Best baby stroller travel systems according to redditors

We have the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System. Love it. No complaints. It's at the top of your price range though at $380. It comes with the bucket carseat, the base, and the stroller. If you have another car that baby will go in and out of a lot you might want to purchase another base (they're about $85, so that'll put you at your max max budget) - though you can use the bucket carseat without the base (you just use the seatbelt to restrain it).

All in with carseat, 2 bases, and stroller = $465 + tax

I opted for a Chicco travel system over the Graco because the carseat gets better reviews. It's under $400 on Amazon. Here's the Lucie's List review of the carseat and here's a link to the travel system I chose on Amazon.

Haven't used it yet, but it gets good reviews.

>after the baby outgrows the infant car seat, does he still need to sit in a car seat in the stroller, or do we just graduate to a convertible car seat in the car and go without in the stroller

Yes, the baby will just go in the stroller.

> are most convertible car seats compatible with most strollers?

Convertible car seats cannot be put in a stroller. They are intended to stay in your car.

>Basically...what do we need while buying the least amount of stuff?

You can use a convertible car seat from newborn through toddler if you want to! (See here!) You don't need to start with an infant seat at all. So, if buying the least amount of things is important to you, maybe look into doing that instead. Then, you'd only need...

• One convertible car seat per car
  
  
• One stroller (that can be converted from pram to regular stroller like this, because infants can't sit in a forward-facing stroller until about 6 months or whenever they're able to sit unassisted)
  
  If you are set on getting an infant seat, then you'll want...
  
  
• One "travel system" - this typically includes one infant seat + one base for the car + one stroller (that clips the infant seat into it and converts to a regular stroller after the infant stage) - like this
  
  
• Additional bases (and, if needed, additional infant seats) per car
  
  
• One convertible car seat for when baby outgrows the infant seat, per vehicle
  
  We did the second example I mentioned, and I kind of regret it. I feel like we spent much more money doing it this way, mainly because we have two cars (so we needed two bases, two convertible seats, etc.). But the benefit of doing it that way is being able to take baby in and out of the car in the seat, rather than risking waking them up by taking them out of the convertible seat. But, I have friends who did the convertible seat from birth and it worked out great for them, so I hope to do that when we have our second!

This is my favorite! So much so that we bought it again for kiddo 2. The inflatable tires make it such a smooth ride and the car seat snaps into the jogger and base in the car. It’s awesome!


Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Travel System | Includes the FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller and SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat, Gotham https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UVW40XA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_myfTDbT9VDV43

We went to buy buy baby to check out the huge variety and test out the weight and ease of folding and unfolding the stroller. I initially thought I wanted the city mini GT but ended up really liking the Britax Elite travel system. It was easier to fold and lighter!

Britax 2017 B Agile & B Safe 35 Elite Travel System, Domino https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0731KZ8H5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8QESzbHD6G7B3

More pics here!

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Disclaimer: There's really no theme to our nursery, despite the abundance of giraffes and Poohs. I already owned all of these Winnie the Pooh stuffed bears...he's a lifelong love of mine, and I just think giraffes are neat.

TOP FIVE

1. Crib: Graco Benton 5-in-1 in Pebble Gray. I got a really, really good deal on this through amazon, because the box it came in was damaged and they couldn't guarantee that the crib itself wouldn't have some superficial damage. I wasn't bothered by the prospect, and luckily it turned out I didn't have to be! Crib was in perfect shape and I got it for 50% its normal price.
   
2. Mobile: unfortunately, I think this particular style of mobile is sold out, but I got it from Sorrel & Fern on Amazon. Here is a similar style, though it's woodland themed.
   
3. Blinds: we had some old pull cord blinds before, which were some of the first things to go. I got these magnetic blinds here. I will say they're a liiittle too big for the size window we have but nothing a little adjusting can't fix. They were super easy to install, too.
   
4. Marquee 'J': I love this so much. I don't even know why.
   
5. We got a lot of hand me down furniture from friends and family - our changing table, dresser, and the recliner I have set up in my nursing corner. I think my favorite contribution from family is the hand-made giraffe that my Aunt knit for him. I know it took her a lot of time and I adore it.
   
6. Bonus stroller: My MIL bought this for us, which I'm really grateful for. We live 2 blocks away from a sizable park and I wanted something that would be easy to handle on the walking trails.
   
7. Bonus floating shelves: I had a hell of a time installing these, but that was a fight between me and the drywall than it was the fault of the shelves themselves.

