In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

The 5 Best Stroller and Car Seat Combos

We've tested strollers and car seats from Chicco, Thule, BOB, Britax, Baby Jogger, and more to find great combinations for any family
gearlab tested logo
Best Stroller and Car Seat Combos
These are some of the strollers we tested in combination with infant car seats in our car seat stroller combo review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Friday November 17, 2023

Searching for the best stroller and infant car seat combo? We considered over 100 strollers and compatible car seats before purchasing 17 popular options for testing in combination with award-winning infant seat carriers to determine which combinations are the best. We understand how confusing trying to combine products from different brands or even the same brand can be. We've done the research so you can get the details you need to find the best combo for your family. Whether you hope for a stroller for the long haul or worry about ease of car seat attachment, you'll find the information you need to create a great stroller and car seat combo.

Want to find out more about the best strollers or the best full-size strollers? We've tested lots of options across categories, including the best jogging strollers, top-ranked umbrella strollers, and the best double strollers. If your baby is too big for an infant car seat, you'll need to find a top-ranked convertible car seat instead.

Editor's Note: We updated this combination review on November 16, 2023, with a review of product availability, pricing, and removal of a discontinued product.

Top 17 Product Ratings

Displaying 1 - 5 of 17
< Previous | Compare | Next >
 
Awards Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Best Value Award   
Price $550 List
$550.00 at Amazon
$450 List
$399.99 at Amazon
$110 List
$109.99 at Amazon
$240 List
Check Price at Amazon
$1,100 List
$1,000 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
81
76
76
72
72
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Super easy car to strolling transition, easy to push and turnCompact and lightweight, easy car seat attachmentEasy car seat attachment, lightweight, compact foldWorks with canopy, compact, priceMulti-brand car seat compatibility, easy carrier attachment
Cons Limited lifespan of 6-9 monthsHarder to push on uneven surfacesDual action brakes, harder to push and turnOnly works with Britax seats, heavierHeavier, more expensive, larger
Bottom Line Best for city dwellers looking for a safe, quick transition from taxi to on-the-go adventuresHigh quality, compact option that is lightweight with easy car seat attachmentBest frame stroller with easy car seat attachment and parent consoleBudget-friendly and straightforward but only works with Britax brandThe Vista v2 is a potential option for those with multiples but not ideal for single car seat attachment
Rating Categories Doona Combo UPPAbaby Minu Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy Britax B-Lively Combo UPPAbaby Vista v2 C...
Ease Of Attaching Car Seat (30%)
10.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Ease Of Use (30%)
5.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Weight/Folded Size (25%)
10.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
Quality (10%)
7.0
6.0
3.0
6.0
8.0
Maneuverability (5%)
7.0
5.0
4.0
6.0
7.0
Specs Doona Combo UPPAbaby Minu Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy Britax B-Lively Combo UPPAbaby Vista v2 C...
Weight 16.8 lbs 12.6 lbs 11.7 lbs 19.6 lbs 21 lbs
Folded Dimensions 18"W x 16"H x 28.3"L 20.4"W x 13.5"H x 24"L 19.8"W x 11.5"H x 33.5"L 24"W x 9.5"H x 29"L 13"W x 16.5"H x 32"L
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth

Maximum: 35 lbs/32"
20 Minimum: Birth

Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat.
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/44"
30
Included Car Seat Compatibility Doona None Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
Britax All Britax Seats UPPAbaby
Mesa
Click-in Car Seat Adapters Doona UPPAbaby
Mesa
Maxi-Cosi
Mico AP, Mico Max 30, Mico Nxt, CabrioFix, Pebble, and Pebble Plus
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, and Aton Q
Nuna
Pipa
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
Britax All Britax Seats UPPAbaby
Mesa
Chicco
KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air
Maxi-Cosi
Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP & Micro Max Plus,
Nuna
PIPAâ„¢, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r & PIPA lite rx
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q & Aton M
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters None None None None None
One-handed Fold No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Auto Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold n/a Yes Yes No Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 32.5"/39" 41.2 36"/42" 40" 39.5"/42.5"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Storage Basket Size n/a Medium Large Large Very Large
Included Accessories Infant Car Seat and Stroller In One Storage bag None None Rain Shield, Bug Shield
Setup Time n/a 4:23 8:28 5:04 5:14


