travel system 0 4 years

Best Travel Systems of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

They say never wake a sleeping baby. Smooth transitions from car to stroller make that a reality!

Mommyhood101 independently tests and curates baby gear to help you make informed decisions. If you buy products through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

A travel system combines an infant car seat  with a compatible stroller , allowing you to easily attach and detach the car seat as needed.

The ability to easily pop the car seat onto the stroller is a game-changer, helping your baby stay sound asleep when transitioning into and out of the car.

Fortunately, we've been reviewing travel systems for over 10 years, and if we made our own, here is what it would look like:

✔️  Fits Chicco car seats. ✔️  Fits Britax car seats. ✔️  Fits UPPAbaby car seats. ✔️  Fits Graco car seats. ✔️  Reversible seating position. ✔️  Expands to fit two+ children. ✔️  Bassinet & toddler seat included. ✔️  Easy car seat attachment. ✔️  Stroller weight limit ≥50 pounds. ✔️  Stroller frame ≤20 pounds. ✔️  One-handed recline & fold/unfold. ✔️  Compact fold fits midsize trunk. ✔️  No-rethread harness. ✔️  Big, UPF 50+ canopy. ✔️  Canopy with peek-a-boo. ✔️  Four-wheel suspension. ✔️  Large diameter wheel. ✔️  Locking front wheel(s). ✔️  Smooth and easy to maneuver. ✔️  Adjustable handlebar height. ✔️  Durable construction. ✔️  Stands when folded. ✔️  Storage pockets & large basket.

Of course, you will also want the travel system to fit your style (color, patterns) preferences and meet your budget constraints. That's a lot to ask, and very few travel systems meet the needs of picky parents!

Every year we test new travel systems and update this list with the best we find. Below are the top 5 models we've tested, followed by detailed reviews of over a dozen different options.

• Top 5 Travel Systems Comparison Table
• 1. Best Overall: Chicco Bravo Trio
• 2. UPPABaby Vista V2 & Mesa
• 3. Britax B-Free & B-Safe 35
• 4. Doona Travel System
• 5. Britax Willow Brook
• 6. Evenflo Pivot Xpand
• 7. Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
• 8. Graco Modes Nest
• 9. Maxi-Cosi Zelia
• 10. Nuna Mixx Pipa
• 11. Chicco Viaro
• 12. Graco FastAction Fold
• 13. Baby Trend Expedition

Full disclosure: Some of these travel systems, including the Maxi Cosi, Doona, Britax, and Baby Jogger models, were sent to us as free test samples by the manufacturer.

If you've been around our site, you know that we absolutely love the Chicco, Britax, and UppaBaby car seats. Conveniently, those same companies also make several awesome strollers, including the Chicco Bravo, Britax B-Free, and UppaBaby Vista.

Unfortunately, sometimes putting the perfect car seat on top of the perfect stroller can cause unexpected issues: the stroller can become top-heavy and unstable, the car seat doesn't attach or detach easily from the stroller, or the stroller suddenly becomes challenging to maneuver.

Here are the Best Travel Systems of 2024!

1. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35 are two of the most popular and best-selling infant car seats on the market, next to its new sibling, the Chicco Fit2. Take that awesome KeyFit car seat and combine it with the versatile Chicco Bravo stroller, and you have a stellar combination. What makes this travel system different is that the stroller can be used in several ways. When your baby is too little for the big stroller, you can completely remove the stroller seat and use it as a lightweight frame for attaching the car seat. Super easy to fold up, throw into the trunk, and pop open. Or, you can leave the stroller seat attached and use its huge canopy to completely cover the car seat and your baby. In this manner, the stroller can function as simply a stroller frame for connecting the car seat, or as a complete stroller that can also have the car seat attached. Of course, both seats can't be used at the same time by two children, but it does give you access to the large canopy. That's an awesome feature and we really appreciated Chicco's ingenuity. A couple of other things make this stroller stand out, including the cup holder and parent tray, all-wheel suspension, adjustable handlebars, a large storage bin, decent canopy size, and one-handed folding (the handle is under the seat). The KeyFit 30 and 35 car seats support infants as small as 4 pounds and as heavy as 30 or 35 pounds (respectively), and the stroller seat supports kiddos up to 50 pounds.

The car seats are amazing, safe, and overall great quality; it has been at the top of our best infant car seat list several times and for good reasons! The KeyFit car seats are a hair smaller and lighter than the B-Safe, and some of that weight savings is by not having a steel-reinforced frame, though it is equipped with energy-absorbing foam, side-impact protection, and an easy installation process. The KeyFit's big brother, the Fit2, also has some excellent features and specifications (see our review of it here ), so if you prefer that seat you can buy it separately and attach it easily to the Chicco Bravo frame. Speaking of attachments, the travel system comes with a car seat attachment bar that looks a bit like a bumper bar, that the car seat attaches to (and detaches from) super easily. No issues there, and we loved the versatility of this combination! A bit less expensive than the UppaBaby or Britax travel system, coming in at around $300-350 depending on color options, but definitely not cheap! Who else loves the Chicco Travel System? Our friends at Babylist, BabyCenter, and WhatToExpect all consider it a top pick! Impressed? Check out the Chicco Trio Travel System here .

2. UPPABaby Vista V2 & Mesa Travel System.

The UPPABaby Travel System is definitely one of the sharpest-looking travel systems on the market, with the sleek urban lines and aluminum on the Vista stroller, and the high-end detailing of the Mesa car seat. This is definitely head-turning baby gear, and you'll pay for it! This UPPABaby travel system is the most expensive on our list, coming in at about $1000 for the stroller, car seat, and bassinet . We'll let you decide whether it's worth it. While it's a big investment, you're getting some great features and luxury. Starting with the Mesa car seat, which is usually around $350, is a top-rated infant car seat that is usually listed in the top 5 of our best infant car seats list . It's one of the easiest-to-install and use car seats we've ever tested, with its auto-tightening LATCH system, seat belt lock-offs, adjustable recline base, easy-to-use level indicators, and no-rethread shoulder harness. For safety, it has a double layer of side-impact protection, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and supports babies from 4 up to 35 pounds rear-facing. In our testing, we found it super comfortable and easy to use, with premium quality throughout.

We didn't like that some of our test babies had sweaty backs after sitting in it during the warmer months, but the Merino wool option did help alleviate that situation (Merino Wool is very breathable). The stroller is one of the best in existence, though it is quite expensive. It has class, style, durability, reliability, and versatility. It's truly a one-in-a-million stroller, and if we could take the Chicco Fit2 or Britax B-Safe and combine it with this stroller, we would be like kids in a candy store! The stroller has an enormous canopy, a big storage bin, a reversible seat (front-facing or parent-facing), and extraordinary versatility. It can be used with the carriage alone, with the toddler seat, or with the car seat that snaps in without any adapter. Or, it can be used with TWO kids! You can do two car seats, two toddler seats, a car seat and toddler seat, two carriage bassinets, and several other configurations. It has amazing versatility, and that baby carriage attachment is second-to-none. In our testing, we fell in love with the stroller and we don't know how we've survived without having it in our lives! This is really the travel system of your dreams, save for some minor limitations of the car seat and the extravagant price. If you can afford it, we think it's worth the splurge! Who else loves the UppaBaby travel system? Our friends at Babylist, WhatToExpect, and The Bump also call it a top pick! Interested? Check out the UPPABaby Travel System here .

3. Britax B-Free or B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Flexfit+ Travel System.

What do you get when you combine the top-rated Britax B-Safe Gen2 infant car seat with the awesome all-new Britax B-Free or B-Lively stroller? You get a winning travel system that is truly awesome in every way! The car seat itself is feature-rich and carries the Britax reputation for safety, reliability, versatility, and quality. Made right here in the USA, the B-Safe Gen2 supports babies as little as 4 pounds and as heavy as 35 pounds (or 32" in height). The Britax car seat is a little bit heavier than most options (just like with its convertible car seats ), but that's because it has a steel-reinforced frame, substantial side-impact protection, and EPS energy-absorbing foam. Safety always comes first with Britax, and the B-Safe is their flagship car seat with a fantastic crash test and safety reputation. The new Gen2 version of the B-Safe is bigger and roomier than the previous version, providing a more spacious and comfortable shoulder area for bigger babies. It comes in two versions, the FlexFit and the FlexFit+, only the latter of which includes an anti-rebound bar on the car seat base. While it's a bit more expensive, we strongly recommend the FlexFit+ for added safety. Now for the stroller. Britax offers their travel systems with several stroller options, including the B-Free (our favorite), B-Lively (lighter weight), B-Ready (good versatility), and B-Agile (good price). In our experience, the B-Free and B-Lively are the best all-around strollers for use as a travel system. In addition to their core features (lay-flat recline, one-handed fold, all-wheel suspension, huge canopies, and compatibility with all Britax and BOB infant car seats), the B-Free adds a higher weight capacity (65 vs 55 pounds), adjustable handlebar, all-terrain tires in a three-wheel configuration, and more storage pockets. We really love the folding mechanism of these strollers, which is truly a 1-handed operation (push a button on the side and then grab the handle at the back of the seat and pull up - super easy!), and the 20-pound (B-Lively) or 22-pound (B-Free) weight makes them more manageable than other strollers with a similar feature list.

The B-Free is also easy to push and steer with one hand, which is nice given that there's no cup holder to hold your coffee! Some cool things we found were the hidden zipper pocket underneath the footrest area, which you flip up to access the storage bin, the zip-open canopy extension that made the canopy truly huge, and the zip-open peek-a-boo window. Attaching the car seat to the stroller is very easy - the travel system comes with two car seat adapters, one for each side of the stroller. Once you snap the adapters on, you can leave them on for as long as you need, and the car seat very easily snaps onto and off the stroller. It worked like a charm, and were super impressed with this combination! Definitely worthy of this top spot on our list, though it is a bit pricey coming in at about $550. Who else loves the Britax travel systems? Our friends at Babylist, What2Expect, and The Bump consider them a top pick! Interested? Check out the Britax Travel System here .

4. Doona Travel System Integrated Car Seat & Stroller.

The Doona gets a lot of points for originality and convenience as the only travel system that converts from a car seat to a stroller using an integrated frame and wheels. This integrated travel system is for parents who are tired of lugging around a separate stroller and car seat, having the stroller take up too much space in the back of the car and entrance to the house, and worrying about car seat and stroller compatibility. The Doona solves all of that by mounting a folding stroller frame right to the bottom of the car seat, allowing you to switch quickly back and forth between the car seat and stroller mode in about 5 seconds. It's a perfect option for families with smaller homes or apartments, smaller vehicles, and families that travel a lot by ride-sharing or taxi. The Doona accommodates babies as small as 4 pounds, making it a nice option for preemies, and all the way up to 35 pounds (or 32" tall). Those are pretty standard specifications for a car seat, and match the best ones out there (such as the Britax B-Safe Gen2 and Chicco Fit2). To accommodate such small babies, it has a super soft lower infant insert that you can remove once your baby is about 2-3 months of age. The head support side impact system has plush memory foam, and all of the seat fabrics are high quality and soft. Speaking of safety, it has three layers of side impact protection, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and a handlebar that doubles as an anti-rebound bar when installed in a vehicle. Clever! The Doona system does include a separate LATCH-equipped car seat base, though it can also be installed using the European belt path for a base-free installation. The car seat is surprisingly easy to install into the vehicle, especially if you're using the base. The only downsides are: the harness requires rethreading, no steel-reinforced frame, the canopy isn't as large as we'd prefer, and the seating area is somewhat narrow for larger babies.

So what about the stroller? Well, we don't need to consider how easy or hard it is to attach the car seat to the stroller since they're integrated, so that's a definite bonus! To transition between the car seat and stroller modes, you pick up the car seat with one hand and use the other hand to push a red button on the back and squeeze the wheel release lever. The wheels drop down from the bottom and click into position. Because the Doona weighs about 16.5 pounds, this isn't an easy feat if you don't have reasonable upper body strength. Once the wheels are down, there are two modes - you can use it in what Doona calls pull-along mode which simply means that the car seat handle is pointing straight up, and full stroller ("on the go") mode which involves positioning the handle down and towards yourself. The stroller is pretty bare-bones and basic, which is to be expected given that it has to fold up into the bottom of the car seat and maintain a reasonably low profile. Specifically, the wheels provide a somewhat rough ride quality and there are none of the basic stroller features you might want: storage basket, pockets, cup holders, trays, etc. One of our biggest gripes with the Doona concept is that we got our backseats a bit dirty from the stroller's wheels; not a huge deal and can be solved with a seat cover if you're worried. This is a truly innovative travel system that solves a very common problem, and we're overall impressed with the idea and execution. Who else loves the Doona travel system? It's a top pick by our friends at Babygearlab and WhatToExpect! Interested? Check out the Doona Car Seat to Stroller Travel System here .

6. Britax Willow Brook Travel System.

Britax is world-renowned for making high-quality car seats and strollers with superior safety features, comfort, and versatility. Their flagship infant car seat, the B-Safe Gen2, is one of the best-selling car seats in the world and consistently sits at or near the top of our annual list of the best infant car seats . Traditionally, Britax travel systems combine a full-size one-piece stroller with an adapter that allows you to attach the B-Safe car seat; these work well but are somewhat heavy and can have limited versatility. That said, we were excited to see this new addition to the Britax lineup for three primary reasons. First, the Willow Brook stroller uses a modular design that allows you to attach a toddler seat in a forward- or rear-facing position, or the Willow infant car seat in a forward- or rear-facing position. Second, the ability to detach the toddler seat (rather than it being integrated into the stroller frame) means that the stroller is much lighter weight when the infant car seat is attached. Finally, the Willow Brook travel system is much more affordable than most other travel system options from Britax, including the B-Free and B-Lively, coming in at about $400 including the stroller frame, toddler seat, and infant car seat.

We were lucky enough to get our hands on a sample of the new Willow Brook travel system late last year (thanks for the sample, Britax!) and were excited to test it out. Starting with the Willow infant car seat, we absolutely love how Britax took the successful ClickTight system from their convertible and booster car seats and integrated it into the base of the Willow. The ClickTight system provides a very secure installation that gives you confidence that your child is safe in the vehicle. They also integrated their new RightSize system that helps you make fine-tuned adjustments to the hip, shoulder, and crotch areas, resulting in a perfect fit as your little one grows. The car seat also uses the famous SafeCell crumple zone technology, quick-push LATCH connectors, anti-rebound bar (on the Willow S model), and the cover can be removed and machine washed. Limitations include a relatively low weight limit of 30 pounds, and the shoulder harness requires manual rethreading to adjust the height. Of course, at this price point, those features shouldn't be expected from a Britax travel system. For the stroller, we loved the toddler seat, its canopy and recline settings, the comfort and quality of the seating materials, and the easy-to-use five-point harness. Attaching and detaching the toddler seat and infant car seat was simple and intuitive, and we loved how both seats can be attached front-facing or rear-facing. The toddler seat can be used with a child up to 44" tall or 50 pounds. The stroller wasn't quite as smooth, sturdy, or nimble as the Britax B-Free (see above), but at this price point, we thought it performed surprisingly well. The frame is lightweight yet strong, the folding/unfolding sequence is easy and effortless, and our test toddler loved the tray with its snack area and cup holder. Oh, and parents get a cup holder too! Notably missing was an adjustable handlebar, expansion to two children, and wheel suspension. Overall, we loved this new addition to the Britax lineup of high-quality travel systems that prioritize safety and functionality. The Willow Brook does this at a relatively accessible price point and we thought it showed surprising levels of quality and versatility. Highly recommended for parents looking for the Britax reputation without breaking the bank! Interested? Check out the Willow Brook Travel System here .

6. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel System.

We've always associated Evenflo with inexpensive baby gear that was never really impressive in any given way. Our experience with the Evenflo Pivot Xpand travel system changed our opinion for the better. We were super impressed with what Evenflo pulled off here. They made a truly impressive travel system that not only feels, looks, and acts like a much more expensive stroller and car seat combination, but is available for about $400. We realize that seems expensive for an Evenflo travel system, but hear us out! This system combines the great Evenflo SafeMax infant car seat (about $200) with the new and super versatile Pivot Xpand stroller. Add those two together and you end up with a truly awesome travel system that caught us off-guard! Where do we start with this stroller? Evenflo pulled out all the stops. This stroller has a super rich feature list: adjustable handlebars, a HUGE lower storage bin, self-standing fold, rear-wheel suspension, cup holder, and versatility that makes any stroller on this list look like a chump! This stroller has 22 different modes and functions as both a single stroller and double stroller, combining the infant car seat and toddler seat in tons of different ways. The fact that it can work as a double stroller is why they call it the "Xpand" system, a little bit like the Britax "B-Ready" system, and it defies the assumption that double strollers need to be huge and cumbersome. Here are some of the things we loved: the toddler seat can be reversed to be front-facing or parent-facing, or it can be reclined back to make it more like a baby carriage. And it can be put up front or lower down, without using any adapters. That's right, the adapters are built right into it, which is truly amazing!

We never thought we'd be saying this about an Evenflo product, but this stroller really rocks - it feels high quality and sturdy and looks super chic and modern. One of our reviewer moms wrote "this stroller is amazing, can I buy the sample?" That's a ringing endorsement from a mom who uses the UPPABaby system, which costs three times as much. The only thing we'd suggest to Evenflo is to make the tires a bit thicker and better quality, they are somewhat thin and cheap. So how about that car seat? This travel system includes the Evenflo SafeMax, which is their top-of-the-line infant car seat. It supports babies as small as 4 pounds (with the infant insert) and as heavy as 35 pounds (or up to 32" tall). What makes it so safe? Well, it has big side-impact protection and kudos to Evenflo because it is the only car seat that has been roll-over tested. It also has an anti-rebound bar, which reduces rotational forces and the potential for injury in the event of an accident. And it's very comfortable, with thick padding and soft-touch fabrics that are also pretty easy to clean. Installation was easy, it was easy to attach and detach from the base and the stroller, and we thought the seat actually felt very high quality (especially for the price) and we were impressed overall. Cons? Well, the handlebar was a bit cumbersome to adjust, the shoulder harness required rethreading from behind to adjust, it's surprisingly heavy, and it's just not up to par with the Britax, Chicco, or UppaBaby car seat options. There's a lot to love here, especially with the stroller, and we think you'll be happy overall with this travel system. As an update, we've been testing this system for over 2 years now and it has withstood the test of time! The wheels are a little worn at this point, but nothing major to report. Who else loves the Evenflo travel system? It's a top pick by our friends at Babylist, BabyCenter, Babygearlab, and The Bump. Interested? Check out the Evenflo Pivot XPand Travel System here .

7. Baby Jogger City Mini Travel System.

Baby Jogger is well-known for their awesome City Mini GT2, City Select, City Tour, and City Summit (jogging) strollers. But they aren't so big in the car seat market, though their City View convertible car seat has some pretty good reviews (including ours!). This travel system comes with the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, their most popular and one of their most expensive strollers. The City Mini GT2 is stylish, versatile, high quality, easy to maneuver, and comfortable for the littles. It is ranked in the top 5 for the best luxury strollers of the year, given its easy fold, sturdy and durable build quality, adjustable handlebar, big forever air all-terrain rubber tires, large UV50 canopy coverage (and peek-a-boo window), and the super high weight limit of 65 pounds. In our testing, we loved the hand brake (rather than the foot brake), how easy it was to steer, the super comfortable seat (with adjustable calf support), and the one-handed fold. The GT includes a car adapter for the City GO infant car seats. However, we didn't like that everything is an add-on for more cost - like the parent tray, cup holder, other car seat adapters, child tray, rain cover, etc. It's expensive as-is (about $370), and it really starts to add up when you add in accessories. Relative to the regular City Mini, the GT2 version brings the higher weight capacity, the hand brake, adjustable handlebar, and big wheels; so a lot of what we like is bound specifically to the GT2 model. There's a lot to like here, but also some limitations that keep it from ranking higher in our lists. By default, the City Mini stroller is compatible with the Baby Jogger City GO infant car seat. The City GO is a pretty decent car seat, and this was the first time we actually got our hands on it for testing. It supports babies from 4 to 35 pounds (or up to 32" tall), and has nice plush infant inserts. The fabric itself is great, but the padding is substantial. We liked certain things - the seating area itself is nice and wide, when placed on the floor is has a rounded base so parents can rock it front-to-back, and the base and car seat aren't excessively wide.

But we didn't like a few things. First, it felt a little outdated relative to the top-rated Britax, Chicco, UPPABaby, and Peg Perego car seats. Second, clicking it into and out of the base, or attaching/detaching from the stroller wasn't anywhere near as easy as the higher-rated travel systems. Third, the canopy was large but also a little clumsy - it clicks loudly and has a crunchy fabric noise when you're adjusting it. Fourth, adjusting the harness didn't involve rethreading (which is great), but it also was a total pain to adjust since you need to do it from the rear. And we couldn't figure out how to remove what we assumed was the upper infant insert padding (around the shoulders and head), but it doesn't come out and makes it really cramped once our test babies were over about 4 months old. Together, those are some big limitations for an infant car seat priced around $250. So what are the other options? If you really like the City Mini GT2 stroller, you can purchase an adapter to make it work with your favorite car seats. For example, there's an adapter for the Britax B-Safe, the Chicco KeyFit 30/35 or Fit2, the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio, and the Graco SnugRide Click Connect models ( see all their adapters here ). That was smart of Baby Jogger, to provide so many adapters to make it possible for parents to purchase one of the best strollers on the market (the City Mini GT2) and couple it with their favorite car seat (which was not likely to be the City GO). That's also one of the reasons we've included this travel system up here on our list, since the City Mini stroller has so many compatibility options that make it a potentially winning situation for picky parents who want to mix and match! Who else loves the City Mini GT2 as a travel system? Our friends at Babylist! Interested? Check out the Baby Jogger Travel System here .

8. Graco Modes Nest Travel System.

We love the Graco Snugride car seats, which offer serious bang for the buck, with high-quality materials, comfort, versatility, and safety at a very reasonable price point. What Graco was lacking, however, was a high-end stroller to match the Snugride car seats. Well, enter the new lineup of Graco Modes travel systems! From the fewest to most features, they have the Modes Element, Modes Pramette, and Modes Nest. The Modes Nest system adds the Snugride 35 Lite Elite model (rather than the DLX or LX), a height-adjustable seat, an expandable storage basket, and a self-standing fold. It's the most expensive of the Modes models, coming in at about $399, but we think it's also the most sophisticated and functional of the models. You already know we love the Graco Snugride car seats, and the 35 Lite Elite is no exception. This car seat usually sells for about $170 and is one of Graco's higher-end models, offering Snuglock installation, Simply Safe (front adjust) harness system, side impact protection, and a washable removable cover. It supports babies from 4 pounds up to 35 pounds, or 32" tall, while maintaining a super lightweight build of only 7.2 pounds. The Modes travel system includes not only the car seat but also the base with its 4-position adjustable recline to fit a variety of rear seat inclines. The car seat pops into and out of the stroller using the Snuglock system, which is a simple and easy mechanism.

The stroller has a ton of helpful features, with highlights including a seat that is not only reversible (front- or rear-facing) but can also recline and turn completely into a lay-flat infant bassinet (so you don't need to purchase a separate one!)! One of the most unique aspects of this stroller is that the seat is height adjustable, allowing you to raise the seat up closer to you, or push it down farther away. That simple feature is something we ended up loving during our tests, because it helps suit parents of all arm lengths (maybe not a t-rex, however) and makes it possible to easily pop a pacifier back in, or even bottle feed your baby while strolling. Awesome idea, and well executed! The stroller also has a huge storage basket, folds very easily, and we found it highly maneuverable and sturdy. It was smooth over the bumps, nicely sized for doorways and tight turns, and fit readily into the back of a CR-V, Outback, Accord, or RAV4. And bonus points for having a cup holder. Cons? Well, attaching the car seat and toddler seat wasn't entirely confidence-inspiring. Sometimes we thought we heard an audible click but it wasn't actually attached, so you need to double-check that things are lined up appropriately. Also, assembly took about 45 minutes and seemed needlessly complex! Other than those minor gripes, we love this new addition to our list and think it's an awesome solution for parents looking for Snugride travel system! Who else considers the Graco Modes travel systems a top pick? Our friends at Babylist! Interested? Check out the Graco Modes Travel System here .

9. Maxi-Cosi Zelia Travel System.

Maxi-Cosi, as the name suggests, makes some of the coziest baby products on the market, including their adorable and comfy infant car seats (the Maxi Cosi Mico Max) and the super versatile and luxurious convertible car seat (the Maxi Cosi Magellan Max). But comfort is not the only thing they do right. Their products are well-made, high quality, safe, and versatile; this Zelia travel system is no exception. While the Maxi Cosi Mico infant car seat is on our best infant car seat list, it isn't near the top of our list. That's mostly because we found things a little finicky, cumbersome, and too pricey for our tastes. But to be fair, it's in the top 10 for the year, making it a really great option. It supports babies from 4 to 30 pounds (or up to 32" tall), has big inflated side impact protection, EPP energy-absorbing foam, and it's actually pretty lightweight given its relatively bulky footprint (mostly in its width). While the canopy of the car seat isn't great, the canopy of the Maxi Cosi stroller is pretty impressive.

In fact, there are a ton of things that are really impressive about this stroller. First, the seat can be folded down into a lay-flat carriage bassinet for your baby. Second, the seat is completely reversible so your baby can face forward or backward. Third, it supports babies as small as 5 pounds and kiddos up to 50 pounds, which is a pretty respectable range. It also has a cup holder, a huge canopy (did we say that already!?), a peek-a-boo window, a well-sized storage bin, one-handed folding, a bumper bar, and a decent recline. There were some limitations, however. First, it was a bit of a pain getting the car seat to attach and detach from the stroller because it requires really good hand-eye coordination to attach it, and then two hands to detach it from each side. Second, it was nice that it was a little lighter weight than some others on this list, but it also didn't feel as sturdy or well-constructed as others. And that's unfortunate because it's about $400 for the travel system, and that's a lot to cough up. Interested? Check out the Maxi Cosi Zelia Travel System here .

10. Nuna Mixx and Pipa Travel System.

Nuna makes several very high-quality strollers and travel systems, all of which are compatible with the popular Nuna Pipa infant car seat (the Pipa, Pipa Lite, and Pipa Lite LX). These include the Nuna Demi Grow stroller, Nuna TRIV stroller, Nuna Mixx, Nuna Pepp, and Nuna Tavo. Most of these strollers are available as travel systems, simply combining the sale of a Nuna stroller with one of the Nuna Pipa models. Typically the Nuna Pipa is about $300 if purchased alone, the Nuna Pipa Lite is about $350, and the Nuna Pipa Lite LX is about $399. Note that the Lite versions need the base, while the non-Lite version can be installed in a vehicle without a base. When you purchase a Nuna travel system that combines one of these car seats with a stroller, you end up spending only a little bit less than you would be purchasing them separately. For instance, the Nuna Mixx stroller costs about $650 alone, but when combined with the Pipa Lite LX it's about $999, saving you about $50. We got our hands on the TRIV, Mixx, and Tavo for testing, and we were impressed with the quality of all of them. Nuna makes high-end products that are simple, stylish, lightweight, and functional. So while we're including the Mixx travel system here, realize that you'll be very happy with any of these options - this just happens to be the model we fell in love with! So what's to love? Let's start with features. The Pipa Lite LX supports babies from 4 up to 32 pounds (or 32" tall), and only weighs 8 pounds without the base (the base is about 14 pounds and includes a load leg). The car seat is Greenguard Gold certified and contains no fire retardant chemicals. It has an awesome "dream drape" canopy that provides full UPF 50+ coverage from the elements (with a peek-a-boo window), side-impact protection, a base crumple zone, included infant insert, FAA certified for air travel, and modern quick-connect LATCH. What it doesn't have is a no-rethread harness, anti-rebound bar, or steel-reinforced frame.

