible seat. More information can be found on their website .

Johnson County Empowerment/ECIA, Johnson County : Periodic Car Seat Events are held to check that car seats are securely fastened and to give away free seats to kids in need who don’t have them or whose seats are damaged or have expired. The generous donations from HOPE for Johnson County and the Johnson County Empowerment/ECIA board monies enable the provision of free seats. More information can be found on their website .

Jones County Public Health, Jones County : Car seats and booster seats are available for families who might require one to transport their children safely. A single family may use this program. More information can be found on their website .

Stork’s Nest in Polk County, Iowa : An incentive-based program providing necessary baby items like diapers, strollers, cribs, and car seats to new and expecting mothers with low income. Participants earn points through healthy behaviors and can also avail parenting and prenatal classes. For more details, call (515) 558-9950 or visit here .

University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Safety Store : Provides car seats and other safety products to families at a discount. The store is designed to teach caregivers about injury prevention, and each purchase includes education on the proper use of the product. Visit their website for more information.

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa : Provides Free Car Seats to families in need as a part of their “Kids on the Go!” program. More details can be found in their document .

KANSAS Free Car Seats

Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office, Statewide : Will distribute program seats to eligible families that can show visual proof any of the following (we do not need copies):

• KanCare Health Plans
• Vision Card
• Kansas Farm Worker Health Program This program will provide a car seat to pregnant women 30 days before their due date, anything sooner is at the technician’s discretion. It will also provide another car seat to the same child if the child has outgrown the initial car seat issued, and the family can provide proof they are still eligible, or if the family has been in a car crash and can provide a police report. More information can be found on their website .

Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and North Kansas City Fire Department, North Kansas City : MARC has received a federal grant to provide car seats to low income families and has partnered with the North Kansas City Fire Department. This program has income restrictions and to find out if you qualify for a car seat through the MARC and the Head Start program. More information can be found on their website .

Swope Health (Kansas City) : Celebrates moms and healthy babies with their event that includes a free car seat giveaway. More information can be found on their website .

Baby Talk ICT (Wichita) : Offers various classes, including car seat safety. Families in need may qualify for a free car seat. Find more information on their website .

Injury Free Coalition for Kids (Kansas City) : This organization provides a program for car seat safety, potentially offering car seats for families in need. For more details, visit their website .

KENTUCKY Free Car Seats

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Statewide : They provide child safety seat and booster seat inspections, and sometimes even Free Car Seats, to families in need. They aim to ensure all children have access to safe, reliable child safety seats. You can learn more about their program and how to participate by visiting their official website .

Hardin County Health Department, Hardin County : This health department has a car seat program where they provide a car seat to families in need. They require you to watch an educational video and have the seat installed by a certified technician at their facility. Explore their website for more details .

Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, Louisville : Offers child safety seat checkups where Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians teach parents and caregivers how to install their car seats correctly. They also provide Free Car Seats to individuals who are in need and meet certain criteria. Discover more on their website .

Jessamine County Health Department, Jessamine County : The Health Department’s HANDS program provides education, resources, and even Free Car Seats to parents in need. Parents must participate in the HANDS program and complete a car seat safety class. You can gather more details by visiting the Jessamine County Health Department’s website .

Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, Lexington-Fayette County : They provide car seats to eligible families and also conduct car seat inspections. They want to ensure that every child travels safely. If you want to learn more about their initiative, you can do so on their website .

LOUISIANA Free Car Seats

Councilman Free Car Seat Program, Baton Rouge : A local councilman provides Free Car Seats to qualifying parents who receive WIC and/or SNAP assistance. Interested parents must preregister for the giveaway. Check out more details at the official news page .

University Medical Center New Orleans, Statewide : Families in need throughout Louisiana can sign up for Free Car Seats at this hospital’s injury prevention program. You can sign up for a free car seat on their website .

MAINE Free Car Seats

Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, Statewide : This bureau offers Free Car Seats to qualifying families in Maine. Parents or guardians should contact them directly to see if their child qualifies. More details available here .

KVCAP Child & Family Services Department, Statewide : This department operates two distribution stations for the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety’s car seat program, which provides car seats to low-income families. Find out more about their service from the official website .

Maine Families Washington County, Washington County : They provide free convertible and booster car seats for income-eligible families through a program sponsored by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. Certain conditions apply. More about their services can be found here .

Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation, Kennebec County : This corporation collaborates with the Bureau of Highway Safety to provide car seat education and distribution. Eligible families can schedule an appointment with their certified car seat technician to receive a car seat. You can access more information from their official website .

MARYLAND Free Car Seats

Safe Kids Frederick County, Frederick County : Safe Kids Frederick County, a program of the Frederick County Health Department, offers Free Car Seats to residents. They aim to prevent unintentional injuries to children under the age of 19 in Frederick County. Additional details can be found on their official webpage .

Maryland Department of Health’s Kids In Safety Seats, Statewide : This program offers car and booster seats at a low cost to families who cannot afford to buy them. They also have short-term special needs loaner programs for children with certain medical issues. Seat availability varies by location. Learn more about their initiative on this webpage .

Holy Cross Health (Silver Spring, MD) : Offers a Car Seat Rental Program for newborns and children. To learn more, visit their website .

MASSACHUSETTS Free Car Seats

Massachusetts Car Seat Distribution Program, Statewide : This initiative provides car seats to qualifying entities for distribution to needy families. They aim to prevent child passenger injuries and fatalities. More information about their program is available on their official website .

Boston Children’s Primary Care, Boston : This health care provider offers car seats and booster seats to low-income families that come for care. You can find out more on their website .

Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Worcester : They host child passenger safety car seat check-up events twice a month. Families are taught how to properly install and utilize booster seats and car seats. Families in need are given access to car seats and booster seats. Get more details from their official webpage .

UMass Amherst Police Department, Amherst : The Police Department was awarded a grant to help parents who need car seats. CPS trained installers can check to see if it has any recalls and is installed correctly. If you or someone you know requires a seat, contact Officer Brian Kellogg. You can find out more here .

Boston Public Health Commission’s Childhood Injury Prevention Program, Boston : This program provides a valuable resource for Boston’s low-income families who require a child safety seat. Recipients should meet MassHealth eligibility requirements or be below the poverty line in Massachusetts. More about their program can be found on this webpage .

Boston Medical Center (Boston) : They offer a car seat program for patients. For more details, refer to their program PDF .

MICHIGAN Free Car Seats

Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, Statewide : This office supports neighborhood car seat distribution initiatives by providing car seats at regional seat check events and fitting stations for low-income families. Explore more details here .

Family Futures, Kent County : Parents residing in Kent County who are enrolled in Medicaid are eligible. However, people with a specific level of income may still be eligible. More information can be found on their website .

Kids Always Ride Safe (KARS), Houghton and Keweenaw Counties : KARS is a program for car seat education and a cheap car seat alternative made to last your kids through the years in the car seat/booster seat. This program is available to families living in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, including WIC families. Find out more on their website .

Maternal Infant Health Program, Statewide : Families who receive Medicaid are eligible to receive Free Car Seats from this program, while discounted car seats are provided for families with economic hardships. Read more about their service here .

Trinity Health Michigan (Michigan) : They provide a child injury prevention program which includes car seat safety. Learn more about their program and how to avail of these services from their website .

MINNESOTA Free Car Seats

Child Passenger Safety Program, Statewide : This program in Minnesota offers Free Car Seats to families in need. The program is funded by a number of sources. Learn more about their initiative here .

The Baby Blanket (Michigan) : They offer a Crib & Car Seat Program to support families in need. They provide car seats among other necessities for your baby. Learn more and apply for assistance on their website .

Sherburne County Public Health, Sherburne County : Car seats are available to Sherburne County residents who meet income requirements. Sherburne County children on WIC, Medical aid, or the Medica PMAP program are automatically qualified. Find out more about their initiative here .

Every Day Miracles, Statewide: This organization donates car seats to families with Medical Assistance health coverage. Visit their website to reserve a spot here .

Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County : The Sheriff’s Office provides car seats to uninsured and low-income families when they are available. More information can be found here .

Renville County Public Health, Renville County : They offer a free car seat class to all residents of Renville County. Members of PrimeWest, Blue Plus, and other groups that may be eligible can access car seats. Read more about their service on their webpage .

Norman-Mahnomen Public Health Department, Norman-Mahnomen Counties : This department offers Free Car Seats to MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance participants who qualify. They also provide guidance on selecting the best kid safety restraint and details on how to use it properly. Explore more details on their webpage .

Vadnais Heights City (Statewide) : Their Car Seat Program offers car seat safety checks and provides car seats to families in need. Visit the city’s website for more information.