Best Overall Combo


UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo


71
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat 8.0
  • Ease Of Use 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size 6.0
  • Quality 7.0
  • Maneuverability 7.0
Weight: 18.8 lbs | Folded Size: 7,519 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Lighter weight
Quick car seat attachment
Compatible with award-winning seats
REASONS TO AVOID
A bit harder to push
Two hand fold

The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo is an excellent stroller to combine with an infant car seat. It includes a smaller and relatively lightweight frame and easy car seat attachment. Plus, it is compatible with many top car seat brands that click in to attach. The Cruz folds easily and is light enough for most parents to lift and carry. It also folds small enough to fit in most cars. It works well with the UPPAbaby Mesa and the Chicco Keyfit 30 (budget-friendly award winner), with simple adapters that help parents avoid mistakes. This stroller is an excellent choice for parents who want to buy a single, full-size stroller for the long haul and value a high-quality product that is easy to use and works well as a travel system.

The list price for the Cruz might seem high compared to a traditional frame stroller or a pre-combined travel system. However, it is on par or average for a full-size stroller (with many more expensive options on the market). We believe the ability to use it from birth through the toddler years makes it a great value that could be your one-and-done stroller if you don't plan to jog or head off-road with your baby. If you want something of similar quality but don't want the larger size of the Cruz, the UPPAbaby Minu Combo is a smaller UPPAbaby with useful features for travel and everyday use. The Cruz is a stroller we would purchase and recommend to our friends for its car seat compatibility, impressive test results across reviews, and high-quality features.

Read more: UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo review

stroller and car seat combo - best overall combo
The car seat carrier sits deep in the frame of the Cruz v2, so it doesn't feel as top-heavy as some of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Great Lightweight Combo


UPPAbaby Minu Combo


76
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat 8.0
  • Ease Of Use 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size 9.0
  • Quality 6.0
  • Maneuverability 5.0
Weight: 12.6 lbs | Folded Size: 6,610 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight & compact
Quick car seat attachment
Compatible with multiple car seat brands
REASONS TO AVOID
Plastic wheels make it harder to push
More expensive

The UPPAbaby Minu is a stylish, lightweight stroller that folds small and weighs little when used with an infant car seat. The Minu works with car seats from UPPAbaby, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex, allowing parents to choose from a wider variety of options than those strollers that only accept their car seat brand. This stroller has a quick adapter and seat attachment, and we had no trouble in our attachment tests. The canopy on the stroller works with the car seat and has an impressive storage basket weight allowance of 20 lbs.

The Minu is somewhat spendy for what it is. So parents on a tight budget may want to steer clear unless they need a travel or commuter special. Moving off flat and hard surfaces is also more challenging, making life potentially harder if you plan to or need to go off the beaten path. If you want something somewhat bigger for everyday errands or easier to maneuver, then the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo is one to read more about. Overall, it is tough to beat the Minu and its quality features if you need a lightweight stroller for future travel or a good commuter you can use with an infant car seat.

Read more: UPPAbaby Minu Combo review

stroller and car seat combo - great lightweight combo
We prefer to use the Minu with the Cybex Aton2 because the stroller can be folded with the adapters in place which is far more convenient than removing the adapters every time you fold the stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
New Version Alert
The Minu has been discontinued but has been replaced with the Minu v2. We leave the original Minu information here because it looks like the v2 is very similar and could offer similar features and functionality. We now link to the new version. We hope to test this new v2 option in the future.

Budget-friendly Full-size


Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo


59
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat 8.0
  • Ease Of Use 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size 2.0
  • Quality 6.0
  • Maneuverability 5.0
Weight: 24.3 lbs | Folded Size: 16,790 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Multi-seat connections
Attached adapters
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier
Not the best mover

The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is a versatile multi-seater with a very friendly price for what it offers. This stroller works with two infant car seats, and if you choose Evenflo brand options, the adapters are built-in and easy to use. This design makes the Xpand one of the few to consider if you're expecting twins. Other adapters are available, and all click in place with no straps.

This stroller is on the heavier side and somewhat large when folded, so if space is limited, you may want to take some measurements before you take the plunge. If your budget can stretch, the UPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo is a great choice with higher performance in most metrics. Overall, the Evenflo stroller is tough to beat for multiple children, with quick car seat attachment and great ease of use.

