Most frame strollers are intended to be used while your child is in an infant car seat (typically only up to one year old). For this reason, you value and longevity are important factors when looking at frame strollers. Additionally, certain frame strollers are only compatible with specific infant seat brands (or need extra adapters), so paying extra attention to those details will save you money and frustration in the end. We carefully considered car seat compatibility, design, ease of cleaning, and value when reviewing products. We’ve researched the best frame strollers for you and your family. One of the original frame strollers, the Baby Trend Snap and Go is our top pick because this frame stroller accepts the most brands of car seats. The way the stroller is built, there is a carriage frame that holds the infant seat and then the included straps help secure the infant seat to the stroller frame. At 14 pounds, it’s light, but not the lightest on the market. This stroller is compatible with common infant seat brands like Britax, Maxi-Cosi, Chicco, Graco, Safety 1st, Evenflo, and others. Two cup holders, a covered storage compartment, and a very large under-carriage basket provide new parents with plenty of storage. Price at time of publication: $140 Once folded, the stroller is able to stand on its own for easier, more compact storage. This frame stroller is designed for and exclusively fits the Chicco Keyfit infant car seat. Price at time of publication: $110 Parents love the two cup holders, storage compartment, and adjustable handle height along with the extra-large storage basket under the carriage. The FastAction, one-handed fold is quick and simple, and, once folded, the stroller stands on its own for easy storage. At 13 pounds, this stroller frame is an average weight. Compatible with any Graco Click Connect infant car seat, this frame allows the seat to be faced either out towards the world or inwards toward mom or dad. Price at time of publication: $100 At 15 pounds, some parents may find that this frame is heavier than others. It’s compatible with all Chicco Key Fit and Fit2 infant seats. Price at time of publication: $220 The frame is compatible with two Chicco KeyFit 30 car seats, and sold separately adapters make this frame compatible with 23 leading infant seats from brands like Britax, Graco, UPPA-baby, Maxi Cosi, and more. At 21.6 pounds, this frame isn’t exactly lightweight, but it does fold easily and includes four cup holders for drinks or bottles. Price at time of publication: $220 The all-terrain stroller boasts 16-inch wheels for an ultra-smooth ride. Alone, the stroller weighs 25 pounds and does fold into a compact size, but not as small or flat as traditional frame strollers. Price at time of publication: $650 Frame strollers are a great option if you haven’t officially picked a traditional stroller or simply need an option that’s convenient and lightweight for traveling. And the best part? Frame strollers typically cost less than a traditional stroller.
Extra Features
Because frame strollers are just that, a frame for a car seat to sit in, they may be lacking in the extra features category. Before you purchase a frame stroller, decide what features you can’t live without. Some frame strollers offer cupholders or storage baskets while others are bare bones and are designed to just get the job done. Consider your daily activities or where the stroller will be used and how often, and then decide if you need a bigger storage basket or can sacrifice on cupholders. There are also other features to be on the lookout for, such as brakes and maneuverability.
Compatibility
If you’re about to pull out your wallet to purchase a frame stroller, double-check that it’s compatible with your child’s car seat. With frame strollers, some only connect to the brand’s car seats while others are not brand specific and offer way more flexibility. There’s also the possibility of using a car seat adapter with the frame stroller. So, if your child’s car seat doesn’t fit with the frame stroller you’ve picked, check to see if your frame stroller allows for an adapter to fit another brand’s car seat.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. Her well-loved frame stroller that she used for her first two kids was discontinued before she could use it for her daughter. Since she had a garage full of strollers, she couldn’t justify buying another and added an infant seat adapter to a big stroller she already had. Depending on the frame stroller’s weight limit, they can last a child until one year old, or as long as they sit in a bucket car seat. They’re ready for use immediately after birth since you can lock in your baby’s car seat to the frame. Frame strollers are great to use once your baby is born, and are convenient because they’re lightweight, typically cheaper, and can still be used for a long time after birth. Of course, they can’t be used after a certain weight limit is reached, but all strollers have requirements. As for traditional strollers, they usually aren’t safe to use straight after birth, which means a travel system is required for potentially the first 6 months. They are more expensive, but they will be used longer than a frame stroller. Traditional options are also roomier and have more features, like several cupholders, large storage baskets, and sun canopy.
