Top Car Seats & Strollers

When it comes to choosing a stroller and car seat for baby, pretty much every parent wants functional options that are extremely safe—which is why we looked into the best of the best and asked a couple baby-gear experts to share their favorites. Save yourself time and take a peek at these top-notch strollers and car seats for your growing baby.

For babies 4 to 30 pounds

Why Julie McCaffrey, baby gear consultant and Chief Baby Planner at BabyNav Baby Planners, loves this seat: “Along with an anti-rebound bar, the Prezi touts innovative safety features like Air Protect side impact and G-cell technology, which surrounds baby with rebound foam to absorb the first impact. The easy-out and no rethread harness make this seat super easy for parents to use.”

To buy: Maxi-Cosi, $290

For babies 5 to 35 pounds

Why McCaffrey loves this seat: "The SnugRide has been a popular car seat among parents for many years for reason. This affordable infant seat is light, has a proven safety record, is easy to use and comes in tons of colors. This seat fits babies up to 35 pounds, which is a great feature as it is now recommended kids should stay rear facing until 2 years old."

To buy: Graco, $150

Rear-facing for babies 5 to 40 pounds

Why McCaffrey loves this seat: "In the Advocate 70-G3, Britax offers safety features in every inch of the seat. And, it's still easy to install and use. With True Side Impact Protection, a base with SafeCell Technology, integrated steel bars, HUGS Chest Pads and more, parents can feel confident heading out with baby in tow. To take some of the guesswork out, the Advocate features Click and Safe technology where parents are alerted when the harness is perfectly snug."

To buy: Britax Advocate, $275

For babies 9 to 40 pounds, or converts for toddlers up to 70 pounds

Why Denise and Alan Fields, baby gear experts and authors of Baby Bargains, love this seat: “This has ‘air protect’ side impact technology and works up to 70 [pounds] with a five-point harness. A convertible seat running at around $290 is great."

To bu: Maxi-Cosi, $290

For babies 4 to 30 pounds

Why we’re fans: There’s a 30-pound weight capacity on this seat, which combines a easy-to-use fit and fantastic crash protection. As one Consumer Reports user put it after a side-impact vehicle collision that totaled her car, you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind: “Our baby was checked out by the doctors and was perfectly fine. Needless to say, we went out and bought another [car seat] just like it.”

To buy: Chicco, $180

For babies 5 to 40 pounds

Why we’re fans: Secure your baby in tight with Evenflo’s SureLATCH, and feel good that your seat will last a bit longer with its high weight capacity and rear-facing look. This model also earned a Consumer Report best buy for affordability and functionality, so you’ll be in good hands. Although there were a couple complaints about the ease of installation, more than one reviewer claimed it saved their kids' lives in crashes.

To buy: Evenflo, $149

For babies 5 to 40 pounds

Why we love it: This stroller is not going to win awards for its cutting-edge gadgetry, but it’s a super-affordable option with a high weight limit, so you can continue to use it as your baby grows. It’s easy to use, easy to install and lightweight. If you’re on a budget, opt for this seat.

To buy: Cosco, $65

Jogger

Why McCaffrey loves this stroller: “The BOB Revolution offers the ultimate smooth ride for baby with ultra-padded seat cushioning, an adjustable suspension system and air-filled tires. The 5-point padded harness, wrist strap and easy-access foot parking brake ensures a safer ride. The pivoting front wheel allows for full maneuverability or offers the option to be locked for increased stability.”

To buy: BOB Revolution, $337

Everyday

Why McCaffrey loves this stroller: “This City Select is the latest from the Baby Jogger family of strollers with Quick-Fold technology that allows parents to fold the stroller with one hand in a simple step and has up to 16 unique seating combinations. Featuring 12 [inch] forever-air rear tires, 8 [inch] lightweight swivel front wheels with suspension, a large multi-position sun canopy, 5-point safety harness with buckle cover and hand operated parking brake, the City Select offers an easy and secure ride.”

To buy: Baby Jogger, $500

Double

Why McCaffrey loves this stroller: “The Navigator is fully adaptable to accommodate one infant, and then two children with a growing family. The inline design makes this stroller slim and easy to maneuver in the city, but the air-filled tires can take you onto any terrain. The tail-free, fully padded 5-point harness and the contoured and ventilated seat will ensure a safe and comfy ride for baby.”

To buy: phil&teds, $500

Everyday

Why Fields loves this stroller: “This new model features a seat that reverses and a universal car seat adapter, plus a generous canopy.”

To buy: Summer Infant, $329

Everyday

Why we love it: It’s hard to beat the price of this everyday stroller, which Consumer Reports gives high marks for maneuverability and safety. It folds easily, feels sturdy (which more than one user commented on) and is large enough to be a comfortable place for your child to spend some time. It’s big and may not be the best travel stroller, but for day-to-day use it’s a winner.

To buy: Graco, $110

Jogger

Why we love it: If you’re a runner, you will want this easy-to-maneuver stroller. One reviewer from Consumer Reports raved about the fixed wheel, which allows you to navigate difficult terrain or run in a straight line. Although the lack of a basket to store your belongings is one major downfall, the price certainly makes up for it.

To buy: InSTEP, $130

Double

Why we love it: Although it’s not car seat compatible like earlier Bumbleride models, and it is a bit pricey, the Bumbleride Indie Twin’s IT-512 model is still a sturdy, safe and easy-to-use option for a double stroller, according to Consumer Reports. It will last as your kids grow, has plenty of storage pockets and converts into a carriage.

To buy: Bumbleride Indie Twin, $730