Read more: Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo review

stroller and car seat combo - budget-friendly full-size
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Best Bang for the Frame Stroller Buck


Chicco KeyFit Caddy


76
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat 9.0
  • Ease Of Use 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size 9.0
  • Quality 3.0
  • Maneuverability 4.0
Weight: 11.7 lbs | Folded Size: 7,628 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Works with award-winning seats
Easy to use
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Only works with Chicco seats
Sub-par maneuverability

The Chicco Keyfit Caddy is a wallet-friendly frame stroller that works with Chicco Keyfit infant car seat carriers. This compact, easy-to-fold stow option is a straightforward alternative to carrying your car seat or being forced into choosing your primary stroller too soon. This product offers a quick and easy car seat connection and a parent console for those quick-grab items. The carriers snap in the frame and require no straps for secure attachment.

All frame strollers have a limited lifespan of roughly nine months, or however long your little one fits in their infant car seat, which could make this a no-go for anyone looking for a one-and-done solution. If you don't plan to jog, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Combo could be a one-and-done as the frame component is lightweight and the storage basket is huge. However, if you aren't sure what kind of stroller you'll need or want for your strolling years, then the Caddy could be the ticket to a stress-free first nine months of getting around with your baby and car seat before making a bigger commitment to a more expensive option you might use for years to come.

Read more: Chicco Keyfit Caddy review

stroller and car seat combo - best bang for the frame stroller buck
The Chicco Keyfit Caddy works very well but only with the Chicco infant car seats it was designed for.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Taxi Game Changer


Doona Combo


81
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat 10.0
  • Ease Of Use 5.0
  • Weight/Folded Size 10.0
  • Quality 7.0
  • Maneuverability 7.0
Weight: 16.8 lbs | Folded Size: 8,150 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Stroller and car seat in one
Easy to install
Easy to push
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy to carry
Short lifespan

The Doona Combo is an innovative product where the stroller and car seat are the same product. This unique, niche-filling piece of gear is a one-and-done infant transportation solution for families who live in the big city or frequent public transportation and travel. We love that the Doona is a car seat and a stroller, so city parents can safely buckle their baby into a taxi, then hit the ground strolling when they reach their destination. There is no need to worry about two different products, where the stroller will go, who will hold it, or how it folds.

The Doona isn't suitable for all families, thanks to its limited lifespan of 6-9 months and a higher price tag. However, we think it fills a niche for urban parents who may not otherwise use a car seat in a taxi or want the convenience of taking their baby out on the town without the hassle of managing two items. If you want a higher-ranking car seat with better crash test analysis results, the Chicco Keyfit Caddy could be more useful as it allows connection with higher-ranking car seats. Unfortunately, purchasing the Doona will require purchasing another stroller once your baby has outgrown the infant car seat. Parents will want to keep this in mind if their budget or long-term costs are a concern. However, for city dwellers, this may be the solution they are looking for, and worth the money to keep a baby safe in public transportation.

Read more: Doona Combo review

stroller and car seat combo - taxi game changer
The real win for the Doona is its ability to turn from an infant car seat into a stroller in a snap.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Notable Option


Not all strollers excel at working with car seats. However, if you want to purchase only one stroller for your strolling years and you hope to use it occasionally with your infant car seat, you may consider options you don't see in the award-winning group. If your main goal is jogging, running, or off-road trailblazing, one such notable stroller is the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo as it functions in several capacities that could result in the potential for a one-and-done purchase. Alternatively, you might consider the Britax B-Lively for a smaller, easy-for-travel, full-size option.


Best for Future Jogging


Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo


64
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat 8.0
  • Ease Of Use 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size 2.0
  • Quality 9.0
  • Maneuverability 9.0
Weight: 26.3 lbs | Folded Size: 15,388 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Great jogger
Smooth car seat attachment
Easy to push and turn
REASONS TO AVOID
More substantial
Two hand fold

The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a cool jogging stroller versatile enough to be used as your everyday option. We like this high-quality stroller with sleek styling and impressive features like covered storage, passenger pockets, handbrake, and adjustable tracking. The locking swivel front wheel is suitable for rough terrain, moving at speed, and negotiating tight spaces. This stroller is compatible with various popular infant car seats, including several award winners.

