WHAT CAR SEAT ADAPTER DO I NEED?
Travel systems are quickly becoming the go-to baby registry item. However, they can cause quite a bit of confusion, especially to first-time parents. What is a travel system you ask? GREAT QUESTION!! A travel system is a car seat and stroller combination that allows you to literally snap your car seat right into your stroller! It is convenient, super practical and incredibly versatile.
Let’s break it down:
IF YOU HAVE THE SAME BRAND OF STROLLER AND CAR SEAT:
OPTION #1:
Many manufacturers will sell complete sets. These travel system sets are already configured for you, typically with built-in adapters to attach to your infant seat. You just need to take your stroller out of the box (just like Xmas, YAY!) and assemble it. Then pop your car seat in and you are ready to roll, literally!
Check out our favorite travel system right now – the Britax B-Free Stroller with the Britax Endeavors Infant Car Seat.
OPTION #2:
Now, often times, only certain prints or fabrics will come as a “set” (boo!), but you can often buy the stroller and infant seat separate and still end up with the same set up in your travel system. This way, you can 100% customize your color combination choices, add a pop of color if you wish, and make a statement. In this scenario, your stroller and infant seat are still of the same brand so the stroller most likely has built-in adapters for your infant seat.
Check out the UPPAbaby Vista Stroller with the Mesa Infant Car Seat.
The bonus of buying a stroller and infant seat from the same brand is that they typically have built-in adapters so that your infant seat will snap right in, no additional adapter (or purchase) necessary.
IF YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT BRAND OF STROLLER AND CAR SEAT
Sometimes, you want a different stroller or infant seat than what is available. You want to make your own travel system. AND YOU CAN! These days, most stroller manufacturers will sell additional adapters (sold separately) that will allow you to match up your favorite infant seat and stroller and make your own travel set. In this case, your adapter will either screw in (on some older models of strollers) or snap into or onto the frame itself. Your infant seat can then be secured onto the adapter and you are on your way.
Keep in mind though that your car seat adapter will be the SAME BRAND as your stroller.
Our favorite jogging stroller combination right now is the BOB Alterrain Pro Jogging stroller with the Chicco Fit2 Infant Car Seat.
If jogging, or hiking, or off-roading isn’t your thing, or you need space for TWO infant seats – we LOVE the City Select LUX by Baby Jogger with the Britax B-Safe Ultra Infant Car Seat.
So, don’t be scared to go after what you want! Don’t be intimidated by strollers and car seats of different brands! Most likely, an adapter exists that can help you out. Keep in mind though that your adapter will ALWAYS be of the same brand as your stroller, and will be compatible with your specific car seat.
We are happy to help you navigate through the sea of car seat and stroller combinations. As a cheat sheet, all stroller manufacturers will have a car seat compatibility chart so you can see if your seat can be matched up with their stroller.
WANT MORE?
Here are a few other blog articles that may help answer some questions for you!
- Which car seat adapter do I need for my Britax stroller?
- What car seat adapter do I need for my BOB stroller?
- Which car seat adapter do I need for my City Select stroller by Baby Jogger?
- How to choose the best stroller for your family?
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Do the car seat adapters need to be taken off the car seat once car seat is back in the base unit inside the car or can they be kept on?
Hi! Thanks for reaching out! The car seat adapters stay on your stroller so your car seat just pops out of your vehicle base and into the stroller and vice versa 🙂