Travel-system strollers are perhaps the most practical purchase that new parents can make. Certain models of many stroller brands include both a full-sized stroller what will hold a child as old as four or five years, in addition to an infant car seat or infant bed that fits into the stroller, either with or without a car-seat adapter. Each brand and model contains its own set of features that parents can review before choosing which one to purchase.
Graco Metro Lite
The Graco Metro Lite was rated best travel-system stroller by Consumer Search, which compiles reviews from Consumer Reports, Baby Bargains and user reviews. The top-rated Graco SnugRide car seat, included with this travel system, inherently gives the model undisputed credibility. Users applaud its light frame, adjustable-height handles, and compact design that is easy to maneuver. Criticisms include the fact that it's difficult to fold and doesn't ensure long-term durability. All of the Graco travel system strollers are reasonably priced, placing them in the budget stroller market.
Graco Alano
This model of the Graco travel-system stroller also includes the top-rated Graco SnugRide car seat. The benefit of this model over the Metro Lite is that it is lighter and easier to maneuver. However, users say that its one-handed-fold design can be difficult to accomplish. This model is priced lower than the Metro Lite, making it appealing for parents on a tight budget.
Chicco Cortina Keyfit
This travel-system stroller is a top seller on NextTag, which links buyers to some of the biggest online stroller retailers. The Chicco infant car seat that comes with this system performed well in safety tests by Consumer Reports and received good reviews by users online. It is heavier than the Graco car seat, but is praised for being easy to install and having good options for adjusting the seat belt. The stroller features a one-hand fold design, leg rest, canopy and suspension wheels. Chicco is priced slightly higher than Graco, placing it in the mid-priced stroller market.
Bugaboo Cameleon
The Bugaboo Cameleon is one of the highest-priced stroller travel systems, placing it in the luxury category. It comes with a covered bassinet seat that attaches to the stroller and is also car-seat compatible. But the appeal of the Bugaboo is its versatility. Its large wheels that can adjust to two positions and have adjustable swivel suspension are designed to handle rain, snow and off-road strolling. The stroller seat is reversible, tilts in three positions and includes a large water-repellent sun canopy.
Baby Trend Mesa
Baby Trend offers one of the lowest prices of travel-system strollers. Despite is low price, it received positive reviews overall from Amazon, Target and Walmart buyers, who say its lightweight, small design makes it easy to use and fold, although several users said that the wheels came off after only using it a short time.
