Best Baby Stroller And Car Seat Combo: Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System with SafeMax Car Seat

Evenflo has always been an also-ran in the stroller travel system race . . . until they came out with the Pivot. This stroller and car seat combo has been a home run, thanks to innovative design features and a strong infant car seat with anti-rebound bar.

The star feature here is the modular design of the stroller with six modes, which allows the car seat and stroller seat to face toward you or out.

What We Liked

• Easy to fold.

• Anti-rebound bar on car seat.

• Stroller seat can face toward parent (great for newborns) or outward (better for older kids).

• Car seat carrier is light weight (7 lbs.). Compare that to other infant seats that can weight 10 pounds or more.

• Seat converts to pram mode (lay flat).

What Needs Work

• Wheels can be squeaky! 

• Storage basket could be bigger.

• Total weight for car seat and stroller (38 lbs.) is on the heavy side.

Best Budget Friendly: Graco Modes Pramette Travel System

Yes, some car seat and stroller travel systems can get very pricey. But there is good news: this reader favorite, the Graco Modes Pramette, is both good quality and easy on the wallet.

We loved the design here, with a seat that can be configured to lay flat (good for newborns). 

What We Liked

• Smooth ride.

• Car seat has good safety reputation.

• One hand fold for stroller.

• Easy to maneuver.

• Stroller seat has bassinet mode with max weight of 15 lbs.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Could be easier to fold.

• No standing fold for stroller.

Best Upgrade: Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

If your budget allows, this stroller travel system by Chicco is a worthy upgrade.

What makes it better?

First, the system includes the KeyFit 30 infant car seat, which is one of our top-rated car seats for ease of use and overall safety. 

Second, the Bravo stroller is a notch above others in this category. Note the quick-fold design and clever storage basket that can be accessed from the front and back.

What We Liked

• EVA foam tires push smoothly on most surfaces.

• Easy to fold.

• Easy to install car seat.

• Car seat base has ReclineSure leveling feature.

• Head and body support pillow.

• UPF rated canopy with mesh window for air flow.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

• Cup holders could be deeper to handle bigger cups.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!