Regarding the stroller, its integrated toddler seat supports up to 50 pounds while weighing a hefty 27 pounds. But that weight brings some awesome features, like a true lay-flat sleeping recline (with 5 positions), a no-rethread harness, a super intuitive and easy one-handed fold, very high quality and plush padding and fabrics (including a removable and washable seat liner that is insanely comfy, revealing a high airflow mesh back), four-wheel suspension, an amazing full-coverage canopy, reversible seat, adjustable handlebars, pop-up footrest and boot cover, an included Mixx ring adapter (that allows one-handed attachment of any Pipa car seat), and super easy fold and unfold. In our testing, we fell in love with the smoothness and maneuverability of this stroller, which were both fantastic. We also think it's the most comfortable stroller we've ever tested, and that's saying a lot! We loved the magnetic canopy extension (the dream drape), the no-rethread harness height adjustment (which is really rare), and the fact that the seat can be converted from a thick and warm pad to a relatively minimalist and high airflow mesh seat back. Together, the Nuna Pipa and Mixx make great partners, and you can also purchase the Nuna Mixx bassinet to attach for newborns, infants, and hopefully longer naps! That's another $150. To be honest, we're not in love with the Nuna Pipa in general, we think for the price it's rather limited in features while prioritizing style and weight savings. But the stroller more than compensates for those limitations, with its comfort, maneuverability, and style. We think it's an excellent stroller, making this a pretty darn good travel system overall. Limitations of the stroller include no cup holders or storage pockets for parents, no ability to expand to two children (check out the awesome Nuna Demi Grow for that), and a somewhat limited-size storage bin. Overall, if you're sold on the Nuna Pipa already, this is a great way to integrate it with a super high-quality, stylish, and surprisingly functional stroller. Who else recommends Nuna travel systems? Our friends at Babylist, WhatToExpect, and The Bump! Interested? Check out the Nuna Mixx and Pipa Travel System here .

11. Chicco Viaro Travel System.

This Chicco Viaro baby travel system is very similar to the Chicco Bravo (above) in a few ways. First, it includes the top-rated Chicco KeyFit 30 or 35 infant car seat, which is a truly fantastic infant car seat with a great reputation and track-record for safety, comfort, versatility, ease of use, and style. You can't go wrong with the KeyFit 30, making this automatically a great option for discerning parents. Second, it includes a quality stroller that uses a lightweight aluminum frame, a 3-wheel design, and many features (a great storage basket, one-handed fold, weight limit of 50 pounds, etc) that will sound very familiar with the Chicco Bravo. What are the differences between the Chicco Bravo and Chicco Viaro? The Viaro uses a 3-wheel design while the Bravo uses a 4-wheel design, which makes for some differences in stability and maneuverability: the Bravo is a bit more stable, while the Viaro is a bit more maneuverable. Another difference is that the Bravo uses an awesome adjustable-height handlebar that makes it suitable for both shorter and taller parents, whereas the Viaro's handlebar is not adjustable.

In our testing, the height was fine for average-height parents, but taller parents or grandparents (over about 6 feet) might get a sore back and shoulders after pushing this stroller. The Viaro also isn't as versatile in its settings - the Bravo lets you reconfigure the seat and canopy to remove elements to shave off weight and basically allows you to use it as a car seat stroller frame without all the added bulk and weight. But the Viaro doesn't let you reconfigure in this way. There are also some other differences worth considering: the Bravo's canopy is bigger, its rear brake is more substantial, and it has a four-wheel suspension (the Viaro is only front suspension). How about some benefits of the Viaro: it has a great snack and bottle tray for your toddler or big kid, and it is a bit lighter (18 versus 23 pounds). In our testing, we loved that the Viaro was easy to maneuver, relatively simple and lightweight, and easily fit the KeyFit (and Fit2) car seat. We found some minor annoyances such as the fact that it doesn't lock into a folded position, and the rear brakes were individually locked as opposed to a yoked locking system. So overall, the Viaro generally pales in comparison to the Bravo. But if you're looking for a relatively simple and more cost-effective travel system that works perfectly with the KeyFit 30, this could be a great option for you. Interested? Check out the Chicco Viaro Travel System here .

12. Graco FastAction Fold Travel System.

Graco is famous for its expansive line of SnugRide Click Connect infant car seats. In fact, the assortment of SnugRide car seats is so expansive that it confuses the heck out of parents, so much so that we created our SnugRide buying guide to help clarify the features and cost of each model. This Graco travel system includes the SnugRide Click Connect 35, which is the most basic of the SnugRide car seats. Let's start with what it has: a broad weight range from 4 to 35 pounds (or up to 32" tall), a narrow (just over 18" wide) and lightweight (7.5 pounds without the base) shell, 6 recline positions, side-impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, the Click Connect system that makes it super easy to snap into and out of compatible Graco strollers, and it's FAA approved for air travel (just like all of the car seats on this list). Now let's consider some of this car seat's limitations: the harness requires rethreading from the rear for height adjustment, it uses old-style hook LATCH connectors, it doesn't have the rapid remove cover, nor does it have the True Shield or Safety Surround side impact protection. As we said, it's a pretty basic car seat. Some minor annoyances with it include the smaller-than-ideal canopy, the somewhat flimsy padding and infant insert, and the handlebars requiring two hands to adjust. So you're getting an overall very basic car seat that usually sells for around $130. Now for the stroller.

This thing is very heavy and sturdy, coming in at a hefty 30 pounds that rivals even some of the biggest double strollers! But we do admit that while all that weight makes it cumbersome to lug around, it actually makes it feel very firmly planted on the ground, which is a nice feeling. It has pretty large diameter wheels, and the front wheel can be locked out for jogging. We love the fact that it has two cup holders for parents, a tray for your cell phone (though it's a little small for some newer devices), and a little compartment for holding keys and anything else you can squeeze in there. Your child has a pretty similar bumper bar and tray, also with two cup holders and a little tray in the center. The best part of that is you can open one side of it and swing it out of the way, which makes it much easier to pull toddlers in and out of the stroller. You can also remove that bumper bar entirely, but that makes it impossible to attach the car seat since it's part of the Click Connect attachment. It has a good-sized storage bin on the bottom, folds easily with one hand (though it's super heavy), reclines reasonably well (but nowhere near lay-flat, only about 45 degrees), and it supports kids up to about 50 pounds. Not bad for a stroller that amounts to only about $160. Cons? Well, in addition to being excessively heavy, it doesn't fold down into a very compact package. You need to have big biceps to lift it, and a big vehicle to fit this in, and that's not helped by the fact that the rear wheels are so big and don't quickly detach like some other models. And frankly, it's not so easy on the eyes - it doesn't look anywhere near as nice as the $90 more Evenflo. So overall, you're getting a jogging travel system for less than $300, which is about half the price of the BOB jogger (above). So if you're looking for a jogger travel system for a reasonable price, this could be a great option. Interested? Check out the Graco FastAction Travel System here .

14. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System.

If you're looking for the cheapest jogging travel system with a decent quality jogging stroller and a super basic car seat, this might be a great option for you. This Baby Trend travel system screams basic, and the low (about $199) price tag is evidence of that. Starting with the stroller, this travel system uses the Expedition Jogging Stroller, which is down near the bottom of our best jogging strollers list. It's not bad, it's not great, but it really is a sweet deal for parents looking for a basic jogging stroller. There are some impressive things going on here: it has very large diameter rubber pneumatic tires that are 16" (front) and 12" (rear) in diameter, which is actually quite large and that makes it great at absorbing small and moderate bumps, and going over cracks and gaps in the sidewalk without any issues. It also has cup holders and a small cubby for phones and keys, comfortable handlebars, a decently-sized lower storage bin, and a reclining seat (but doesn't go anywhere near lay-flat). Those big wheels make for superior comfort and maneuverability, especially impressive for a stroller at this price. There is no front suspension, however, which makes it a bit more jarring over the bumps than most other options on this list. It also doesn't have adjustable handlebars for taller parents, and the seating surface doesn't feel anywhere near as comfortable as other options on this list. Folding it up, it folds into a decent footprint, but it's still quite large with those hulking wheels popping out from the sides.

Now for the car seat, which is the Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc infant car seat, which typically sells for around $110 or so. That low price always means limited features. It supports babies from 5 to only 30 pounds, and only up to 30" tall. So that's a pretty limited range of height and weight for an infant car seat, making the transition to a convertible car seat happen pretty early for many parents. But to be fair, most toddlers will be itching to get out of this seat anyway, given that it's relatively sparse in its padding and comfort features. It does have side-impact protection and energy-absorbing foam, an infant insert, and a surprisingly comfortable handlebar for carrying. The seat itself is also pretty lightweight and snaps into and out of the stroller with ease and convenience. So that's all good. So overall, this Baby Trend travel system is the most inexpensive travel system on our list, and it shows in many ways. But it might be sufficient for parents looking to save some cash and get a pretty decent jogging stroller and a super basic infant car seat. Interested? Check out the Baby Trend Expedition Travel System here .

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The 12 Best Stroller & Car Seat Travel Systems [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

823 Published Articles

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Keri Stooksbury

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Table of Contents

Things to consider with travel systems, the 12 best travel systems, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Being a parent is a rewarding adventure, but you can’t just run around town unencumbered anymore. You have to take your baby with you, and you have to make sure that they’re safe.

That’s where travel systems come in. These tools are essential for making sure your child is safe and comfortable in your car and while walking around.

While the main goal of every travel system is the same — to give you an all-in-1 option for your car seat and stroller needs — there are tons of little differences between models. When trying to figure out which travel system is the right one for you, here are a few things to consider:

Size and Weight

A travel system’s size and weight are the first thing you must keep in mind before purchasing one. If you anticipate you’re going to be carrying your system for any reason, like up the steps of an apartment building, for example, you’ll want to opt for lighter travel system models.

Hot Tip: You also want your travel system to be large enough that your baby has enough room to be comfortable. This is also true if you want your travel system to last a few years as your child grows.

The material of a travel system is another primary thing to consider when you’re looking at different options. You want a material that will be easy to clean since it’s very likely your child will make messes while strapped in.

You also want a material that won’t be uncomfortable for your baby to sit in or for you to push.  Heavy-duty plastic is a good choice, particularly if there are cushions in the travel system to add extra comfort. That will ensure both comfort and the longevity of your product.

You want to keep your baby safe, so it’s important that you look into travel system options that are durable.

A sturdy travel system means you’ll be able to push it on rough surfaces or take it on bumpy rides without your child getting jostled. It also means you don’t have to worry about damaging any of its components when it’s not in use, thus compromising its structural integrity. 

Weather Conditions

You should also consider the weather when you’re considering which travel system to buy. If you live in a climate with all 4 seasons, you’ll want to make sure you purchase an option that you’ll be able to use both in the summer heat and in the snow .

You’ll want to make sure you pick a model that isn’t made of material that will melt or become deformed in hot weather if that’s your climate. You’ll also likely want wheels that have some traction when used in snow or rain.

You should consider your child’s age when picking the right travel system. While many travel systems are designed to last through at least a few growth spurts, they might have specifically designated age ranges.

For example, some travel systems are designed to be used from newborn age to 3 years. Others have car seats that are suitable for up to 18 months, but the stroller can last longer. Decide how long you want your travel system to last and your child’s age to help narrow down your options.

Choosing the right travel system can be daunting. There are so many options out there and so many little differences between them that can make one option better than another.

To help you, we’ve weighed the pros and cons to decide which are the best travel systems on the market.

1. A Travel System for Parents On-the-Go

Baby trend pathway 35 jogger travel system.

If you’re a busy parent who likes to keep their little one nearby, this travel system from Baby Trend is perfect.

It was designed for jogging parents to use so they can keep up with their exercise while still keeping their children by their side . Due to that, when in the stroller, kids will be in for a nice, smooth ride without bumps and jostles.

It’s also lightweight and easy to push for that same reason. However, the jogger also allows for safe car travel as well, thanks to its sturdy car seat that will ensure absolute safety on drives around the block or long road trips. With a maximum weight of 35 pounds, you can use this travel set for a while.

What We Like:

• Super comfortable

What We Don’t Like:

• Not for toddlers

2. Compact Travel System That Saves Room

Graco fastaction fold jogger travel system.

People looking for a travel system that can be compact for easy storage should look into the Graco FastAction model.

Though the system is nice and spacious when the stroller portion is set up, it can fold into itself so it can fit in most closets and storage areas.

This also makes this model a breeze to travel with as it passes most public transportation regulations for stroller sizes.

Thanks to its 5-point harness, you also don’t have to worry about safety. Your baby will be nice and snug in their seat for as long as needed.

• Elevated maximum weight of 50 pounds
• Wheels deflate quickly

Hot Tip: Check out our in-depth buyer guide to the best travel strollers for newborns and toddlers for more great options!

3. A Seamless Travel System for All Occasions

Evenflo pivot vizor travel system.

Some travel systems are designed to make long days and travel easier. Others are designed for walks around the block. This model by Evenflo is designed for both.

The system is sleek and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for any occasion. So whether you’re able to walk leisurely or you’re in a hurry, you can get where you need to go with this travel system’s stroller.

The car seat is also designed for any occasion . It’s able to fit in most vehicles without any problems, and it’s easy to install, so you don’t have to deal with a headache every time you have to strap your baby in for a car ride.

• Sun-protective and privacy visor
• Wheels struggle on rough surfaces

4. Budget-friendly System That Doesn’t Give Up Quality

Baby trend ez ride 35 travel system.

If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality travel system, but you’re on a tighter budget, this model from Baby Trend is worth looking at.

The seating is made out of plush material that won’t be uncomfortable for your baby to sit in. Thanks to its soft grip, you also won’t get uncomfortable pushing or carrying it.

You can even adjust the stroller handles so you don’t have to crouch or stretch. The stroller portion comes with 2 cupholders as well, so you and your baby can stay hydrated while you’re out and about.

The system was even designed to sit your baby further back while the system creates “wings” around them to offer maximum protection on both sides.

• All-encompassing protection
• Lower weight allowance

5. A Travel System That Guarantees a Smooth Ride

Safety 1st smooth ride travel system.

If your main concern when looking at travel systems is the comfort of your child, then look no further than this Safety 1st option.

With  “Smooth Ride” in its name, you might expect a lot from this travel system, and it delivers. It has sturdy wheels that can stand up to most floors and terrain. So, whether you’re inside or out, you can easily use this stroller.

The wheels also glide effortlessly. They won’t make any noise and help smooth the ride if you push it over a bumpy surface. The car seat also keeps your baby secure and in one place during rides without being jostled around.

• Good for motion-sickness-prone children
• Not intuitive

6. A Carseat That Offers Your Baby Privacy

Graco modes pramette travel system.

Your baby can’t speak up and tell you when they want some time to themself, so it’s up to you to make sure you can give them some peace. That’s why this Graco pramette travel system is such a great option.

The stroller can be front- or rear-facing , meaning you can decide if your baby needs some stimulation by seeing the world or if they need some peaceful time. It’s also an added safety measure.

For example, if you’re going to be using your travel system in areas with potential dust or debris or you’re worried you might stumble, a rear-facing system will help keep your baby safe.

• Large storage basket
• 20-pound limit

7. A Quick Travel System To Set Up

Graco fastaction se travel system.

If you want a travel system you can set it up in the blink of an eye, Graco has you covered. Thanks to the way it’s designed to fold compactly, you don’t have to fight with the system to get it open or closed.

The system also comes with a lightweight but heavy-duty car seat to keep your baby safe on the road. It’s even a rear-facing seat, giving it extra points where safety is concerned.

The stroller has a parent tray that comes with a cup holder and a small storage area, so you can keep your essentials within easy reach without having to fumble in the storage compartment too much.

• Convenient design
• Only for newborns and young babies

8. Easy and Lightweight Travel System

Baby jogger city mini gt2 all.

If you’re in need of a travel system, but you don’t want something heavy and bulky that will weigh you down, consider this option from Baby Jogger.

The system is made with breathable material that isn’t just lightweight but will also ensure your child isn’t uncomfortable no matter what time of year it is.

The system also has a single-handed locking mechanism to make folding or unfolding it a breeze.  You don’t have to worry about the stroller trying to fold back in on itself or coming undone either. Once the junctions are locked in place, they stay that way until you unlock them.

The car seat has also been designed to protect your precious cargo by using anti-rebound and trauma-blocking technology.

• Not budget-friendly

Hot Tip: If you prefer to travel lighter, check out our guide to the best travel baby carriers, including wraps, slings, and backpacks .

9. A Travel System Option That’s Trusted Worldwide

Chicco mini bravo plus travel system.

If you’re generally undecided about which direction you want to go with your travel system, then consider an option with international respect. Chicco is a brand known worldwide, and it knows what it is doing when it comes to babies. This system was designed to ensure your baby is comfortable on the sidewalk or in the car.

The soft material isn’t just for your baby’s comfort, it also adds another layer of safety. Keeping your baby nice and cozy can absorb any potential trauma by the cushions and the system structure. The system itself is also lightweight and weighs under 20 pounds.

• Highly recommended
• Difficult to clean

10. Environmentally-friendly Travel System

Century stroll on 3-wheel 2-in-1 lightweight travel system.

Environmentally-conscious people on the hunt for a good travel system should check out this option from Century. With fabrics made from recycled material, this system helps you do your part in being a little greener .

It also doesn’t hurt that the material is also lightweight, making the system easy to move around. Your baby, on the other hand, will love how breathable the material is. You don’t have to worry about overheating or problems with temperature regulation with this option.

Since the stroller has 3 wheels instead of 4, it also gives it an aerodynamic design that makes it great for moving around quickly.

• Easy-gliding wheels
• May show more wear and tear

11. A Travel System You Can Use for Years

Graco verb travel system.

Graco’s got an option for you if you want a travel system that has a lot of longevity. Whether you want to make sure you can use your travel system for future children down the line or you plan on giving it away as a hand-me-down, you don’t have to worry.

Made of high-quality material that meets strict size standards, this option won’t break down for years. The rear-facing car seat can fit most newborns and infants up to 30 pounds.

On the other hand, the stroller is large enough to give your baby plenty of room to be comfortable. At the same time, it’s also compact enough to suit the stroller-size allotments at most theme parks.

• Suitable for anywhere

12. Makes Trips a Breeze With 1-Handed Setup

Chicco viaro quick-fold travel system.

If you want to be able to take your child on adventures with you and you’re looking for a travel system to help you do just that, Chicco has a great option for you.

This travel system has a quick-fold design that allows you to assemble and fold up the frame in a breeze. That means you can go from the car to the stroller in no time. You can even open it up 1-handed.

The system also had plenty of padding both for your baby and for you while you push the stroller or hold the carrier.  Your child even has 2 cupholders and a tray available to enjoy snacks or otherwise keep busy while you’re on the go.

• Reclining seat
• Only rear-facing car seat

Ideally, a travel system will allow you to seamlessly transfer your child from your car to a stroller and allow you to move around while keeping them secure.

However, there are hundreds of travel system options on the market to choose from. We hope that this list has helped you begin to narrow down which travel system is right for you.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

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Ready2Jet™ Travel System

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• Includes the Graco® SnugRide® Lite Infant Car Seat, rear-facing for infants from 4-30 lb and up to 30" for an easy transition from car to stroller
• Stroller holds child up to 50 lb for years of strolling together
• Automatically folds to a compact size with one-hand activation for multi-tasking families
• "Travel stroller is overhead friendly* so you can go more places together *We recommend checking with your local airline prior to departure for specific carry-on requirements. "
• Self-standing compact fold and ultra-lightweight at 13.2 lb, making this fully featured stroller easy to store and transport

Product Details

Description.

• Removable belly bar doubles as a carry handle
• All-wheel suspension helps provide a smooth, comfortable ride for baby
• Includes a Graco® SnugRide® Lite Infant Car Seat for our lightest weight travel system, from infant to toddler; stroller and infant car seat carrier together weigh a combined 20.4 lb
• Adjustable calf support so your child can stretch out and relax
• Stylish leatherette stroller handle ensures a smooth grip

Specifications

• Color: Haines
• Model#: 2209077
• Product Width: 20.5 in
• Product Height: 43 in
• Product Depth: 27 in
• Product Weight: 13.2 lb

Recommended Use

Product instructions, care & maintenance.

• CLEANING SEAT PAD: To clean seat pad, spot clean using mild soap and warm water
• CLEANING HARNESS: Surface wash only with mild soap and damp cloth. Do not immerse harness straps or latch strap in water.
• CLEANING HARDGOODS: Metal and plastic parts may be cleaned with mild soap & cool water CLEANING BODY SUPPORT *on select models: Wash removable body support in cold water on delicate cycle and line dry
• WHEEL MAINTENANCE: Use light oil if wheels squeak

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The 6 Best Travel Systems That Make Bringing Baby Everywhere Much More Convenient

No matter what your needs are, there’s a perfect stroller and car seat combo that’ll make life way easier.

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If you're a savvy expectant parent or you know someone who will be soon, you're probably hunting around for a stroller- car seat combo, also known as a travel system. There are plenty of safe, well-made options out there to choose from, and it’ll save you some serious time (and money) in the long run. Not only will you save hours researching and shopping for an individual car seat and stroller, but when your precious baby is here, it’ll be a breeze to move the newest member of the family from the car to the stroller. Plus, one of the absolute best things about it is that you never have to truly disturb a sleeping baby.

Because, let's face it — you're going to need an infant car seat (they won't let you leave the hospital without one), and you're going to need a stroller . Getting a travel system ensures that your car seat and your stroller work together seamlessly, which makes the whole process easier from start to finish.

Keep scrolling for quick info on the best travel systems, followed by things to consider as you're buying, a breakdown of our selection criteria, and our full reviews.

The Best Travel Systems

• Best Overall: Baby Jogger City Select 2 Single-to-Double Modular
• Best Budget: Graco FastAction SE
• For Parents Who Expect Luxury: Uppababy Vista V2 Stroller + Mesa Infant Car Seat
• Best Jogging System: BOB Gear Revolution 3.0
• Best Lightweight: Chicco Mini Bravo Plus
• Best Style-Meets-Substance: Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe 5-in-1 Modular Travel System, New Hope Black

What to Consider

Travel systems look trickier than they actually are. I’ve spent countless hours testing the stroller/car seat combos, and I can tell you they’re all pretty darn easy to figure out. It’s mostly about what you need as a parent and what you expect as a consumer.

I understand that the first thing you’re going to notice is the price tag (it’s hard not to!). And holy cow, these can be a big investment. But there are good travel systems at a variety of price points, from just a couple hundred dollars to upwards of $1,500. There will be significant differences in durability, and the materials in the lower-end models won’t be as luxurious or, honestly, aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean that less expensive models aren’t great, because every travel system on this list is the best of its type.

Other things you want to think about when buying a travel system are how you're using it, how much it weighs, the height and weight limits of the stroller and the car seat, and how the whole thing cleans up (kids can be messy — we get it).

How You’re Using It

If this is a system that’s going to be taken up and down stairs a lot, if you need it to store in a small space, or even if you just happen to have a bad back, you’ll want to look for a travel system on the lighter side.

Now, there’s no such thing as a “light” travel system. Car seats typically weigh over 10 pounds, the stroller itself can be 20+ pounds, and then you add a baby? It’s a lot — but there are more compact models on this list if you’re aiming to keep things light.

I've also included a jogging stroller on this list. As a runner, I know how hard it can be to hit the pavement as a new parent, and the right travel system can help in this area. While you won't be doing any running with your newborn, getting a jogging stroller travel system means that you don't have to buy another stroller when the time comes. Plus, with the adjustable lock-or-swivel front wheel, there's no reason this can't be your everyday stroller.

Lastly, if you’re planning on growing your family soon or you’re having twins, you should consider investing in a single-to-double stroller, which is also included in the list below.

Stroller Weight and Height Limits

How much does the stroller weigh? The car seat? What are the length and weight limits of both the seat and the stroller? You'll want to consider all of these factors because they can vary pretty widely.

How Do You Clean It?

Why must babies get poop on absolutely everything? It's one of life's great mysteries, but it's just as sure as death and taxes. Knowing how you're going to have to get the stroller and car seat clean is crucial. If you don't mind hand-washing, then you're less limited, but many of us are looking for the magic, golden words: machine-washable.

How We Chose

Every single stroller/car seat combo on this list has been tested by myself for a minimum of four hours of pushing with and without the car seat. I spoke with representatives from every company on this list to make sure that they are the safest, best-designed travel systems on the market. They've survived rigorous use and have been evaluated for durability, comfort of the ride, steerability, ease of cleaning and folding, and general overall quality. Each system on this list is a system that I would use personally, or recommend to family and friends.

Baby Jogger City Select 2 Single-to-Double Modular Travel System

Not sure if you're going to have a second baby, or when? The Baby Jogger City Select 2 gives you options. Much like the UppaBaby Vista 2 (below), it's a single-to-double, but it's about 20% smaller when it's folded, which parents love, and it's $700 cheaper, which is also pretty important. Honestly, though? With the exception of some of the finishing, they are extremely similar strollers. The ride is smooth as silk, taking curves, ruts, bumps, and uneven surfaces like the boardwalk and cobblestone streets without becoming unwieldy.

The folding bit is downright impressive. While it's not a one-handed fold, it is an easy fold. It's also the most compact fold for a single-to-double that I've seen or tested. It doesn't scrimp on the size of the seat, which is comparable to the UppaBaby, nor the size of storage, which beats the competition.

And let's take a minute to discuss the car seat. It's spectacular. It has an anti-rebound bar that redistributes the impact of collisions. The RapidLock belt-tensioning base is easy to operate and stash, and the side-impact protection on the seat is tested to the highest standards. Installation isn't hard to accomplish, and once it's in? It feels secure and steady.

Graco FastAction SE Travel System

The Graco SnugRide car seat is hands-down the most well-known infant car seat in the United States. It's the car seat I used for my oldest, I am constantly putting it on car seat lists , and it's the car seat millions of parents choose every year. It's reliable, durable, affordable, and easy to install. It has an easy leveler, multiple positions of recline, and one of the easiest harnesses on the market. It's also the car seat included in this travel system.

The stroller is a kids' dream, too. It has an oversized canopy, a fold-flat seat, a gigantic snack and drink tray, and a huge cargo compartment. Graco definitely has parents in mind with its own tray and cup holder (we could all use snacks), quick fold, one-handed close, durable wheels that make maneuverability easy, and machine-washable fabrics, all for under $250.

UppaBaby Vista V2 Stroller + Mesa Infant Car Seat Travel System

Yes, this travel system is expensive — but you're getting the top-of-the-line car seat, stroller, and bassinet. It's a single-to-double stroller, with multiple configurations ranging from one car seat on the stroller to two car seats, to a bassinet and a jump seat, and more.

Almost all of it is machine-washable, it's durable enough to last through multiple children, and it performs smoothly. The wheels glide over any surface you throw at it — including sand, with the dual suspension making the whole thing such a smooth ride that babies snooze right over bumps in the terrain. The seat itself reclines almost fully flat if needed, so when your tot is a toddler, they can get in a good snooze.

One thing you might not have thought about is car seat installation — and, trust me, this one is one of the easiest out there. I have latched and unlatched the base, and taken the car seat on and off multiple times, and I never even so much as chipped my pricey manicure (which we all know is a big feat for a mama!).

I personally love this stroller and this car seat. My nephews have been using it for over a year, and my sister-in-law and brother rave about its durability, ease, steering, style, and general quality. My sister-in-law never had a problem maneuvering it, and let me tell you, my youngest nephew is a delightfully beefy fellow. However, again, this is a spend, and in this economy? It's asking a lot.

BOB Gear Revolution 3.0 Travel System

This made-in-the-USA travel system is a high-quality option for new parents who want to keep their baby safe while jogging or taking a nice stroll. Britax is known for its car seats that surpass general safety standards, and the baby gear brand offers a stroller that'll fit one of its most popular car seat models (B Safe 35) perfectly.

Britax car seats incorporate safe cell impact protection, which is a hex-shaped technology designed to absorb extra energy and protect your baby beyond federal standards in the case of a serious crash. It also features a deep foam-lined shell. We love that Britax paired it with the BOB Revolution Flex because it offers storage, a protective canopy to face the elements, a fast one-hand fold, and a lightweight frame. All in all, it has an easy ride with multiple reclining positions.

The advanced suspension system and air-filled tires, along with the adjustable handlebar make this the obvious choice for parents looking for an active lifestyle with their tot. The whole stroller glides easily but with enough heft that you don't feel like it will get away from you. Personally, I love the feel of this jogger as I push it — it’s stable while remaining light and nimble. It takes the ruts and divots of roads and the boardwalk with ease. I do wish that the brakes were a bit more intuitive, but they're not difficult, just a bit ungainly.

Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Travel System

The lightweight stroller included in this travel system features a one-hand fold and auto-positioning wheels for ease of use. Setting the system up is easy, and safe car seat installation is straightforward and simple. The car seat isn’t bulky, so it’s easy to carry and transfer from the car to the stroller. Plus, it clicks right into the stroller within seconds. The stroller features sturdy, agile wheels so that even on rougher terrain, your baby should experience a smooth ride.

It's light and easy to use — and while Chicco may be a more affordable system, they don't skimp on materials, and that's obvious when you consider that the KeyFit car seat is often the top-selling car seat of any brand. It's also one of my favorite infant car seats, period. It's easy to install, lightweight, wipes clean quickly, and buying extra bases is affordable and simple.

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

Best Lightweight

Maxi-Cosi's wonderful Zelia stroller and Mico XP car seat were designed with a real eye toward aesthetics. This stroller comes in several beautiful colorways with leather accents, brushed black aluminum hardware, and clean lines.

The mechanics of the travel system is on par with the looks. The car seat is a wonder with air protect side impact protection, wool-free fire retardant, chemical-free fabrics, an easy-to-thread harness, and leveling indicators that make installation simple. It's also one of the easiest strollers to learn how to fold, which is saying a lot — I'm not kidding. Generally, it takes me anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to learn a new fold, and I'm an expert. I read the Maxi Cosi manual once, and I got it.

The stroller has rugged wheels that will never puncture but still glide over the pavement. The multiple recline seat with a deep canopy makes for the perfect place for your kid to relax in the afternoon. The seat itself can face the parent or the outside world depending on your baby's preference as well. All of the fabrics are machine-washable, and parents love that even after tons of washes, the fabrics' colors don't fade.

I do wish that the harnesses were easier to thread and that it had more accessories, but other than that, it's a great system. It's one of the most popular car seats for a reason, and the stroller is just as wonderful.

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Best travel systems for newborns: tried and tested by parents

In an effort to help new parents, we've researched and tested the top travel systems on the market. From designer brands like Bugaboo to budget prams and compact folds, here are the best travel systems to buy right now.

By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Aug 19, 2024

Buying a pushchair for your newborn can feel a little daunting. With so many choices available and lots to consider when it comes to transporting your baby safely from A to B, it can be hard to narrow down your options. 

For new parents, a travel system can make a convenient and practical choice, allowing for seamless transfers from car to pram, as well as relaxed and comfortable strolls with your newborn.

If you've already decided that a travel system is for you, excellent! We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching the products loved by real parents (that includes both Mumsnet users and consumers), tested dozens of prams with our team of parent testers and consulted trusted pushchair experts for the latest up-to-date guidance to bring you a round-up of the very best travel systems to buy right now.

Be sure to check out our FAQs further down this page for tips and tricks on what to consider before buying a travel system too.

Best travel systems at a glance

Best overall travel system: Nuna Mixx Next | Buy now

Best budget travel system: Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe | Buy now

Best travel system for a newborn and toddler: Oyster 3 | Buy now

Best versatile travel system: Venicci Tinum Edge | Buy now

Best all-terrain travel system: Mamas & Papas Ocarro | Buy now

Best travel system for rough terrain: Bugaboo Fox 5 | Buy now

Best travel system for a growing family: UPPAbaby Vista V2 | Buy now

Best travel system for easy fold: Joie Versatrax | Buy now

Best travel system for design: BabyStyle Egg 3 | Buy now

Best travel system for country living: Cybex Priam | Buy now

Best lightweight travel system: Nuna Triv Next | Buy now

Best travel system for city living and travel: Bugaboo Dragonfly | Buy now

Nuna Mixx Next

Offers good longevity

Accessible storage basket

Comfortable and well-padded seat

Easy to steer 

Machine-washable covers

Easy to switch between parent- and world-facing modes

One-handed five-position recline

Height-adjustable handlebar

Two hands needed to fold

Sun hood is a little noisy to extend

Price: RRP £1,200 | Suitable from: Birth to 22kg | Orientation: Parent-facing and world-facing | Car seat compatible: Yes | Folded dimensions: H42 x W60 x D76cm | Weight: 13.1kg | Basket capacity: 4.5kg | Extras included: Rain cover, footmuff and car seat adaptors 

Tested by parents: Read our full Nuna Mixx review

An upgrade to the incredibly popular Nuna Mixx , the Nuna Mixx Next exudes comfort and style at every turn, with some significant improvements that have proven to be a huge hit with Mumsnet users and consumers alike. It can be used with a Nuna carrycot (without needing adapters) or with compatible car seats from Nuna, Maxi Cosi or Cybex using the car seat adapters included in the box.

Thanks to the comfortable seat, easy manoeuvrability, excellent storage and large all-terrain wheels, it easily takes our top spot as the best travel system you can buy today. It’s also worth mentioning that the Nuna Mixx Next is a Which? Best Buy and one of the top-scoring pushchairs in their lab tests.

While slightly heavier than the original model, improvements to the folding mechanism mean the Nuna Mixx Next now folds in upon itself, resulting in a more compact fold that’s around 16cm shorter than its predecessor. It conveniently self-stands, so you don’t need to worry about it getting the chassis dirty as you move it in and out of your car, although it's not a particularly portable travel system for public transport. The Nuna Mixx Next also has more durable rubber wheels than the original Mixx, with improved wheel suspension that can even tackle tricky terrain such as gravel or snow .  

It’s easy to steer (even one-handed), manoeuvres well around tight corners and obstacles, and tackles kerbs with ease. The leatherette handlebar also offers a choice of heights between 106cm and 115cm, making it easy to achieve a comfortable and natural hold for both petite and tall parents. We love the green and red indicators on the brake pedal that provide quick visual reassurance that the brake is engaged - ideal when you’re travelling around a busy urban environment.

Suitable from birth using the lie-flat recline, the Nuna Mixx Next has a comfortable all-season and machine-washable seat with a removable cosy padded liner and a mesh back for breathability during the warmer summer months. The included rain cover offers good protection from the elements on wet days and, although it's a little noisy to extend, the UPF 50+ hood with a viewing window provides good coverage from the sun. It’s even water-repellent, so if an unexpected downpour comes your way, your baby will still stay warm and dry. 

We love how the five-point harness can keep your baby safe and secure but converts to a more convenient three-point harness as your baby grows. If your child tends to nod off on their travels, you’ll also appreciate the one-handed, five-position recline, allowing you to switch from upright to lie flat quickly and easily. The two-handed fold on the Nuna Mixx Next does require some force, but once folded, the pushchair sits relatively compact - although if using it with the carrycot you’d need to remove this first. 

When it comes to storage, the Nuna Mixx Next has an under seat basket with a 4.5kg capacity, which isn’t as generous as the likes of the UPPAbaby Vista V2 , but is easy to access from all directions and provides plenty of space for your newborn essentials . It can even be split into two distinct compartments using the interior wall if required. 

Read next: The best lightweight strollers and buggies

Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe

Value for money

Lightweight

The seat converts to a lie-flat bassinet

Easy one-handed fold

Compact when folded

Height-adjustable handlebar 

Rear-wheel suspension

Tricky to change seat position with a heavier child

Wide frame – hard to fit through narrow doorways

Straps can be fiddly and tricky to adjust 

Quite heavy 

Struggles a little on rough surfaces like gravel and sand

Two-handed fold

Price: RRP £980 | Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg |  Orientation:  Parent- and world-facing Car seat compatible:  Yes |  Folded dimensions:  H53 x W62 x D81cm |  Weight:  10.7kg | Basket capacity:  10kg |  Extras included:  Rain cover and boot cover/apron

Tested by parents: Read our full Maxi-Cosi Zelia review (previous model)

The Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe pushchair may have one of the lowest price tags of all the travel systems on our list, but it's still up there in terms of both design and quality. 

While the original  Maxi-Cosi Zelia  (now discontinued) was only suitable for babies up to 15kg, the Zelia³ Luxe offers greater longevity, lasting until your baby weighs 22kg, which is approximately four years old. While slightly heavier than the original model, the shopping basket capacity has also doubled (from 5kg to a whopping 10kg) providing valuable additional storage space for your  changing bag  or other essentials during a day out with your baby.

One of the major selling points of the Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe is the 2-in-1 seat that quickly converts into a newborn bassinet without the need to purchase a separate carrycot - ideal for those who are limited in storage space at home. Our parent tester loved this feature stating, “It saves space in the house and it means the carrycot doesn't become obsolete once your baby is sitting.”   Weighing 10.7kg, it’s also a more lightweight option than some of the multi-terrain models such as the  Mamas and Papas Ocarro  (see below). 

The lie-flat bassinet is suitable from birth and can easily be transformed into a pushchair seat when your baby reaches six months. With a comfortable padded inlay, it offers plenty of space and support for your child as they grow. Alternatively, the Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe can be used with a compatible Maxi-Cosi car seat, such as the Mumsnet-recommended  Maxi Cosi Pebble Plus  (using adapters) for a convenient transition between your car and the street.

Described as a compact, urban stroller, the Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe is easy to steer and handles pavements and kerbs with ease, however it may struggle off-road, such as on gravel, mud or sand. It’s also worth noting that while the handlebar height is adjustable, this is only by a small margin, so if you’re particularly tall you may find this pram less comfortable to push. 

We like the significant coverage provided by the sun hood and, thanks to the viewing window, you can discreetly check on your baby without waking them if they nod off during your journey. 

The fold requires two hands, but this is relatively straightforward to do. The pushchair clips together for compact storage and can self-stand. There’s also an in-built carry handle which can help distribute the weight should you need to carry it up and down the stairs. 

We love the improvements to the basket when compared to the original Maxi-Cosi Zelia, which although a little trickier to access when being used in bassinet mode, offers plenty of storage space, with a discreet pocket inside to stash valuable items such as your keys and phone. 

Read next:  Our in-depth Didofy Stargazer review

BabyStyle Oyster 3

One-handed recline (this can be done in parent- or world-facing mode)

Lie-flat seat for smaller babies

Puncture-free tyres

Compact fold

Adjustable handlebar

Can be used with a  buggy board

Carrycot is tricky to remove

Covers are not machine-washable

Storage basket could be bigger 

No extras included

Price: RRP £980 | Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg |  Orientation:  Parent- and world-facing| Car seat compatible:  Yes |  Folded dimensions:  H57.5 x W37.5 x L72 cm | Weight:  11.7kg |  Basket capacity:  3kg |  Extras included:  None

Tested by parents: Read our full BabyStyle Oyster 3 review

If you're looking for a travel system to suit your growing family, then the Which? Best Buy  BabyStyle Oyster 3  should be top of your list. This large, well-built pram is designed to last well into toddlerhood. With a choice of seven different colourways, it looks beautiful too.

With a maximum child weight of 22kg, which is around age four, this pushchair is suitable from birth, with a lie-flat seat, supportive head hugger and one-handed three-position recline. To use as a travel system, you can attach the Oyster 3 carrycot (sold separately) which offers a more spacious and comfortable lying position over longer durations with your newborn. For an easy transition straight from the car, car seats such as the  Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus  can also be clipped onto the main chassis using the  Oyster 3 car seat adapters  (sold separately). 

Compared to the original Oyster and Oyster 2 pushchairs, the Oyster 3 has had a major overhaul. Not only is it lighter with bigger wheels for improved handling, but it also boasts a more spacious seat, including a pop-out footrest and an adjustable harness that can better accommodate your child as they grow. 

It’s worth noting that, as a result of the seat changes, it’s a little bigger than the previous model, but for convenience it now has a more compact fold, which can be triggered with the seat attached in both parent- and world-facing modes. You do need to use both hands to operate this, however the fold is smooth and simple, with a handy clip that prevents the chassis from springing open. While we wouldn’t recommend carrying the Oyster 3 regularly, there’s even an integrated carry strap for convenience should you need to. 

The Oyster 3 has a soft padded handlebar that’s adjustable between 101cm and 111.5cm, making it easy to adapt to parents of varying heights. Thanks to the all-round suspension, the four puncture-free tyres also offer a really smooth ride for your baby. 

Our parent tester rated the tight turning circle and a slim base, which made the Oyster 3 convenient for use on public transport and she found it performed well on urban terrains such as pavements and kerbs. Like many travel systems, it struggles more on bumpier or uneven ground, but there is the option to lock the front wheels - helpful when navigating across sand or mud.

Whatever the weather, the Oyster 3 can protect your baby from the elements. We rate the large UPF50+ sun hood with an extendable section to provide additional coverage when the seat is fully reclined. It also has a ventilation window which can keep your baby cool on warmer days. Unlike many pushchairs, the elasticated rain cover for the Oyster 3 (included with the travel system) is straightforward to fit should the weather take a sudden turn for the worse.

The storage basket is easy to access from all directions, and although more than adequate for most  newborn essentials , the 3kg maximum capacity is relatively small when compared to the UPPAbaby Vista V2 or Nuna Mixx Next. That said, we love the inclusion of a discreet zipped storage pocket situated beneath the footrest - ideal for safely housing your keys and phone.

Read next:  The best double buggies, as tested by parents

Venicci Tinum EdgeVenicci Tinum Edge

Stylish design

Easy to fold/unfold 

Comes with lots of accessories

Comfortable height-adjustable handlebar 

Spacious shopping basket

Large sun hood

Easy to switch between parent and world facing  

Harness and straps tricky to adjust 

Bulky and heavy

Brakes require some force

The seat is not particularly padded

Price: RRP £700 | Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg (approx. 4 years) |  Orientation:  Parent and world-facing |  Car seat compatible:  Yes - car seat included   Folded dimensions:  H41 x W58 x D63cm  |  Weight:  12kg |  Basket capacity:  Not specified | Extras included:  Carrycot, car seat, footmuff, changing bag, changing mat, rain cover and adapters

While you may be less familiar with the name, Italian brand Venicci is one of the leading suppliers of quality  pushchairs , officially launching in the UK back in 2011. If you’re looking for a versatile option, the Venicci Tinum Edge travel system makes an excellent choice, with a stylish and practical design combined with lots of additional accessories that make travelling with your baby a breeze.

With a reversible lie-flat seat, the Venicci Tinum Edge is suitable from birth to 22kg. The full bundle includes the Tinum carrycot and car seat, as well as a footmuff, rain cover, mosquito net, coordinating changing bag, changing mat and car seat adapters, meaning you’ve got pretty much everything you need to head out on travels with your baby in tow - whatever the weather may bring.

With some enhancements to the original Tinum, the Tinum Edge features a panoramic ventilation system to help keep your baby cool on sunnier days. It’s now easier to steer, even one-handed, tackling varied terrain well and navigating up and down kerbs without the need to exert too much effort despite its relatively heavy frame. 

While the sideless seat isn’t as padded or cushioned as the  Nuna Mixx  or  BabyStyle Oyster 3 , it has three different recline positions and can be used both world- and parent-facing depending on your preferences, or easily swapping between the two. It’s worth noting that although the straps are adjustable as your child grows, this is a manual process and can fiddly. That said, the integrated hood is quiet to operate and provides good sun coverage, with a handy viewing window that helps you keep a reassuring eye on your toddler when world-facing. 

If you’re a taller or petite parent or sharing the travel system with your partner of a different height, you’ll love the adjustable handlebar height on the Venicci Tinum, which can be adjusted with one hand between 90 and 104cm - a far greater range than some other travel systems on the market. 

The basket is a generous size and includes a zippable compartment for your valuables. While it’s stiff to operate, the centrally located brake is large and easily accessible - reassuring when travelling in busier surroundings.

Read next:  The best pram toys for newborns

Mamas & Papas Ocarro

Dual suspension

One-handed fold 

Tackles off-road terrain well 

Chunky, puncture-resistant tyres

Padded seat with pillow and chest pads

Reflective trim on wheels

A reassuring wrist strap on the handlebars 

Large hood with ventilation 

The basket can only be loaded from the back 

Heavy to carry

Stiff five-point harness

Price: RRP £950 | Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg |  Orientation:  Parent- and world-facing   |  Car seat compatible:  Yes   |  Folded dimensions:  H33.5  x W59 x D77.5 cm   |  Weight:  13.6kg   |  Basket size:  3kg   |  Extras included:  Rain cover and bumper bar

Tested by parents: Read our full Mamas & Papas Ocarro review

If you’re living in a more rural setting or enjoy heading on outdoor adventures with your baby in tow, you’ll need an all-terrain travel system that can navigate across a variety of surfaces with ease. 

The  Mamas & Papas Ocarro  is a luxury, all-terrain pushchair designed for both comfort and stability. A Which? Best Buy, the Ocarro achieved an impressive score in lab testing and it’s also compatible with several Which? Best Buy car seats too, including the  Maxi-Cosi Pebble Pro .

Available alone or in bundles of varying sizes depending on your needs, the eight-piece combination pack offers excellent value for money, including the pushchair, adapters, carrycot, cupholder, footmuff, changing bag, Cybex car seat and even an ISOFIX base. 

While it weighs over three kilograms heavier than some of the travel systems we tested such as the Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe its robust frame, dual suspension and large all-terrain wheels ensure it can handle almost every terrain completely fuss-free,  from pavements and kerbs to woodland, sand and grass. While it’s narrow enough to fit through most doorways and manoeuvres well, it’s fairly heavy and bulky, so less suited to travel or for those looking for a  lightweight stroller  for public transport. 

Thanks to the padded lie-flat seat with a supportive head hugger (or the Ocarro carrycot if you prefer), the Ocarro is suitable from birth and can see your child through to approximately four years old. The seat is also fully reversible, so you can easily switch between reassuring eye contact for your baby in parent-facing mode to the world-facing mode for your curious toddler who wants to take in their surroundings.

The soft and comfortable leatherette handlebar is a stylish addition, however it’s worth noting that, unlike the height flexibility on the Venicci Tinum and  BabyStyle Oyster 3 , it can only be raised by a small margin - between 100.5 to 105cm. The brake also requires a fair bit of force and isn't particularly easy to operate wearing sandals or flip-flops. 

We love the one-handed fold - something rarely seen in a multi-terrain pushchair. It can be folded with the seat attached in either direction and self-stands for convenience when folded, but it does take up a lot of space in your car. If you have a particularly small boot, you may find it easier to remove the seat first and store it as two separate pieces.   

The sturdy and robust canopy hood with stylish metallic trim is definitely worth a mention. It offers excellent coverage for sunny days but can also be pushed back entirely to improve visibility.

While still large enough to house a changing bag, the 3kg basket on the Ocarro is actually on the small side compared to our other best travel system recommendations such as the  Bugaboo Fox 5  and Nuna Mixx Next. It needs to be loaded from the back and is less accessible when using the carrycot as this sits at a relatively low height. That said, thanks to the clever catches on the Ocarro chassis, you can also conveniently stash your changing bag over the handlebar without it slipping down.

Read next: Our full UPPAbaby Ridge review

Bugaboo Fox 5

Sliding five-point harness

Advanced suspension for tackling bumpy terrain

9kg under-seat basket with hidden pockets and extendable flaps

One-handed fold

12 fabric colours to choose from

Large puncture-proof wheels

Height adjustable handlebar 

The same frame is used for the carrycot and seat

Footmuff not included

Stiff when first assembled

Assembly takes some time

Price: £1,000 | Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg (around four years) |  Orientation:  Parent-facing and world-facing |  Car seat compatible:  Yes |  Folded dimensions:  Two-piece compact fold 89 x 53 x 34cm; one-piece self-standing fold 44 x 60 x 90cm |  Weight:  10.4 to 12.2kg |  Basket capacity : 9kg |  Extras included:  None (but bundles are available)

Tested by parents: Read our full Bugaboo Fox 5 review

Released in March 2023, the  Bugaboo Fox 5  is the much-awaited and updated version of the Fox 3, which has a great reputation for tackling varied terrain.

The Bugaboo Fox 5 offers some big improvements to Fox’s much-loved design. It manoeuvres better than its predecessor, offers more storage capacity and has a higher seat and bassinet. It also has an easier-to-operate and more compact one-handed fold, with an extendable footrest and canopy to help adapt to your child’s needs as they grow.

We like the large puncture-proof wheels and bouncy suspension, which provide a comfortable ride for both newborns and toddlers. The pushchair performed exceptionally well on different terrain, including muddy paths, gravel roads and woodland trails, when our parent tester, Beccy, put it through its paces.

Although the fold took time for her to master, Beccy found the one-handed fold and unfold invaluable when out and about with her two children. The handlebar can be adjusted between 92 and 108cm so it’s easy to find the most comfortable setting for your height. 

The generous 9kg storage basket with extendable flaps also adds to the appeal, with plenty of space to house a changing bag or your baby’s essentials. It is quite bulky when folded though, which means it might not be ideal if you have a small car boot.

The seat is easy to recline (almost a bit too easy, so approach with caution) and thanks to the large sun canopy, your baby will be safely shielded from the sun’s glare on bright sunny days. 

While this buggy offers comfort in spades for newborns, the Fox 5 is unique in that the seat and carrycot come as one unit, which some parents may find impractical. Switching from the carrycot to the seat is quite fiddly (requiring the removal of the hood and swapping out the base), however you may only need to do this once and not until your baby reaches six months.

Read next:  The best running buggies

UPPAbaby Vista V2

Excellent storage with a huge basket

Easy to steer and manoeuvre 

Tackles rough terrain well

Includes carrycot for newborns 

Simple one-handed recline

Hood provides excellent coverage

Heavy and bulky when folded

Seat quite thin with minimal padding

Price: £1,000 | Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg |  Orientation:  Parent and world facing |  Car seat compatible:  Yes |  Folded dimensions:  H48 x W66 x D84cm |  Weight:  13kg | Basket capacity:  13.6kg |  Extras included:  Rain cover, carrycot, mosquito cover

Tested by Mumsnet:  Read our full  UPPAbaby Vista V2 review

Suitable from birth when used with the included carrycot, or from six months as a standalone pushchair, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 can see you through until your child reaches 22 kg (around four years). The spacious seat offers plenty of room for your growing child and can be placed in both directions - opting for parent-facing when your baby is younger before switching to world-facing when they want to explore their surroundings. 

An upgrade from the original UPPAbaby Vista, Vista 2 has seen some big improvements to the pushchair seat. While Which? lab testing felt that the padding was on the thin side, UPPAbaby has extended the height of the backrest and provided a longer footrest to better accommodate your child as they grow. The sun hood now has a ventilated extension panel for enhanced sun coverage and the five-point safety harness is now fully adjustable without needing to be rethread, although this does create some hanging excess.

Whilst the pushchair is only suitable from the age of six months, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 comes with a newborn carrycot included in the cost. It’s also compatible with the  UPPAbaby Mesa i-Size Infant Car Seat  or with brands such as Maxi-Cosi and Cybex if you purchase separate car seat adapters.

For parents, the handlebar offers some height adjustment (between 101 and 108cm), allowing you to tailor the experience to each parent. The one-handed recline is easy to operate, with a choice of six different positions and a fully adjustable leg rest that can support your child as they grow. That said, the seat fabric is much less padded than travel systems such as the Nuna Mixx Next and  BabyStyle Oyster 3 , so it’s better suited to short journeys than full days exploring with your baby.

The flip-flop-friendly brake has colour indicators for peace of mind, offering quick visual reassurance that the brake has been properly engaged. When you’ve reached your destination, folding the Vista 2 away requires two hands due to its weight, however it clips together once folded for secure and compact storage.

We love the enhancements to the sun hood, with a large UPF50+ canopy that provides extensive shade coverage. It has an expandable section that can keep your baby protected from the sun’s rays even when fully reclined. The mesh viewing window is also a great feature, allowing you to check on your baby while they nap without the risk of disturbing them.

By far the most impressive feature on the Vista 2, however, is the shopping basket - the biggest shopping basket we’ve seen. The UPPAbaby Vista V2 basket can hold a significant 13.6kg, which is a big plus point when you’re stocking up on the  best nappies  at the supermarket. The basket is four times greater than that of the Oyster 3, although the chassis does run through the middle, so it requires a bit of spacial awareness when storing larger items. We love that it’s accessible from all directions as well as the smaller pockets for stashing your valuables.

Read next:  The best baby carrier backpacks to buy

Joie Versatrax

One-handed recline 

Easy to fold

Reversible seat

Tackles a variety of terrain

Comes with a cup holder and carry strap

Large shopping basket 

No locking catch 

Removing the car seat can be a little tricky

Price: RRP £630 | Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg |  Orientation:  Parent and world facing |  Car seat compatible:  Yes |  Folded dimensions:  H81.5 x W64.5 x D36.5cm |  Weight:  11.8kg |  Basket capacity:  4.5kg |  Extras included:  Cup holder

If a quick and easy fold is high on your travel system wish list, then the Joie Versatrax is certainly worth a look. Suitable from birth to four years old and sold as part of a travel system bundle for under £700, it offers excellent value for money. As a Which? Best Buy, the Versatrax also scored highly in their lab tests, with a quick and easy fold that can be triggered with the seat attached in either direction. 

Mumsnet users praise this travel system for its effortless fold. This can even be done one-handed - ideal if you’re out and about with your baby and toddler in tow. Once folded, the Verstrax sits relatively compact and can self-stand. 

The pushchair is heavy though, and while we wouldn’t recommend carrying it far, the integrated carry strap can spread the load for simple transportation to and from your car. If we’re being really critical, we would have loved a locking catch to hold the chassis securely in place when folded. 

The Joie Versatrax is suitable from birth thanks to its lie-flat seat, but you can also buy the Joie Ramble XL carrycot for extra-comfy strolls with your newborn. The Versatrax is also compatible with Joie infant car seats like the i-Snug 2 which clips to an ISOFIX base in your car (sold separately) to meet the enhanced i-Size  car seat safety regulations . 

Unclipping the carrycot is quick and simple to do, however some reviewers have found the car seat trickier to detach due to the simultaneous lift and press of a release button. The pushchair seat is comfortable and roomy for your baby and, although a little fiddly, the strap length can be adjusted child to your child as they get taller. The seat itself is a little thin, but it has good padding across the back and harness, with a removable bumper bar for your baby to grab on to as they get bigger. 

Thanks to the all-wheel suspension, the Versatrax is easy to steer across most surfaces, with a relatively small turning circle and the ability to be pushed one-handed. The heavy design makes kerbs a bit more of an effort and, while not an all-terrain pushchair, the lockable front wheels are a big help when tackling rough terrains such as gravel and mud. The handlebar can also be adjusted to a comfortable height for each user and sandal wearers can rejoice as the brake is even flip-flop-friendly. 

We love the shopping basket on the Versatrax (which at 4.5kg is about average for a travel system of this size). It’s easy to access from all directions even when the pushchair seat is fully reclined, and has an internal pocket to keep smaller items close to hand. 

Read next:   The best 360 spin car seats

Babystyle Egg 3

Good longevity with a high maximum weight of 25kg

Can be converted to a double for twins

Highly manoeuvrable and easy to steer

Three-position recline

Easy to adjust the harness 

Tackles varied terrain 

The car seat requires some strength to remove 

Basket is shallow

Need to remove the seat before folding 

Car seat adapters not included 

Price: RRP £1,500 | Suitable from:  Birth (with carrycot) to 25kg   |  Orientation:  Parent- and world-facing |  Car seat compatible:  Yes |  Folded dimensions:  H71 x D32 x W59cm |  Weight:  15.3kg |  Basket capacity:  3kg |  Extras included:  Rain cover

If you want a travel system that really stands out from the crowd, you’ll love the unique and stylish design of the newly launched Egg 3.

An upgrade from the original Egg stroller, the new Egg 3 travel system features some exciting improvements. The new design has a larger-sized seat which not only sits slightly higher on the chassis but also has a taller back and an easy-adjust harness to support your child as they grow, plus it has a larger, extendable sun canopy with magnets for the viewing window and easy one-pull, five-point harness system.  

Built with practicality in mind, the Egg 3 also has an increased basket size (compared to the original model) and the ability to self-stand when folded - preventing any unwanted damage to the handlebar or chassis when you’re packing it away. And if that's not enough, the wheels on the Egg 3 are also slightly larger, helping it perform better across more challenging terrain compared to its predecessor. 

With a distinctive design, this stylish pushchair is suitable for babies from six months through to an impressive 25kg, which could be up to five years of age - the highest capacity travel system we’ve featured. For younger babies, however, you’ll need to attach the carrycot, which comes with a sustainable, chemical-free soft cushioned mattress suitable for up to nine months, or clip on the aptly named  Egg Shell car seat . It’s worth noting though that car seat adapters aren’t included, so you’ll need to factor this in as an extra when considering the overall purchase price. 

