Buyer's Guides

Best Travel System Strollers with Infant Car Seat for Singles and Twins

Travel systems are a MUST, and make traveling with baby so much easier

If you are like me, then you don’t let a baby slow you down! In fact, the whole point of our blog is to show families that you can travel with babies, kids, teenagers, grandparents – whatever, and still have a great time.

I am not going to lie, it isn’t always a walk in the park! But luckily, there are genius travel-related products that can help make traveling with babies and kids a whole lot easier.

Let me introduce you to one of my favorites: the travel system stroller, which is basically a stroller and carseat combo.

At the end of this article, you will understand everything you need to make a smart, well-informed decision if you are looking for the best travel system stroller.

Related: Interested in learning how to keep your toddler happy during car rides!? Read our guide for the best toddler toys for car trips.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND OUT MORE IN MY DISCLAIMER.

What is a travel system?

A baby travel system is basically a stroller that is designed to work with a detachable baby car seat. The benefit of using a stroller and carseat combo is the convenience of seamlessly transporting your little one from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without having to wake or bother them.


Most babies are pretty temperamental (mine included!), so keeping them happy in their car seat during these transition periods can be a life-saver during your travels or even while zipping around town running errands.

Baby sleeping in car seat

You can buy the car seat and a compatible travel system stroller separately, or you can buy them together in a package as a stroller and carseat combo, generally for the best value. If you want a specific car seat and stroller from different brands, you can also do that, because in most cases you can just buy an extender.

Just be careful and do your research to make sure the extender is designed to work with your exact model.

Table of Best Travel Systems

If you want to quickly find out our choice for the top travel system stroller in each category, without reading the entire guide, see the table below. But be sure to continue reading for our full review of our favorite carseat stroller combos.

Overview: Top Travel Systems by Category

Best Overall Stroller

britax logo

Britax B Agile & B Safe

Best Value Stroller

Graco logo

Graco Modes 3 Lite

Most Dependable Stroller

chicco logo

Chicco Bravo Trio

Best Overall Jogger

babyjogger logo

Baby Jogger City Mini GT

Best Value Jogger

babytrend logo

Baby Trend Expedition

Best Overall Double Stroller

Graco logo

Graco DuoGlider Click Connect

Best Value Double Stroller

babytrend logo

Baby Trend Sit N Stand

Who needs a Travel System?

This is an easy one! If you don’t have a baby, then you don’t need a travel system. Ha, but seriously, I am guessing you are reading this because you already have a baby or a baby on the way, or you plan to purchase a new travel system as an epic baby shower gift.

In this case, a stroller and carseat combo may be right for you. In my experience, the main reason to get a travel system is because you plan to frequently leave the house with your baby in tow, whether it’s to do shopping, errands, local trips, or longer-term destination-based travel.

If you would rather carry your munchkin in a pouch all the time, all the power to you, there are various baby carriers that will help you get that job done.


But regardless, to go anywhere safely with your baby you will need an infant car seat anyways, and if you are out of the house more than a few hours, you will also want a stroller for nap time, etc.

Why not have a car seat and stroller combo that works together for those moments you just want to pop the seat in the car, fold up and go!?

Different baby carseat and stroller combos

If you made it this far, you have likely made the decision to consider getting a travel system stroller for your baby. There are quite a few important things to think about when shopping for a new travel system, including how you plan to use it and how many children you plan to accompany you?

Two young kids in stroller

 

Stroller vs. jogger travel system

If you need a system for a single child and plan to use it practically for travel or to venture around town, then you should opt for the standard travel system “stroller”. The majority of travel systems on the market are of the stroller variety.

On the other hand, if you lead a particularly active lifestyle that includes wanting to take your baby on a jog or run, then you might consider the jogger travel system. My sister is more of the baby-jogger type, and she has tried out her fair share of car seat and jogger combos, and some definitely work better than others.

The jogging stroller travel system is designed for higher speeds and maneuverability, and is more appropriate for different types of terrain. Like the stroller travel systems, the jogger travel systems have the convenience of allowing you to drop the car seat into place with a click.

Moms jogging with babies

Single vs. double travel system

If you are lucky enough to have the need to whisk two little infants around simultaneously (likely if you had twins. Congrats!), then double travel system strollers are also available and, in my opinion, they are a must-have.

It is hard enough to handle a single infant, so I know that moms with multiple babies can benefit from every little bit of extra help and convenience.


Double travel system strollers are naturally larger than single systems to accommodate two children, and some are hybrid systems with a section for clicking the car seat and the other section designed for an older sibling to sit in a normal reclining seat. There are fewer double carseat stroller combos to choose from on the market, but we will show you there are still a few great choices.

How to choose the best travel system for your baby?

