Parenting is difficult work. Day in and day out, parents do their best to make sure their kids have all their needs met. But, sometimes, parents need the proper equipment to help them meet those needs. A stroller and especially a car seat are must-have items for any new parent. A child’s safety and comfort are paramount, and most parents will pay good money for these things.
The best way to go about saving money on car seats and strollers is to buy a combo set. Not only does this cut costs, but it ensures that you have a car seat that is compatible with a given stroller. Trying to figure out which car seat will fit into a particular stroller can be nothing short of confusing, which is why it is generally best to buy them as a combo.
This is especially true if you have twins or multiples, as you will probably be wanting to limit your spending as much as possible. And great stroller and car seat combos are certainly not limited to just single strollers. If you need a double stroller and car seats, there are quite a few of these combos on the market as well.
Now that we have gone over why it is important to opt for a car seat and stroller combination over buying everything separately, let us take a look at four of the best car seat and stroller combos that are being sold right now. Each one offers something different. Of course, for those who might be in need of something with several seats, we have included a double stroller/car seat combo in addition to three singles.
Britax B-Lively & B-Safe 35 Travel System, Raven
This beautiful combo features the raven-colored B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat and the B-Lively Stroller. Car seat adapters are also included. Safety truly is the keyword when it comes to this stroller and car seat combo’s strengths. The B-Safe 35 seat is designed to absorb impact in case of a collision thanks to its base and steel frame. The side frame can also offer impact protection on both the right and left.
A bonus for parents is that the stroller is lightweight and easy to stash in the trunks of most vehicles. It can even fit into the trunks of quite a few different sedans. There is a massive storage basket and a UV 50+ canopy that will help shield the sun from your baby’s face and help to keep them cool when the weather is anything but cool. The canopies can also block the other elements from bothering your baby.
PROS
- Easy to carry and store
- Easy to maneuver in tight spaces
- Wheels will not get stuck
- Easy to assemble
- Durable, high-quality materials
CONS
- The car seat base might be too long to fit in the rear middle seats of some vehicles
- No bassinet attachments exist for this particular model
FAQ About this Product
Q: What is the difference between this combo and the Britax 2017 B-Agile & B-Safe 35 Travel System?
A: The Britax B-Lively & B-Safe 35 Travel System is heavier than the 2017 B-Agile & B-Safe 35. That particular combo weighs about 18 pounds while the B-Lively & B-Safe weighs 30. The B-Lively & B-Safe can also hold more weight (up to 55 pounds). This model has a bigger peek-a-boo window and storage basket, a footwell for the child sitting in the stroller, two pockets on the back (whereas the B-Agile has just one), and a frame that is designed differently. Their prices are different too, but not by much. Only about $40 separates these two combo models.
Q: Is this system latex-free?
A: Yes, the B-Lively & B-Safe 35 combo is latex-free. Those who have a latex allergy should have no allergic reaction to the fabric.
Q: Can I take this stroller on tough terrains?
A: You can try. The no-flat wheels make walking through grass and on top of gravel pretty easy. However, terrains rougher than those will likely prove to be difficult, especially if you go faster than a walking pace.
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System, Papyrus
The Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System (this one in Papyrus gray and beige) consists of the Bravo Stroller, the Key Fit 30 Infant Car Seat, and the base for the car seat. The stroller has a one-hand folding mechanism so that you can fold the stroller with one hand while carrying items in the other. The stroller will stand on its own in its compact form when folded up, and the wheels on it are automatically positioning.
Also, if you need cup holders for your own drinks, this stroller has them. There is a parent tray that has both cup holders and a storage area, making it all the more convenient for you to stash your small items and drinks.
This system is what is called a tri-mode. This means that there are three different modes of travel you can use it for as your baby grows into a young child. In the first mode, the Bravo is a lightweight car seat carrier for small infants. The Bravo becomes more of a traditional travel system as your baby is able to sit up, look out, and experience the world from the Key Fit. Once your baby finally outgrows the Key Fit car seat, you can still use the stroller for transporting your child.