With a robust and sturdy design, the Egg 3 weighs in at a substantial 15.5kg - over 5kg heavier than the heaviest travel system on our list - which may be off-putting to some. Despite its weight, it’s surprisingly easy to steer, with a small turning circle and the ability to be steered one-handed, even across grass, gravel and mud. The four-wheel suspension tackles kerbs with ease, without jolting or waking your baby. 

Unlike the BabyStyle Oyster 3 and Nuna Mixx Next which can fold with the seat attached in either direction, the carrycot or pushchair seat need to be fully removed from the frame before you can fold it away. Once folded, the frame sits relatively compact and self stands without taking up too much space in your car. 

While it's on the higher end of the price scale for a travel system, this is certainly noticeable in its modern and stylish design, with great attention to detail including a height adjustable leatherette handlebar and matt chassis. 

Unlike some travel systems which have wheels that can look plasticity, the tri-spoke design on the Egg3’s puncture-free tyres is quite the opposite. They even leave a unique egg-shaped tread - a novel but lovely touch. There’s even an easily accessible flip-flop-friendly brake which uses only the base of your foot, so no squishing your toes in the process.

The basket capacity could be bigger considering the pushchair’s size, with a 3kg capacity which can fill quickly due to its shallow design, however it does come with concealed storage compartments to store smaller items like your phone or purse.

Read next: The best baby carriers, wraps and slings

Cybex Priam

Suitable for varied terrain

Adjustable handlebar height 

A removable bumper bar for easy placement 

Heavy and bulky

Significant initial assembly

The slim narrow seat could be outgrown quite quickly 

Doesn’t lock once folded

Less suitable for public transport  

Price: RRP £1,700 | Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg |  Orientation:  Parent facing or world facing |  Car seat compatible:  Yes |  Folded dimensions:  43 x 60 x 95cm |  Weight:  13.6kg |  Basket capacity:  5kg |  Extras included:  Rain cover and car seat adaptors

The robust Cybex Priam comes well regarded amongst Mumsnet users and online reviewers. Thanks to its sturdiness, it’s a popular choice for parents living in a more rural or countryside setting. An updated version of the original Priam from 2019, the 2022 edition offers several big improvements including a one-handed adjustable harness, revised seat design and a carrycot that sits higher up on the chassis.  

Due to the lie-flat recline, the Priam 2022 is suitable from birth through to 22kg, but the seat is narrow so you may find your child outgrows it sooner than age four. The seat can be used parent- or world-facing and, to ensure a comfortable ride for your baby, you can switch between four different recline positions and three leg rest positions.

As a travel system, the Priam 2022 can be combined with the spacious  Cybex Priam Lux carrycot  (suitable until around nine months of age) or the  Cybex Cloud T i-Size baby car seat  using the included adapters - ideal when moving your newborn to and from the car. 

While it's not an all-terrain pushchair, the Cybex Priam 2022 handles the majority of surfaces well with the exception of sand. Its weighty design is less suited to public transport but can navigate well around pavements and kerbs, as well as tackle trickier terrain such as gravel and grass with relative ease. The handlebar height can be set between 99 and 109cm and is easy to adjust when switching between parents or caregivers.

The fold has several steps, but is relatively straightforward, folding to a compact size that won’t exhaust all the space in your boot. At 13.6kg, however, it’s quite bulky to lift and one of the heavier travel systems on our list. 

We love the large central brake pedal which is quick and easy to operate. The included rain cover is simple to install and the generously sized sun hood offers more than adequate sun protection, although you may find the sideless design of the seat can let through some glare. Thanks to the magnetic viewing window, you can keep a close eye on your baby even when the seat is world-facing. 

We’re less keen on the storage basket’s slanted design, which feels restrictive in terms of space, despite its 5kg capacity. That said, you will find some additional small pockets of storage on the back of the seat - a great way to keep your phone close to hand.

Read next: The best all-terrain prams

Nuna Triv Next

Large basket 

Adjustable handlebar height

Smooth on varied terrain 

Large sun hood 

Can’t be folded one-handed

The hood can be noisy when pulled out

Price: RRP £1,000 | Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg |  Orientation:  Parent facing or world facing |  Car seat compatible:  Yes   |  Folded dimensions:  36 x 59 x 66cm |  Weight:  9.2kg |  Basket capacity:  4.5kg |  Extras included:  Rain cover 

The second Nuna pram featured in our round-up of the best travel systems is the Nuna Triv Next - another Which? Best Buy that achieved the highest lab score of all the products on this list. An upgrade from the original Nuna Triv, the latest edition comes with an even lighter frame and updated wheels for improved handling across varied terrain. 

Suitable from birth to 22kg, the pushchair can be used parent-facing or world-facing, and reclines to one of four different positions, including a lie-flat option for newborns. Alternatively, you can combine the chassis with the comfortable padded Nuna Triv Series carrycot or the Nuna Triv car seat when travelling with a younger baby.

Despite weighing just 9.2kg, the Nuna Triv Next performs surprisingly well over rough terrain thanks to the robust rear wheel suspension, with the ability to navigate across gravel and woodland areas without any significant bumping. We love the five different height options on the leatherette handlebar, allowing for a safe and comfortable hold for parents of different heights. 

Whilst the relatively simple fold does require two hands, the result is a compact and lightweight pushchair that’s easy to carry thanks to the locking clasp and integrated carry handle. As a result, Triv Next is a practical choice for those travelling regularly on public transport. 

The generously sized sun hood can be a little noisy to extend, but is also water-repellent (ideal for those scattered showers) and provides good shade coverage, with a viewing window for discrete checks on your baby while they nap. We love the spacious 4.5kg storage basket which has elasticated sides and can be accessed from all directions, along with the extra zipped storage pocket to the rear of the seat. 

Read next: The best cabin-approved strollers to take on the plane

Bugaboo Dragonfly

Carrycot can be collapsed with the buggy

Excellent storage

Rear storage pocket can be detached and hung on the handlebar

Freestanding when folded

Huge sun canopy with extra extension for sunny days

Sliding, easy-to-adjust five-point harness

Stiff and clunky recline

Takes time to master the fold

No rain cover included

Price: RRP £1,400 | Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg |  Orientation:  Parent- and world-facing |  Car seat compatible:  Yes |  Folded dimensions:  One-piece self-standing fold with seat 36 x 52 x 90cm; one-piece self-standing fold with carrycot 32 x 52 x 90cm |  Weight:  7.9-10.4kg |  Basket capacity:  10kg plus extra 2.5kg when rear pocket is placed on handlebar |  Extras included:  Integrated carry strap; Parasol+ attachment clip

Tested by parents : Read our full Bugaboo Dragonfly review

A great option for those travelling around an urban environment on foot, the  Bugaboo Dragonfly  is designed specifically for city life. With a relatively lightweight frame, this buggy is much lighter than many other travel systems (with the exception of the Nuna Triv Next and Maxi-Cosi Zelia 2). 

Released in June 2023, the Bugaboo Dragonfly features a sliding harness, large extendable sun canopy, leather grip height-adjustable handlebar and huge storage basket with a rear storage pocket that detaches from the basket to be hung on the handlebars like a  changing bag .

While the claim of a one-handed fold is debatable, the pushchair can self-stand once folded, making it easier to carry and store at home or on public transport. It also folds down with the carrycot attached - the first of its kind and a game-changer in the newborn days.

Thanks to its light frame, the Bugaboo Dragonfly is agile and easy to manoeuvre, with a small turning circle that makes it ideal for navigating through crowded city streets or narrow shop aisles.

Its large brake pedal is easy to engage. Parent tester, Laura, says, "The brake is one of the easiest I've used and holds effectively. You simply press the brake down with your foot to engage and disengage it, and this can even be done barefoot or with flip-flops."

As you may expect, however, the Bugaboo Dragonfly doesn’t fair quite so well as other travel systems on uneven ground and struggles in particular when it comes to bumping up kerbs.

What is a travel system?

A travel system is a pushchair that allows you to remove the seat or carrycot and replace it with a baby car seat .

Tailored specifically to newborn babies, a travel system can be bought as a standalone pushchair or as part of a bundle, either a 2-in-1 travel system, featuring a pushchair and carrycot, or a 3-in-1 travel system which also has a baby (Group 0+) car seat.

With the ability to attach a Group 0+ car seat (suitable from birth to 12 months), a travel system allows you to move your baby seamlessly from car to pram without disturbing them. The carrycot accessory is a convenient lie-flat option for your newborn that allows your baby to sleep while on the go, ensuring clear airways and healthy hip and spine alignment at all times. 

The size and weight of traditional travel systems (and in many cases the hefty price tag) means they're not for everyone, so it’s important to consider your lifestyle and habits when making your choice.

How we chose and tested the best travel systems

Over 100 hours of research and testing

Tested with real parents

Consumer-recommended

To ensure we're only recommending the very best travel systems, we first looked to the Mumsnet forums , home to 10 million users a month, to get the lowdown on the travel systems real parents rate and would recommend to others.

We then branched out to the wider web, collated reliable and honest consumer feedback from retail sites and bestseller lists. We also spoke to pushchair and baby travel experts from trusted organisations such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) as well as local NCT groups. 

To round out our research, we consulted the views of consumer champion Which? to discover how each travel system performed in their impartial lab testing environment.

Finally, wherever possible, we tested the travel systems ourselves, using a comprehensive testing and scoring system to highlight the best-performing products across the board. Specifically, we tested for safety and stability, assembly, ease of use, comfort, cleaning, materials and value for money. 

What is the difference between a pram, a pushchair, a buggy and a travel system? 

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between a pram, pushchair, buggy and travel system.

Pram: A pram is a lie-flat travel solution, with a bassinet-style carry cot that allows your baby to lie in a more natural sleeping position. Prams are generally tailored towards newborns and young babies, suitable up to the age of around six months. 

Pushchair: Pushchairs offer additional flexibility as your child grows. Once they can sit up unaided (from around six months), your baby may transition from a pram to a pushchair, with the ability to sit more upright and visually explore their surroundings. With modern designs, many pushchairs now offer a lie-flat option that also makes them suitable from birth.

Buggy: The phrase buggy is often used as a catch-all phrase to describe a variety of products, but most commonly refers to a lightweight stroller that offers practical short-term travel solutions. A buggy tends to be less feature-rich and less able to tackle varied terrain, but is often cheaper and easier to store, with an umbrella fold or compact designs that can be stashed out of sight when not in use. 

Travel system : A travel system is a versatile choice and a practical option for parents who will be regularly switching between their car and travelling on foot. Parents can choose between a 3-in-1 travel system or a 2-in-1 travel system depending on their preference. In addition to a pushchair, a 2-in-1 travel system bundle includes a carrycot, which can be clipped onto the chassis as a lie-flat solution for newborns till around six months of age. 3-in-1 travel systems also include a car seat and will often require adapters to link to the main frame of the pushchair. 

Do I need a travel system?

Because travel systems can be bulky and expensive, it’s worth checking whether or not you actually need one.

If you often travel by car, a travel system will save you time and energy when out and about with your baby as you'll be able to easily remove and attach a car seat.

With a parent-facing carrycot attachment, and sometimes even the main seat unit itself, you'll also be able to lie your child completely flat, which will ensure that they are safe and secure at all times.

If you rarely use a car, or if you know you’ll be on and off public transport daily, then a lightweight buggy may be a more suitable option.

Some lightweight pushchairs, such as the Bugaboo Dragonfly can, however, be used as a travel system, which may just give you the best of both worlds.

Read next: The best car sun shades for babies

Should babies lie flat in a pram?

To be suitable from birth, your pram or pushchair seat needs to recline into a ‘lie flat’ position - as close to 180 degrees as possible. This is because an upright seat can actually restrict your baby’s airways and reduce the amount of oxygen in their bloodstream due to the position of their head and neck. 

Some pushchairs are only suitable for use from six months and, as such, require the addition of a carrycot or car seat to be suitable from birth. It’s worth remembering that your baby should not be kept in a car seat for longer than two hours at a time, and should be removed at the earliest opportunity once you’ve reached your destination. 

Video: how to choose the best travel system

How much do travel systems cost.

Prices range from £250 to over £1,000 and most come as part of a bundle, which could save you money in the long run.

More expensive models may come with a multitude of added extras – think footmuffs, buggy boards and general customisable features – but this will, of course, increase the cost.

Read next: How to clean a pram

What should I look for when buying a travel system? 

Here are some important questions to ask yourself when considering which travel system is right for you: 

What does the price include and what is my budget? First up, how much are you willing to spend on your travel system? Consider what elements you will benefit from the most before deciding between a 2-in-1 bundle with a carrycot, or a 3-in-1 bundle with a carrycot and car seat. Some travel systems can be purchased for under £400, but for more luxury designs or bundles with more accessories, you can easily spend £1,000 or more. 

What is the weight limit? What is the maximum weight capacity for the pushchair? The vast majority of travel systems can accommodate children up to 22kg (approximately four years) however some stop at 15kg, so it’s worth checking the specifications with care. 

How easy is it to attach a carrycot or car seat? Does this require adapters and if so, are they included? Can this be done one-handed? If you’re going to be out and about on your own with your baby, it’s important you can attach and remove the car seat and carrycot without assistance. 

What are the seat recline options? How many recline settings does the pushchair element of the travel system offer, and is there a lie-flat option suitable for use with your newborn? Can the recline be triggered one-handed and with your baby already in the seat? Some travel systems have back recline options only, whereas others can adjust the angle of the footrest too - a helpful feature when travelling with older babies and toddlers. 

Can the seat be switched between parent- and world-facing? Most parents prefer to use their pushchair in parent-facing mode initially, enabling good eye contact and helping you keep a close eye on your baby whilst travelling. As your baby gets older, however, they may become curious about exploring their surroundings, so switching to world-facing can provide them with a better view. If your travel system pushchair has a viewing window in the hood, this can be helpful to allow regular checks that your baby is calm and content. 

Is it roomy enough? As well as the weight limits, it's important to consider the style, size and shape of the seat. Some travel systems such as the Cybex Priam are quite narrow and may be outgrown sooner than their specification suggests.

Does it have a five-point harness? How secure is the harness and is it padded for a comfortable fit? It’s also worth considering how easy it is to adjust the harness height as your baby grows. On some travel systems, this will be a simple, one-handed adjustment, while others will require some rethreading. 

How easy is it to fold? Can the fold be achieved one-handed and if not, how many steps are involved? Does the seat need to be removed beforehand? Is the process fairly intuitive or is it a case of practice makes perfect? It’s also worth considering whether the fold requires physical strength - something which will be even more important if you’re recovering from a c-section .

How compact is the fold? What are the dimensions of the pushchair once folded? Will it fit into the boot of my car or on public transport and does it have a safety clasp to hold it securely in place once folded?

How easy is it to push and steer? How easy is the pushchair to steer and can it cope with varied terrain? It’s worth considering the type of surfaces you will be travelling on most regularly. For city dwellers, most travel systems can navigate across pavements and down kerbs with ease, whereas you may need an all-terrain pushchair if you’re planning on taking your travel system to the beach or local woods. 

How heavy is it to carry? How much does the travel system weigh and are you able to lift this yourself, whether that’s to and from the car or onto public transport? Some travel systems include an integrated carry handle and while it's not something you’ll want to use regularly, this can help distribute the weight when carrying up and down the stairs at home. 

Is the handle height adjustable? Is the handlebar height fixed, or can this be adjusted to suit the parent? Most travel systems offer some handlebar adjustment, but to what margin will depend upon the brand. If you are particularly petite or tall, it's worth checking the lowest and highest height settings to ensure it’s comfortable to push. 

What's the brake like? How easy is the brake to trigger and is it flip-flop friendly? Some central brakes can disrupt your strides when walking quickly but are easier to access if you need to stop in an emergency. If you regularly wear sandals and flip-flops, you’re best to look for brakes that don’t require lifting up with the top of your foot to release. 

How big is the storage basket? One of the biggest variations between travel systems is the size of the storage basket, with our choices ranging from a 3kg capacity to over 13kg. As well as the capacity, you should look at the size and shape of the basket, whether it can be accessed from multiple angles, and whether it is still accessible when used with the carrycot. Some travel systems also offer additional storage such as pockets on the back or footrest. 

Does it come with a rain cover? We can always rely on the British weather to treat us to an unexpected downpour so an included rain cover is a handy accessory to protect your baby from the elements. If it’s not included, how much do they cost to buy as an optional extra? How easy is the rain cover to attach and can this be done quickly when the heavens open? 

Will the sun hood provide enough protection? Is it extendable? On warmer days, it’s important to keep the sun out of your baby’s face where possible. A good travel system will have a large sun hood or canopy, ideally with UPF50+ protection and an extendable section that provides coverage even when the seat is fully reclined. 

How easy is the travel system to clean? What fabric is the seat of your travel system made from? Can the covers be removed for easy cleaning, or is it spot clean only? 

What does it look like? Does it come in colours I like? While it's not the most important factor, the overall look and feel of your travel system is still something to consider, as you’ll want to feel confident when out and about with your baby. What colour choices are available? Is it a modern or traditional design? Do the fabrics and chassis look high quality and luxurious? 

Can I convert it to a double buggy or fit a buggy board? If you’re planning on growing your family, it’s worth considering whether the travel system could be easily converted to a double buggy , or whether a buggy board can be attached to the back. The latter is a great option for toddlers who may tire easily when walking on foot, whilst still encouraging some independence. 

What are the wheels like? What are the wheels made from and are they puncture-free? 

Can it handle off-roading? Does the travel system pushchair have any built-in suspension to tackle more off-road terrains? For more lightweight travel systems that don’t claim to be all-terrain, it’s worth looking for a lockable front wheel, as this can provide greater resistance against gravel and mud. 

How easy is it to assemble and take apart? Finally, for the flatpackphobes amongst us, how easy is it to get started with your travel system? Does it require any significant assembly before use and if so, how intuitive is it and are the steps easy to follow? Some travel systems also feature convertible carrycots, so if you are repelled by the prospect of following an instruction manual, you may want to opt for a design with a separate stand-alone carrycot

Travel system safety advice from RoSPA

We spoke to Nick Lloyd, Acting Head of Road Safety at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), for some safety advice when buying a travel system:

Always buy from a reputable shop or website. Don’t try to get a cheap deal as you don’t know if you’ll be buying the real branded item or a copy

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to fit and use the travel system

Don’t leave your baby in the car seat for more than two hours (30 minutes if your child is a low birth weight or has medical problems). This can cause fatalities

Read next: Can you take a pram on a plane? Everything you need to know about travelling with a pushchair

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.  

Lucy has personal experience of researching, buying and using travel systems with her own children, as well as completing several tried and tested pushchair reviews over the years.

Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. 

When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.

The 6 Best Travel Systems of 2024

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

Recommended

The ultimate car seat and stroller compatibility guide.

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

Baby Stroller Buying Guide

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

1. Chicco Bravo Trio: Best Overall Travel System

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

We don’t like:

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

Where to buy: Check price on Amazon

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

2. UPPAbaby Cruz: Best Travel System for the City

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

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

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

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

W here to buy: Check price on Amazon

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

4. Chicco Activ3 Jogging: Best Travel System for Jogging

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

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

5. Evenflo Pivot Xpand: Best Double Stroller Travel System

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

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

6. Baby Trend Expedition: Best Budget Travel System

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

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

How we select the best Travel Systems of the year?

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

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

Further reading recommendations about infant car seat and Stroller safety

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

• www.nhtsa.gov
• www.cpsboard.org

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

• www.safekids.org
• www.nsc.org

For additional information on stroller safety we recommend reading:

• https://www.cpsc.gov

Best Travel Systems: Frequently Asked Questions

Are travel systems safe for newborns.

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

Which travel system is best for baby?

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

How long do travel systems last?

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

Which travel systems have a bassinet or carry cot?

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

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

Best Baby Monitors of 2024

• Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro
• Eufy SpaceView Pro

Best Strollers of 2024

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

Best Infant Car Seats of 2024

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

Best Travel Systems of 2024

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The 10 best travel system strollers (2024 buying guide).

With budget driving plenty of new parents’ decisions when it comes to the big purchases, it’s easy to see why travel systems have become the stroller (or pram, or buggy) of choice.

The ‘3in1’ nature - offering a carrycot, car seat and toddler seat function - means they can be used from birth right up to the ages of 4-5 years old and offer a seamless transition from newborn pram to car seat to toddler stroller. That versatility and ease of use makes them sound purchases as your everyday stroller, and stand out in the search for the best baby strollers . 

Table Of Contents

Our top three travel system strollers.

Best overall

Mamas & Papas Ocarro

Best budget

Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 

Best lightweight

Evenflo Pivot Modular

Travel system features

Newborns start off in a lie-flat carrycot that resembles a moses basket on wheels. It’s often well-padded, with high sides and a sun canopy. They’ll be there for the first six months (or until they can sit up unaided).

Travel systems allow car seats to clip on and off the stroller for easy transition from car to stroller. Some will be able to clip straight onto the frame, while others will require car seat adapters. 

Some strollers may only be compatible with the same brand (or a very specific brand) of car seat so be sure to check before you buy. 

Experts recommend following the two-hour rule for car seats. Regardless of whether it's in the car or on the stroller, babies shouldn’t spend more than two-hours in a car seat at a time. There is research showing links between extended use of a car seat and breathing difficulties.

Toddler seat

Once your baby is six months old (or can sit up unaided), they can leave the carrycot and move into the toddler seat. These are upright seats with a recline function, allowing you to lean them back for a snooze. These are typically forward-facing, however, an increasing number of brands are designing their toddler seats to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing. 

The benefit of a rear-facing seat is that you can keep a closer eye on your little one in those first few months in the toddler seat. Those that don’t have a rear-facing seat will usually have a peekaboo window in the sun canopy that allows you to check in on them.

I knew what a foot muff was, but sitting down to try and explain it was an interesting experience. It’s like a large sock that attaches to the stroller to cover the bottom half of your child. They’re usually used to keep baby warm, and so are padded or sometimes quilted. However, there are some temperature regulating ones that can also be used to keep baby cool. 

Wheels and suspension

Unlike jogging strollers , travel systems don’t have a specialist use and are usually more ‘basic’ when it comes to wheels and suspension systems. 

The vast majority of travel system strollers will have four wheels (or four sets of dual wheels) with standard hard rubber tyres. You might find some with air-inflated tyres but these are less common on travel systems. 

Because they’re not as likely to be used on bumpy terrains than jogging strollers, travel systems are less likely to come with suspension systems. However, some of the more expensive strollers on the market do have them.

Like all strollers, travel systems have a parking brake usually operated by the foot near the back wheels. Because you’re unlikely to be jogging or running with them, there’s no need for a deceleration brake. But brands will occasionally put the parking brake on the handlebar.

Adjustable handlebars

Like any stroller, travel systems will either have two separate handles or one, arching, connected handlebar. 

Safety harness

Because travel systems have three different seating positions (carrycot, car seat and toddler seat), there are three different safety harnesses involved. 

A carrycot has a three point safety harness, usually with two straps across the hips and one between the legs. These are sometimes connected via clips, however, some opt for velcro straps because they are used for newborns. 

A car seat will also have a three-point harness. This time they’ll be two straps over the shoulders and one between the legs, and a clip buckle system. 

The toddler seat needs to have a five-point harness because toddlers are bigger and able to start wriggling out of things. So, there will be two shoulder straps, two across the hips and the one between the legs.

The 10 best travel system strollers

   1.    mamas & papas ocarro.

Editor's Review

“The best choice I could make for the pram! Big wheels, easy and light to move around even in the most uncomfortable places. Comfy carrycot, comfy and spacious buggy, and an amazing & extra warm foot mat!! Very good car seat also. It’s just a great choice for your little ones.”

Our pick as the ‘Best Overall Travel System’ , the Ocarro is a complete, premium travel system from Mamas & Papas, offering all of your travel essentials. The modern slate colour palettes and herringbone weaves make it easily one of the most stylish around, while the sheepskin liner adds a little extra quality and comfort. With dual suspension on all wheels and an ergonomic chassis, it tackles tricky terrains well for an everyday stroller. 

It does start from £899 ($1,110) for the stroller alone, rising to £1,200 ($1,500) for a five-piece bundle with a carrycot. To get a car seat, you’re looking at one of the nine-piece bundles which include an ISOFIX base, a changing bag, foot muff, the skeepskin liner, car seat adapters, and cup holder, and costs £1,700 - 1,900 ($2,100 - 2,350).

If you’ve got a big budget and want the best available, the Ocarro is your best bet. 

• Wheels - Four puncture-proof, hard rubber wheels
• Weight -  13.7kg (30.2lbs)
• Upright size - 101 x 59 x 101cm (39.7 x 23.2 x 29.7”) - L x W x H
• Folded size -  78 x 59 x 40cm (30.7 x 23.2 x 15.7”)
• Suspension - All wheel dual suspension

Suitable from - Birth to 22kg (4-5years)

Key features

Ergonomic chassis

Sheepskin liner

All-wheel dual suspension

One-hand folding mechanism

• Beautiful design
• Incredible quality
• Top of the range for baby comfort
• Super easy to collapse and fold away
• Handlebar adjustment is great for taller dads
• Bag definitely wasn’t designed for dads
• Unaffordable for most parents
• Only a two-year warranty

   2.     Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 All in One

“A truly universal travel system from newborn through toddler to pushchair. The quality overall is very good, and I’d say this is at least on a par with the top end iCandy system- which costs about $400 more. Very happy to recommend this travel system.”

The Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 is our pick as the ‘Best Lightweight Travel System’. It weighs just 7.1kg, making it feel nimble to steer and easy to move around, yet it also feels sturdy. It’s also one of the most stylish options with a nice range of fabric and frame colour choices. The All in One system does have a separate carrycot (like most), but also includes an ISOFIX base, changing bag and changing mat, car seat adapters, foot mutt, rain cover and car sunshades - making it excellent value for money.

• Wheels - Four puncture proof tyres
• Weight -  7.1kg (15lbs)
• Upright size -  95 x 61 x 104cm (37.4 x 24 x 40.9”)
• Folded size -  77 x 61 x 30cm (30.3 x 24 x 11.8”)
• Suspension - All wheel suspension

Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)

Multiple colour combination options

Double layer contrast-lined hood

Six accessories included

• Light and nimble, yet sturdy, to move around
• Really stylish design
• Great value for money
• Suspension is great on smoother surfaces
• Car seat adapters are tricky to attach
• Tiny front wheels make it hard to push on bumpy surfaces

   3.     KinderKraft 3-in-1 MOOV Travel System

“I recommend Kinderkraft as a brand regularly and this will definitely be added to the list of products I recommend to others.”

  The 3-in-1 MOOV from KinderKraft is one of the cheapest travel systems on the market, costing less than £250 ($300). At that price, you also get a rain cover, foot muff, car seat adapters, changing bag and mosquito cover included as standard. It does have its downfalls - at 14kg it feels heavy to lift in and out of the car, and sluggish to move around. And the off-road ride isn’t great considering it has air-inflated tyres and all wheel suspension. But if your budget is tight, you’ll get excellent value from this one.

• Wheels - Four air-inflated tyres
• Weight -  14kg (30.9lbs)
• Upright size -  110 x 62 x 92 cm (43.3 x 24.4 x 36.2”)
• Folded size -  75 x 65 x 45cm (29.5 x 25.5 x 17.7")

Large storage basket

Compact fold

Adjustable handlebar

• Excellent value for money
• 24cm handlebar extension range
• Optional 10-year warranty extension
• Rain cover, foot muff, car seat adapters, changing bag and mosquito cover included
• The ride isn’t good off-road, even though it’s got air-inflated tyres and suspension
• Not the most exciting to look at

   4.     Maxi Cosi Disney Zelia² 5-in-1 Modular Travel System

“After doing a lot of research and using different brands, this has been by far the best travel system that I ever owned. Hands down! I am very impressed! Perfect quality!”

The Maxi Cosi Zelia² is already one of the best-selling travel systems on the market. Now, Maxi Cosi has collaborated with Disney to produce these two wonderfully stylish (and subtle) Mickey and Minnie branded travel systems. The carriage can be rear and forward-facing, while reclining to a fully flat position means there’s no separate carrycot. At just 5kg, it’s one of the lightest travel systems on the market, making it really to move around day-to-day. The PureCosi fabric provides plenty of padding and comfort for your little one without generating too much heat. 