Mille Lacs County Community Health (Minnesota) : This community health center offers car seat safety checks and assistance in obtaining car seats. For more information, visit their website or contact them at:

Public Health: 635 2nd St SE Milaca, MN 56353 Phone: 320-983-8208 Toll-Free: 888-270-8208 Fax: 320-983-8352

Carver County Public Health (Minnesota) : Carver County provides a Child Passenger Safety Program that offers services to help ensure your child’s car seat is installed correctly. It also offers low-cost car seats to eligible families who are unable to afford one. Learn more about their program on their website .

MISSISSIPPI Free Car Seats

Mississippi State Department of Health, Statewide : The state department of health offers free infant or convertible child safety seats to all eligible Mississippi children. To find out if you qualify, use their assessment form found here .

Farm Bureau Mississippi, Statewide : Farm Bureau Mississippi provides members with the chance to order car seats and booster seats at a reduced cost through the Child Saver Program. Find out more about this service on their webpage .

MISSOURI Free Car Seats

Platte County Buckle Up Kids Car Seat Program, Platte County : This program provides Free Car Seats to residents of Platte County who may be eligible and meet income requirements. Find more about this service here .

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Safety Program, Statewide : Children under the age of one can get a free car seat through this program along with parent instruction from a highly qualified specialist. Local Child Passenger Safety Partners can help you find car seats for kids over one. More information is available here .

Cass County Health Department, Cass County : The Health Department is pleased to offer free car seat safety workshops for families in need of a car seat or booster seat for their child. Find out more on their website .

Henry County Health Center, Henry County : Car seats for low-income families can be offered here. Explore more on their official website .

Lebanon Missouri Child Seat Safety Program, Lebanon : This program gives away car seats to those in need. Find out more about their initiative here .

Lawrence County Health Department (Lawrence County) : The Lawrence County Health Department runs a car seat program providing education, installation assistance, and low-cost or Free Car Seats for eligible families in need. For more information, visit their website .

Safe Kids Columbia, Columbia : The Safe Kids Columbia initiative brings together community people, educators, businesses, foundations, volunteers, and local health and safety professionals and provides those in need with Free Car Seats. Read more about their service here .

Callaway County Ambulance District, Callaway County : In order to help individuals in need, the Ambulance District has teamed up with SERVE, Inc. and Safe Kids Columbia. You must submit an application for a voucher at SERVE, Inc., in order to be eligible for a free car seat. Learn more about their initiative here .

MONTANA Free Car Seats

Missoula County, Missoula County : They provide car seat vouchers for those receiving public assistance on a first-come, first-serve basis. Get more details from their website .

Greater Gallatin Safety Commission, Bozeman area : They offer Free Car Seats to families in need. Find more about their service here .

SafeSeat for Baby, Statewide : Referrals for Free Car Seats and training must come from the public health department or another social service organization. Explore more on their webpage .

Safer Start Montana, Statewide : They offer car seats to families in need who apply online. More information can be found on their website .

Ravalli County, Ravalli County : They provide car seats to families in need by appointment only. Find out more about their initiative here .

Safe Kids Yellowstone County, Yellowstone County : Safe Kids Yellowstone County is able to help with car seats when available. They have a reduced-cost program and some people may be able to get one for free if they qualify under one of the grants they have put in for. To receive this help, scheduling an appointment for one of their car seat checks is required. Events are listed on their website, where there is also a link to the pick time calendar so people can schedule the appointment. More details can be found here .

NEBRASKA Free Car Seats

Safe Kids South Central at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings : For those who have Medicaid, Kids Connection, or WIC, car seats can be purchased from Mary Lanning Healthcare for a lower price. Get more information from their website .

Three Rivers Public Health Department (Dodge, Saunders, and Washington counties) : In partnership with Safe Kids, the Three Rivers Public Health Department offers various services to promote child safety. This includes providing child car seats for eligible families who can’t afford to buy new ones. Visit their website for more details.

NEVADA Free Car Seats

Ron Wood Family Resource Center, Carson City : This center offers discounted car seats when available. Find more information about this resource here .

NyECC Child Car Seat Inspections & Installation, Nye County : The coalition has a number of certified technicians that can properly inspect all child safety seats and install no-cost seats to those that qualify. Contact NyECC at 775-727-9970 to learn how to schedule an inspection or installation. Get more details from their website .

Car Seats for Christy, Statewide : This is a non-profit that gives car seats out to those in need. Learn more about their mission here .