Unfortunately, the Urban Glide 2 is heavy and takes up more space than your usual car seat stroller, and you CAN'T jog with babies under 9-12 months old. These factors make it a stroller you may not consider as the right choice for younger passengers. Pairing it with a frame stroller like the Chicco Keyfit Caddy could give you all you need without too much extra cost. However, if you want to limit your gear purchases and you plan to go off-road or run with your baby when they are old enough, then the Urban Glide 2 can get the job done from day one to the end of your strolling years with ease.

Do Not Jog with Infants
Despite the ability to use this stroller with an infant car seat, you should never ever jog or run with babies under 9-12 months of age. Discuss any jogging or trail plans with your pediatrician to determine the best age for your little one to move to more advanced strolling.

Read more: Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo review

stroller and car seat combo
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Budget-friendly but Limited


Britax B-Lively Combo


72
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat 8.0
  • Ease Of Use 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size 7.0
  • Quality 6.0
  • Maneuverability 6.0
Weight: 19.6 lbs | Folded Size: 6,612 cubic inches
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Easy to use
Straightforward attachment
REASONS TO AVOID
Only works with Britax/BOB
Heavier

The Britax B-Lively Combo is an attractive budget-minded stroller with useful features and the ability to work with an infant car seat. This stroller has a comfortable sling-style seat, a large canopy, an easy-access storage bin, and rear canopy pockets for quick access items. The B-Lively folds quickly and compactly, making it suitable for travel and smaller spaces.

The B-Lively only works with Britax infant car seats, which is limiting and hurts its chances of winning an award. Traditionally, the Britax seats haven't fared that well in our infant car seat review, so it is difficult for us to say we'd necessarily recommend this combination to a friend. However, the B-Lively is a good stroller, and the Britax seats meet the safety requirements of an infant car seat. If you already have a compatible Britax seat or plan to purchase one, then the B-Lively is certainly a stroller to consider, especially if you have an eye on the budget.

Read more: Britax B-Lively Combo review

B-Lively Only Available as Combo
Currently, the B-Lively is only available with the related Britax infant car seat. If you want to pair your stroller with a car seat of your choice that is not the available Britax option, then we recommend looking elsewhere.

stroller and car seat combo - the b-lively works well with the b-safe car seat as it sits snuggly...
The B-Lively works well with the B-Safe car seat as it sits snuggly inside the toddler seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
81
Doona Combo
Taxi Game Changer
$550
Top Pick Award
76
UPPAbaby Minu Combo
Great Lightweight Combo
$450
Editors' Choice Award
76
Chicco KeyFit Caddy
Best Bang for the Frame Stroller Buck
$110
Best Value Award
72
Britax B-Lively Combo
Budget-friendly but Limited
$240
72
UPPAbaby Vista v2 Combo
$1,100
71
UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo
Best Overall Combo
$700
Editors' Choice Award
71
Britax B-Free Combo
$380
65
Graco SnugRider Elite
$120
65
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Combo
$400
64
Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo
Best for Future Jogging
$750
62
Cybex Balios S Combo
$550
59
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo
Budget-friendly Full-size
$350
Best Value Award
56
Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal
$90
56
Chicco Bravo LE Combo
$300
51
Peg Perego Booklet 50 Combo
$500
49
BOB Alterrain Pro Combo
$700
42
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Combo
$550

stroller and car seat combo - the doona is a quality product and while not as nice as some of the...
The Doona is a quality product and while not as nice as some of the competition it is definitely above average and will last for baby's first nine months.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Why You Should Trust Us


The combo testing took place at BabyGearLab and on outings with little ones in the real world. The review includes our in-depth product research and real-world experience gained from years of experience from testers who compare each combination to the competition, including capturing the differences from one car seat to another on the same stroller. Our daily use testing helps determine which competitors are the best combinations, easy to use, navigate, and bring quality materials to the table.

The strollers and the compatible car seats were tested and compared. Wherever possible, we test the strollers with their native brand car seat and at least one other product, usually the Chicco Keyfit 30 because it is top-ranked with a reasonable price that is also popular. We emphasize the metric scores for ease of car seat attachment and weight and folded size in the overall rating because we believe they are the most important for this kind of gear.