• Wheels - Four plastic wheels
• Weight - 9.5kg (21lbs)
• Upright size -  103 x 66 x 111.7cm (‎40.7 x 26 x 44”)
• Folded size -  61 x 55.8 x 116cm (24 x 22 x 46")
• Suspension - No suspension

Suitable from: Birth to 14kg (3 years)

Subtle Disney design

PureCosi fabrics

Lie flat toddler seat replaces separate carrycot

• Disney design is surprisingly subtle and stylish
• Fabrics are really easy to remove for washing
• Comes with ISOFIX base
• Brilliant padding
• Super compact and self-standing fold
• Can feel a bit too lightweight at times
• No suspension
• You’re paying an extra £120 ($150) for the Disney branding
• No accessories included

   5.    Graco Modes™ Nest DLX  

“While this stroller has plastic wheels, it still seems to be a very smooth riding stroller. I like that it has the ability to slide the seat up and down depending on what your needs are, and I like that the seat can face either towards me, or away from me.”

At just over £400 ($500), the Graco Modes Nest DLX is a great compact and versatile mid-range travel system. Rear and forward-facing, its Slide2Me feature means the rear-facing toddler seat can be adjusted to three different heights, bringing your baby closer to you in those first few months. The huge storage basket is also a huge hit. It comes with a ISOFIX base to accompany the Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX car seat and a handy cup holder.

• Weight -  13.6kg (30lbs)
• Upright size -  90 x 65.4 x 119cm (35.5 x 25.75 x 47”)
• Folded size -  98.4 x 65.4 x 50cm (38.75 x 25.75 x 19.75”)

Suitable from -  Birth to 15kgs (3-4 years)

Slide2Me seat adjustment

Rear and forward-facing

Expandable storage basket

• Being able to change the seat height is brilliant
• Rear and forward-facing choice
• Smooth ride considering hard plastic wheels and no suspension
• Storage basket is huge
• The drink/snack tray will block the view of smaller passengers
• Smaller weight limit compared to others on the market

   6.     Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System and Base

“Love our stroller and car seat. Car seat is light but has lots of padding. Baby loves to be in it. The stroller is light and easy to manoeuvre around.”

The Chicco Bravo Trio is one of the best rated travel systems on Amazon for its build quality, stylish design, smooth ride and super simple fold system. Unlike most travel systems, however, it doesn’t have a carrycot function meaning your baby will have to go in the car seat for the first six months or so. It does save you storing a separate carrycot after the first six months, but does limit your usage in the first few months. 

If you want to save yourself $100, you can get the travel system without the ISOFIX, making the stroller and car seat $440 (£350).

• Weight -  11.3kg (24.9lbs)
• Upright size -  89.4 x 57.9 x 108.4cm (35.2 x 22.8 x 42.7")
• Folded size -  38.1 x 57.9 x 93.8cm (15 x 22.8 x 36.8”)
• Suspension -  No suspension

Suitable from:  Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)

One hand smart fold

Parent cup holder and storage tray

• Huge storage basket
• Super quick and easy to fold
• Smooth ride
• No newborn carrycot means your time is limited with the car seat
• Larger children might find it a bit of a tight squeeze

   7.      UPPAbaby Vista V2

“This stroller is amazing, worth the money! I knew it would be since my sister owns this. But boy I love it even more using it for my baby. It steers so easily with one hand, and I can even tip it back to climb or descend a curb with one hand. It’s smooth, sturdy, and seems durable. I love that the car seat clicks in as well. Can’t imagine using another stroller.” 

The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a much-loved Amazon’s Choice stroller at the premium end of the market. Starting around £800 ($1,000), it’s a stand out travel system with the ability to convert into a double stroller (with an expansion pack and additional seat), making it ideal for families that are planning to grow quite quickly. The bassinet has a perforated mattress pad offering breathability and temperature control that can be used at night time, too. It also comes with rain and bug covers for both the carrycot and toddler seats, and a useful carrycot storage bag. 

However, it doesn’t come with a car seat, so you’ll need to source that elsewhere.

• Wheels - Four puncture-proof tyres
• Weight -  12.2kg (27lbs)
• Upright size -  91 x 65 x 100cm (36 x 25.7 x 39.5”)
• Folded size -  43.9 x 65 x 84.5cm (17.3 x 25.7 x 33.3”)

Perforated mattress pad

Up to three children

Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection

• Sleek, stylish design and great colour options
• Can grow with your family
• Huge storage basket can carry up to 13kg
• No car seat included
• Expansion packs and accessories are expensive
• Can feel bulky

   8.     Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System

“A great option for parents looking for a safe and convenient [stroller]. The car seat is easy to install and clicks easily into the stroller frame. It's also very easy to manoeuvre, even with one hand."

At just £250 ($320), the Evenflo Pivot Modular is easily one of the cheapest and best value travel systems on the market, and is our pick as 'Best Budget Travel System' . It doesn’t come with a separate carrycot - instead the toddler seat can fully recline to a lie-flat position for newborns, meaning less bulky stuff for you to store. Each seating position can be rear and forward-facing (although we’re not sure why you’d want a forward-facing car seat position) for maximum flexibility. The SafeMax car seat has been tested to twice the required level of US federal safety standards, and it also comes with an ‘anti-rebound bar’ ISOFIX base, adding even more value for your money. 

• Weight -  9kg (20lbs)
• Upright size -  86 x 64.7 x 119cm ‎(34 x 25.5 x 47”)
• Folded size -  49.5 x 64.7 x 101.6cm (19.5 x 25.5 x 40")

Six modes of use

Car seat tested 2x above US federal crash test standards

Easy lie-flat conversion

• Comes with ISOFIX, child tray/bumper bar and parent cup holder as standard
• Super affordable
• No carrycot to store after the first few months
• Really lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
• No handlebar adjustment
• Not great on bumpy terrains (but then it’s not built for them)

   9.      Hauck Pacific 3

“Absolutely fantastic value for money. Easy to put together and amazing to manoeuvre. Would definitely recommend it to anyone!”

The Hauck Pacific 3 is another option at the budget end of the market, costing less than £270 ($335). Like the Evenflo Pivot Modular, it has a fully reclining toddler seat to replace a separate carrycot. The toddler seat is also rear and forward-facing while the 3in1 boot cover can be used as an insert for the carrycot function and a padded footmuff later down the line. Unlike most everyday travel system strollers, it has three wheels but that doesn’t make it a brilliant off-roader despite the suspension. 

It does have a lower weight limit than most of alternatives, and does look quite cheap in comparison to its budget rivals.

• Wheels - Three puncture-proof tyres
• Upright size -  106 x 65 x 111cm (41.7 x 25.5 x 43.7”)
• Folded size -  39 x 65 x 102cm (15.3 x 25.5 x 40.1”)
• Suspension - Rear wheel suspension

Suitable from: Birth to 15kg (3-4 years)

Carrycot to toddler seat conversion

3in1 boot cover

• No separate carrycot to store
• Easy to push on most surfaces
• 30cm handlebar adjustment
• Lower weight limit than most
• Looks a lot cheaper than budget rivals
• Tricky to lie toddler seat back if your child is already asleep
• Not very durable

  10.     Safety 1st Deluxe Grow and Go Flex 8-in-1

“Love the fact that you can have baby facing you or out and that it can lay flat like a bassinet. Had no issues with the car seat and base like others. Great system for the price and you’re not paying an arm and leg like other brands for something they won’t use for long.”

Costing slightly over £200 ($250), the Safety 1st Deluxe Grow and Go Flex 8-in-1 is the cheapest travel system on this list. Like the Evenflo Pivot Modular and Hauck Pacific 3, it also has a carrycot-toddler seat conversion function, offering eight different seating positions - the carrycot, car seat, toddler seat, and ‘travel system’ (which Safety 1st describes as having the car seat attached while the carrycot/toddler seat is collapse at an angle), all forward and rear-facing. It also comes with an ISOFIX base.

• Weight -  15.4kg (34lbs)
• Upright size -  104 x 50.8 x 104cm (41 x 20 x 41”)
• Folded size -   59.6 x 48.2 x 88cm (23.5 x 19 x 34.7”)

8 seating positions

Drinks and storage trays

Step-up bar for toddlers to climb in

• 8in1 seating positions offer great flexibility
• Low width makes it easy to navigate tight areas
• ISOFIX base is really unsteady and seems unsafe
• Heavy to lift and steer
• Difficult to assemble
• Low width makes it a tight squeeze for larger children

Things to consider when buying a travel system

Travel systems are often used on a daily basis by parents, so they need to be suitable for as much of your life as possible, so you need to think about what you need it for most - is it small enough to fit into your car boot? Is it light enough to lift on and off public transport? Do you live on a small street where cars are usually parked on the pavement? Do you like going shopping and need something to easily weave around the shelves and rails?

Many brands will bundle their travel systems together into one, single price. However, not all brands will make strollers and car seats. In that case, they’re usually made to be compatible with a certain brand of car seat or come with universal car seat adapters. 

Naturally, the bundles are usually cheaper than buying each component separately. However, if you’re buying a stroller that doesn’t have its own car seat, and has universal adapters, you may be able to find a cheaper deal by shopping around.

We all know that budget is a huge factor for a lot of parents when it comes to purchasing decisions. And like most things, there are travel systems priced to meet almost every budget. 

The cheapest travel systems tend to start at around £250 ($310), while the most premium options can cost more than £1,000 ($1,250).

Size and weight

Basic prams used to be notorious for being large and cumbersome, and that didn’t change in the early years of travel systems. The need to transform from carrycot to toddler seat, and hold a separate car seat, initially meant travel systems were also large and heavy. 

However, innovations in design and materials used mean that many travel systems are lightweight yet sturdy enough to offer the required protection and safety for your baby.

More than one child? 

There are double travel systems on the market, although they’re naturally bigger and heavier. Some options are designed specifically for twins, while others allow a great degree of flexibility if you have two children a year or two apart in age. 

How much does a travel system cost?

Like most products, there are options to suit every budget. The cheaper end of the market costs in the region of £200 - 350 ($250 - 430). Mid-range travel systems tend to cost £350-600 ($430 - 745), while the more premium choices tend to cost at least £700 ($870) and can rise as high as £2,000 ($2,500).

How long can my child use a travel system stroller?

Travel systems are designed for use from birth right up until the ages of 4-5, depending on your child’s size and weight (and if they still need/want to use it). 

The carrycot (or carrycot function) should be used from birth until your baby is around six months old, or when they are able to sit up unaided. After that point, they can use the toddler seat in either the forward or rear-facing positions. 

All brands use weight rather than age as the clearest indicator of when it’s time to stop using a travel system stroller. Most tend to go up to 22kg (50lbs) which is around the age of four or five.

Can travel systems be used off road?

The purpose of a travel system is to be your everyday stroller from birth to toddler and beyond, and so it needs to meet your everyday needs. 

While they’re not designed specifically for off-road usage, they can still be used. Plenty of brands use suspension systems to make it easier to push off-road, and some will use air-inflated tyres. 

Consider what your everyday needs are to help make your decision. If you live in the city and will only occasionally need to push the stroller off-road, suspension and air-inflated tyres shouldn’t be a huge factor. If you live in the countryside, however, and you’re regularly talking walks on gravel tracks and bumpy terrains, you might need to stump up for a more premium model with better suspension and off-road capabilities.  

Which travel system is best for tall dads?

As a tall dad, there’s nothing worse than spending a couple of years hunched and slouched over the handlebars as you push your child around. 

So finding a travel system stroller with adjustable or extendable handlebars is essential for you. At the top end, the Mamas & Papas Ocarro has brilliant handlebar adjustment, while at the other end the Kinderkraft 3-in-1 MOOV has a handy five-point adjustment. But there are plenty of alternatives out there with good handlebar adjustment.

Jonathan Davies

Jonathan is DaddiLife's Head of Content and has been working with DaddiLife for several years. He became a father to Raife in 2017 and Eden in 2020, and has been writing about fatherhood ever since. Jonathan loves being outdoors with his family and is particularly passionate about encouraging employers to support dads to work more flexibly.

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Maxi-Cosi Zelia S Trio 3-in-1 Prams Travel System, 0 - 4 Years, Up to 22 kg, Foldable, Compact and Reclining Baby Pushchair, with CabrioFix S i-Size Baby Car Seat, Accessories, Nursery Bag, Grey

Zelia S Trio

Zelia S Trio + FamilyFix 3 Bundle

Zelia S Trio + FamilyFix 360 Bundle

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• COMPLETE 3-IN-1 TRAVEL SYSTEM (UP TO 22 kg): the travel system includes a pushchair suitable from birth up to 22 kg, a CabrioFix S i-Size car seat for children up to 83 cm, and a nursery bag
• 2-IN-1 SEAT UNIT: once your child is ready to sit upright, the pram body can be transformed quickly into a stroller seat and can be reversed from parent-facing to street-facing
• OPTIMAL COMFORT: a real bed-feel mattress keeps your little one as comfy as possible, while the stroller seat can be reclined and installed both rearward and forward facing
• EASY TO USE: a compact stroller that folds easily with one hand. Including an XL shopping basket (up to 5 kg) and four-wheel suspension with 2 shock absorbing springs, promising you the smoothest ride
• CABRIOFIX S I-SIZE: a rearward facing car seat that can be used up to approx. 15 months, following the European i-Size/ECE 129 guidelines - Compatible with the Maxi-Cosi FamilyFix 3 base and FamilyFix 360° swivel base (sold separately)
• INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Zelia S Trio includes a stylish, matching nursery bag to fit all your baby essentials, a rain cover, boot cover and car seat adapters. All you need for the road!
• ADD-ONS: you can also purchase a stroller footmuff for cold days, a car seat summer cover to keep your child cool during warm days and a car seat protector to reduce wear & tear on your vehicle seat

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Product Safety

Warning:This product is not suitable for running or skating.

Important information

Safety information:.

This product is not suitable for running or skating and WARNING! Never use this product on a stand

Product information

Technical details, additional information, warranty & support, product description, product description.

The Zelia S Trio 3-in-1 Pushchair is a travel system that offers all the must-have features when it comes to the perfect, compact travel stroller for your newborn, baby and toddler. The stroller can be used from birth using the newborn pram body that can be transformed into a toddler seat which can be used up to 4 years, making the Zelia S a complete long-term travel solution in combination with the included CabrioFix S i-Size car seat.

You can easily switch the pram body into a comfortable stroller seat by connecting the two clasps on the bottom of the seat. Just as easy you are able to adjust the stroller belts according to your child's size with a click-system. The buttons on the side of the frame allow you to quickly recline the seat as well as change the facing direction to either parent-facing or street-facing. Finally, extend the sun canopy as needed to protect your little one from the sun.

As you want to keep your baby as comfortable as possible, the pram body comes with a real mattress, optimising your little one's comfort while on the go. Once transformed into the reclining toddler seat, your child can enjoy a front row seat on your next adventure. Furthermore, the all-terrain wheels and four-wheel suspension limit the impact of the road, resulting in a relaxing ride.

The CabrioFix S i-Size is tested according to the highest European safety guidelines (i-Size/ECE 129) and is compatible with the Maxi-Cosi FamilyFix 3 base or FamilyFix 360 rotative base for installation in your car (not included). In addition to the car seat, you will receive a fashionable, matching nursery bag with adjustable shoulder strap, a rain cover, boot cover and car seat adapters. To prepare well for your travels, you can purchase a warm, stroller footmuff, a cooling car seat summer cover as well as a car seat protector for your vehicle seat.

You can fold the stroller frame with only two actions after which you can store it compactly in the trunk. For unfolding the travel pushchair, you only need one hand followed by a smooth movement, and you are set to go! Accompanied with an XL shopping basket (max. 5 kg) and a CabrioFix S i-Size infant carrier car seat, the Zelia S compact stroller is quick and easy from street to car - for any errand around the city. The car seat can also can be installed on the stroller frame using the car seat adapters that are included in the purchase.

Safety Warning

From the manufacturer.

Maxi-Cosi Zelia S Trio

As your baby grows, the last thing you need is to constantly have to change your baby must-haves. Zelia S Trio is here to save the day! The handy 2-in-1 stroller comes with a pram body that transforms into a seat, a stylish matching CabrioFix S i-Size and bag to place all the baby’s essentials.

2-in-1 seat unit

With an integrated pram body, Zelia S is the 2-in-1 stroller that has everything you need.

Comfortable and every day easy

The Zelia S offers convenience with its 2-in-1 seat unit and easy folding.

I-size Safety

The CabrioFix S I-size offers the highest European I-Size safety standard.

Ready from birth

With its 2-in-1 seat stroller, the Zelia S Trio also offers the CabrioFix S I-size car seat.

Car seat with memory release buttons for stroller

Easy recline

Optimal comfort real mattress

Spacious basket (>5KG)

At Maxi-Cosi we have carried over 50 million babies home from the hospital. Our intuitive and innovative products help carry families happily into the future, standing by our singular promise: whatever the future carries, we carry the future.

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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 52% 10% 7% 7% 22% 10%
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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 52% 10% 7% 7% 22% 7%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 52% 10% 7% 7% 22% 22%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings, help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the stroller's ease of assembly. However, some customers have reported that the wheels get stuck at any time. They also dislike the steering ability. Opinions differ on the build quality, value for money, size, safety, and wheel functionality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the stroller easy to put together. They mention it's intuitive and works well with the parent.

"I found this 3in1 to be very easy to assemble. It's very intuitive and works well with the parent. The frame is well made and rather sturdy...." Read more

"...still time to start use it but from first impressions pram looks good easy to assemble . Car seat looks so cozy and comfy...." Read more

"...Sturdy and quick to out together . I've seen a few reviews regarding the wheels not working or being stuck but they work perfectly fine in ours...." Read more

"...I've found putting together to be very simple without challenges and the functionality of all the products are great." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the build quality of the stroller. Some mention it's well-built and safe considering the price. However, others say it'll be a poor quality product with flimsy bassinet and a terrible pushchair.

"...few weeks of light use, the product does look good and is actually good quality , the reason for the low score is that I have been in touch with the..." Read more

"...ridiculous that they take all that money off of people knowing the pram is a joke and I’m really upset as I have spent so much money with maxi cosi..." Read more

"...All in all it’s a great long lasting pram !" Read more

"... Horrible ! DO NOT BUY IT!. I just can’t believe Amazon is selling this! Waste of money and time!..." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the stroller's value for money. Some mention it's worth the price, spacious, well-built, and safe considering the price. Others say it'd be better off buying the best stroller on the market.

"This pram literally has everything for a fraction of the price . The carrycot mattress is very comfortable for my newborn...." Read more

"...DO NOT BUY IT!. I just can’t believe Amazon is selling this! Waste of money and time !..." Read more

"...that we bought for out baby, by far, this was our favorite and most useful product ! We just loved! Very good quality and size." Read more

"This travel system bundle is absolutely perfect for anyone on a tight budget . It's fraction of the cost of a lot of other systems...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the size of the stroller. Some mention it's sturdy, good size to fit in the boot, and ideal for city life, small spaces, and public transport. Others say it'll be too big, too heavy, and the car seat is small.

"...The frame for the pushchair is quite wide and it can feel at times heavy to push down on the handle to lift up a curb for example...." Read more

"...It’s a little big when folded, but fits well in my average sized boot .All in all it’s a great long lasting pram!" Read more

"...from these issues the travel system is really ideal, the changing bag is a little small so i bought a separate one but i really like this travel..." Read more

"...We just loved! Very good quality and size ." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the stroller's safety. Some mention it offers safety and good quality in its products, while others say it looks bad, is unsafe, and poses a significant safety concern for the baby. They also mention the wheels are horrible and won't last long.

"In summary worse money ever spent. Looks bad, unsafe , wheels are horrible won’t last long at all!! Currently looking for a replacement...." Read more

"...The car seat (cabriofix) is heavy but it's good in terms of safety ...." Read more

"... Not safe for a baby or child . Avoid." Read more

"...the stroller stops…. It’s so much dangerous to put ur in it ! Please don’t waste your hard earned money...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the stroller's wheel functionality. Some mention that all items work great, while others say the wheels simply stopped working and began to experience issues.

"...] After a few days of use, we cannot longer use the buggy , the front wheels get stuck. Horrible! DO NOT BUY IT!...." Read more

"When it arrived and we assembled it, it was great. Wheels worked well , it looked fantastic. Had all the helpful attachments...." Read more

"...The straw that broke the camels back was yesterday the front wheel would not work or comporate with me whilst I was trying to cross the round...." Read more

"...We have had to buy a new one as the wheels simply stopped working ! It was the most frustrating thing and ended up jolting out baby constantly!." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the stroller's wheel lock. They mention the wheels get stuck at any time, making it impossible to go up curbs. Customers also say the front wheels keep locking in the wrong position.

"...The brakes lock and stick and sometimes it takes up to 10 try’s to get the to come off which is a joke when you’ve just taken it out the car and are..." Read more

"...After a few days of use, we cannot longer use the buggy, the front wheels get stuck . Horrible! DO NOT BUY IT!...." Read more

"...It gets stuck when it shouldn’t ...." Read more

"...A few months on the wheels kept getting stuck everytime I would turn a corner I would have to kick it back in place as it would just stay sideways...." Read more

Customers dislike the steering ability of the stroller. They mention the front wheels don't steer properly, don't rotate smoothly, and make it very difficult to maneuver. Some say the strollers have a mind of their own and turn when they shouldn't.

"...When using the pram on shop floors it steers in one direction and the is no way to get it to stop making it even more of a hassle to go to the shop...." Read more

"...I also find the front wheels don't always react or grip particularly on some floor types, which can cause the pushchair to become stiff to push and..." Read more

"...and it makes it difficult also embarrassing for me because it doesn’t go straight and I have managed to run over peoples feet...." Read more

"...first issue was the front wheels, they would NOT steer properly no matter what we tried until putting WD40 on it which thankfully has fixed the..." Read more

Reviews with images

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• Baby & kids
• Prams & pushchairs

Best travel system for babies 2023: Car seat, carrycot and pushchair in one

• Catherine Hufton
• Kat de Naoum

Getting out and about with your little one needn’t be a faff, with our pick of the best travel systems that offer the perfect solution

Finding the best travel system for your baby can feel a little daunting. After all, there’s plenty to consider when making your choice – they need to be able to transport your little one safely; they need to be comfortable to manoeuvre, while remaining relatively portable; and they need to be compatible with carrycots, car seats, and toddler seats to accommodate your baby from birth well into their toddler years. With an array of models vying for your attention, there’s a lot to think about with, potentially, a significant cost.

As is the case when you buy almost anything, what you pick will often come down to your own circumstances and lifestyle. If you travel frequently and use public transport often, then a travel system that’s lightweight and folds down with minimal effort will likely be a priority. If you’re more of an off-road adventurer with a dog or two to walk, then sturdy suspension and durable wheels will top your list of requirements. If size or road conditions aren’t a concern, then you might be free to prioritise style over more practical elements.

Whatever your needs, we’ve put together a brief buying guide with some FAQs and rated some of the top travel systems on the market to help you make the best choice for you and your family.

Best travel system: At a glance

• Best luxury travel system: Bugaboo Fox 5 | £1,115
• Best overall complete travel system:  Mamas & Papas Ocarro | £1,509
• Best travel system for city living: Nuna Triv 4 Piece | £1,050
• Best affordable travel system: KinderKraft XMoov 3-in-1 Travel System | £279

How to choose the best travel system for you

What is a travel system.

It’s a do-it-all pushchair with a modular design that allows you to slot in a carrycot, car seat or toddler seat as needed. The majority of models are presented in a variety of different packages, or bundles as they’re commonly known, ranging from the barebones with just the frame or stroller, right through to deluxe versions comprising everything from the carrycot, car seat, and accessories such as footmuffs, canopy, nappy bag, and even cup holder bundled as standard.

Do I need a travel system?

Not necessarily. You could instead choose to buy a separate pushchair with a carrycot, a stroller , a third-party car seat – or any combination of products that works for you. The appeal of a travel system is integration and the convenience that it brings.

Everything in a travel system is designed to work together, so it potentially means less overlap. For instance, you can just click the car seat onto the travel system chassis and push your baby around town, which saves you transferring your child from a car seat to a pushchair or cot.

What key features should I look for?

Size and weight are crucial, meaning it’s a good idea to go to a store or showroom to have a good play around with the models you’re considering. Will it fit in your boot and/or hallway? Can you carry it upstairs, if you live in a flat? Make sure you’re happy with the folding mechanism, too, since some are more tricky to operate than others.

Note that babies need to lie flat in a pram until they’re six months old, so you’ll need to ensure you’re happy with the size and comfort level of the carrycot. Don’t forget to check details such as whether it’s suitable for occasional overnight sleeping, too.

The size of the wheels is also important: big sturdy wheels are great if you walk a lot on rougher terrain, while slimmer wheels are better suited to city life. It’s worth noting the smaller details, too, such as built-in sunshades, buggy boards for older children, the size of the shopping basket and the stroller seat. Will the travel system accommodate your baby as they grow into a toddler, or will you need to spend more money further down the line? Can it accommodate two (or more) kids, if and when you have more?

How much should I spend?

It’s tempting to assume that the more expensive a travel system is, the better it will perform; but this isn’t necessarily the case. There are a variety of models on offer, at all kinds of price points (starting at around £300 and soaring to well over £1,000), so the best place to start will be to prioritise your main needs and work from there.

At the other end of the spectrum, while the high price of some of these travel systems may appear extortionate at first, factor in the cost of buying all the parts that feature in the bundle separately, and you may well find that an all-in-one travel system actually offers good value for money.

How we test travel systems

To test the best travel systems on the market, our reviewers spend several days putting each pram through its paces. As well as assessing how easy each travel system is to assemble, we also evaluate how it performs in everyday life, covering the school run, trips to the supermarket, as well as on public transport. We also consider extra details such as how easy it is to load and how well it fits into the boot of the car, and the amount of space it takes up in the hallway.

This real-life testing means we can highlight any areas that could prove problematic, or where a product truly shines. In addition, such testing allows us to more accurately categorise each travel system according to people’s different needs, such as storing in a small space, carrying up a flight of stairs, or navigating a muddy sports field. Finally, we include details such as the age range for which each travel system is suitable, the type of wheels it has, and its dimensions.

READ NEXT: The best car seats you can buy

The best travel systems you can buy in 2023

1. bugaboo fox 5: best luxury travel system.

For those who wish to personalise their pram, they can choose from 12 different colourways and add-on many of the luxury Bugaboo accessories, such as the baby bag and cup holder. We recently tested the Bugaboo Fox 3, which similarly feels weightless to push and manoeuvre; but the Fox 5 is even more comfortable to use.

This is a great travel system to use right from your front door, taking you from the school run to out and about on all terrains. It’s a little big for folding down frequently as a result of its large wheels, and you may find lugging it in and out of the car a little annoying. Likewise, if you need to pull it up stairs and fold it down in a hallway, there are more lightweight travel systems that may be better. But if comfort and style are your main needs, and you have the space for it in your car and your home, this is one of the best travel systems we’ve tested.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable for 0 to 4 years or 22kg; Wheels: Lockable swivel; Unfolded Dimensions: 93 x 60 x 105cm; One-piece standing fold: 44 x 60 x 90cm; Weight: 10.4-12.2kg

Check price at John Lewis

2. Ocarro 9 Piece Complete Bundle: Best overall complete travel system

This bundle is also available with a carrycot and cushioned mattress that can be used from birth, a foot muff, changing bag, cup holder, baby blanket, Cybex Aton 5 Car Seat and the base fixing to fit it in the car. Overall, we found this pram super-easy to assemble and fold down, which will be music to the ears of any sleep-deprived new parent.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable for 0 to 4 years or 22kg; Wheels: Lockable swivel; Dimensions: 101 x 59 x 101cm; Weight: 13.7kg

Check price at Mamas & Papas

3. Cybex Priam Travel System: Best high-end travel system

Suitable from birth, when it’s used with the carrycot included in this bundle, right up to when your child is four years old (or 22kg), this stroller can handle any on- and off-road terrain thanks to its rubber wheels and impressive all-wheel suspension that make for a super comfy, and quiet, ride.