Worth it, but not for $800. Try and find something used if you can. Uppababy, BOB and other quality strollers generally have good resale value too so if it turns out to not be a good fit it shouldn't end up costing you too much. Craigslist, FB marketplace, and FB sale/swap groups are great places to find a deal, especially if you start searching now. Finding a double stroller that can work with your car seat is extra helpful. If you toddler is likely to want to only ride occasionally a sit & stand could be a good option (a few companies make these). Or you could get a buggy board and attach it to your current stroller.




Our 3 year old was more into riding in a stroller perhaps that it sounds like yours will be but there are other things to consider. It's so nice to be able to strap them in when you need to. Chasing a kid or trying to keep track of them in a crowd or near a road can be nerve wracking. It's also possible that your kid will regress a bit or be jealous that the baby gets to be in the stroller.



I was super excited about babywearing but last summer in CA was pretty uncomfortable, and I didn't really get into it until fall, and really only once we stopped using a wrap and switched to a SCC without an insert. But then I am a sweaty person and so are my babies haha.

Another FTM from r/babybumps posted a couple of days ago about a really great deal on this System: https://m.bedbathandbeyond.com/m/s/chicco-bravo-trio-travel-in-iceland?isfromSearchBox=true

Her post is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/BabyBumps/comments/7a1k51/chicco_bravo_trio_travel_system_iceland_40_off/?st=J9L2MAZ3&sh=ca2ca33bhttps://www.reddit.com/r/BabyBumps/comments/7a1k51/chicco_bravo_trio_travel_system_iceland_40_off/?st=J9L2MAZ3&sh=ca2ca33b

The car seat is interchangeable with the stroller which was a big selling point for me as I don’t want to have to wake Baby up after a car ride to strap into a stroller. The base of the car seat is included in this deal so you just unhook from the base and insert the seat to the stroller without waking up or bothering the baby! The car seat is rated number 1 in regards to the safety feature. http://www.babycarseat.reviews/products/chicco-bravo-trio-travel-system/

If you click that link and want to read further reviews after reading the specs of everything, the link takes you to amazon and the first review is of a woman who was in a bad car accident (picture of vehicle and all) where adults were injured between both vehicles involved (broken bones etc) and how the 3 week old baby came out of it unscathed. For the lazy:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/cr/B00YWHYX8W/ref=mw_dp_cr

Back to the deal:
It’s 40% off online already from $379.99 making it $284.99! Then the FTM poster detailed she doubled up on her Bed Bath and Beyond 20% off coupon with an additional one from BuyBuy Baby you can use as well. I didn’t get an extra coupon from BuyBuy Baby and still received a total price off with just one 20% coupon for $228.

To receive the 20% off coupon I had to sign up for the email subscription with BB&B, however; when I received it 24hours later, it was for “in-store only”. I then went to check my local stores to see if they carried this exact system in “Iceland” color but of course, that was a no go. So that really crushed my hopes for getting such a great deal.

Then I looked through the FTM post again and found where she mentioned the site SlickDeals.com (how am I just finding out about this site??) I Did my own scouting there under BB&B and found this ONLINE 20% off coupon valid for today 11/4:
https://slickdeals.net/coupons/bed-bath-beyond/?couponid=1345516

Edit: when I clicked the above link after posting, it takes you to the deal without the coupon. The coupon code you want to use at checkout is: VYDD-6KQW


And it worked!! So I managed to still get the deal. It’s our first huge buy for the baby (only 11w4d) but I’m so happy I did. I watched far too many videos of couples reviewing the set on top of countless written reviews with so many great responses. The total price with tax was $241 including free shipping.

Just wanted to continue to spread the deal in case any other bumpers are interested in making a big first time purchase as well. <3

Maxi-Cosi Zelia 5-In-1 Modular Travel System

Get this travel system on Amazon for $225 - $300!! (Usually $400-$500)

Price changes based on color, you just have to make sure to check to box for the additional coupon!

https://www.amazon.com/Maxi-Cosi-Modular-Travel-System-Stroller/dp/B079WM4WCK/ref=sxin_1_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-bWF4aSBjb3NpIHplbGlhIDUgaW4gMSBtb2R1bGFyIHRyYXY%3D-ac_d_rm&crid=FE7XNOUD7B52&keywords=maxi%2Bcosi%2Bzelia%2B5%2Bin%2B1%2Bmodular%2Btravel%2Bsystem&pd_rd_i=B079WM2Z67&pd_rd_r=f7726d34-dc2d-4672-9c5f-368691adaec2&pd_rd_w=ubV88&pd_rd_wg=GSoF9&pf_rd_p=e2f20af2-9651-42af-9a45-89425d5bae34&pf_rd_r=CHGP6S4HQJB8KZMSH1X4&qid=1575045434&sprefix=maxi%2Bc%2Caps%2C151&th=1

Graco car seats are fantastic, and the car seat is the important part. I’d go for this one: Graco Fast Action SE Travel System

Me! I guess what overwhelms me the most is I just didn't know what I will find useful once I have the baby. I have no clue what will work best for me and since it tends to be one of the most expensive purchases, I don't want to make the wrong choice. Right now I'm leaning towards this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UVW40XA but I plan on making it to a baby store eventually to get hands on with some others.