The BabyGearLab car seat and stroller combo testers are led by our founder, Dr. Spurrier. Juliet is a Board Certified Pediatrician, a mom of two, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Dr. Spurrier's background as a pediatrician, education, and years of experience as a mom helps her create BabyGearLab's safety standards. She approves all product selections and has the final word on testing procedures. Our stroller and car seat combo team lead, Bob Wofford, is the Senior Research Analyst here at BabyGearLab. Bob is the dad to 7 children and has led our car seat and stroller testing almost since the beginning. The combo team also includes Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and mother of two. Wendy has researched and reviewed over 200 strollers and car seats plus their combinations since 2014. Rounding out our combo review team is Senior Review Editor, Abriah Wofford. Abriah joined BabyGearLab testers in 2015, and this is her fifth time participating in the combo review. This team has over 20 years of collective experience testing car seats and strollers of all kinds.

The Rambler car seat connection includes the metal bar and the red...
The Rambler car seat connection includes the metal bar and the red attachment straps seen here.
The Urban Glide 2 works with a variety of infant car seat brands...
The Urban Glide 2 works with a variety of infant car seat brands including Chicco car seats with an adapter that clicks in without the need for straps.

Analysis and Test Results


Using a stroller with your infant car seat can make getting around with your baby more comfortable. Seamlessly transferring your little one from the car to a stroller can make leaving the house more accessible and convenient. It also helps keep your baby peacefully asleep while you manage errands and outings with greater ease. We think most parents will appreciate the convenience of a great stroller and car seat combo.


Value


Finding an exceptional value in this group can be challenging as you need to consider each component in the combination's price to get the final price. We love the Chicco Keyfit 30 car seat if budget is a concern. Typically, it is less expensive than competing seats while maintaining a higher safety and performance level. Also, if your long-term budget is a concern, you may want to avoid purchasing a short-term use product like a frame stroller or the Doona, which will last only nine months, requiring the purchase of another stroller. The Keyfit 30 is also compatible with most of the top-ranked strollers. An option like the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 may be ideal as it works well with the Chicco car seat, and its lifespan lasts as long as your little one needs a stroller. This longer life makes it a good value as it can potentially act as your only stroller. If you plan to jog later and want to buy only one stroller, the Thule Urban Glide 2 is a suitable choice that won awards in several reviews and works as a clip-in with a Chicco adapter. If you require a stroller for travel or commuting, then the UPPAbaby Minu can be considered budget-friendly because it fills two needs in one purchase, a car seat frame stroller, and a compact traveler. If your short-term budget is more of a concern, and you aren't sure about your later strolling needs, then the Chicco Keyfit Caddy can meet short-term goals. You can always skip combining products by wearing your baby and waiting to make your stroller purchase until your little one outgrows their infant car seat carrier.

stroller and car seat combo - the infant carrier or adapters (depending on the car seat) attach to...
The infant carrier or adapters (depending on the car seat) attach to the same points as the toddler seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Car Seat Attachment


The best car seat attachments almost feel like they install themselves with minimal effort required beyond shifting the carrier from the car to the stroller. We like the stroller and car seat pairings with a click-in-only attachment as opposed to those that require a second step of strap attachment. The strollers and adapters that create an easy drop-in/on the connection that requires little pressure translate to fewer opportunities for mistakes. These combos score higher than those with obstructions or that can be installed incorrectly. Any installation that includes restraint straps lost points, as the straps inherently have a higher margin for error (intentional or accidental). We worry parents will forget or intentionally skip using the straps as the carrier often feels secure without them (always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid injury).


The Chicco Keyfit Caddy also impresses in this metric. This dedicated frame product is designed for Chicco brand infant seats. The carrier opening requires only a small amount of pressure to connect with an audible click, and there are no obstructions. The UPPAbaby strollers also performed well in our tests. However, two of the UPPAbaby options are full-size, which hurt their overall rank in a category where being lightweight is critical. The UPPAbaby Minu is light enough to compete with the frame strollers.

stroller and car seat combo
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Alternatively, the universal frame stroller, Baby Trend Snap-N-Go Ex disappoints as it requires straps to attach the seat. The carrier sits in a strap net, and the rim of the car seat rests on the edge of the stroller, then more straps attach over the center of the carrier to secure it to the frame. Theoretically, the bottom straps only need adjustment once, but the top straps need adjustment with each use. We worry parents will nestle the carrier in the frame and skip the straps because it feels secure even though it isn't.