Extra features include an SPF50+ canopy, a backrest pocket to store your smaller valuables, and a shopping basket that folds down when not needed. Almost everything you require comes in this bundle, except for the extension pack that replaces the front wheels with a pair of skis for when you head to Meribel.

Key specs – Age range : Suitable for 0 years to 22kg in weight; Wheels : All-terrain wheels; Folded dimensions : 83.5 x 51.5 x 31.5cm; Unfolded dimensions : 92-83 x 60 x 98.5-108cm; Weight : 12.6kg

Check price at Pramworld

4. Nuna Triv 4 Piece: Best travel system for city living

The main pram in this travel system has an easy-to-fold design and a large storage basket underneath, while the spacious flip-fold seat features an adjustable leg rest that can easily accommodate a toddler up to the age of around three.

The additional carrycot can be attached for newborns and this bundle includes a Pipa Next i-Size car seat. The stroller also includes lots of thoughtful details such as a wallet slip at the back of the seat, attractive leather detailing and a peekaboo panel along the back of the canopy.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to 22kg max; Wheels: Front swivel wheels; Folded dimensions: 32 x 52 x 65cm (LWH); Unfolded dimensions: 77-87 x 106-110cm (LH); Weight: 8.8kg (without canopy, armbar and insert)

Check price at Little Angels

5. Ickle Bubba Eclipse All-In-One: Best affordable travel system bundle

The car seat comes with the Isofix car seat fitting system base that makes carrying the baby in and out of the car a breeze: this eliminates the need to faff around with a seat belt as the baby is already securely strapped into its 5-point car seat harness. Just clip the car seat into the Isofix’s two metal clip fixing points to lock it into place, and unclip to release. Other perks include a full winter footmuff, a smart baby bag that fits neatly on the back handle, an extendable UPF 50+ hood, puncture-proof, high-grip tyres and a wallet slip across the back of the buggy seat.

While the pram is lightweight and incredibly easy to push or lift up onto high pavements, that’s not to say it’s by any means a small buggy. In fact, it’s rather on the larger side, partly due to its bigger wheels which make it great for active families who love the great outdoors. It also, unfortunately, doesn’t fold down completely flat, which may be slightly cumbersome if you have limited storage space.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to approximately 4 years old; Wheels: Lockable front 360-degree swivel wheels; Folded dimensions: 58 x 80 x 37cm (WLH); Unfolded dimensions: 58 x 116 x 106cm (WLH); Weight: 8.6kg (chassis with wheels)

Ickle Bubba Eclipse 3 in 1 Travel System, with Galaxy Car Seat, Isofix Base & Built in 'Bubba Board (Black with Tan Handles)

6. micralite getgo: best for affordable style and great design.

If you enjoy long walks and trips into the countryside, the multi-terrain, puncture-proof tyres and dynamic four-wheel suspension will come in handy too. The carrycot is lined with a super soft antibacterial bamboo fabric and is fitted with an integrated pull-out sun visor. There’s also a built-in storage pocket for your purse and keys.

Once your baby has outgrown the carrycot, you can switch it out for the seat unit, which has adjustable calf support and a lie-flat design. We also love the extra details such as the extendable hood with UPF50 protection, zip-out airflow panel and pull-out sunshade.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to 22kg; Wheels: Four-wheel suspension; Folded dimensions: 76 x 59 x 38cm (LWH); Unfolded dimensions: 72 x 59 x 89-105cm (LWH); Weight: 10.8kg

Check price at Micralite

7. KinderKraft XMoov 3-in-1: Best affordable travel system

A nappy bag with removable changing mat, a rain cover, cup holder, footmuff, extendable canopy and a height-adjustable handle are just some of the XMoov’s features, and the reclinable car seat has adjustable shoulder straps with protectors for the baby’s optimal safety and comfort.

For strolling, the all-terrain pumped wheels have a shock-absorbing mechanism allowing it to glide effortlessly on all kinds of roads, making it the perfect option whether you live in a busy city or in the country. The front wheels swivel and can be locked in position for solely going straight, while back wheel brakes have a simultaneous double clamp.

Key specs – Age range : Suitable for 0 years to 22kg in weight; Wheels : Pumped, all-terrain, locking, swivel, self-aligning; Folded dimensions : 92-116 x 110 x 60cm; Unfolded dimensions : 75 x 42 x 62cm ; Weight : 11.8-14kg

Check price at Baby and Child Store

8. iCandy Peach 7: The most comfortable travel system

While this pram is super-stylish, it’s also loaded with ultra-practical details such as the zipped pocket on the back of the seat, and the integrated stand-on board – which is invaluable if you have an older child. One of the other major pros about this pram is the comfort and security it offers your little one and the fact that it just makes a day-to-day routine feel much easier.

We really liked that the main bundle comes with everything you need to get started, including a carrycot, seat unit, chassis, removable ‘Pip-Zip’ bag, car seat adaptors and elevator adaptors. But you can also add on lots of personalised extras, such as the matching baby bag, footmuff and liner and cup holder, to really make it your own.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to 25kg; Wheels: Puncture-proof, ultra-smooth rolling PU tyres; Folded Dimensions: No wheels (cm) L70 x W54 x D28; Weight: 12.9kg

9. BabaBing Raffi: Best iCandy alternative

The travel bundle also comes with everything you need to navigate all four seasons, such as an adjustable forward- and rear-facing seat unit, a UPF50+ canopy, a spacious carry cot with a Kose Cool breathable lining, 2-in-1 rain cover and an Ubersnugg Footmuff. That’s a lot of kit for a very reasonable price.

This is a great travel system that’s super stylish, pleasurable to push and with plenty of storage space to boot. It’s definitely worthy of serious consideration and is a much more affordable option to some of the very expensive options in this list.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to 15kg; Wheels: Full suspension off-road tyres; Folded Dimensions: 70cm x 60cm x 29cm; Weight: 12.5kg

BABABING Raffi Pushchair 3-in-1 Travel System, Baby Pushchair Buggy with Infant Car Seat Adapter & Rain Cover, Adjustable Stroller for Newborn - Navy Blue

10. thule urban glide 2 complete bundle: best running buggy.

There’s a twist hand brake for quickly stopping safely and it offers superior control even on hilly terrain. You can fold this buggy with just one hand while holding the baby in the other, and it weighs a touch over 11kg, so you can easily lift it in and out of the car’s boot and even up stairs.

The sun canopy can be adjusted to multiple positions and offers side ventilation and a peekaboo window that closes with a magnet. The complete travel bundle comes with a bassinet that can make the stroller suitable from birth onwards, and you’ll also get the Cabriofix i-Size car seat along with the base and adaptors.

Key specs – Age range : Suitable for 0 to 4 years, or 22kg; Wheels : Swivel front wheel, 16-inch rear wheels; Folded Dimensions : 87 x 69 x 34cm; Weight : 11.4kg

12. iCandy Core: The best travel system for second babies

This premium travel system from iCandy is a great option if you have other children and regularly interchange between urban and rural environments. It can be used from birth, starting with the fleece-lined carrycot that can be used for permanent overnight sleeping. When your baby grows into a toddler, simply switch over to the adjustable clamshell seat, which can also be used with the compatible car seat (if you purchase the full travel system bundle).

One of our favourite design features with this travel system is the built-in buggy board; it’s a lifesaver if you have older children. It will also save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to buy an additional buggy board or a double buggy, depending on the age of your other children.

Other details to note are the front-wheel swivel lock, bag hooks, an on/off brake indicator (which is flip-flop friendly), and ergonomic adjustable handlebar. Plus, the one-handed fold with the chassis still attached. The basket is also a good size at 48 litres, providing plenty of room for shopping and the baby bag. Finally, it comes with interchangeable wheels: the lighter wheels make it more of a compact city stroller, while the second set is more substantial and ideal for more rural areas. All in all, this is a smart and stylish travel system that will take you from birth to toddlerhood with ease and comfort.

Key specs – Age range: Suitable from birth to 25kg; Wheels: Interchangeable and removable (1 x rural wheel set and 1 x urban wheel set); Folded dimensions: L69 x W61 x H24; Unfolded dimensions: L68 x W61 x H105; Weight: 12.6kg

• Strollers /

The Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Parents & Experts

Lightweight and compact, a travel stroller can help make your next family vacation a little bit easier., by jen labracio, cpst | medically reviewed by holly peretz ot | fact checked by shannon vestal robson.

Travel strollers make leaving home with your little one easier and more convenient. Today’s travel stroller is a minimalist’s dream. Most have many of the same high-end features as the best traditional strollers all rolled into a compact, portable package. Many break down to fit in the overhead bin of a plane or can be folded down quickly (and with one hand) and slung over your shoulder. Some parents even use them as their day-to-day stroller.

We’ve folded and unfolded, packed and unpacked and (sweatily) pushed a lot of travel strollers over the years. After conducting our own testing and talking to both travel experts and the real heroes—parents who travel frequently with their babies and toddlers—we think the Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller is the travel stroller you should bring along on your next adventure. It offers a smooth ride over almost any terrain and folds compactly in seconds with just one hand.

And if you want to keep shopping, we also chose six other top picks across more specific categories like the best travel stroller for everyday use, the best choice for planes and our favorite double travel stroller.

Why Trust Babylist?

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

In addition to being Babylist’s gear editor, I’ve also been a mom of two boys for over a decade. I’ve traveled with them at every stage both domestically and internationally on airplanes and on several long road trips. I’ve had the opportunity to test dozens of travel strollers in both my professional and personal life, and used those insights to inform my best-of picks. I reviewed travel stroller feedback from thousands of parents through Babylist’s annual Best Baby Products survey of over 6,000 Babylist users. I also spoke with a group of Babylist team members, all parents who travel frequently with their little ones, and picked their brains about the strollers they love and why. And I talked to Kim Militello, a former flight-attendant-turned-Babylist-employee (and a mom of three) about all things travel + kids. 

The Best Travel Strollers

Best Overall: Joolz Aer+ Lightweight Stroller

Best for Toddlers: Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller

Best Affordable: Summer Infant 3Dquickclose CS+ Compact Fold Stroller

Best for Everyday Use: UPPAbaby MINU V2 Stroller

Best for Planes: Stokke YOYO3 Stroller Bundle

Best Double: Zoe The Twin V2

Best Travel System: Nuna PIPA urbn + TRVL Travel System

How We Judged

Suspension and maneuverability. A smooth, easy-to-turn stroller is a better experience for you and your baby, especially when you’re traveling. We ensured all of our picks made strolling as effortless as possible.

Ease of use. All of the strollers on our list are easy and intuitive to use. We focused on fold, size and weight when choosing our best travel strollers because we know from our own experience—and from what we’ve heard from thousands of Babylist parents—that folks prioritize these features when choosing a travel stroller. 

Features. We made sure all of our picks had thoughtfully designed features to make you and your baby the most comfortable while you’re away from home like large canopies, good storage, recline options and carry handles.  

Value. Travel strollers range from under $100 to over $500. We didn’t limit our best-of picks by price, but we did factor it in while making our top choices so you can be sure you’re spending your money wisely.

Best Travel Stroller Overall

Joolz Aer + Lightweight Stroller - Sage Green

• Quick, compact one-handed fold and built-in carry strap
• 4-wheel suspension rides smoothly like a full-size stroller
• Compatible with top-rated car seats + bassinet (sold separately)
• Small storage basket
• Expensive, especially if used infrequently for travel
• Some parents noted a flimsy brake that may not fully engage

I’ve tried many travel strollers over the last decade, and the Joolz Aer+ is the one I come back to again and again. Parents in our Best Baby Product survey highlighted the Aer+ as “lightweight and smooth” and repeatedly called out its compact fold and incredible maneuverability. And Babylist team member and mom of three Amanda pegged it as her all-time favorite travel stroller.

“I’ve brought it on several trips and it’s great quality and extremely light. It fits in the overhead compartment, which makes it great for going through the airport. It is easy to push/handle and you can push it with one hand,” she told us.

Pushing the Aer+ doesn’t feel much different than pushing a larger, more expensive stroller—and that’s one of the main things I love about it. That’s because the Aer+ has four-wheel suspension, an uncommon feature in travel strollers. It glides effortlessly across uneven surfaces like bumpy sidewalks and dirt paths.

Combined with the incredibly easy one-handed fold (after a few tries, it won’t take you more than two or three seconds, ever), the compact design and the comfortable seat that contours to fit your child’s body, this stroller is a great choice for travel and everyday use. (It currently occupies a permanent spot in the trunk of my car in addition to coming along on all trips.)

The Aer+ is newborn-friendly and compatible with Nuna and Clek car seats ( adapters sold separately), so it works if you want to use it from day one. The stroller folds small enough to sling over your shoulder—there’s a carry strap built right in—and tote up and down stairs, on public transportation or anywhere else you need to go. It also comes with a rain cover and travel bag.

The stroller’s biggest con is the basket size, which is small, but it’s still large enough to fit an average-sized diaper bag. You’ll also need to purchase the footrest separately if you want one, which is frustrating for a stroller at this price point.

Real Parent Reviews

“The Aer is an amazing stroller. Like over cobblestone and brick with no trouble and actually the easiest stroller to open or fold one-handed while being wicked lightweight. [My son] also LOVES being in it.” — Babylist Best Baby Products survey parent feedback

“I thought I needed the big fancy stroller everyone has…but after five months I just wanted something more mobile, portable, [and with a] smaller footprint and this has just been the greatest stroller and so much comfier than the other one for my baby.” — Babylist Best Baby Products survey parent feedback

“I live in New York City and have five strollers because it has been so challenging to navigate the streets. Everyone in my area has a different travel stroller so I was hesitant to buy something different but I’m so glad it did. This is the best purchase by far. I wish I would’ve known about this before registering for so many different products. It truly is a one-hand fold, which is great for the train, plane, car and going up and down stairs. It is light, moves with one hand and is sturdy. It’s narrow enough to go down aisles but also roomy for my child. There is an extended shade, which is perfect and there is an air vent so I can see her. I absolutely love it. It has made my life and my child’s life so much easier and SAFER! I purchased the extra foot extension for my one year old which folds with the stroller and the handlebar. In my opinion, it is worth the money.” — Vanessa D.

Additional Specs

Best Travel Stroller for Toddlers

Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller - Midnight Black

• Compact, quick, one-handed fold and built-in carry strap
• 4-wheel suspension for a smooth ride
• High backrest = good for older/taller kids
• Highest upright position is still fairly reclined, which can cause kids to slouch or slide down
• A few pounds heavier than our top travel stroller pick

There are two travel strollers I recommend to families regularly: the Joolz Aer+ (which I’ve raved about sufficiently above) and Bugaboo’s newest compact stroller, the Butterfly. This style-forward stroller shares many of the same thoughtful features as the Aer+. It also has a four-wheel suspension system, a huge perk when I pushed it on anything other than smooth pavement and perfect for toting around my larger toddler. While it doesn’t maneuver quite as easily as the Aer+ (and recognize I’m being really nitpicky in saying that), it’s pretty darn close; it moves and turns really well and I was able to steer it with only one hand. The fold is just as impressive; I also did it one-handed, and the Butterfly folds down to about the side of a small bag and will fit in the overhead bin on most airlines. There’s also a built-in carry strap, a must-have for me.

Where the Butterfly differs from the Aer+ is in its backrest. It’s high; my 95th-percent-in-height almost three-year-old still fits perfectly in it. If you’re a parent of a taller or older kid, this feature is noteworthy as it means you’ll be able to use the Butterfly longer. There’s also an almost full recline and a built-in footrest for extra comfort, two more toddler-friendly features. And the sun canopy on the Butterfly is one of the best I’ve seen of all the travel strollers on our list.

The Butterfly is pricey. The storage basket is larger than the Aer+’s but still on the smaller side. And the back wheels are fairly close together. That setup, combined with a handle that doesn’t extend (which is the norm for compact strollers), means that if you’re on the taller side like me (5’10”), you may kick the back of the stroller while you’re walking. And although I wouldn’t consider it heavy, it is one of the heavier travel strollers on our list by about three pounds.

“After using it on multiple flights to places around the world, I’m so happy with this choice! It’s become our go-to stroller over our full-size even for everyday life. When unfolded it definitely feels a little bigger than some of the other FAA-approved travel strollers, but this is great for taller parents and for kids to grow into.” — Theresa A.

“The basket had a high weight capacity for such a compact stroller & the seat back is tall which gives me peace of mind with my 96th percentile tall baby. Overall an amazing stroller and I appreciate that it comes with the rain cover.” — Ysabel E.

Best Affordable Travel Stroller

Summer 3Dquickclose CS+ Compact Fold Stroller

• Lots of features + great functionality for the price
• Opening and closing is fast and easy
• Small wheels + no suspension = a bumpy ride
• Fold isn’t as compact as other travel strollers
• Detachable cup holder and cell phone holder stick out on the sides and are a bit flimsy

If you can’t or don’t want to spend upwards of $500 on a travel stroller, or if you don’t travel frequently enough to justify a higher price tag, Summer Infant’s 3Dquickclose is your best bet. At under $100, this lightweight stroller matches many of the features found on the much higher-priced travel strollers on our list. It’s about 17 pounds, which is only a pound heavier than the Bugaboo Butterfly. Its most noteworthy feature is the fold; it’s quick and one-handed, and there’s a carry strap to make it easy to take on the go.

Performance-wise, the 3Dquickclose lacks a suspension system and has plastic wheels, so you won’t get as smooth of a ride as with more expensive picks. But it still has a ton going for it, especially considering the price. The 3Dquickclose handles well on paved surfaces. It’s easy to push and steer, the recline is adjustable and the fabrics are soft. The storage basket is big enough to tuck away an average-sized diaper bag or a jacket and some snacks, and the canopy provides good shade. One of the best features is infant car seat compatibility. The 3Dquickclose accepts a variety of seats from popular brands like Graco, Chicco and Baby Trend, and there are no adapters needed—just secure the seat with the included strap.

If you’re debating between this stroller and another lower-cost option like an umbrella stroller ( Summer’s 3D Lite Convenience Stroller is a popular umbrella-style pick), I’d choose this one. The 3Dquickclose is more compact, easier to maneuver, can be used from birth and has much better storage and sun coverage, among other things.

“I bought this stroller because it folds down very compact and my car doesn’t have the biggest trunk, but this is sturdy enough to travel on the airplane as well. My kid hates sun in their eyes so the extended canopy is a must. I like that there is a car seat belt that tucks into the stroller for when you need to put an infant car seat on the stroller. The basket is big enough to hold a diaper bag and even another purse or bag. It’s super easy to fold the stroller down and open it back up again, you can quickly do it one-handed. It’s not a cheap feeling stroller, it has a good weight to it but the shoulder strap for carrying it from the car to wherever will help. Main cons are: the seat padding isn’t great so I might see options for additional padding if my kid is gonna sit/sleep in the stroller for longer than an hour or 2, the wheels are plastic whereas I would prefer a stronger material like rubber, and the handrail to push the stroller stays in only one position instead of being able to adjust the angle & height. Overall I definitely recommend this stroller especially for those looking for a compact stroller as this one folds down the most compact that I’ve seen.” — NJ

“Let’s start with the negatives…1. No snack tray for baby…but you can buy it separately. 2. The cup holder and phone holder are very flimsy but they do the job. 3. The storage basket is somewhat large for the size of the stroller, but there is a bar that kind of limits the full access to it. 4. Wheels are plastic. Now to the positives. 1. Super easy installation. 2. Extremely easy to fold and unfold. 3. Super smooth to maneuver. 4. You can lock the front wheels if desired. 5. Looks expensive. 6. LOVE LOVE LOVE the extended sunshade for the baby. 7. The peep window on the sunshade is far back enough that you don’t have to “look for” the baby. 8. I’m short (5 ft) and my husband is average height (5ft 10in) and both of us feel comfortable where the handle height is. 9. The recline is easy to use. 10. The buckles are easy to use and I love that the cover for the crotch strap is wide. 11. You can use your Graco car seat with it. Overall I really really like this stroller. It is small enough to travel with or fit in compact places but large enough to have all the benefits of a full-size stroller. I would tweak it just a tad bit but you honestly can’t beat the price for what you are getting. — Ashley L.

Best Travel Stroller for Everyday Use

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Stroller - Jake

• 4-wheel suspension + large basket = a stroller built for travel & everyday use
• One-handed, compact, self-standing fold
• Includes carry strap and storage bag
• Two separate foot brakes for stop-and-go
• Canopy can be flimsy and become detached
• Heavier and bulkier than other travel strollers

When I became a parent, travel strollers were just what they sounded like: strollers used for travel. Fast-forward a decade and the world of lightweight strollers is something else entirely. UPPAbaby’s Minu is a great example of these advances, a compact stroller that can also be used as an everyday option.

From your neighborhood to your family adventures and everything in between, the Minu offers all the conveniences of a day-to-day stroller in a travel-friendly package. According to many Babylist parents we spoke to, this stroller can do it all.

“We never bought a full-size stroller because [the Minu] met all our needs,” one mom told us. “It’s light, easy to use, and fits overhead on a plane. Our infant carrier was a different brand and still clicked in like a breeze when our girl was little. There are available attachments if you want cup holders and other extras. There are cheaper travel strollers out there, but since getting this one was enough for us to forgo a full size, it provides a great value.”

Babylist team member Cassie, a mom of a toddler and a new baby, agrees. “It’s truly our primary stroller, not just travel. Given what I know about the Minu I often tell my husband I’d likely just get that if I was expecting now, and not also get the Vista.”

A few of my favorite features on the Minu V2 include the one-handed fold, the huge sunshade, the comfy seat with multi-position recline and a roomy, easy-access basket. The spring-action, shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension makes for a smooth ride even over bumpy terrain, so it’s a stroller you can use both in the suburbs and in a city. The Minu stands when folded and features a carry strap and a storage bag for easy transport.

As-is, the Minu works for babies three+ months; that means if you want to use it with your newborn, you’ll need to add the bassinet or an infant car seat plus adapters, which will cost you. And while it folds compactly, it is bulkier than some of the other travel strollers on our list when it’s broken down. It’s also a little heavier, weighing in at about 17 pounds. And the seat back is on the shorter side.

“Amazing stroller. Great for traveling (fits in overhead bin), shopping (takes up minimal trunk space), walks in the park (very smooth ride, even over grass!). Has oversized canopy to block sun and folds with one hand. Bought it for travel, but use it as our primary stroller because I love it so much.” — Jessica

“We love how little this stroller is, and that smaller babies can still fit in the seat. Unfortunately the canopy is not very secure so gets messed up every time we fold it up which is fairly annoying. Other than that, it’s very well designed and we use this 90% of the time over our Vista because it takes up less car space and is easier to fold up. — Jillian Tellez Holub H.

Best Travel Stroller for Planes

Stokke YOYO 3 Stroller 6M+ - Black Frame/Black Color Pack

• Compact fold, fits in overhead bin
• Lots of options for customization and accessories (for an additional cost)
• Comfortable, padded seat and straps
• Fold isn’t intuitive; takes some practice
• Shorter seat back, so not a good choice for taller kids
• Narrow storage basket won’t fit average-sized diaper bags

Traveling by plane presents a challenge when your little one still uses a stroller. “Checking a stroller means it goes with the rest of the luggage and no one’s really paying special attention to it,” says Militello. “It goes up and down ramps, gets thrown from one area to the next, and [you have to] pick it up on the carousel.” Gate checking is an option, but many parents still don’t love the idea of letting such an expensive item of baby gear out of their sight.

The YOYO3 folds the most compactly of any of the travel strollers on our best-of list, and will fit easily in the overhead bins on most planes. (PSA: It’s always worth a call to your airline just to be sure.) It’s the stroller of choice for many light-packing parents who don’t want to deal with the hassle (or risk) of gate-checking a stroller when they fly. “[The YOYO] is the best travel stroller and it has been SO easy to travel with overseas and around the country and you can carry it on,” one parent told us in our Best Baby Products survey. “It’s super light, easy to clean and works like a dream.”

It performs like a champ off the plane, too, easily steering through crowds and narrow spaces. It’s also endlessly customizable, a unique feature I really like. You can change out the seat and shade fabrics with a new color pack , add a custom footmuff for cooler temps or a stroller board for an older child and even add a [storage bag]https://www.babylist.com/gp/stokke-yoyo2-and-yoyo-rolling-bag/15261/243303 “Babyzen YOYO2 and YOYO+ Rolling Bag”) that uses wheeled support so your stroller won’t tip. And it’s compatible with many popular infant car seat brands.

The fold on the YOYO3 isn’t as intuitive as other travel strollers on our list; there are two steps, and it takes some practice. The canopy is on the shorter side. This travel stroller does come with a rain cover, but all the other extras and custom adds will cost you, which can add up quickly as this stroller is expensive on its own.

“As a mom of four, I always had my hands FULL of various things…so dealing with a huge bulky stroller was NOT IT. I had a big, full-size Nuna at one point. It was a great stroller but it was too much stroller. We got the Yoyo2 and it was a game-changer. It’s so lightweight but still sturdy. It could maneuver through tight spaces like clothing racks at stores or big crowds without any issues. For a lightweight stroller, it even handled various uneven terrain well enough, which was an initial concern. Plus it folds down to be smaller than a carry-on piece of luggage, whereas my big stroller literally took up my entire trunk. Critically, it’s a little tricky to learn how to fold and needs two hands but that wasn’t a deal breaker. It got easier the longer we used it. And while it can handle mildly uneven terrain (think small cracks in sidewalks, gravel roads, etc), if it got any more uneven than that, it was a chore to get it to work.” — Angela

“Fits in airplane cabin. We took it on so many trips!” — Emily

Best Double Travel Stroller

Zoe The Twinᵛ²

• Slim frame while still feeling roomy and comfortable (fits Disney size requirements)
• Easily converts to a triple or quadruple stroller with additional seats
• Huge sunshade and storage basket
• Doesn’t roll well on uneven ground or rougher terrain
• Some parents complained about the cup holder on the outside of the frame getting caught in doorways
• Fold isn’t compact

Double strollers often feel big and bulky, even those designed specifically for travel. That’s not the case with Zoe’s The Twin. It’s a delight to open, close and even lift in and out of your car, making it perfect for traveling with two (or more) kids or for times when you don’t want the hassle of a larger stroller.

I was able to open and close the stroller in seconds (and without reading the instruction manual) the first time I tried. Because traveling with kids often involves all of the snacks, I appreciate that this travel double comes with a child snack holder right out of the box. (There’s a parent cup holder included, too.) The stroller weighs about 19 pounds, which is really light for a double. And it’s only 29 inches across, so it fits through standard doorways with ease and is Disney-approved. If you’re traveling with more than two kids, the Twin converts into a stroller for three or even four by adding a triple or a quad seat.

On the cons side, The Twin doesn’t handle well off-road—it’s designed for smooth surface strolling. It also doesn’t accept infant car seats or bassinets, and it doesn’t recline flat, so it’s not a great choice for newborns.

“Had my eyes on this baby since the day I found out I was on my way to 2 under 2! I couldn’t have been happier with this decision. Lightweight, compact when folded, EASY, and so cute…canopy provides sun coverage when necessary, but the best is watching my babies be NEXT to each other and not separated.” — Jordan M

“The stroller is extremely easy to maneuver and the folding feature is the best for storage. Our family takes the Twin everywhere. We have put over 100 miles on it and it still rides like it’s brand new.” — Michaella

“This stroller is super lightweight despite the amount of room, oversized canopy and a large storage basket. My toddlers have plenty of room and enjoy riding in it next to each other. I do wish the wheels were a little better at navigating pavement bumps and cracks, it gets tricky, especially with the added weight of both kids.” — Brie

Best Travel Stroller Travel System

Nuna PIPA urbn & TRVL LX Travel System - Cedar

• Baseless infant car seat included (no adapters needed)
• Compact, lightweight stroller
• Includes carry bag
• Car seat has lower height and weight limits than others
• No snack tray attachment available
• Stroller handlebar isn’t adjustable like with other Nuna strollers

If you know you’ll be traveling frequently throughout your baby’s first year, you may want to invest in a travel system (a stroller and car seat that attach; here’s more on how to pick a travel system ). This combo is my favorite and what I wish I’d had eight years ago as a new mom living in New York City who didn’t own a car. It combines the ultra-popular TRVL, the brand’s first dive into the lightweight stroller market, with the urbn, a first-of-its-kind car seat.