I'm planning on getting the Chicco Viaro Travel System. The Chicco KeyFit carseats are some of the highest rated as far as safety goes, and the stroller folds into a very compact size. Overall very light too, and has great reviews. Plus it comes at a really reasonable price!

https://www.amazon.com/Chicco-Viaro-Travel-System-Coastal/dp/B01H5SP0D6

I let my husband pick all that out. He's incredibly critical when it comes to usability, quality, and longevity... the only thing I wanted to make sure is that I couldn't accidentally knock it over because I'm clumsy. I think he picked well. (This one.)

Meanwhile, this was pretty much me when I was picking out a nursery furniture set until I found one that I IMMEDIATELY fell in love with and ordered on the spot. Now I have to go through the nonsense again because I'm trying to pick out a glider/recliner combo...

After I read this I made DH come to the store with me to see the strollers and check out if the one I picked out on-line was one I really did like. It was totally eye opening! The one I thought was perfect (only saw it on Amazon) looked cheap and didn't move well at all so we talked to the nice lady there and found one that we both like and is exactly what we want. It's less expensive on Amazon than in the store and there's a set with the car seat/base included with the stroller! When I saw the price originally I was a bit skeptical, but in the store the stroller itself was $330 and the seat itself is over $100, so it's actually a good deal.

Edit - Of course I looked over this thread again and found out things I didn't know, so I updated my registry with just the stroller in this set and a different multi stage car seat and an infant car seat.

You can have a sturdy stroller that also has a snap-in option for your car seat. Not sure what reviews you saw that said the strollers were collapsing on their own, but it might have more to do with the method by which they collapse than having a car seat attached. Just a guess.

You might want to consider a travel system. You can get the Chicco KeyFit with base and a stroller that will last through the toddler years for $310. Another option is to get the stroller you’ve already picked, and get a car seat caddy to use while your baby is still an infant. The Chicco caddy is $100.

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System, Papyrus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YWHYX8W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Nr1JAbMYPJG4Y

Chicco Keyfit Caddy Stroller Frame https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JDOYF0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dr1JAbQFWKX3P

I went with this travel system (it's a stroller base that can have only the infant seat attached, but also comes with the toddler seat to use without the infant seat later), but also got a convertible car seat for later (since they have to be in one until something crazy like 8 years old. I think the convertible will last until 6-ish)

Why? I hear (and of course, YMMV) that it's nice to have the infant seat be able to come out of the car if baby is asleep, so you don't wake them. ALSO, kids have to be rear-facing for minimum 2 years in California, and the convertible seat, while inclined enough to support an infants neck, is just too huge for your average sedan! The infant seat is much smaller, and will help with the space issue until the convertible car seat can be less reclined.

We are registering for the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System, which has a bassinet attachment that switches back and forth to a chair, in addition to accepting a regular car seat. It's only $280ish, so less than the Keyfit system! I don't know anyone that has one, but the reviews seem good. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M99JN9D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_D82SCbW6N8C6T

We got a Carseat/ Stroller Combo from Graco Stroller is easy to set up and pick up/breakdown is easy. Stroller is lightweight, car seat works with any Graco Click Connect Car Seats. It was easy enough to set up

We went to a store to see them in person and so we could see how easy they were to break down. This is what we went with https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CSECET0?colid=2164SR4HZB10Q&coliid=I1E1YEPMHSL6O1&ref=br_ADD_TO_CART_title_link

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UVW40XA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542729134&sr=8-3&keywords=graco+stroller+and+car+seat+combo&dpPl=1&dpID=51c4Kh1chhL&ref=plSrch

This is the stroller car seat system a few of my mom friends have, it came up at a great price on sale! Not as fancy as something like an uppababy but I've heard good things.

Is this the one you got? It's what we are registered for.