The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 Combo also disappoints with a 2-step attachment process that includes clicking in place and straps that go over the carrier's bottom portion. This two-step attachment is particularly worrisome because some parents consider the click step as secure enough. After all, the car seat feels secure once attached. However, the manufacturer includes the straps for a reason, and we think it would be negligent but very tempting for parents to forgo them. This lack of detailed attention could have disastrous results. Depending on your car seat choice, the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo has a similar click and strap design with some of its adapters; others are click-in only, and we recommend the one-step method over the combinations that require straps. The BOB Alterrain Pro has a 3-part adapter with no straps for a jogger with a click-in-only attachment for all car seats.

The Doona beats them all with a car seat permanently attached to the stroller as one product. This unique little product skips the attachment process as the stroller components are part of the car seat in a design like no other. We like that you can't make mistakes affixing your carrier to the stroller, and there are no adapters or additional components to lose with this all-in-one product. However, it has a shorter lifespan (6-9 months), so you'll need to purchase a second stroller when your baby outgrows the infant car seat.

stroller and car seat combo - the cruz folds surprisingly small for a full-size stroller. it is...
The Cruz folds surprisingly small for a full-size stroller. It is seen here without the toddler seat, which is how you'd use it for car seat combination.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


There is nothing better than a frame stroller regarding weight and folded size. Frame strollers are lightweight, easy to lift, and compact. Given that some new moms often have a weight restriction on how much they can lift, a frame stroller could be the only option they can manage, and the lower price tag makes it a good value.


However, many parents skip a frame stroller because it has a short life of only about nine months. Alternatively, some of the full-size strollers are lightweight and work about as well as a frame stroller, so many parents prefer to buy an option they can use for a more extended period.

If finding the lightest product is your primary goal, look no further than the Chicco Keyfit Caddy. This dedicated frame stroller has fewer features but weighs only 11 lbs. While weight is critical, we believe most parents would prefer less weight to carry instead of coping with a hard-to-use stroller. Not convinced a frame option is best for you? You're in luck. The UPPAbaby Minu is a lightweight option that is close to 12 lbs when prepped for a car seat and works through toddlerhood as a lightweight stroller, extending its useful years by more than three.

stroller and car seat combo - the b-free fold is only bested by that of the britax b-agile with a...
The B-Free fold is only bested by that of the Britax B-Agile with a difference of less than 20 cubic inches. This makes it the second smallest option in the group.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Chicco Keyfit Caddy is about 7,628 inches when folded, making it relatively small. The UPPAbaby Minu Combo is smaller, with a size of 6,610 when folded. In comparison, the full-size Britax B-Free Combo is 6,674 cubic inches, weighing 22.6 lbs. A good option that is not too heavy and not too big (much like the story of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears) is the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo, with the lowest full-size stroller weight of 15.25 lbs and a folded size of about 7,860 cubic inches. This product will also last for the baby's entire strolling years, so theoretically, you may not need to buy another stroller (unless you plan to jog).

stroller and car seat combo
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Doona Combo is about 16.5 lbs, which sounds heavy, but the weight includes the car seat and the stroller portion for an overall lighter total package. The folded size is slightly larger than an infant car seat, and because you will be using it as your car seat, you don't need to think about where the stroller can fit or stow. So while the Doona is going to be heftier to put into and take out of the car, it has the lightest combined weight for a car seat and stroller and prevents the need for prolonged infant car seat carrying.

stroller and car seat combo - the minu folds in thirds so it is compact and squat, but thick...
The Minu folds in thirds so it is compact and squat, but thick compared to a traditional umbrella fold.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The most substantial product in the group is the BOB Alterrain Pro, weighing over 33 lbs with a size measuring over 17,357 cubic inches.

stroller and car seat combo - the cruz has foam-filled rubber wheels and the v2 includes larger...
The Cruz has foam-filled rubber wheels and the v2 includes larger wheels than the old version for better maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


While maneuverability is vital in a stroller you plan to use for the long haul, it is less critical for the first nine months when you'll be using a stroller and car seat combo. Because your baby doesn't weigh that much, and you should stick to hard flat surfaces where maneuverability is less of an issue, you can manage with a less agile stroller without feeling the frustration of using a poorly designed option.