Let’s face it, the marketplace for baby products is saturated with manufacturers and can be very confusing. I know, I have been there and done that – thrice. I get stressed out at the thought of stepping foot in a Babies”R”Us. Thank you, Amazon!

Still for all the convenience of shopping online, there are still just too many darn choices! That is why we decided to make this series of Buyer’s Guides for Busy Moms, to help you sift through all the noise and focus on what matters most.

Stressed woman shopping for strollers
This is literally me doing research for this article!

Important features to consider

Anyhow, to choose the best travel system for your baby and your lifestyle, it is important to consider certain features that help to distinguish different strollers systems from one another. In approximate order of importance, we recommend that you consider the following:

  • SAFETY:

    Because keeping your baby safe is the most important thing in the world!

  • Functionality

    Is it lightweight, easy to use, and fit your individual needs?

  • Craftsmanship

    Does it have a reputation for being durable and well-designed?

  • VALUE

    Do you get a good bang-for-your-buck compared to similar products?

  • BONUS FEATURES

    Quality of fabric, materials, storage, cup holders, style, flexibility, etc.

Baby travel system brands & pricing

There are so many different brands that make travel system strollers of various types. Some companies are better known for durability and craftsmanship, while others are known for keeping the cost in check.

In this guide, we did extensive research to bring you the best-of-the-best, taking into consideration all 5 critical feature categories.

Because prices fluctuate over time, you will want to click the “Check Price” links to see if the current price has dropped (on Amazon).

Best Value

Graco Modes 3 Lite Review

The Graco Modes 3 Lite Travel System may be a mouthful to say, but it is also full of practical features at a budget-friendly price. Navigation is eased by a single swivel front wheel and it covers all the bases: canopy, cup holders, decent storage basket, well-functioning brakes, and easy ability to fold for storage and travel. Lacks the dependability of more expensive travel systems, but it is more than adequate at this price point.

Why you will love it:

  • Easy to navigate with 3-wheeled design
  • Large canopy and soft padding for comfortable strolling
  • Includes dual cup holder plus good storage

Room for improvement:

  • Lack of durable quality for basic things: buckles, buttons, fabric, etc
  • Has lots of features, but they don’t always work seamlessly
  • The wheels are plastic and may lack durability over time and use

Most Dependable

Chicco Bravo Trio Review

The key to a buying from a larger brand like Chicco is dependability, and the Chicco Bravo Trio delivers a travel system that you can depend on for longer than most other travel systems. It is designed to be adaptive to the change size and needs of your child, even as a toddler up to 50lbs, so this system can follow them from birth to grade school. Has a solid record for safety and quality to stand the test of time.

Why you will love it:

  • Designed to adapt well to needs of growing children up to 50 lbs
  • Extra large storage basket and canopy for sun protection
  • Great collapsible design that stands well on its own after fold
  • Car seat is easy to install and use without a manual

Room for improvement:

  • No baby tray for holding snacks and drinks
  • Relatively poorer maneuverability compared to others
  • A bit heavier than other similar strollers

Best Overall Travel System Stroller

Britax B Agile & B Safe Review

Safety first! Britax has designed a comfortable car seat full of unique safety features that you just can’t find anywhere else, including side-impact protection and a shock absorbing base. Parents will appreciate the ease of one-handed folding of the lightweight frame, and exceptional one-handed navigation with confidence. It checks all the boxes for usability, craftsmanship and features, but we view safety number one and this is where Britax really gets the edge on the competition.

Why you will love it:

  • Significant car seat safety features to protect your child
  • Lightweight aluminum frame build with quality materials
  • Fun and easy to maneuver with good swivel front wheel
  • One-handed folding makes travel and stowing easier

Room for improvement:

  • Costs more than comparable products, but you can find deals

Best Value Jogger

baby trend expedition feature list

Baby Trend Expedition Review

The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger presents many positive features, including large wheels on a sturdy frame for seamless maneuverability and a very smooth ride, which is important for little ones travelling at higher speeds in this jogger. It has good safety features and quality for the price, with a few added bonuses like a drink tray for baby and mommy, highly adjustable seats/buckles/canopy/etc, and ease of use.

Why you will love it:

  • Sturdy and easy to navigate confidently with one hand
  • Solid quality fabric and materials for the price point
  • Shape and feel of car seat handle is very comfortable to carry

Room for improvement:

  • Not the most comfortable cushion for seated children
  • Seat recline is limited and naps are less easy
  • Bulky and relatively heavy for transport/storage

Best Overall Travel System Jogger

Baby Jogger City Mini GT Review

The Baby Jogger City Mini sets a very high bar for jogging travel strollers, with impeccable design, durable solid frame and materials, and loaded with features. It maneuvers and rides like butter, and is easy and fun for daily use. Your baby will really enjoy the smooth ride with super comfortable padding and restraints, a sturdy tray and cup holder, and it even has a playful peak-a-boo window in the large canopy. Parents will appreciate the durability of the all-terrain wheels, parent console tray, and super compact folding design.