Baby’s Bounty, Statewide : Baby’s Bounty gives car seats along with other baby essentials to families that adhere to the 130% of the 2020 US Federal Poverty Guidelines. Find more about their program requirements here .

NEW HAMPSHIRE Free Car Seats

Amerihealth New Hampshire : This program is available for Amerihealth NH members and provides car seats and booster seats at no cost for child members, up to a $129 value.  Learn about the Amerihealth NH benefits here

WellSense : As a WellSense NH MassHealth ACO or MCO member, you may qualify for additional benefits. Car seats play an important part in keeping children safe while riding in a vehicle. Each child member between 5-65 lbs. can receive an infant seat once per lifetime, and children between the ages of 4-8 years old are eligible for a booster seat to replace the infant seat, once requested. Pregnant mothers can request a car seat 45 days prior to their due date. Members should call WellSense Member Services to request a free car or booster seat.  Get more information about the WellSense program here

New Hampshire Right to Life (Statewide) : Committed to supporting pregnancy centers around New Hampshire, they provide necessary baby items including car seats. For more information on how you can benefit, visit their Support Pregnancy Centers page .

NEW JERSEY Free Car Seats

Burlington County Child Safety Seat Inspection Program : Burlington County offers this program for families who are expecting or have an infant and cannot afford a child safety seat. The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department may be able to provide a seat through the Child Safety Seat program. An application and proof of income are required.  Find the Burlington County program details here

Ride of My Life : This charity is dedicated to ensuring the safety of every car ride a baby takes. For mothers who can’t afford the government-required car seat to bring their newborns home from the hospital, Ride of My Life steps in to provide the necessary aid. Hospitals across New Jersey are encouraged to reach out to the organization for their maternity patients in need of a car seat.

Learn about the Ride of My Life initiative here Explore more about the charity’s outreach here

NEW MEXICO Free Car Seats

New Mexico Child Safety Seat Distribution Program, Statewide : The state program features 40 distribution stations across New Mexico. Each station has its own application criteria, most require proof of qualification for WIC, Medicaid, or New Mexi-Kids. Most families only pay $25, cash only. Visit their website for more details .

NEW YORK Free Car Seats

Ardent Solutions Car Seat Distribution Program, Allegany County : This program helps low-income families and others find the best car seat for their child at every age. From the time a kid is born until they are old enough to ride without a seat, parents and legal guardians of those children are provided with Free Car Seats. There are booster seats available for older children. Assistance is only intended to be given once. Learn more here .

Wayne County Public Health Child Safety Programs’ Car Seat Distribution Class, Wayne County : If you don’t already have one and can’t afford one, this program may be able to help. The course provides a thorough examination of all available car seat models, their applications, and methods for choosing the best one for your child. Free Car Seats are contingent on attending the class, having a valid photo ID and proof of ongoing participation in public assistance programs, and being a permanent resident of Wayne County. Details can be found here .

Onondaga County Car Seat Program, Onondaga County : Sponsored by Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, this program provides Free Car Seats (call for details on eligibility requirements based on poverty). Check their website .

Tremont Neighborhood Health Action Center, Bronx, NYC : Families are given access to newborn car seats or safe sleeping surfaces. More information can be found here .

New York Connects (Washington County) : Offers a car seat distribution program across the state of New York, ensuring the safety of children in transit. Learn more about the program for Washington County residents on their Car Seat Distribution Program page .

New Hope Family Services (Syracuse) : Provides a variety of pregnancy-related services, including help with obtaining car seats. More information about the services provided can be found on their website .

Cornell Cooperative Extension (Livingston County) : Offers a Traffic Safety Education program that includes child safety seats education. More information can be found on their website .

NORTH CAROLINA Free Car Seats

Child Passenger Safety program, Henderson County : Child passenger safety specialists in Henderson County, North Carolina, educate caregivers on the use and correct installation of car seats. If they don’t already have a suitable car seat for the family’s child, Henderson County homeowners may also be eligible for a free car seat. Learn more on their website .

Alleghany Council on Children, Youth, and Families (Alleghany County) : Provides the “Buckle Up Car Seat Distribution Program” to assist families with car seat needs. Find more details on their website .

The Bear Closet (Asheville) : Offers assistance including car seats to families in need. Visit their website for more information.

NORTH DAKOTA Free Car Seats

North Dakota Car Seat Distribution, Statewide : This state program is sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Health and the North Dakota Department of Transportation. There are over 25 car seat distribution locations across the state, and you can call each location for more information. Find a location here .