If your primary goal is to find a great stroller and car seat combination, then choosing a stroller based solely on this metric might not be wise. However, using this metric to help you decide between similar options might be useful as it can impact your everyday experience. We tested maneuverability in typical scenarios and through obstacle courses that simulate tight situations (like supermarket aisles) to see which products allow for one-handed pushing, tight turns, quick responsiveness, and curb hopping.

If you think a frame stroller is the best for you, be aware that none of them performed that well in this metric. They all have smaller plastic wheels and other limited features for pushing on flat or paved surfaces only. However, the relatively light weight of a newborn makes pushing any stroller relatively easy. Also, it is less likely that you'll encounter rough surfaces on strolls with your baby because you should avoid them until little ones have more muscle control over their necks and core. When your little one outgrows their infant seat, you can replace the frame stroller with a full-size or jogging stroller that offers more features and functionality, including better maneuverability. The Doona is similar in functionality to a frame stroller, and its small plastic wheels managed a relatively high score for maneuverability with a 7 of 10. This ease of pushing score makes it one of the better choices for lightweight strollers.

stroller and car seat combo
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The top performers for maneuverability in this review aren't surprising. They include the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, BOB Alterrain Pro, Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo, and the BOB Revolution Flex Combo 3.0, all with rubber tires and a single front wheel. These options are easy to push (even one-handed) and have the versatility of a swivel front wheel for stores and errands. While the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0, BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Thule Urban Glide 2 are easy to push, they are also hefty and cumbersome when folded, making them an imperfect match for an infant car seat. The metrics for weight and folded size, and ease of car seat attachment influenced the final score more than maneuverability, so the top-ranking strollers didn't perform that well in this metric. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 is smaller than the joggers, but it isn't the best overall performer and has only one use, strolling.

The Chicco Keyfit Caddy earned a lower score for maneuverability, but it is better than the other frame strollers thanks to its single wheel per leg design. The UPPAbaby Minu wasn't super impressive either, but it isn't the worst. The *UPPAbaby Vista v2 Combo, UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo, and the Doona Combo provide frustration-free pushing with higher maneuverability scores in this group.

stroller and car seat combo - the minu storage bin is relatively large for a travel stroller with...
The Minu storage bin is relatively large for a travel stroller with ample room and a large maximum capacity.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


Features and overall functionality are the ease of use consideration. If it impacts your daily experience, this is where it is considered. We perform tests designed to determine how well the stroller and car seat combos work together.


We compare sunshades, storage bins, and other convenience items like cup holders, parent's consoles, and child trays. For the canopy, we consider the SPF, size, ventilation, adjustability, and peek-a-boo window. Though for some strollers, the canopy does not work with the car seat in place. We compare storage size, shape, accessibility, and maximum weight allowance.

stroller and car seat combo - the giant storage basket on the vista v2 is easy to access and has a...
The giant storage basket on the Vista v2 is easy to access and has a 30 lb weight limit. Unfortunately, a crossbar does inhibit the shape and size of what will fit inside.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Several strollers require sunshade removal, and other canopies catch on the car seat when you attach them. Even though it is useful to utilize the stroller canopy with the carrier sunshade, we think the extra weight and potential hindrance usually negate the benefit. We found that those without sunshades are typically easier to manage, especially when folding. The frame products lack sunshades, but the infant carriers usually have them, so we think parents won't miss them. The UPPAbaby Cruz v2, Vista v2, BOB Alterrain Pro, and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 are the largest. Neither of the full-size stroller UPPAbaby canopies remains on the stroller when used with an infant carrier, but the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 and the BOB Alterrain do. The UPPAbaby Minu Combo canopy stays attached to the stroller and works well with the infant car seat to create cocoon-like protection when used with the carrier canopy.