TL;DR on infant car seat installation: almost all infant seats can be installed without a base, but require a seat belt—along with time and patience. But not the urbn! There’s no base, no seat belt required for installation AND the LATCH system is built right into the seat’s base. This means the seat installs effortlessly and in seconds. I’m blown away every time I try it; you simply press a button on each side of the seat and push to attach it directly to your vehicle’s lower anchors. That’s it. It’s as foolproof as it gets, and especially ideal if you’ll be using your car seat on the go in rideshares or taxis. “I love being able to move the car seat in and out of any car without worrying about a base,” one Babylist parent told us.

The included TRVL stroller is just as great. The two standout features for me are its fold (one-handed, quick and ridiculously easy) and its compact size (it stands on its own and weighs just over 13 pounds.) While not huge, the basket is large enough to hold your essentials + a bit more and is easy to access, and the TRVL’s maneuverability is good enough that you’ll be able to steer easily with one hand.

Keep in mind that the TRVL is on the pricier side and doesn’t have a carry strap, but the maneuverability, suspension and versatility help explain the higher price point. I found it worked as a travel stroller, but also as an everyday stroller, too. There are also lots of thoughtful design details like magnetic buckles, a no-rethread harness and a leatherette bumper bar and handlebar. The urbn car seat has a lower height limit than many infant car seats—not ideal, but not a huge dealbreaker, either.

“I love this travel system. The car seat alone is lightweight and the stroller has many options and is easy to fold down. It’s not light but strongly built so I figure that’s the trade-off.” — Elizabeth R.

“The baseless quick install has been a breeze. Whether he is going in my car, my partner’s, uncle’s, or his grandma’s—no need for a base for quick insert.” — Dana N.

“Love this stroller. So light and easy to push and fold. I was able hold my 20+lb baby, fold this and put it on the X-ray belt without holding up the security line. It’s the closest I’ve come to feeling like superwoman. It also fit comfortably in the overhead bin. Only downside I would say is the storage space underneath as it is a lot smaller than we’re used to with our Nuna Demi Grow.” — Meghan T.

How We Chose Our Best Travel Strollers

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

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

We spoke to Kim Militello, a Babylist team member and a mom of three who previously worked as a flight attendant for many years, about traveling with kids (and all of their gear). We also spoke to a group of Babylist team members, all parents who travel frequently with their little ones.

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

Travel Stroller Basics

Some families use a traditional stroller for everything, even traveling. But having a lighter, more nimble travel stroller pays off when you really need it: for airports, narrow city sidewalks, public transportation or just to lighten the load.

Stroller pros and cons

These are some of the pros and cons of using different types of strollers for travel:

Traditional strollers: Everyday strollers typically have convenient features like lots of storage space, adjustable handlebars, cup holders and large canopies. Many also have suspension systems and can accommodate an infant car seat. But they’re heavier and bulkier to fold, which makes using and storing them in tight spaces more difficult (think: narrow doorways, airplane overhead bins or small car trunks).

Umbrella strollers: Bare-boned and exceptionally lightweight, umbrella strollers lack many amenities you find in traditional strollers like adjustable seats and cup holders. They have skimpy canopies, minimal cushioning and seat support and don’t fold small enough to fit in airport storage bins. You also can’t push an umbrella stroller with one hand. Umbrella strollers are good for when you occasionally need a slimmer, fast-fold stroller.

Travel strollers: Also called lightweight or compact strollers, travel strollers strike a balance between traditional and umbrella stroller styles. They’re lighter than the standard stroller, easy to fold and compact in size when collapsed. (Some travel strollers fold in half, called a square fold, while others feature a more compact tri-fold.) Travel strollers have some full-size amenities like large sun canopies and a storage basket and most even have extras like cup holders.

Do I need a travel stroller?

Figuring out the best stroller to use for travel comes down to what type of trade-offs you want to make around budget, space and personal preferences. There’s no right or wrong answer, and what works for one family may not work for another. “We traveled all around the world with the UPPAbaby Vista V2,” Xan, a Babylist team member and mom of two, told us. “With two kiddos, it is the best! It’s the most universal when it comes to traveling on different sidewalks and surfaces and it holds a ton.”

Before you invest in a travel stroller, ask yourself:

How often do I travel, and to what types of destinations?

How much do I want to spend?

Where will I store the stroller when it’s not in use?

Also note that lots of parents find that a travel stroller can work just as well as a full-size option for everyday use; just keep in mind that unless the travel stroller you choose is compatible with an infant car seat or comes with a separate infant kit, you’ll need to wait to use the stroller until your baby is six months old and can sit up unassisted. 

What to Look for in a Travel Stroller

A travel stroller should be easy to take with you on trips and be a comfy spot for your little one. Consider these features as you research and shop.

Size and weight. You’re going to be lifting, carrying and storing your travel stroller often, so the stroller’s size and weight are important. Look for one that’s lightweight and manageable. Also pay attention both to the folded and unfolded size of your travel stroller. If you’re planning on using it for an older toddler, also be sure it’s large enough to accommodate them.

Fold. You’ll be folding and unfolding your stroller often while on the go, whether it’s to take it in and out of your car, stash it under a table at a restaurant or store it in the overhead compartment of an airplane. Choose a travel stroller with a quick, easy fold, preferably one you can do one-handed.

Maneuverability. Not all travel strollers are created equally. Some offer much more maneuverability and a better suspension system than others; however, these features often come at a cost. Thinking through how often you’ll be using your travel stroller and what types of terrain you’ll encounter most often can help determine whether or not a more expensive stroller is worthwhile.

Canopy size. Most travel involves at least some, if not a lot, of outdoor time. A large canopy is essential for protecting your little one from the elements, especially the sun.

Comfort and convenience features. Similar to a full-size stroller, look for features that will make you and your little one more comfortable, especially while traveling. Things like an adjustable seat with a full or nearly full recline, an ample storage basket, an adjustable handlebar and easy-to-clean fabrics are all important. And don’t forget a built-in strap or a separate carrying case for easy transport.

Flying with a Travel Stroller

Spend a few minutes in any parenting forum and you’ll likely see a question from an anxious new parent about flying with a baby—and all of their stuff. It’s daunting, and there are a lot of questions to answer. How do you get your stroller from point A to point B when you’re flying? Will it count toward your carry-on and baggage allotment? And what if you need to use your stroller in the airport? Good news: You can pick how you want to travel with your stroller, depending on your needs.

Check the stroller with your baggage. Some parents unload the stroller during check-in and switch to using a baby carrier through the airport instead. “The advantage to this is that you don’t have to carry it with you around the airport if you’re not using it,” says Militello. Pair a front carrier with a backpack-style diaper bag so your hands will be free to deal with other things (like the best travel toys that will make your trip a breeze). Just remember that your stroller will be subject to the same rough treatment as the rest of your checked baggage—no special attention and lots of tossing around. And note that if you have a large stroller, you may be required to check it as baggage anyway. This usually doesn’t count toward your baggage allotment.

Check the stroller at the gate. Want to use the stroller until you board the plane? You can check the stroller with the gate agent—it just needs to be tagged—and then pick it up outside the aircraft door when you arrive. “When you gate check a stroller, it’s handled more with care,” says Militello. “Gate-checked items are usually more fragile and are hand carried from the entrance of the airplane to the bottom of the airplane and vice versa. They’ll deliver your gate-checked item right to the exit of the plane when you get off so you don’t have to to go the luggage carousel and will have immediate access to it once you deboard the plane.” Just remember if you have a connecting flight to catch, waiting for your stroller to be placed on the jet bridge can eat up precious time.

Stow the stroller on the airplane. If your stroller collapses small enough, it can be stored in an overhead bin. Having your stroller with you eliminates the potential for damage and the hassle of waiting for it on the jet bridge or at baggage claim. But strollers count as a carry-on item. “You typically only get one carry-on item, so choose wisely!” Miletello recommends.

Keep these other tips in mind:

If you check the stroller with baggage, you do run the risk of damage. If you’re not using a travel stroller bag, ask the agent at check-in for a plastic bag to cover and protect it during transport.

If you’re taking the stroller through security, it will need to be folded and put through the X-ray machine. Don’t stuff the undercarriage basket until after security.

If your checked stroller doesn’t come out with the suitcases at baggage claim, check the oversized luggage area. It may have been set aside there. (This may also be where your travel crib is, if you checked one.)

Do you need a travel stroller bag?

How you plan to use your travel stroller will affect whether or not you need a travel stroller bag. If you plan on flying with your stroller and want to check it with your luggage or at the gate, then you’ll probably want to use a travel stroller bag. Look for a padded option to help protect your stroller in case it gets dropped or tossed around. If you’re not planning on flying much or if you’re using your travel stroller as a day-to-day option, then a travel stroller probably isn’t a must-have. Some travel strollers come with a travel bag while others require you to purchase one separately, so check with your particular brand. There are generic travel bags that may work, too.

Jen LaBracio,

Senior gear editor, cpst.

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

12 of the best travel systems for newborn babies

We've tested travel systems - pushchairs where you can attach a high quality baby car seat - and selected the best based on comprehensive reviews

• Catherine Ball
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A good travel system can save new parents a lot of hassle and headaches. You get all the interchangeable seating options in one-well designed bundle, allowing parents to swap between toddler seat, carrycot or car seat.

Everything is perfectly compatible and easy to use, making new parenthood that little bit easier, giving users more flexibility and different options to make their children comfortable. A good travel system is versatile and should provide a functional mode for every stage of your child’s development - from lie-flat pram-mode to world-facing toddler mode.

We have analysed the travel systems market and rigorously tested a wide range of different bundles to help you decide which one is best for you. Each of our recommended travel systems has been used regularly by a journalist with a baby or toddler. We’ve also combined these results with feedback from mums to bring you the best selection.

Best travel systems at a glance

• Best travel system for one-handed fold: Joie Versatrax with i-Snug Car Seat and Ramble XL Carrycot, £530
• Best travel system for the city and countryside: UPPAbaby Cruz V2 with MESA i-Size Infant Carrier, £1074.97
• Best travel system for bright, sensory patterns: Cosatto Wowee and RAC Port i-size Car Seat, £999.95
• Best travel system for taller parents: Venicci Tinum 3-in-1 Travel System, £799
• Best premium quality travel system: egg2 Stroller and egg Shell Car Seat, from £1399
• Best value travel system: Kinderkraft XMOOV 3-in-1, £329
• Best travel system with a comfy carrycot: Babymore MeMore Travel System, £499
• Best travel system for urban living: Silver Cross Wayfarer 2020 Dream and i-Size base bundle, £1030
• Best travel system for sun protection: Cybex Balios S Lux with Cybex Aton M i-size, from £864.65
• Best travel system for celebrity style: My Babiie Your Babiie Belgravia Rose Gold Black Travel System, £599.99
• Best mid-range budget travel system: Didofy Cosmos, £599
• Best travel system for effective brakes: Ickle Bubba Aston Rose includes Mercury i-Siz Car Seat, £899

Why should I consider buying a travel system?

It is not necessary to buy a full travel system from the outset, and they can seem like a more expensive outlay than a simple buggy. However, if you are planning on using the car to transport your baby, you will need an infant car seat. Plus, as a newborn should lie flat , it’s usually recommended to invest in a firm carrycot.

This is where a travel system comes into its own. It is designed for all these necessary elements to slot together nicely and for users to be able to change between them smoothly and quickly.

More like this

What to look for when buying a travel system, does it include a car seat.

“Parents love the option to use their infant carrier car seat on their pushchair as it can make life a lot easier,” says Charlotte Gelstharp at Natural Baby Shower . “It means you can simply transfer your sleeping little one from the pushchair to the car and vice versa easily without disturbing them.” If you’ll be using the pushchair for more than 2 hours , avoid using the car seat though as it is recommended by safety experts and manufacturers that babies don’t sit in them for prolonged periods of time.

Some travel systems have car seats from the same range that clip straight onto the base while others have a few different models which are compatible but need adapters to fit it. Check out which car seat you will get with your travel system and make sure you are happy with the safety credentials (and it will fit easily into your vehicle) before you buy.

Is there a carrycot and can it be used for overnight sleeping?

Newborn babies need to lie completely flat so many travel systems will include a carrycot to keep them in this optimal position until they are around 6 months and able to sit up in a pushchair. It isn’t always necessary to get a carrycot though, as some pushchairs will completely recline and may even come with inserts that make them suitable and comfortable for small babies. Though bucket-type toddler seat or even some of the ‘near-flat’ options out there are not recommended.

If you are buying a bundle with a carrycot, look at how comfortable it is and whether it is suitable for occasional overnight sleeping. If the manufacturer says it is suitable to use at night-time, this could save you the expense of buying a travel cot when your little one is small and will be handy for holidays and overnight visits.

Does it come with extra accessories?

The travel system bundles on our lists vary from those that just include the pushchair, carrycot and car seat to those with include almost everything you could imagine apart from the kitchen sink. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting in your bundle and weigh up whether you need the extras or not. Some mums will absolutely adore having a cup holder and a matching changing bag, while for others it will simply be more clutter to find a home for.

How heavy is it?

Travel systems are generally not as lightweight as the nippy compact buggies aimed at older children. But there are still some models on the market which have made an effort to keep weight to a minimum. Heavier systems tend to be more hard-wearing and robust and may feel smoother on rough terrains, but lightweight prams and pushchairs are easier to lift in and out of your car and can be easier to manoeuvre.

If you opt for a car seat, remember to also check how heavy it is and you'll most likely be lifting it out the car with your baby inside it.

How easy is it to fold up?

When you’re not using your travel system, you’ll want to fold it up either to put it in your car boot or to store it out of the way at home. Check how easy it is to fold – some can be folded with one hand, while others may be a bit more fiddly and need the seat or carrycot removing first. Does it stand up when folded or does it need to be laid down or leant against something? It is also worth knowing its folded dimensions to know if it will fit easily into your cupboard or car.

How much does a travel system cost?

On first glance travel systems seem more expensive overall, but you can get some really good value options, such as the Kinderkraft Xmoov (£329) on our list. With others costing more than £1000 there is a huge range of price points.

“Even though these may seem more expensive initially, travel systems can be a great investment,” explains Charlotte Gelstharp at Natural Baby Shower , a popular online retailer for pushchairs.

“You can create your own travel system using your own choice of car seats and pushchairs, however this can be confusing and complicated as you need to make sure everything is compatible with each element. Therefore, it can be easier and less confusing to opt for an already bundled together travel system.”

Some of the more expensive travel systems offer more items in the bundle or have better functionality or unique features, such as memory buttons that make changing between seat and carrycot easier or one-handed folds that can make a real difference to how you use the pushchair.

It might also be worth considering whether there are individual accessories that are important to you - some parents might desperately want a matching changing bag, without shelling out extra money, while others can’t do without a cup attachment. While these might not be deal-breakers, they might swing your decision.

How we chose and tested these pushchairs

Here's our pick of the best travel systems for newborn babies..., 1. joie versatrax with i-snug car seat and ramble xl carrycot, £530, – best for one handed fold.

Suitable from: birth (with carrycot) to 22kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 75cm | Car seat i-Size: Yes | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: No | Pushchair weight: 11.7kg | Car Seat weight: 3.25kg | Unfolded dimensions: H92cm x W65.5cm x L112cm | Folded dimensions: H86cm x W65.5cm x L36cm | Awards: Gold – Newborn pushchair under £600, MadeForMums Awards 2021

Includes: Joie Versatrax pushchair, Ramble XL carrycot and i-Snug car seat

The Joie Versatrax is a superb 4-in-1 travel system, that consistently impresses users with its functionality, ease of use and versatility. It is fantastic value, especially considering the quality of car seat included with the system. The i-Snug is i-Size and lightweight, which makes it safe and easy to use.

We love the clever one-handed folding system, making it simple to get it in and out of the car or put it away when it isn’t in use. Our MFM testers praised how neatly it folds up without taking up too much space. "The fold on this pushchair allows it to become a great space saver," said MFM tester Maria. "It becomes a slim, self standing unit, which is fabulous to save space in the car boot, especially if you have a tiny boot."

Other great features include a roomy basket underneath – perfect for carrying all those bits and pieces you’ll need on a trip out and there’s even a useful pocket in the carrycot for your phone or car keys. The seat itself can be reclined flat and used for newborns as well as little ones who have outgrown the carrycot. But MFM reviewer and mum of two Laura felt the pushchair would could be a tight squeeze for larger toddlers and said, "I tried my 3-year-old in the seat (he’s just over 13kg) and it was very snug."

It’s also worth noting that the pushchair seat doesn’t come with a footmuff to keep your child’s legs warm, although the unit is soft and comfortable with padded straps. The carrycot also isn’t designed to be used for overnight sleeping so can’t double up as a travel cot.

Pros: Easy one-hand fold, free-standing when folded, large basket Cons: Footmuff not included, no auto-clip on fold, snug-fitting seat unit

Read our full MadeForMums Joie Versatrax pushchair review

Available from: Mamas and Papas and Online4baby

2. UPPAbaby Cruz V2 with MESA i-Size Infant Carrier, £1074.97

– Best for the city and countryside

Suitable from: birth to 22kg | Car seat suitable from: birth up to 13kg | Car seat i-Size: Yes | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair weight: 11.6kg | Car Seat weight: 4.8kg | Unfolded dimensions: H101.6cm x W57.8cm x L95.3cm | Folded dimensions: H83.8cm x W57.8cm x L41.9cm | Awards: Gold – Travel system over £800, MFM Awards 2021

Includes: UPPAbaby Cruz V2 pushchair, carrycot, rain covers, sun shades, insect nets, car seat and Isofix base

The UPPAbaby Cruz has always been a popular urban pushchair, with its generous basket, easy fold and relative compactness. The V2 is a new and improved version, offering even more longevity and functionality to the Cruz. For example the user weight limit is increased, the wheels are larger and can handle more terrain and the seat is more generous in size, so it should last better for fast growing kids.

According to MFM Reviews Editor, Christy, who reviewed the Cruz with her newborn, it is an ideal all-round hybrid pushchair that performs well in town but also in parks and on woodland walks. “It is a top-quality option for most,” she writes. “It’s so versatile, and such good quality that I can see it working for families in town or the countryside, as it’s so robust without being a huge size.” It also comes with a huge shopping basket, which can hold a whopping 13.6kg

The carrycot comes with a breathable mattress with washable cover, which is a big plus point if your little one brings up milk or has an exploding nappy while you’re out and about. It's also super easy to use, Christy adds, as you can remove it with one hand, pressing a button integrated in the hood. This makes such a difference to user-friendliness. “It is one of the brand’s real standout features,” says Christy. “My friend, using the Bugaboo Bee5 herself, and my husband, were both also very impressed!”

Unlike many travel systems which only work with one type of car seat, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 gives you a choice. The MESA i-Size fits directly onto the frame but it is also compatible with a range of other popular car seats using adapters so you can pick which one you prefer.

Pros: Handles multiple terrains, large upper weight limit, easy to remove carrycot Cons: Pricey, not the lightest

Read our full MadeForMums UPPAbaby Cruz V2 pushchair review

Available from: Simply Baby , Baby & Co , Bella Baby

3. Cosatto Wowee and RAC Port i-Size Car Seat, £999.95

– best for bright, sensory patterns.

Suitable from: birth (with carrycot) to 25kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 15 months| Car seat i-Size: Yes | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair weight: 11.8kg | Car seat weight: 4.7kg | Unfolded dimensions: H87cm x W62.5cm x L97cm | Folded dimensions: H25cm x W62.5cm x L97cm

Includes: Cosatto Wowee pushchair, carrycot, car seat with matching hood, car seat base, footmuff, raincover and changing bag

Cosatto is best known for its bright, quirky designs that stand out from the crowd (useful for spotting your pushchair quickly if you’ve left it in a buggy park). But there is more to the Cosatto Wowee than just its looks. The brand actually has a team of designers backed by scientists, who create bold and carefully place characters and patterns on the fabrics which aim to attract baby’s attention and develop their sensory skills. It is a unique selling point of the brand, appreciated by parents, with many reporting on how the designs engage their little ones.

Compact and fairly lightweight, the Cosatto Wowee folds easily using one hand with the seat on in either direction – both parent and world-facing. This is much simpler than many travel systems which need the seat to be in a certain position or removed before folding. "The fold is the Wowee’s party trick," said MFM tester Danny. "Being able to leave the seat (parent-facing and world-facing) in could be a real game-changer in some scenarios and certainly offers a level of flexibility I haven’t experienced with other pushchairs." When folded, it is small and easy to store and will fit easily into most car boots. The seat can also be fully reclined and used from birth so you don’t need to get the carrycot for your newborn if you don’t want to.

There are some great little details with the Wowee designed to make your life as a parent easier - the extendable hood offers UPF 100+ sun protection and the brake is flip-flop friendly. MFM tester Danny found it didn’t offer as smooth a ride as more expensive travel systems, especially on uneven ground but described it as “excellent value for money if you need an all-rounder that also saves on space.”

Pros: Eye-catching design, folds with seat facing both directions, lie-flat seat Cons: Struggles a little on rough terrain

Read our full MadeForMums Cosatto Wowee pushchair review

Available from: Amazon and Cosatto

4. Venicci Tinum 3in1 Travel System, £799

– best for taller parents.

Suitable from: birth up to 22kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 13kg | Car seat i-Size: Yes | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: No | Pushchair weight: 12kg | Car seat weight: 3kg | Unfolded dimensions: H105cm x W58cm x L73cm | Folded dimensions: H63cm x W58cm x L41cm | Awards: Gold – Travel system under £800, MFM Awards 2021

Includes: Venicci Tinum pushchair, carrycot, car seat with adaptors, footmuff, changing bag, changing bag, raincovers and insect nets

Venicci isn’t the most well-known brand for buggies but this 3in1 travel system is a hidden treasure, which is why we named it as a MadeforMums gold award winner for 2021. It's the brand's most narrow and compact pushchair, making it convenient for taking on public transport or getting past people in shops or crowded streets, although the basket is a bit on the small side. It's also packed with matching accessories, making it great value for money.

The hoods on both the carrycot and pushchair have in-built ventilation and can be extended to offer extra shade. With in-built suspension, sturdy wheels and easy steering, it is just as suitable for a day out in the country as it is zipping around a city centre. MFM reviewer and mum-of-one Rohese said, "From uneven pavements to wet grass, stony paths and deep mud, the large wheels offered no resistance."

The pushchair can also be folded and unfolded using one hand and with the seat attached parent-facing or world-facing, which isn't the case with many buggies. Plus, the 5 different height positions for the handle mean it is comfortable for both tall and small parents and you won’t end up hunched over while pushing your little one around.

Pros: Lots of accessories included, all-terrain, 5 handlebar positions Cons: Small shopping basket

Read our full MadeforMums Venicci Tinum 3in1 travel system review

Available from: Samuel Johnston , Baby Planet and Amazon

5. egg2 Stroller and egg Shell Car Seat, from £1,399

– best for premium quality.

Suitable from: birth (with carrycot) to 25kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 13kg| Car seat i-Size: Yes | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair weight: 15.5kg | Car seat weight: 4.8kg | Unfolded dimensions: H113cm x W59cm x L84.5-96cm | Folded dimensions: H71cm x W59cm x L32cm | Awards: Gold – Travel system over £800, MFM Awards 2021

Includes: egg2 pushchair, carrycot, footmuff, changing bag, fur seat liner, raincovers, insect net, car seat, Isofix base and adaptors

The egg2 travel system is gorgeous to look at with a sleek, modern design and can easily be converted into a tandem if you find yourself needing a double buggy. Both the seat unit and carrycot are made from materials offering UPF50+ sun protection and it is super simple to switch between the two. It is also quick and easy to fold down with one hand, although you do need to remember to take the seat off first.

The egg2’s good looks and ergonomic design earned it a 2021 Made for Mums gold award. MFM tester Jessica tried out the travel system with her newborn and said: “As well as being one of the best-looking travel systems on the market, this is one of the highest quality.” She found it provided a smooth ride on all types of terrain.

The carrycot is really comfortable and has a viewing window for keeping an eye on your sleeping baby. Larger than the original egg, the egg2 is designed to give your little one more space to travel in style but it is one of the heavier travel systems on our list.

Pros: Cosy cocoon carrycot, luxury fabrics, handles well Cons: Need to remove seat before folding, seat not suitable for newborns, heavy

Read our full MadeForMums Babystyle Egg2 pushchair review

Available from: Samuel Johnston , Baby Planet and John Lewis

6. Kinderkraft XMOOV 3in1, £329

– best value travel system.

Suitable from: birth up to 22kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 13kg | Car seat i-Size: No (ECE R 44/04 tested) | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: No | Pushchair weight: 11.8kg | Car seat weight: 3.3kg | Unfolded dimensions: H92cm–116cm x W60cm x L110cm | Folded dimensions: H75cm x W62cm x L42cm | Awards: Silver – Travel system under £800, MFM Awards 2021

Includes: Kinderkraft Xmoov pushchair (with 2-in-1 seat and carrycot), rain cover, MINK car seat and adaptors, insect net, car seat, changing bag and mat, bag hooks, cup holder and footmuff

If you’re on a tight budget, this 3-in-1 travel system ticks all the boxes as it comes with everything you’ll need for your newborn baby until they’re a toddler at just over £300. Without sacrificing on quality, "it does everything you’d need and more compared to some of the more premium buggies on the market," commented MFM tester Scott.

Unlike most travel systems, the carrycot converts into a pushchair seat so you won’t have to find space in your home to store whichever part you’re not using. The pushchair’s handle has 8 different heights, so both parents can adjust it to a position which is comfortable for them. Plus, the chassis has 4 "thick and chunky" inflatable rubber tyres which MFM tester Scott said helped to "navigate over bumpy terrain as well as pavements for a smooth ride".

Our MadeforMums reviewer Jennifer found the travel system a little difficult to put together when it first arrived but easy to use once assembled. One other reservation was that the included MINK car seat was a little basic and not compatible with an ISOFIX base so must be fitted using the seatbelt, however MFM tester Jodie did find it "very easy" to take on and off the frame.

Pros: Great value, all-terrain, 8 handlebar heights Cons: Tricky to assemble at first

Read our full MadeforMums Kinderkraft XMOOV 3in1 travel system review

Available from: Very , Samuel Johnston , Amazon and Kiddies Kingdom

7. Babymore MeMore Travel System, £499

– best for comfortable carrycot.

Suitable from: birth (with carrycot) up to 22kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 13kg | Car seat i-Size: No | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair weight: 10kg | Car seat weight: 2.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: H100cm–109cm x W59cm x L80cm | Folded dimensions: H35cm x W59cm x L69cm | Awards: Silver – Travel system under £800, MFM Awards 2021

Includes: Babymore MeMore pushchair, elevator, carrycot, car seat, car seat adaptors, Isofix base, foot muff, seat liner, rain cover, changing bag, changing mat and cup holder

Our testers loved all the extra accessories included in the 13-piece set, which comes in at less than £500. The bundle includes the usual chassis, seat, carrycot and car seat you’d expect with a travel system, but you also get an Isofix base, rain cover, changing bag and more. There are also some elevators which will lift your carrycot or seat up a bit higher if you want baby to be closer to you. "It is these little extras that I really like about this system," said MFM tester Cathy. "The things that give extra elements of comfort for baby."

The deep and comfy carrycot can be used for overnight sleeping which is a big plus point and saves you the hassle of getting a separate travel cot during those first few months of parenthood. Both our testers found it to be spacious and comfortable, with mum Joanne commenting, "It passed the sleep test with my newborn! The mattress feels good quality and the fabric around the carrycot is a breathable to allow for extra airflow and a safe sleep environment for baby."

The travel system itself looks smart and while it might not be quite of the same quality as its much more expensive competitors, you can’t tell unless you examine it closely. MFM tester Joanne found it worked well on all terrains and could be easily pushed with just one hand. Folding it up is a piece of cake too and can be done singlehandedly. Though keep in mind both our testers found building the pushchair to be tricky, so you may need an extra pair of hands.

Pros: Carrycot can be used for overnight sleeping, handles well on multiple terrains, lots of extras included Cons: Pushchair tricky to build

Available from: Samuel Johnston , Amazon , Kiddies Kingdom and Babymore

8. Silver Cross Wayfarer 2020, Dream and i-Size base bundle, £1,030

– best for urban living.