First District Health Unit Car Seat Distribution Program, Ward County : This program offers discounted car seats to all families. The cost is $61 for car seats and $5 for backless boosters. Families receiving any kind of public assistance (like WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, etc) are eligible for a further discount, with car seats costing only $30 and backless boosters still at $5. This service is available by appointment only. More details here .

Bismarck Child Safety Program (Bismarck) : Provides car seat safety education and may have resources for families in need of car seats. More information is available on their website .

Safe Kids Grand Forks (Grand Forks) : Offers car seat checkup events, educational presentations, and may provide car seats for families in need. Learn more on their website .

OHIO Free Car Seats

Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB) Child Passenger Safety Program, Statewide : This program offers Free Car Seats and booster seats to qualified low-income families in all Ohio counties. Individuals who qualify based on income must attend an instructional session led by a licensed technician in order to obtain a free OBB seat. The program provides two types of kid safety seats: Convertible Seat ($20 donation) & Booster Seat ($10 donation). Learn more about the program here .

Columbus Public Health Car Seat Program, Columbus : Families in need can benefit from this program by receiving discounted car seats and booster seats. Families need to be referred by their WIC clinic or by a Columbus Public Health Home Visiting program in order to be given a seat. The cost is $30 for a convertible car seat and $10 for a booster seat. Families are required to attend a 60–90 minute long lesson. More details here .

Akron Children’s Hospital Car Seat Program, Akron : This program offers brand new car seats at a reduced cost to low-income families. This discount is available to families who receive government assistance (e.g., WIC, Medicaid, etc.). Caregivers are educated on how to correctly utilize the seat and install it in a vehicle. The hospital occasionally obtains complimentary seats from ODH throughout the year. Read more here .

Lorain County Car Seat Program, Lorain County : This program educates parents and guardians on child passenger safety and gives car seats and booster seats to qualifying people. Eligibility criteria include living in Lorain County, having a qualifying income (eligible for WIC or SNAP), and attending a 30-minute information session. Find more details here .

Tuscarawas County Health Department Car Seat Program, Tuscarawas County : This department has numerous nationally certified car seat technicians (CPST) on staff who can assist you with your car seat. WIC Income Eligible children may receive one car seat every three years if their parents or legal guardians attend a class and pass a quiz. More details here .

Putnam County Health Department Car Seat Program, Putnam County : This program offers Free Car Seats to a resident of Putnam County who also meets WIC Income Guidelines or is income eligible for WIC. Learn more here .

Warren County Health District Car Seat Program, Warren County : This program provides Free Car Seats. To qualify, a parent/caregiver must meet WIC income limits, though the beneficiary does not need to be registered in WIC. The family must have a child who meets the requirements for a car/booster seat and must attend an educational class. More details here .

Knox Public Health Car Seat Program, Knox County : This program offers convertible and booster seats to low-income families in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Health’s Ohio Buckles Buckeyes. A $10 charge is suggested at the time of the class. Find more details here .

Belmont County Health Department Car Seat Program, Belmont County : This department offers Free Car Seats to eligible families. To confirm WIC eligibility, the family must submit one of the following documents: paystubs for the previous 30 days, WIC card, Medicaid card, W2s/most recent tax transcript, or unemployment benefits/award letter. More details here .

Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) Car Seat Program, Lake County : This program provides car seats to income-eligible families in collaboration with University Hospitals and the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB). To get a car seat, the parent/legal caregiver must attend an instructional class. Learn more here .

Perry County Health Department Car Seat Program, Perry County : This department offers Free Car Seats. A parent or guardian is eligible for a convertible car seat or booster seat if they live in Perry County, are a WIC customer, or meet current WIC income limits. Infant car seats are offered to families receiving assistance from Job and Family Services. More details here .