Note that the fabrics on the Bravo are machine-washable as long as you wash them in cold water on a delicate cycle. The harness cannot be machine-washed though. All of the plastic parts and the harness can be scrubbed down with a mild soap and warm water. Refrain from using bleach on any part of the Bravo, and allow all washed parts to drip-dry. Do not throw them in the dryer.
PROS
- The car seat is known to be so safe that it can endure head-on automobile collisions
- The whole system takes about 20 minutes or less to set up
- Folding and unfolding is easy
- The system is easy to adjust as your child grows up
CONS
- The cup holders are only big enough for a standard sized water bottle; they will not fit bigger cups
- There are no trays and cup holders included for children if you order the Papyrus
- The stroller is known for becoming squeaky with light to moderate use
FAQ About this Product
Q: What size does the Bravo fold into?
A: When you fold the Bravo stroller up, it measures in at 16 inches x 22 inches x 28 inches. It folds up with ease and is small enough to be stored inside of your house. It could fit into a closet or a corner.
Q: Does the Bravo’s stroller turn well?
A: Yes, the stroller turns with a good amount of ease. You should not have to put that much effort into it. Just the front wheels pivot around; the back wheels remain stable in their place.
Q: Is this a good stroller to take jogging with me?
A: Yes, it works well enough while you are jogging. However, you won’t really be able to take a diaper bag with you in it if you are jogging, just your child. Otherwise, you might feel a bit too weighted down. But it is very easy to push no matter what pace you are going at.
Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Baby Travel System, Gotham
When you hear “Gotham”, some very specific imagery probably comes to mind. And the Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Baby Travel System set in the Gotham color scheme aligns quite well with that imagery. This stroller and car seat combo includes Graco’s rear-facing Snug Ride Click Connect 35 infant car seat, which can hold children weighing between 4 and 35 pounds and coming in at 32 inches or less in length.
For an easy fold, there is a one-hand folding mechanism which takes only one second to use. The stroller also makes a smooth transition from a regular walking stroller to one that works well while jogging. The jogging travel system includes rubber tires that are air-filled. This suspension helps keep the ride smooth, whether you are walking or jogging on flat concrete, loose gravel, or a dirt pathway. The front swivel wheel also eases the transition into a jogger. By locking the front wheel, you gain a lot more stability while jogging. When you unlock it, you get a ton more maneuverability for everyday walking circumstances.
As far as size goes, this stroller is a modest size, coming in at 23.31 inches x 35.43 inches x 20.67 inches. It folds up flatly for easy storage in vehicle trunks or inside of your house.
If you need a place to stash your mp3 player or your cell phone, there is a cell phone cradle on the parent’s tray. The tray also has two cup holders and a storage compartment that has a cover. The peek-a-boo windows provides plenty of shade for your child, as does the extremely large canopy that comes with the stroller. There is also a tray for your child which can pivot for getting them easily into and out of the stroller. The child’s tray also has a cup holder.
This stroller and car seat combo is convertible so that it grows with your child. There is a hassle-free three- or five-point harness that you can adjust as your child gets bigger. On top of all of that, you get the benefit of having reflectors for an extra safety precaution.
Oh, and the weight capacity? It is built to carry up to 90 pounds. This is quite an impressive feat for a stroller and car seat combo weighing just 36 pounds itself. You should have no problem using this stroller for both of your children for a couple of years.
PROS
- An incredibly smooth ride from the 12-inch air-filled tires and suspension system
- Easy to fold and push
- No car seat is required for newborns as it is newborn-ready
- The huge storage basket fits all kinds of diaper bags
- Can be stored even in the trunks of small sedans and coupes
Conclusion
These four models are just a few of the many stroller and car seat combos that are being sold right now. There are a ton of combos out there. In the future, you should expect to see these becoming even trendier since they easily fit parents’ needs and budgets.
Overall, stroller and car seat combinations tend to be a wise choice for almost all parents. The long-lasting durability of these newfangled strollers and car seats lends to their mass appeal. You can bet that, if you get a new stroller and car seat combo for one child, you will be able to use it for your next without noticing too much wear and tear. A wise investment, to be sure, but these strollers with car seats are also safe investments.