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Stroller Travel Systems

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Mid-range
High end
$40
$280
$600
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In this review:
  1. Cheap Travel Systems
  2. Travel Systems Safety
  3. Travel Systems Reviews
  4. Stroller Travel Systems
  5. Discount Travel Systems Features Comparison Table
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Related Guides: Breast Pumps, Diapers, Double Strollers, Highchairs and Jogging Strollers

Stroller Travel Systems Weight and Size

One of the most common complaints lobbed at stroller travel systems is the weight of the buggy. Because these strollers are full-featured and must safely hold an infant seat, this is an issue that plagues both low- and high-end travel systems.

Most travel system strollers in the budget range weigh between 18 and 26 pounds and take on an additional 7 to 10 pounds when combined with an infant seat. Now add the weight of the baby, and you've got a lot of stroller travel system to push around.

The Graco Stylus LX and Quattro Tour Deluxe stroller travel systems score points for their sturdy build, but their 26-pound buggies are the heaviest models we researched. Still, parent reviewers say the pros of these stroller travel systems far outweigh their heft. The strollers included in the Chicco Cortina and Graco FastAction Fold combos each weigh 22 pounds. Weight specifications for the Safety 1st Saunter Luxe stroller are not listed online, but several posts at Amazon say the stroller seems very light. We did not find weight specifications for the Evenflo Journey 200 stroller travel system components, but marketing materials state the Embrace 35 car seat is 27 percent lighter than competing models.

These multi-functional strollers are definitely bulky. Widths range between 21 and 24 inches, and some consumers comment that the 24-inch Graco Stylus LX makes it hard to steer through narrow spaces. Even when folded flat for storage in the trunk of a car or standing in a closet or hall, travel systems strollers take up space.

Review continues below

To combat the size and weight issues, some consumers opt to purchase lightweight car seat strollers (frame minus seat) instead of, or in addition to, a complete stroller travel system. Of these, the Baby Trend Snap N Go (single starting at $55, Amazon; double starting at $70, Amazon) and the Graco SnugRider Infant Car Seat Frame (starting at $60, Amazon) are good options.

Stroller Travel Systems Longevity.

One realm in which cheap stroller travel systems may fall short is durability. If you plan to use all the components with multiple children or over the course of several years, you may decide it's worthwhile to invest in a top-end brand. If you envision your stroller travel system as a relatively short-term accessory, your dollars will be well spent on any of our picks.

by Raechel Conover (Google+ Profile)

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Best Discount Stroller Travel Systems

Graco FastAction Fold Travel System

 Read why »
Where to buy

Chicco Cortina Travel System

 Read why »
Where to buy

Good Cheap Stroller Travel Systems

Graco Stylus LX Travel System

 Read why »
Where to buy
 
 
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Don't Bother Stroller Travel Systems

Safety 1st Saunter Luxe Travel System

Users are moderately satisfied with the stroller but express concerns about the locking mechanism of the car seat. The Safety 1st Saunter Luxe system includes the Saunter Luxe stroller, Comfy Carry Elite infant car seat, and the necessary base. Read more »

 
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