OKLAHOMA Free Car Seats

SPARC Car Seats: Single Parent Academic Resources Collaborative, Oklahoma City : This program uses a first-come, first-served policy to distribute car seats. Local car seat events are listed on the website. Check the event details because some car seats are provided for free or at a low fee. Details here

Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, Injury Prevention Service, Safe Kids Oklahoma, Statewide : These entities collaborate to launch a car/booster seat program through county health departments. Free Car Seats and booster seats are available to families that qualify for WIC benefits or receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF. Details here

Bethany Children’s Health Center, Bethany : For individuals who are eligible, the center offers inexpensive car seats. Details here

Infant Crisis Services, Oklahoma City : A local group offers supplies like diapers, blankets, baby clothes, formula, car seats, and other essentials to those in need. Details here

Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service, Muskogee County : The Kirschner Trusts awarded a grant to Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service to help cover the cost of car seats for low-income families in the county. Details here

OREGON Free Car Seats

Grants Pass Fire and Rescue, Grants Pass : This program offers reduced-cost seats for individuals on OHP or families working with WIC. Convertible and combination seats are available for $30 and booster seats for $10. Additional discounts are available for some individuals working with WIC, but they must learn how to use the car seat correctly. Details here

Oregon Building Healthy Families, Wallowa County : The organization offers car seats in conjunction with a class on a sliding scale payment basis. Details here

Bambinos Oregon, Polk County : If you are a current Bambinos client living in Polk County, a seat is available for a $15 deposit and education is given. Details here

Care Inc, Tillamook County : The organization offers low-cost car seats, determined on a case-by-case basis, along with other essentials for Tillamook County residents. Details here

Legacy Health, Portland : The organization offers a car seat safety class with no/low-cost car seat on availability. Details here

Multnomah County Healthy Birth Initiative, Multnomah County : For Black or African American families in Multnomah County, discounted car seats are available. Details here

Doernbacher Children’s Hospital, Portland : This hospital works with ODOT to see if families are eligible for the car seat distribution program. Details here

Safe Kids Lower Columbia, Columbia County : This program provides an interactive car seat program with one-on-one instruction, a $50 visa gift card just for keeping your appointment, and a free car seat if needed. Details here

Salem Right to Life Center, Salem : By taking five parenting classes, you can earn Baby Bucks that can be redeemed for a new car seat. Details here

Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc, Umatilla & Morrow Counties : Families in/near Hermiston and Pendleton can get car seats for low-income families at a reduced cost. Convertible seats are available for $30, high-back boosters for $20, and no-back boosters for $10. Details here

Vine Medical Pregnancy Health Clinic : A new car seat can be obtained by participating in the educational programs. Details here , Educational Resources

City of Albany, Albany : The Albany Area Child Passenger Safety Program can provide low-cost seats to income-eligible families residing in Linn and Benton counties. A referral may be obtained from Love, Inc, or from WIC for families who are currently eligible for and receiving WIC benefits.

PENNSYLVANIA Free Car Seats

Tri-County Community Action, Dauphin County : This organization collaborates with SAFE KIDS in Dauphin County through Penn State Children’s Hospital to provide a discounted car seat program for families referred to them or other public assistance organizations. Safety checks can be performed by their professionals if required. The program aims to inform the public about the importance of using car seats correctly for safety and legal reasons. Details here

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia : Through the CHOP Child Safety Seat Program, the hospital provides child car seats free of charge. A healthcare professional may refer anyone who cannot afford to buy a child safety seat to this program. To qualify, you must be actively receiving public assistance and have a green EBT Access card. Details here

Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project’s Car Seat Loan Program, Statewide : Free Car Seats are available at locations throughout the county through this program. Details here

Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Central Pennsylvania : This organization has set up a car seat loaner program for people who can’t afford to buy the right car seat for their infants or toddlers. In collaboration with PennDOT and the PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project, this program lends out the appropriate car seats to those who meet the required income levels, set at 150% of the poverty line or less. Details here

RHODE ISLAND Free Car Seats

Injury Prevention Center’s 4-Safety Program, Statewide : Certified child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs) from the Injury Prevention Center teach car seat installation to parents. Qualified low-income families may be provided a car seat for their child. Details here

The organization also lists the sites for car seat checks in Rhode Island. Details here

Seats 4 Safety Program at Lifespan (Statewide) : This program offers car seat inspections and may provide Free Car Seats for eligible families who are unable to afford them. More details can be found on their website .