Suitable from: birth (with carrycot) to 22kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 15 months| Car seat i-Size: Yes | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair weight: 10kg | Car seat weight: 7kg | Unfolded dimensions: H107-93cm x W54cm x L82cm | Folded dimensions: H32cm x W54cm x L85cm | Awards: Silver – Travel system over £800, MFM Awards 2021

Includes: Silver Cross Wayfarer pushchair, carrycot, carrycot hood and apron, i-Size infant carrier and base, car seat adaptors, footmuff, changing bag, cup holder and car seat rain covers

Made by heritage pram brand Silver Cross, the Wayfarer 2020 is ideal for city living with a lightweight chassis, inline wheels and compact design. Our testers were also taken with how well it tackled bumpy ground and going up and down kerbs. "There are lots of cobbled streets in our area of London (Shad Thames)," said MFM reviewer Sarah. "So the tiniest of city pushchairs often struggles (or my baby looks like he is sat on a pneumatic drill – not ideal!). But the Wayfarer 2020 does the job well."

We also loved that the carrycot was suitable for overnight sleeping and lined with temperature-regulating and antibacterial bamboo so your baby won’t overheat. It also it comes with the Dream i-Size car seat and base, which have impressive safety credentials and were given the best ever rating by ADAC, an independent organisation which tests child car seats. Both our testers also found it easy to take on and off the Wayfarer pushchair.

Made from high quality materials, it is hard to find a downside with the Wayfarer 2020 but MFM reviewer Sarah did find it tricky to put together and spent about half an hour assembling all the pieces before using it for the first time. Although the shopping basket is spacious, it's also worth keeping in mind that it can be tricky to access with the carrycot on top.

Pros: Lightweight, compact and easy to manoeuvre Cons: Shopping basket access tricky with carrycot

Read our full MadeforMums Silver Cross Wayfarer 2020 pushchair review

Available from: John Lewis and Kiddies Kingdom

9. Cybex Balios S Lux with Cybex Aton M i-Size, from £864.65

– best for sun protection.

Suitable from: birth up to 22kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 13kg/87cm/24 months | Car seat i-Size: Yes | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: No | Pushchair weight: 11.7kg | Car seat weight: 4.2kg | Unfolded dimensions: H110cm x W60cm x L90cm | Folded dimensions: H43cm x W60cm x L75.5cm | Awards: Bronze – Travel system over £800, MFM Awards 2021

Includes: Balios S Lux pushchair, Aton M i-Size car seat, Base M, car seat adapters, rain cover, Cot S, cup holder and footmuff

The Cybex Balios S Lux is available on its own as a pushchair or in a bundle with a carrycot and compatible Cybex car seat, which MFM tester Hollie found "super easy" to click on and off the pushchair frame. Like the Joie Versatrax, it can be folded up using just one hand (although our reviewer found it took some getting used to) and has a large basket on the base which can carry loads of up to 5kg, making it a handy shopping companion.

One of the biggest selling points for this travel system is the large extendable hood, which is made from UPF50+ fabric and offers plenty of shade on sunny days. The frame itself is sturdy and can easily handle a bit of off-roading with smooth suspension and tough all-terrain wheels – all features which helped earn the travel system a MadeforMums 2021 bronze award.

The pushchair seat can be reclined into a lie-flat position so it can be used from birth but if you’ve got a newborn, you’ll probably want to get the compatible Cot S carrycot, which has a memory foam mattress to make it comfortable for naps on the move. If you want something less bulky to keep your baby snug, you can also buy the Cocoon S, which fits onto the reclined pushchair seat, offering head and neck support and a bit of extra warmth.

The Cybex Balios S Lux isn’t as compact as many similar travel systems, although it is really easy to steer and manoeuvre around even the tightest corners. MFM reviewer Fay tested it out with her 6-month-old and said: “Despite the pram feeling quite weighty, it is remarkably easy to get up and down curbs. My son remained asleep throughout many hills and bumpy roads.”

Pros: Spacious and comfortable seat with large hood Cons: Single hand folding takes practice

Read our full MadeforMums Cybex Balios S Lux pushchair review

Available from: John Lewis , Online4Baby and Natural Baby Shower

10. My Babiie Your Babiie Belgravia Rose Gold Black Travel System, £599.99

– best for celebrity style.

Suitable from: birth up to 22kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 13kg | Car seat i-Size: No | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes (hood down and apron off) | Pushchair weight: 10kg | Car seat weight: 2.5kg | Unfolded dimensions: H102cm x W57cm x L92cm | Folded dimensions: W57cm x L65cm | Awards: Bronze – Travel system under £800, MFM Awards 2021

Included: Your Babiie Belgravia pushchair, carrycot, car seat, rain cover and footmuff

Designed with actress and singer Christina Milian, this fashionable travel system screams luxury with its stylish but strong rose gold aluminium frame and leather handlebar. Though it's not all style over substance with our MFM testers praising the roomy and well-padded car seat and carrycot. MFM tester Tracey said, "I particularly like the size of the carrycot and car seat, meaning you could use these parts longer than others on the market making it better value for money."

The storage basket underneath zips up, reducing the risk of anything falling out but this does mean you can’t use it to carry really large items. MFM tester Rebecca loved the quality and look of the travel system, although she felt the suspension was an issue. She said: “Our son was bouncing slightly in the car seat when pushing on both rough and smooth ground.”

This travel system is not as lightweight as many of the other options on this list but it is quite compact when folded, collapsing down at the push of a button to a one-piece fold. "There was plenty of room in the boot compared with other pushchairs I've used," said MFM tester Tracey. And despite the overall weight, our testers didn’t think it felt heavy when pushing it.

Pros: Stylish look with luxury trim, roomy car seat and carrycot, one-piece fold Cons: Lack of suspension

Available from: Very , Amazon and My Babiie

11. Didofy Cosmos, £599

– best for mid-range budgets.

Suitable from: birth 22kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 13kg| Car seat i-Size: Yes | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair weight: 10.2kg | Car seat weight: 3.2kg | Unfolded dimensions: H103cm x W78cm x L57cm | Folded dimensions: H88cm x W35cm x L57cm

Includes: Didofy Cosmos pushchair, carrycot, Group 0+ car seat, Isofix base, raincover and footmuff

With a modern, streamlined design, the Didofy Cosmos looks attractive and is easy to whizz around on city streets even with just one hand. Although it is aimed at urban dwellers, it is still fairly robust with puncture-proof wheels and advanced in-built suspension for a smooth ride.

MFM reviewer and mum-of-2 Laura said: “It manoeuvred quickly and made light work of bumpy, uneven surfaces, without rattling or feeling unsteady thanks to its built in suspension.” She also liked how light it was to lift the different pieces on and off the frame and that you didn’t need separate attachments to fit the carrycot or car seat. Though MFM tester Madeleine did find the carrycot to be on the snug side.

Like the Cosatto Wowee, the way this travel system folds is a big selling point – it has a one-handed folding mechanism and can be folded with the seat on in both directions. It can also be stored both upright – it will stand on its own – or horizontally so is a good choice if storage is tight at home.

Pros: Lightweight with great suspension, one-handed fold, can be stored upright Cons: Snug carrycot

Read our full MadeforMums Didofy Cosmos pushchair review

Available from: Olivers BabyCare and Didofy

12. Ickle Bubba Aston Rose, includes Mercury i-Size car seat, £899

– best for effective brakes.

Suitable from: birth to 15kg | Car seat suitable from: birth to 80cm | Car seat i-Size: Yes | Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping: Yes | Pushchair weight: 11kg (chassis with wheels) | Car seat weight: 4.9kg | Unfolded dimensions: H110.5cm x W62cm x L95cm | Folded dimensions: H36cm x W62cm x L94.5cm

Includes: Aston Rose pushchair, carrycot, car seat, Isofix base, luxury seat liner, footmuff, changing mat, changing bag, cup holder and rain cover

The Ickle Bubba Aston Rose travel system is one of the most practical bundles on our list. There are some that include more items, but the Aston Rose features an i-Size car seat as well as the Isofix base to go with it. This is a generous piece of kit to include, and will be a deal breaker for many parents.

Our favourite feature on the Aston Rose is the hand-operated brake. Less fiddly than using your feet, securing the travel system when you stop is an absolute doddle and we'd like to see more manufacturers haven’t incorporated hand-operated brakes into their designs. The telescopic handlebar is reversible and can be flipped over the top of the seat, making it really easy to get a wriggly toddler into and out of the pushchair.

The carrycot is comfortable, well-ventilated and suitable for overnight sleeping with a luxurious silky lining. There is also a handy bumper bar you can dangle toys from to keep your little one entertained. The carrycot and the seat unit use the same frame so it is a little fiddly to switch over when your baby graduates from pram to pushchair but hopefully you’ll only have to do it once.

MadeforMums reviewer Tara said: “The first thing I noticed about this travel system was the design and quality. I thought the gold detailing, faux leather touches and matching accessories looked very stylish.”

Pros: Isofix base included, smooth to push, hand operated brake Cons: Fiddly to switch from carrycot to seat

Read our full MadeForMums Ickle Bubba Aston Rose pushchair review

Available from: Online 4 Baby and Pramworld

About the author

Read more....

• Best double buggies for twins, newborns and toddlers
• The best lightweight buggies and strollers under 6.5kg
• The best forward and rear facing buggies

Catherine Ball is a freelance journalist who specialises in writing about parenting and health. She has been a journalist for 20 years, writing for a wide range of regional and national publications.

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• Pushchairs, Buggies and Strollers

Joie Litetrax 4 travel system review

The Joie Litetrax 4 allows your child to travel in comfort and style from birth to four years old. It has a fully reclining seat which allows newborns to travel in the lie-flat position and converts into a travel system with Joie's 0+ car seats . It also includes an adjustable leg rest and a large hood with a ventilated panel.

The Litetrax 4's swivel wheels allow for easy steering and lock into a fixed position for better control over bumpy surfaces. It has a simple one hand fold function and can easily be folded away. Joie's Litetrax 4 also won Bronze in the 2024 Mother&Baby Awards .

Joie Litetrax 4 travel system

www.babyandchildstore.com

Tested by mum Abigail Hammond for the M&B Awards 2017:

Would you recommend this to other mums?

I love this pushchair, it's so light and glides along any terrain beautifully and it is easy to push and direct single handed. What I love best though however is how easy it is to collapse and put up, and it's even quite compact when collapsed. It is very light so it's easy to get in and out of the car.

How did this product make your life easier?

It's so quick and easy to open out and collapse and that really does make life easier as a mother. It doesn't take up a lot of room in the boot of the car and is easy to lift in and out. It reclines and lifts with a one hand mechanism and is easy to push with just one hand which is great especially when you need to hold hands with another child or when children want to help push.

Would you choose this product to win?

I think it is my favourite pushchair and mostly due to the way it collapses. It's so quick and easy and anyone who saw me do it was so impressed. I've not seen another pushchair colapse like this, it really is fantastic. It's such a delight to push across any terrain and is easy to push and manoveur single handed.

What changes would you make to this product?

There are just a few things I would change. I wish the handle bar would extend a little. I found it quite fiddly sliding the two straps together to clip them into the middle clip. You can sometimes be in a rush to get baby strapped in, so this was really annoying. I also found it hard to shorten the straps enough to secure my small baby. In the end I just wrapped them round the back strap, but that's not ideal.

Tested by mum Sophie Barton for the M&B Awards 2017:

I would recommend the Joie Baby Litetrax 4 pushchair for many reasons, the main one being the one-handed fold! It's so simple and easy, and once folded it's very lightweight and comfortable to carry around if needs be. I think it would be perfect for getting on and off transport, e.g buses, trains. It has a smart modern design, and is easy to manoeuvre. It's easy to recline, and seems very comfortable as the lining is thick and padded.

The one-handed fold has definitely made life easier, there is no faffing around with this pushchair! It's just perfect for mums who are always on the go. Love that this pushchair has the cup holders on the top, they are perfect size for a bottle or cup, so again there is no faffing around with trying to find things in you changing bag. Also comes with a really good size rain cover which covers the whole pushchair perfectly and can be stored in the nice big basket underneath.

I think this product should win as it's extremely practical and affordable! I was shocked at the price, it is such good value for money. This pushchair has features on it that I have not seen on a buggy at this price before. It’s modern and stylish and the quality is amazing. What really sells it for me is the folding mechanism and how lightweight and comfortable it is to manoeuvre. Pushing this seems to be a breeze on any road.

It was hard to find a negative on this pushchair, but I would say the straps are a bit fiddly. Everything else about the pushchair is quick and easy, but putting the plastic pieces together on the straps I found a struggle with a fidgety baby as it isn't just two simple clicks like other pushchairs. I also found it difficult to adjust the size of the straps and couldn't get them to as small as I needed.

Tested by mum Louise Tait for the M&B Awards 2017:

Many reasons to love this pushchair! It has THE best hood I have ever seen. It's large, completely covers the baby and is strong and durable with breathable mesh. The quality is fantastic, fabric is like a denim material and looks expensive. The footmuff is amazingly thick and cosy. Comes with a tray which is handy for your coffee and a sealable section useful for keys.

One hand fold is definitely a feature which makes my life easier. Pushchair is really easy to push and recline is an easy one button pull. Swivel wheels make for easy manoeuvring. When the sun came out, it was a simple unzip to ensure the baby was fully protected but I could still see her through the mesh.

This pushchair looks expensive and really on trend with the other pushchairs on the market. It's extremely good value for money for the quality and the accessories which come with it. I absolutely loved the material on the pushchair, really easy to wipe clean and feels strong. The best thing for me was the tray which attached to the handle bars!

The raincover was a bit of a faff to put on. It took me a few attempts to work out if it was on the right way or not. It’s a large raincover and seems bulky compared to others which come with similar sized pushchairs. The shopping basket is on the small side and once the raincover was in, it didn't leave much room for anything else.

Tested by mum Trudy Harman for the M&B Awards 2017:

I would definitely recommend this Joie Baby Litetrax 4 buggy to everyone. It is so easy to use, fold and store. It can be put up and down with one hand which is perfect when holding a baby. It is nice and compact to store and fits well in the boot of the car. The design is stylish with good wipe clean material. I found the cup holders and storage compartment and absolute godsend.

Nothing can be easier than having an easy buggy to put up and down - it was just an amazing engineering design with the one pull strap. This not only saved time when heading out the door but also when out and about epescially if caught in the rain and need to get in the car quick. The storage compartment and cup holders meant I no longer had to hunt around in the basket underneath to find my keys and drinks were on hand for children.

I would definitely say this buggy deserves to win as it was for a stroller a dream to push, fold and store. I found that it was a great size for small children as well as older ones. The children had no problem sleeping in it in the recline position which worked smoothly. The front bar was used by the children to lean on when they were sitting upright or their feet when reclining. The windows and extra zip out part of the canopy were a great help in the sunny weather.

The one thing that I found I did not like were the straps, they were very fiddly and I found it difficult to hold a fidgedity baby in whilst trying to fit the straps together, plus the covers kept falling off. I also found that with smaller children that the straps didn't seem to go tight enough and they could easily get their arms out.

Tested by mum Lauren Williams for the M&B Awards 2017:

We loved the Joie Baby Litetrax 4! It is really simple to fold and put up with just one hand so ideal if you need to hold your child too. The hood it really good and comes down really far so great when it's sunny or you need to block the light for naps. Folds really compact and it will stand up which is great for storage.

Yes the Joie Baby Litetrax 4 has made it much easier as it is such a good design and really simple to fold. The hood solves a lot of problems when it's sunny as you don't need to bother with a parasol to keep the sun out. The basket has a lot of room and is really deep to keep things in. The recline it easy to use with one hand.

We would choose the Litetrax 4 over all the others as it’s really easy to use and very compact. It doesn't take up much room in the car or the house. It is easy to push and the seat seems comfortable when my child sits in it. There are a few recline settings if you want your baby to be sat up or lying down.

On the Joie Baby Litetrax 4 I would change the straps as the shoulder pads slip off. As they can be slipped off and not fixed they can easily be lost. It would be much better if they were buttoned or stitched into place. Also there are four straps which all need to be buckled together. This might not be so easy with a reluctant child!

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• Travel Systems

Our Maxi-Cosi travel system packs have everything you need for trips with your baby. Whether you go for a quick stroll in the city centre or for a long walk in the country side. Just easily switch between carrycot for those day-time naps , and a baby car seat for easy switching from car to street combined with a stroller . Everything you need in one bundle.  

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Maxi-cosi travel systems.

With our Maxi-Cosi travel systems, everything you need for trips with your little one is gathered together in one bundle. Having everything you need in a single bundle and knowing that all your bases are covered takes a lot of the stress out of shopping for essentials as a new parent.

Everything You Need in One Bundle

When you’re constantly on the go, the ability to switch between carrycot , car seat and stroller makes life so much easier for your whole family. With our 3-in-1 travel systems, everything works together. And that makes the process of going from riding in the car to strolling with your newborn a total breeze.

Switch from car to street in whatever way suits you best. The car seat attaches to the stroller frame with ease, making it super simple and stress-free to make that transition with your little one.

Comfort and Safety on Every Trip

With one of our 3-in-1 travel systems, you can ensure the comfort and safety of your baby on every trip, whether you’re out walking in nature, running errands in the city, or driving in your car.

No matter which travel system of ours you choose, your little one will benefit from the latest features and innovations that keep them safe on the move and comfortable enough to sleep peacefully.

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The 7 best travel strollers, according to parents who use them.

A quality travel stroller makes a world of difference when traveling with little ones.

The Best Travel Strollers

Courtesy of Joolz

The Joolz Aer is the best overall travel stroller on the market.

When traveling with babies and toddlers , having the right gear – especially an easy-to-maneuver travel stroller – is essential. If you're in the market for a stroller you can take on the plane, train and beyond, read on to find the best option for your family as recommended by parents.

The Top Travel Strollers of 2023

Best overall travel stroller: joolz aer, best umbrella stroller for travel: uppababy minu v2, best double stroller for travel: uppababy g-link 2, best travel stroller for big kids: evenflo pivot xplore all-terrain stroller wagon, best travel stroller for infants: doona car seat & stroller, best travel system stroller: nuna trvl stroller, best budget travel stroller: summer 3dlite convenience stroller.

Looking for more information on how to select your ideal travel stroller? Consult the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

(Note: All stroller dimensions are listed in order of length by width by height.)

Folded dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches Stroller weight: 13.4 pounds Minimum child age: 6 months Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

When it comes to quality travel strollers, the Joolz Aer is the best investment you can make. Not only does this stroller's lightweight and compact design make it easy to store in the overhead compartment of a plane, but it also opens and closes with a one-handed motion – an essential feature for multitasking parents. Little ones travel comfortably and safely thanks to a five-point harness, extended seatback and adjustable recline, as well as a rain cover. Available in six modern colors – from sage green to taupe – the Joolz Aer also comes with a stroller bag. Parents rave about this travel stroller, with some noting they prefer it to the highly rated BABYZEN YOYO2.

The Joolz Aer is designed for babies 6 months and older; it can be used from birth with select infant car seats, secured by a car seat adaptor you'll need to purchase separately.

Price: $449 or less Shop now: Amazon | buy buy Baby | Nordstrom | Joolz

Courtesy of UPPAbaby

Folded dimensions: 12.5 x 20.3 x 23 inches Stroller weight: 16.9 pounds Minimum child age: 3 months Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

If you're looking for an umbrella-style stroller for travel, consider the UPPAbaby MINU. Its latest model, the V2, features a swift, one-handed setup; a five-point harness; an adjustable recline and foot rest; an extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection; and a vented peekaboo window. It's also equipped with a generously sized storage basket that can hold up to 20 pounds of additional items. While the MINU is recommended for babies at least 3 months old, you can use this even sooner with UPPAbaby's Mesa Infant Car Seat and adaptors, or with adaptors for other car seats.

Terry Ward, a Florida-based travel writer and co-founder of Florida Beyond , still raves about this travel stroller, which her kids recently outgrew. "I loved the MINU so much that it became my go-to stroller at home, too," she says, adding that it has a great resale value. "I sold it for more than half of what I bought it for after three years – these strollers are really in demand."

The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is available in five color variations and features a stylish full-grain leather bumper bar and handlebar.

Price: $449.99 or less Shop now: buy buy Baby | UPPAbaby

Folded dimensions: 40 x 20 x 14.5 inches Stroller weight: 22.3 pounds Minimum child age: 3 months Maximum child weight: 55 pounds per seat

If you have twins or two stroller-age kiddos and need a tandem stroller for travel, the UPPAbaby G-LINK 2 is a solid choice. Available in charcoal and black, this highly rated double stroller offers two UPF 50+ canopies and independent, multiposition reclining seats. Like the UPPAbaby MINU, this one is a cinch to set up and maneuver, and it features an easy-to-access storage basket that accommodates up to 10 pounds. There's also a sturdy cup holder for that must-have caffeine boost.

Reviewers note that the G-LINK 2 is surprisingly compact given its double capacity, and that it's also ideal for tall toddlers.

Price: $349.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | buy buy Baby | UPPAbaby

Courtesy of Evenflo

Folded dimensions: 23 x 27.5 x 37.5 inches Stroller weight: 34.7 pounds Minimum child age: 6 months Maximum child weight: 55 pounds per seat

Another great travel stroller for two kids or older kids (up to age 5) is the Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon, which has two seats and can be used as a wagon or a stroller depending on your needs and destination. Its all-terrain wheels make it ideal for navigating any landscape – from cobblestone streets to sandy beaches – and a large storage basket and cup holders allow you to easily pack additional travel necessities. "It's basically a portable U-Haul for anything else you're dragging along," says Ward, who upgraded to the Xplore when her kids outgrew the UPPAbaby MINU. It also has an adjustable canopy for protection from the elements.

Price: $399.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | buy buy Baby | Evenflo | Target

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Courtesy of Doona

Folded dimensions: 23.6 x 17.3 x 26 inches Stroller weight: 17.2 pounds Minimum child age: None; can be used from birth with infant insert Maximum child weight: 35 pounds

When it comes to travel strollers, nothing quite compares to the Doona Car Seat & Stroller, which is exactly what it sounds like: a (genius) car seat and stroller in one. Aside from its magical ability to transform from a car seat to a stroller and vice versa in seconds, this travel stroller features a five-point harness, an adjustable handlebar and removable textiles for easy (inevitable) washing. It is Federal Aviation Administration aircraft-approved to fit in most overhead bins and comes in a variety of colors.

Angela Burks of La Vida Mom loves how easy it is to travel with the Doona Car Seat & Stroller. "I like that I don't have to worry about getting an additional car seat for a car service or rental when I arrive at the airport," she says. Another bonus? It doesn't require a car seat base.

The only downsides of this travel stroller are that your child will outgrow it when they hit 35 pounds in weight and/or 32 inches in height, and its hefty price tag given these limitations.

Price: $550.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Doona | Target

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Folded dimensions: 24 x 20.25 x 11 inches (without arm bar) Stroller weight: 13.6 pounds (without canopy and arm bar) Minimum child age: None; can be used from birth with infant car seat Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

If you're looking for a travel system stroller that'll grow with your baby, you can't beat the Nuna TRVL Stroller. The Nuna PIPA series car seat clicks right into the stroller – no adaptors necessary – and can then be removed when your little one is old enough to sit upright in the stroller seat. This luxury stroller features a five-point harness with magnetic technology, a multiposition reclining seat, adjustable calf support, a removable and adjustable arm bar, and a UPF 50+ canopy. Like some of the other travel strollers on this list, this product easily opens and closes with a one-handed motion and comes with a carrying bag. It is also certified GREENGUARD Gold and free of harmful chemicals.

Price: $500 or less Shop now: Nordstrom | Nuna

Courtesy of Summer

Folded dimensions: 42 x 11.5 x 12.5 inches Stroller weight: 13 pounds Minimum child age: 6 months Maximum child weight: 50 pounds

You get what you pay for in many situations, but parents say they're impressed with the Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller given its cheap price tag, noting it has seamlessly navigated bumpy streets in Europe , Disney theme parks and other family vacation destinations. This easy-to-assemble travel stroller features a carry strap (useful for schlepping it when not in use), five-point safety harness, four reclining positions, and an adjustable and removable canopy. It also has a storage basket and cup holder, and comes in four colors.

Price: $99.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Walmart | Summer

[Read: The Top Kids Luggage .]

How to travel with a stroller and car seat

Perhaps the easiest way to travel with a stroller and car seat is to invest in the two-in-one Doona Car Seat & Stroller , which can be used for children up to about 35 pounds and stored in the overhead bin of a plane. However, other travel stroller systems can also ease the burden of all that gear – especially for those traveling with infants. Here's how to travel with a stroller and car seat in the following situations:

If your baby is in an infant car seat: Simply attach a compatible infant car seat to your everyday or travel-specific stroller and wheel your baby through the airport. When you arrive at the gate, check your car seat and stroller free of charge. (Children 2 and younger can fly for free as lap children on most airlines.) If you'd like to purchase a seat for your baby and bring your car seat on the plane – recommended by the FAA and American Academy of Pediatrics – you'll need to ensure it is FAA-compliant . Alternatively, you can wear your baby in a carrier and use the car seat and/or stroller for storage.

If your baby is not in an infant car seat: If your child is somewhere between an infant and a toddler but no longer uses an infant car seat at home, you can technically get by without a car seat since they can ride through the airport in a stroller or carrier and then sit on your lap during the flight if they are younger than 2. However, you'll need to rent or borrow a car seat when you arrive at your destination.

If you have a toddler older than 2: Children are not legally required to have a car seat for air travel, though it's still recommended by the FAA and AAP (and you will likely need one when you get to your final destination anyway). It's easiest to wheel your child in the travel stroller and transport your FAA-compliant car seat by simply carrying it (not preferable, of course) or using one of the following assists:

• Travel cart: Most luggage carts (including the ones offered at the airport) cannot go through security, so look for a foldable travel cart – this one by HÖLM is a good option – that can easily be placed on the security screening belt and then used to transport your belongings to the gate.
• Car seat luggage strap: Strap the car seat to your carry-on bag with a heavy duty luggage strap like this one .
• Car seat backpack: You can free up your hands by wearing a car seat backpack .

If your toddler won't sit in the stroller: Use your stroller as a travel cart instead – strap the car seat and anything else you can get on there. Once you get to the gate, you can either check your car seat (typically free of charge) or bring it with you on board.

Travel Stroller FAQ

Deciding whether you need a travel stroller is an entirely personal decision. Some people are content to travel with the stroller they use at home, while many prefer travel strollers since they are typically less bulky than their everyday counterparts.

No, a stroller can typically be checked at the gate free of charge and picked up on the jet bridge post-flight. It's always best to review your airline's stroller policies before flying, however.

Yes. Simply put it on the X-ray belt with the rest of your belongings.

The Joolz Aer and Doona Car Seat & Stroller can fit in most overhead bins. However, it may be easier to gate check your stroller (typically for free) so you have less to carry on to the plane.

While a stroller bag is not required, it can be useful for protecting your stroller from potential dirt and damage if it needs to be checked at the gate, as well as storing additional items – think: diapers (which can double as extra padding), wipes and other small essentials. Some travel strollers come with a branded stroller bag, but if you'd like a different option, check out these highly rated bags:

• Zohzo Stroller Travel Bag
• J.L. Childress Gate Check Travel Bag
• Gate Check PRO Stroller Bag

Disney World requires that both single and double strollers do not exceed 52 x 31 inches (length by width) when fully assembled. Below are the best strollers for Disney World that meet these requirements (listed with unfolded dimensions in inches):

• Joolz Aer : 32.7 x 17.7
• UPPAbaby MINU V2 : 35.5 x 20.3
• UPPAbaby G-LINK 2 : 27.5 x 28.5
• Doona Car Seat & Stroller : 32.3 x 17.4
• Nuna TRVL Stroller : 32.5 x 20.25
• Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller : 27 x 18

The UPPAbaby strollers and Nuna TRVL Stroller are especially ideal for Disney parks since they offer UPF 50+ canopies for protection from the sun. Wagons are prohibited entirely.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross used her personal experience as a frequently traveling mom, as well as her research skills and conversations with other parents, to determine which travel strollers are truly the best. She first traveled with her infant in a front carrier before transitioning to the Joolz Aer , which she's successfully used on multiple flights with her growing toddler.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Diaper Bag Backpacks
• How to Get Your Child a Passport
• The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers
• The Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the World
• The Top Family Travel Insurance

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Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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