Why you will love it:

  • So smooth to navigate, it is actually a joyful experience to push
  • Comes loaded with so many features, including a weather shield
  • Uses adapter to fit with most other car seat brands for flexibility
  • Stroller built to last and the wheels (almost) never lose their air
  • Can support your growing child all the way up to 65 lbs

Room for improvement:

  • Durability comes with a cost – stroller is heavier than others
  • Underneath storage basket is not very large

Best Value Double Stroller

Baby Trend Sit n Stand Review

The Baby Trend Sit N Stand is a high quality double stroller that is comfortable and spacious, and it has the flexibility in design to fit any combination of up to 2 infants and/or toddlers. Double strollers are notoriously heavy and difficult to navigate, but this one is a breeze and has the ability to turn on a dime. Your babies will enjoy the comfort of redlining seats, a standing platform and dual child trays with cup holders. This baby has it all at an extremely attractive price point.

Why you will love it:

  • Well designed features across the board
  • Super flexible to accommodate needs of 2 children
  • Easy navigation for a double, and folds quite easily too
  • Parent friendly tray with holders for keys and 2 cups

Room for improvement:

  • The storage basket difficult to fit large items
  • Plastic wheels can accumulate wear and tear quickly
  • Relatively bulky when folded and stowed for travel

Best Overall Double Stroller

Graco DuoGlider Click Connect Review

The Graco DuoGlider Click Connect Stroller has the trifecta of being safe, reliable, comfortable – and it just plain works. It can accommodate two infant seats at once, and when your children grow to toddlers, it is rugged enough to hold two 40 lb children. It makes life easier when travelling with two little ones due to simple folding, smooth navigation, durable swivel wheels, and a large storage basket. This is one travel system that will likely keep you satisfied for a long time.

Why you will love it:

  • Good weight and size for a double with all its features
  • Great maneuverability and comfortable ride for children
  • Sturdy and built to last with durable materials
  • The back seat fully reclines so toddler can relax and sleep well

Room for improvement:

  • Wheels and design not suitable for rough terrain
  • A little bulky overall and difficult to assemble

That’s a Wrap!

Honestly, there are a lot of great travel systems out there, and this was a really tough choice. Just because a travel system didn’t make our list does not mean it isn’t worth considering or buying. Our series of Buyer’s Guides for Busy Moms is designed purposefully to present thoroughly researched products that we trust will suit the needs and interests of our diverse readership.

Also, if you are looking for great advice in choosing the best pram, or stroller (not the travel system variety), you can find one of my favorite resources here from a fellow travel blogger.

You might also be interested in our articles on:

 

If you have had a great experience with a particular travel stroller or travel system that we missed, please let our readers and myself know in the comments. You can help us to make this list even better with feedback and community discussion.

Disclaimer: HotMamaTravel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. This means that we get credit for providing awesome advice in helping you to decide on your purchase if you use one of our links. There is no extra cost to you, but it helps to support the cost of running our blog. Thank you for supporting us!

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Author

I am a busy mama with 3 delicious babies and a serious itch for travel and writing (when I am not bartending, that is)! After graduating from Cal State San Marcos with a B.A. in Communications, I decided to start a family and pursue a career in freelance writing. I created HotMamaTravel as an outlet to do what I love while sharing useful travel tips and inspiration with others. Our mission is to show parents how to master travel with kids, while keeping your Saturday-night selves. We call it "Family travel...with a twist".

17 Comments

  1. Awesome list! I’m super happy to have our days of traveling with a stroller behind us. But having a great one while we did was so useful! I’m happy to see there are so many awesome options for parents these days!

  2. This is a helpful review of travel systems because there isn’t that much else out there to help dads like me choose the right one for us. I like the baby jogger the most. Thanks again for the great reviews!

  3. That is a very detailed post on how to choose the best travel stroller system. You did a lot of research! Other parents will be happy to just harvest the fruit of your research 🙂

    • Thanks. I learned a lot doing the research, so I hope this makes it easier for expecting parents.

  4. Well, I don’t have a baby myself, but more and more of my friends seem to be, and are using it as an excuse not to go travelling. Part of me can understand that…but with detailed and informative posts like this for me to refer them to, perhaps I can convince them otherwise 😉

    • Thanks for your insight Joe! Having kids gave us more reasons to travel, not less. It is more difficult, yes, but it is enriching for their young minds.

  5. Very helpful for the travel moms out there! I have a lot of friends that need advice and this post is the right one. Thanks for sharing

  6. Pingback: 10 Tips for Overseas Travel - HotMamaTravel

  7. Pingback: 10 Best Diaper Backpacks for Dad: 2018 Buyer's Guide and Reviews

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