SOUTH CAROLINA Free Car Seats

Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, Midlands : The hospital and its Buckle Buddies program offer new and safe car seats to families in the Midlands via their Medicaid discount program. Car seats can be purchased at a discount at Palmetto Health Baptist’s Birthplace. The discount is $10 per car seat, making the total cost $65 for a regular car seat and $35 for a convertible car seat. To access this service, contact:

• Prisma Health Baptist Hospital Women’s Services, Taylor at Marion St. Columbia, SC 29220
• Call: 803-296-2578

More details here

Molina Healthcare of South Carolina : Provides a free car seat program for eligible members who complete 6 prenatal visits. Members must email their details to [email protected] with “Car Seat” as the email subject. The email must include the member’s full name, physical mailing address, phone number, and Molina ID number. Please note that car seat types may vary.  More details here

SOUTH DAKOTA Free Car Seats

South Dakota Department of Social Services, Statewide : This department offers the Child Safety Seat Distribution Program which aims to ensure children are in the most suitable child seat for their height and weight until they are at least 4’9″. It provides child safety seats at no cost to families that meet income eligibility requirements. Details here

Sanford Children’s CHILD Services, Statewide : This service offers the Child Safety Seat Distribution Program, which aims to keep children safe by providing child safety seats at no cost to families who meet the income eligibility requirements. The goal is to ensure children ride in the best car seat for their size and weight until they reach a minimum height of 4 feet 9 inches. Details here

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, Statewide : In collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Social Services, this organization offers Free Car Seats to parents who meet the requirements. Parents must live in South Dakota and be enrolled in a program that qualifies them for financial assistance, such as Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, CHIP, Child Care Assistance, or Head Start. Details here

TENNESSEE Free Car Seats

Shelby County Health Department Child Car Seat Program, Shelby County : This program offers free convertible car seats to Shelby County residents with children under the age of 2 who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Details here

Mother To Mother (Nashville) : A non-profit organization that provides vital health, safety, and wellness items for infants and children in need. They have programs that may help families acquire car seats. For more information, visit their website .

TEXAS Free Car Seats

Texas Health and Human Services, Statewide : The Safe Riders initiative forms alliances with Texas stakeholders to educate about child passenger safety and manage the distribution of child safety seats to low-income families. Safe Riders refer families to established distribution stations in their neighborhood. Details here

Denton County Public Health, Denton County : The Safe Riders initiative also provides child safety seat distribution and education here. Families that meet the eligibility requirements and attend the course will be provided with a car seat. Families must self-certify their financial need, have a vehicle with a working safety belt, and attend a one-hour session to learn how to properly use the car seat. Car seat classes are held monthly. Details here

St. John’s Community Center, Travis County : This center offers a variety of services to low-income families, including a free car seat program. To obtain a car seat, you must first complete a car seat safety course. Details here

Living Alternatives of Jacksonville, Jacksonville : This organization may provide free child car seats to low-income mothers who are pregnant or have small children. Living Alternatives is approved annually to distribute new car seats for free through the State of Texas Safe-Riders Program. Details here

UMC Foundation El Paso (El Paso) : The UMC Foundation’s Car Seat Safety Program helps ensure child passenger safety by providing car seats to families who might otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit their website for more details.

Families to Freedom (Dallas) : This organization offers a program providing car seats for families in need. They ensure that families on their way to a safer life have the necessary equipment for transporting children safely. More information is available on their website .

UTAH Free Car Seats

Salt Lake County Health Department, Salt Lake County : The department sells new car seats to qualifying families on a sliding fee scale. Eligible families must attend a car seat class and provide proof of income, which must be at or below 195% of the federal poverty level. Details here

Tooele County Health Department, Tooele County : Offers low-cost car seats to qualifying families. The department also provides free car seat education classes on the first Wednesday of every month. Details here

Weber-Morgan Health Department, Weber County : Sells new car seats on a sliding fee scale to families who qualify. Similar to the program in Salt Lake County, qualifying families must attend a car seat class and provide proof of income, which must be at or below 195% of the federal poverty level. Details here

Southwest Utah Public Health Department, Southern Utah : Offers car seats for free or for a discount after a car seat installation course. Details here

VERMONT Free Car Seats

Vermont Safety Seat Voucher Program, Statewide : This program provides Free Car Seats and booster seats to low-income families who meet program qualifications, primarily determined by receipt of state or federal funds. Details here

Rescue Inc., Statewide : This is a Pediatric Safe Organization designated by the state of Vermont. They provide Free Car Seats to qualified low-income families and free car seat inspections to anyone who wants one. Details here

Lyndon Rescue, Statewide : As part of Vermont’s Child Passenger Safety Program, Lyndon Rescue provides free child safety seat inspections and installation. They also offer low-cost car seats and booster seats to income-eligible families who meet the program’s qualifications. Details here

Springfield Hospital, Springfield : This hospital provides a Nationally Certified Passenger Safety Technician to help families with the installation and use of their child’s car seat. They collaborate with the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Governor’s Highway Safety Program to supply car seats to individuals in need. Details here