So I looooooooooove my jogging stroller with rubber wheels, we replaced a plastic wheel system. It cost $180, which was the big selling point to me.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S0RF8JS/

It comes with a car seat, too, so you might use it sooner than you think. Bonus data point - we rented a corolla and it fits (takes up about 1/3rd of the trunk).

This one because it came with the stroller I wanted and it was a good deal. (It was $199 when I ordered it)

This is the one we have. It converts from car seat to carrier to stroller. I highly recommend it.

Also, it'll be years before a child even asks such a question. But don't underestimate their ability to categorize on their own. I mean, who explained to you the difference? In general, when kids ask questions you can ask them back what they think the answer is. This'll let you know where they're at, allow you to dodge some tricky territory, and give you an opportunity to find a distraction and change the subject if needed.

We have a 12 week old and love the convenience of the travel system. This is our stroller/carseat and we have no complaints so far! It's lightweight and I can carry stroller in one hand with the folding handle.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FNZ7C6Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_HbvMDb4ZE9X1F

Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Baby Travel System, Gotham https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UVW40XA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_TqMGAb7VJAKHC

I got this one and I really like it. I did get it for $130 though on Prime Day. It's our only stroller and it's survived the last 3 months so far. I did get the next gen dock from Graco though and use that one as a back up the new ones are so nice. We liked this one partially for the car seat that comes with it as well. My wife did a mess of research and decided this was her seat partially because it is fairly lightweight.

This one. It's still much cheaper on Amazon than Target if you are in the market for it!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YWHYX8W/ref=ya_st_dp_summary
It was only 300 then. And my mom actually insisted on giving it to us for Christmas, so yay!

btw, when mine was a toddler, our stroller also had car seat combined. made for easier travelling.

something like this. but bigger i guess.

https://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-Modular-Travel-System-Sandstone/dp/B071VHBYX8?th=1

I got the Chicco Bravo travel system after doing a lot of research. Set-up was super easy for both the stroller and the car seat, and they both seem to be quality for the money. The system also had excellent reviews online.

ETA: Oops! Link: https://www.amazon.com/Chicco-Bravo-Travel-System-Papyrus/dp/B00YWHYX8W/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466520641&sr=8-1&keywords=chicco+bravo

The Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System is a great budget friendly, but still has all the extra features of a higher end system.

I have the Chicco Urban 6-in-1 Modular Stroller and Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat it doesn’t come as a set, but the two are compatible to form a travel system type set up with just what comes out the box (no additional attachments to buy). It’s a bit more expensive than the evenflo, but I liked the way it maneuvered and such better than the evenflo when I was testing them out in the store. Plus the KeyFit2 is one of the best car seats on the market (and can be used with premies).

My biggest recommendation is go to the store and physically touch, maneuver, fold, unfold, and attach and detach the car seat for whatever system you are considering. A lot can be learned from reading online reviews and asking for anecdotal reviews, but nothing beats having your hands on a demo model and trying it for yourself.

PSA: Amazon has the Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Travel System for $119! We had this on our registry and it has been $250. I used my Amazon completion discount (moved my due date up a month and it was instant) so it came to be $101!

https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Fastaction-Jogger-Connect-Travel/dp/B00UVW40XA/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1511535200&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=graco%2Bfastaction%2Bfold%2Bclick%2Bconnect%2Btravel%2Bsystem&th=1

Here!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UVW40XA/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_ttl?ie=UTF8&colid=28NE5Z6C8GJ8&coliid=I1BAEE2PQBNKJR&vs=1

Have you looked at getting a traveler system with the car seat and stroller combo? Most of them you can use the car seat as a carrier and they snap into the stroller so you don't have to wake baby when transitioning from car to stroller. Amazon has some awesome deals on open box items also from the warehouse! https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S0RF8JS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519342835&sr=8-3&keywords=jogger+stroller+travel+system&dpPl=1&dpID=41NVoO7v4gL&ref=plSrch

This is the one I'm ordering, I like the carrier aspect but the car seat will need to be changed, it doesn't grow with them.

A used stroller is a great idea (holy crap though it’s still $400 used??). Our experience:

Thought we would baby wear everywhere. I’m also a minimalist + we had a small car, so had all these opinions about baby wearing vs strollers. Well exclusive baby wearing didn’t happen for a lot of reasons!