stroller and car seat combo - the uppababy cruz storage bin (left) is considerably larger than the...
The UPPAbaby Cruz storage bin (left) is considerably larger than the Bugaboo Bee3 (right) and holds 25 lbs compared to the Bee's 8.8 lb limit.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The biggest storage bins in the review are the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and the UPPAbaby Vista Combo with a max of 30 lbs each. The UPPAbaby Minu is right behind with a 20 lbs allowance. No other products come close to these capacities. The Chicco Keyfit Caddy holds up to 10 lbs, which is the average for the group. If you plan to carry your diaper bag and not much else, then 10-11 lbs will work. If shopping and errands are in your plans, then the UPPAbaby strollers might be better choices.

stroller and car seat combo - folding the caddy begins with the pull of the lock release handle.
Folding the Caddy begins with the pull of the lock release handle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Chicco Keyfit Caddy and the Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal score well for convenience, sporting parent consoles with cup holders. Both are nothing special with relatively shallow cup holders, but they do check the box. The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo fails to impress with no other conveniences. Still, at least the 30 lbs over-sized bin on the Cruz v2 Combo helps make the lack of other convenience features easier to swallow. We understand most parents want a cup holder. However, in our experience, objects often fall from cup holders and can land on the baby. We think it is smarter to use an option without a holder or purchase a side cup holder that helps keeps the contents out of baby range. The Doona Combo earned the lowest score for ease of use. This specialty product's lack of storage and convenience features and the smaller canopy hurt its ease of use results. So while it isn't challenging to use, it lacks what many consider necessities.

stroller and car seat combo - the vista v2 is a streamlined, minimalist stroller.
The Vista v2 is a streamlined, minimalist stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


Quality encompasses the materials, design, and construction of each competitor. While some options use aluminum frames and rubber tires, others have plastic wheels and rough, unfinished-feeling components. Our tests only include the quality of the stroller component, not the combo's car seat portion.


Top-quality marks go to the Thule Urban Glide 2 and the BOB Alterrain Pro. The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0, and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Combo are just behind. These products have rubber tires, suspension, wrapped adjustable handlebars, and sturdy fabric that fits nicely with no loose threads or scrunchy material. The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 and the Doona are similar to the top scorers but have slight variations in materials and design that left them somewhat short in comparison. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 frame and handlebar are akin to the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 but a little more defined and sleeker. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo has better than average foam-filled rubber tires. Still, they are smaller than the pneumatic tires on the Thule and BOB, which are better quality overall.

stroller and car seat combo - the graco snugrider elite, shown here with the graco snugride...
The Graco SnugRider Elite, shown here with the Graco Snugride Classic Connect 30 attached, did not perform well in our tests for quality.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

On the lower side, you'll find the Baby Trend Snap 'n Go, which struggles for quality compared to the other options. It has a flexing frame, visible connection points, and no attention to detail. While it suffers compared to the more expensive options, it also doesn't need to last as long. The Graco SnugRider Elite earned the same low result with what appears to be unfinished plastic parts with rough edges and plastic shavings attached to the stroller.

Ease of Setup


The difficulty level of setting up your stroller might feel critical initially, but it is something you only do once in the lifetime of your stroller. In our opinion, this makes it noteworthy but not a major deciding factor in which product to choose compared to other metrics like ease of use or maneuverability. We think knowing the assembly details is helpful, so you know what you're in for, but frankly, most of the products were simple enough, and many don't even require tools.

The easiest to assemble is the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo. This UPPAbaby includes a helpful quick-start guide that makes the intuitive setup straightforward and trouble-free. It took us around 5 minutes to put the Cruz v2 together, with much of that time spent unpacking. The UPPAbaby Vista v2, UPPAbaby Minu,Thule Urban Glide 2, Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal, and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 were also easy to assemble. The Donna is the real standout, with no assembly.

stroller and car seat combo - some options tested over the years for stroller and car seat...
Some options tested over the years for stroller and car seat combinations.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Conclusion


It can make life with an infant somewhat easier to pair your infant car seat with a stroller. No matter what your long-term strolling plans are or your lifestyle that mandates combining the two, we believe there is a pairing out there for you. Our testing results and detailed analysis of combinations during side-by-side testing can help narrow your options to a handful of exceptional pairings to meet your needs and budget. Whether you hope to wear your baby in the early days or plan to push your little one everywhere, we have the specifics you'll need to make a wise investment. We think it is also important to note that some parents never combine a car seat with a stroller and survive easily without it. If you don't think a stroller is useful for frequent use with your infant car seat, then a baby carrier you wear might be the better investment.

Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz