Best car seat ‘frame strollers’ that simplify things in the first year

A frame stroller (or stroller frame or “stroller frame for car seat”) is a lightweight, compact stroller that serves as a frame for holding an infant car seat. The frame stroller typically has wheels, storage basket, and a handle for pushing, and the infant car seat clicks onto the frame, making it easy to move from the car to the stroller. Using an infant car seat carrier stroller is economical and works best if you’re still not sure what stroller to buy.

Introduction to Frame Strollers

What exactly is a Frame Stroller?

Its a compact stroller (with just the metal frame actually) that can have a car seat perched right on top of the stroller chassis. It is designed to carry specific types of infant car seats. In order to use it, you need to separate the car seat from its base, snap it onto the stroller frame, and you stroller is ready.

The idea is that you can use the frame to easily transport the car seat and baby, without having to remove them from the car seat and transfer to a traditional stroller.

These are compact, easy to store, convenient for travel, and provide a practical option for the first six months. You may skip to the best frame stroller on Amazon.

It is still a Stroller?

Yes, it is still a buggy and among the cheapest of all the stroller types.

It features quality wheels and good suspension system, offering a smoother ride for your little one. On certain models, drink holders and/or parent console may also be included.

These strollers are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and foldable; these create a sturdy and safe base to hold your infant car seat securely. Frame strollers also provide compact storage space at the bottom for your babies must-haves. These also feature padded handles for better grip.

Frame Stroller Features

Why should parents consider buying a frame stroller?

A Frame stroller simplify things for parents in the first few months with their new baby, and can be really useful to some parents.

A frame stroller is very convenient, especially when you need to move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without disrupting your little one’s sleep.

Another reason why parents buy a frame stroller is because they are undecided as to what stroller to buy, what will suit their lifestyle, and so on. Stroller frames are the perfect stroller to use for infants, till you figure out what stroller you want to buy that will match your lifestyle.

So the best option is to opt for a car seat stroller frame (chassis) that will help them get through the first 6-8 months or so, after which they buy the stroller of their choice.

Because frame strollers accept a variety of infant car seats, parents get the convenience of a full-size travel system stroller but thy don’t have to deal with the added extra weight.

Can any car seat fit the stroller frame?

There are several frame strollers that accept infant car seats of various brands. In some cases the car seat will click directly onto the stroller frame but in certain cases you will need to use a strap.

Because a frame stroller has a minimalistic design, it is dependent on the car seat to hold the baby. On an infant car seat carrier, the car seat is attached to the frame using one of these two methods:

• Click-in system: The car seat automatically latches to the frame, there is an audible click to confirm that the car seat is attached to the stroller frame. This method is simpler to use and more reassuring.
• Strap-in system: In this system, a belt or strap helps secure the car seat. This system allows the stroller to be compatible with several infant car seat models. However, this method is more cumbersome.

Read: Do Frame Strollers really accept all car seats?

How long should a baby stay in an infant car seat?

Most car seat manufacturers recommend a maximum of 2 hours in a day; keeping the baby longer in the car seat can put a strain on the baby’s spine which is still developing.

What is the infant car seat carrier weight limit?

The maximum weight limit for most infant car seat is around 30-35 pounds which is usually reached by the time the child is around 9 and 12 months. So, you can continue to use the frame stroller until this time.

What is a snap and go stroller?

Snap and Go is the infant car seat carrier from Baby Trend which allow parents to place infant car seat on carriage frame without having to remove the child. Just snap the car seat to the stroller frame and you are ready to go.

Top/Best Car Seat Frame Strollers

Here we take a look at Infant Car Seat carriers.

Baby Trend Snap N Go EX

You really don’t find a lot of universal frame strollers, so the Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier really stands out in that regard and it works quite well with most infant car seats on the market (Graco, Chicco, Combi, and more), including the Baby Trend infant car seats.

The stroller frame features one hand fold (activated from the fixed handlebar), a large storage basket, an adjustable handlebar, 2-cup holder parent tray, and a 5-point harness to secure the car seat in place. The Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX is a cost-effective solution for parents looking for a simple and convenient strolling option with their existing infant car seat carrier.

• Buy on Amazon

Chicco KeyFit Caddy

The Chicco KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller is designed for use with the Chicco KeyFit and Fit2 infant car seats with click-in attachment. It is a convenient and portable solution in case you already own the KeyFit car seat. It features a 5-point harness to secure the car seat in place, comes with a large basket, great suspension, and has a foldable design for easy storage.

For consumers new to the Chicco brand, you get a combination of affordability and functionality.

• Buy on Amazon

gb Pockit Go Infant Car Seat Carrier

The Pockit Go is an extremely light infant car seat carrier and collapses to a very small size, small enough to take along on plane or train, and easily fits into any overhead compartment.

The chassis of the gb Pockit Go accepts CYBEX, Nuna PIPA or Maxi Cosi Mico 30 infant car seat (using the included adapters). The carrier folds with the Car Seat Adapters attached and even self-stand when folded.

• Buy on Amazon

Strolyy umbrella stroller for infants car seat

Strolyy is a universal car seat carrier that has a universal fit for ALL infant-style car seats. This one is designed more like a chair, and does not look like the other car seat carriers here. The advantage is that it seems more stable and has more storage space underneath. It has the ability to collapse like a camping chair.

The downside is that, for the parent, the space between the legs and the stroller is reduced so it affects your walking pace.

But then, there are not many universal stroller frames out there; this one accepts infant car seats from most brands. With the Strolyy, you just have to pop it open, place the car seat in, strap, and go. And you can always use it as a shopping cart once your baby outgrows the infant car seat.

• Buy on Amazon

Maxi-Taxi Travel System Stroller Frame

The Maxi-Cosi Maxi-Taxi Travel System Stroller Frame comes with adapters that lets it accept Maxi-Cosi Micro and Prezi infant car seats, allowing you to create a compact stroller/travel system for your child. There is decent storage space underneath and on the handlebar, it comes with a cup holder. The only downside is that it comes with plastic wheels instead of rugged tire wheels, which means it works great on even surfaces but struggles on uneven pavements.

Buy on Amazon

Graco SnugRide Elite Stroller

The Graco SnugRider Elite stroller frame (Infant Car Seat Carrier) is made exclusively for Graco car seats. It works with all makes of Graco infant car seats (including both Classic Connect and Click Connect seats). The stroller frame features an adjustable handlebar, a 5-point harness to securely attach the car seat to the frame, a large storage basket, and features a one-step brake system. Its easy to push around, and easy to fold up and lift.

This stroller frame is best suited for parents who already own a Graco car seat, such as SnugRide which is available in various versions with weight limit varying from 30 to 35 pounds.

• Buy on Gracobaby

Chicco Shuttle Caddy Car Seat Carrier

Compatible with: All Chicco Keyfit and Fit2 Infant Car Seats (using click-in attachment)
Stroller weighs just 15 lbs.
Features include: spacious basket underneath, Parent tray with two cup holders, Toe-tap rear brakes. See PRICE on Amazon.

Best Double Car Seat Frame Strollers (for Twins)

Baby Trend Universal Double Snap-N-Go Stroller Frame

Baby Trend produce value for money products and this one is no different. The Baby Trend Universal Double Snap-N-Go stroller frame is a budget stroller. It features plastic wheels but it still performs reasonably well on most surfaces. It can accept any car seat onto its cradle-like frame.

The car seats do not “snap” onto the frame but instead you need to use a buckle which goes over the car seat to secure it and provide extra support. Considering the price of the product and its ability to accept varied infant car seats, and the features (one-hand fold, large storage basket), this one is a great buy.

• Buy on Amazon.

Joovy Twin Roo Car Seat Stroller

The Joovy Twin Roo Car Seat Stroller is compatible with a wide range of infant car seats with “click-in” functionality (adapters sold separately). It comes bundled with adapters for the Chicco Keyfit seats; adaptors for other brands of car seats are also available and they are inexpensive.

Compared to other models, the infant seats on this stroller have to be placed sideways which makes the stroller wider compared to most tandem strollers, which can be a problem when passing through narrow doorways and walkways. It can also be a challenge to store in the trunk of the car (please check specs).

However, its a universal stroller frame and quite sturdily built. The stroller features one-hand fold, large under seat basket with organizer, and 4 cup holders.

• Buy on Amazon

Frame Strollers: Factors to Consider

When looking for a frame stroller or stroller frame, here are some things to consider:

You must check and ensure the stroller frame is compatible with your infant car seat. Also, consider the reputation of the brand to ensure the product provides a nice experience.

The stroller must be well-constructed and maneuverable, it should be easy to push and steer, with wheels that can navigate most surfaces. Stroller frames are easy to fold and unfold, and the compact design makes it easy to store, even in car trunks.

Ensure that the stroller frame is safe to use, and has a secure and stable connection with the infant car seat. Since a stroller frame need to be safe, the best stroller frames meets the safety standards set by organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). It enables secure attachment to the infant car seat so that it stays securely to the stroller frame while in use.

These have sturdy construction and are made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use, have a wide base for better stability. In addition, you can also apply brakes to stop the stroller when necessary.

You must read the manufacturer’s instructions and label warnings carefully to ensure you are using the stroller frame safely and appropriately. Also, you must never leave your child unattended while in the stroller.

Parent goes from Baby Trend Snap-N-Go Double Stroller to BOB Revolution Duallie SE
Here’s a parent using the lightweight and inexpensive Snap-N-Go Double Stroller by Baby Trend. As you can see from the picture, the infant car seats (this one is a Baby Trend Flex Loc) rests on the stroller frame and are secured in place using a latching belt. The parent used this stroller regularly until the boys got too big to comfortably maneuver (around six months of age).

Parent upgrades from double frame stroller to double jogger

 

It is when they switched over to the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie Jogging Stroller, a much expensive option but lot more spacious, has reclining seats, has great suspension system and glides over the terrain. Its built sturdily as well, should last for years.