1. She was born very very small and wraps and carriers felt unsafe and dangerous for a while until she leveled up in chunk
   
   
2. Our daughter didn’t like them anyway until about 2 months!
   
   
3. We live in a big city but also have a car and drive a lot of places. The transfer from a carseat to a wrap/carrier is much more inconvenient than the transfer from a travel system car seat to a stroller. So for example, this mommy newborn class that I went to constantly was only accessible by car. If I were exclusively baby wearing, then I would have to stand outside my car on a steep hill and fiddle to get the wrap on, wake my newborn up to get them into the wrap and settled, then repeat in reverse when we returned to the car (I’ve done this several times. Pro tip: put on your wrap before you sit down to drive). With a travel system car seat, you quietly pop them out and into the stroller and go on your way.
   
   
4. As they get older, you sometimes carry a lot of stuff. Snacks, diapers, water, change of clothes for accidents, wipes, jacket... yes you can carry baby on your front and a backpack on your back, but for me that was pretty uncomfortable after a certain weight. Having a stroller is actually really handy as a “place to hold all that stuff.” A trip to the zoo with a stroller is pretty convenient in my opinion. And again, I’m a minimalist... but you can’t escape from this reality easily.
   
   
5. Eventually, baby gets too big to wear on your front! Then where do you carry your stuff?? I never figured that out because we pretty much just switched to stroller at that point. I’m sure pro-level-baby-wearers have techniques tho.
   
   Side note: our hospital in San Francisco REQUIRED us to have a car seat and leave with baby in the car seat, even if you don’t have a car and plan on taking public transit.
   
   Thought about getting this universal car seat carrier instead of a stroller, instead got this Britax Agile travel system and are very happy with it (and still use the stroller at 2.5 yrs). It’s very slim and un-fiddly and snaps shut/opens effortlessly.

I bought this, Britax B-Lively & B-Safe 35 Travel System, Raven https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FF46Q1H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_38NgDb3BXFTX8

The base stays in the car, the infant seat clicks into it.
Quick release from the car and the car seat clicks into this stroller.
For a newborn I’d highly suggest a setup like this as it’s so much easier.
When we get somewhere I can release his seat from the base and click it right into the stroller.

I’m not certain but you should be able to get this in Canada.

:) We got a ride-along attachment for the stroller so my older could stand when she got tired on walks. She really likes it, and I can take much longer walks that way! Plus, if it's a 'tired and cranky' day, she just sits on the step part and sticks her legs in the stroller basket and rides the whole time.

Keep at it! Being active as a family is definitely hard, but the more you do it the easier it gets. (Also, my feet are gargantuan too, so I feel your pain on that one. Like, EE width before my first pregnancy, and spreading ever since. I have really great luck with New Balances, especially in the Men's wide widths.)

We went with the Graco Modes Jogger Travel System we got ours for a little under $200.00.

They also have a normal type Graco Modes Travel System. If you shop around/keep an eye out, you can get this for around $200.00 as well.

They have a jogger, and normal stroller. The car seat easily just clicks into both the click connect base, and the stroller.

The nice thing we found with them, was the Click Connect Base is only $35.00. So we just have one in each vehicle, and the car seat just snaps into/out of the base, and the stroller. The base also has a knob that you can adjust, that modifies the incline of the base, so if your car has a steeper seat, you can even it out a bit.

I don’t know if you’re required to purchase the seat, but I’ve used the stroller with my 7 week old without the infant seat in it. This is the one I have.


Graco Modes Travel System | Includes Modes Stroller and SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat, Dayton https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B7QBFM6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ir6QDbDP77S4T

Ok so I spent a lot of time yesterday researching and for now have settled on this travel system by maxi cosi. I love that the car seat has a rebound bar for extra safety. And it's just so lovely! Expensive, so it would be a hopeful registry item.

Maxi-Cosi Adorra Modular 5-in-1 Travel System with Mico Max 30 Infant Car Seat, Loyal Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTVIAG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lZXDAbYQ5Q463

If you plan on using the stroller on gravel, I'd ditch both of those options. You're going to want something that has all terrain tires. Those plastic tires will be very hard to push through gravel and the ride will be pretty rough. I started out with a Graco stroller similar to that one. Once I realized how horrible it was on different terrains, I got a Graco jogging stroller.


Here are some strollers with all terrain tires if you're interested -

Baby Jogger City Mini GT - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G3XR9P2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_sNzszbCWE50Q4


Baby Trend Expedition - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S0RF8JS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_OPzszbFYGCMPH

Graco Fast Action Fold Jogger - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UVW40XA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_0Qzszb8FW2M0Z

We live in a major city and are obsessed with our Britax B-Free. It’s almost identical to the City Mini GT (But better!) and the car seat is literally a tank (although it weighs less). Britax B-Free & B-Safe Ultra Travel System, Midnight (Amazon Exclusive) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CJNPP8S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RQy9BbC11Z5XF