Colchester Police Department, Colchester : Employs nationally qualified child passenger safety technicians who can inspect your child’s seat installation. Also, if you have a free seat voucher from the Vermont Department of Health, they can assist you. Details here

VIRGINIA Free Car Seats

Virginia Department of Health Low Income Safety Seat Distribution and Education Program, Statewide : This program promotes, acquires, and distributes free child safety seats to low-income families. Details here

Fairfax County Health Department, Fairfax County : Provides income-eligible parents, foster parents, and legal guardians of a child aged 7 or younger, and pregnant women in their third trimester with car seat instruction and a free car seat. Details here 

City of Norfolk’s Child Passenger Safety Program, Norfolk : This program provides low-income families with instruction as well as free child safety seats and booster seats from the third trimester of pregnancy through the age of seven. Details here

City of Lynchburg, Lynchburg : Employs Child Safety Seat Technicians who have completed the National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Program. They also provide a program for low-income children. Details here

Louisa County, Louisa County : The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Division of Injury and Violence Prevention maintains a statewide Child Safety Seat Program that provides low-income families with seat distribution and instruction. Details here

WASHINGTON Free Car Seats

Seattle Children’s Car Seat Program, Seattle : Provides car seats for patients or ER patients, asking families to pay what they can towards the wholesale cost of the car seat. Details here

Benton Franklin Health District, Benton Franklin : Safe Kids Benton Franklin offers free car seat checks and also has car seats available for low-income families who meet the qualifications. Details here

Babies In Need, Southwest WA : Works with social workers to help families get car seats and other essentials. Details here

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Southwest WA : Offers a one-hour car seat education class and there are a limited number of car seats available for low income families. Details here

Eastside Baby Corner, Seattle and Surrounding Areas : A community organization that serves families in need in and around Seattle. They can provide car seats and other baby essentials, partnering with various organizations, including Afghan Health Initiative. Details here and here

Two Hearts Pregnancy Aid, Washington : Will provide a car seat to any family in need as long as they qualify. Details here

West Seattle Food Bank, Seattle : In a partnership with Westside Baby, car seats can be ordered for qualifying families. Details here and here

WASHINGTON D.C. Free Car Seats

The District Department of Transportation, Washington D.C .: Runs a federally sponsored Child Safety Seat Program, which educates parents and caregivers on the need of using child safety seats every time a child travels in a car. The program gives an infant or toddler seat, a free booster seat, and information on correctly fitting and strapping children into their safety seats to District households. This project is a collaboration between DDOT, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Safe Kids Washington DC. Details here

WEST VIRGINIA Free Car Seats

The Gabriel Project of West Virginia, Statewide : Assists families that lack the financial means to meet the physical demands of a new infant. They supply their clients with infant essentials such as new cribs, new car seats, diapers, formula, clothing, hygiene products, and other items at no or low cost. Details here

Motown Christian Help (Morgantown) : Offers a variety of programs to support families, including a program that provides car seats to those in need. Their mission is to provide help and hope to individuals and families in the Houston area. For more details, visit their website .

WISCONSIN Free Car Seats

West Allis Health Department, West Allis : The health department offers a variety of car seat services, including providing low-cost car or booster seats to low-income families.  More details here

Injury Free Coalition for Kids (Milwaukee) : This organization is dedicated to preventing injury to children. As part of their mission, they provide a car seat safety program that offers car seats to families in need in the Waco area. Learn more by visiting their website .

Clark County Health Department, Clark County : The health department runs a program called “Car Seats for Kids,” offering free car seat checks to all parents or guardians with children in car seats or booster seats. Some parents may even be eligible for a free car seat! The department also provides educational materials to ensure the safest travel for your child.  More details here

Brown County Public Health (Brown County) : They offer a Car Seat Program that provides car seats at a discounted price to families who qualify. This program aims to increase the number of children who are safely restrained in vehicles. More details can be found on their website .

WYOMING Free Car Seats

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Cheyenne : Partners with Kohls, Walmart, and other local retailers to offer free or discounted car seats. Interested parties should call the Injury Prevention Department at (307) 432-2679. Details here

Teton County Car Seat Program, Teton County : This program is supported by generous donations from the local Kiwanis Club. It provides affordable car seats, though it cannot provide seats for second vehicles from this program. The suggested donation is $25. Details here