Best Infant Carrier Reviews

Baby Strollers Reviews 2013

Having a baby means having to purchase and acquire lots of gear to handle said baby. One essential item is a car seat and another essential item is a stroller. Although there are travel systems which include a stroller and a car seat combo, there are times when parents might not know what kind of stroller they would like to have by the time baby is born. But there still needs to be a way for parents to cart their babies around in the meantime. A good option is to buy a stroller frame.

What is a Stroller Frame and What Features Do They Offer?

Stroller frames are kind of like stroller skeletons. They have no seat or padding so they are super lightweight and they fit infant car seats quite well.

Don't think that because you are buying a stroller frame that you will not get very many features. Many good stroller frames come with adjustable handles to get to the height that is most comfortable for you. They often have cup holders and storage options like a small compartment on the handlebar, or a storage basket underneath. I personally like a stroller frames because they take up much less room in the trunk of my car. You will also be glad to know that many frames feature a one handed fold design. Some even come with the ability to stay standing after being folded up so you don't need to bend over at all.

The downside to having a stroller frame is the fact that once your baby grows out of the infant car seat you will then be unable to use the stroller frame. But this can give you some time to shop around for the perfect stroller that you will use when your baby is older. Some of them come with a locking feature that makes a clicking sound when the car seat is in place. However, others have straps that you hook to the car seat to that keeps it connected to the stroller frame. I tend to lean more toward a locking mechanism because there are no extra pieces to worry about and they are much quicker. The stroller frames that have straps can often get caught in the hinges when you are opening and closing the stroller. Either design will work just as well and you will find that it can be very easy to get around in one of these.

Baby Trend Snap N Go Stroller

Take a look at this Baby Trend Snap N Go Stroller. This device turns your infant car seat into a stroller quite easily. It will accommodate all Baby Trend and most other brands of infant car seats. It folds up very smoothly and easily, and it only weighs 14.2 pounds.

The basket underneath is quite adequate to hold all of your gear. The front wheels swivel and lock as needed, with brakes on the rear wheels. There are straps to attach to your car seat and keep it secure on the frame.

The handlebar is adjustable for a comfortable height, and features a small storage area with cup holders. I have noticed that the cup holders are not quite as deep as I would like, but they seem to work OK.

This frame does fold opened and closed pretty easily but it does require two hands. This frame handles very well on smooth surfaces but bumpy grass or gravel. It will still roll but it's not a very smooth ride that I have noticed. If all you plan to use it for walks around the neighborhood or shopping, this makes a great choice.

Joovy Roo Car Seat Seat Stroller

Next up is the Joovy Roo Car Seat Seat Stroller. This stroller frame is a bit heavier at 16 pounds, but it seems to be made with more durable materials. It also has a much wider design so you have more stability while pushing it.

I love that it includes a side mount which gives you access without the stroller handle getting in your way. The front wheels swivel and lock as well and the brakes are in the back. It features a one handed fold, and a decent sized basket underneath.

I have noticed that this stroller frame rolls much well over rough surfaces. It works with Chicco, Graco and Peg Perego infant car seats. For parents, you get 2 cup holders and a small space to store small items.

This storage space is uncovered just so you are aware. The cup holders are located toward the bottom of the stroller frame which is of little bit unusual since many other stroller frames have the cup holders near the top of the handle. I haven't found this to be a problem at all though. Overall, this makes a great choice.

Jeep Universal Cruiser Car Seat

Now take a look at this Jeep Universal Cruiser Car Seat. This is a little bit more affordable than some of the others we are reviewing. Which is just great because it is one of my favorites. It is one of the most lightweight stroller frames that I have used at only 12 pounds.

It features a one handed fold for convenience. I like that the tray on the handlebars with the cup holders is removable. That has made it very easy to clean when sticky soda has spilled down inside.

The cup holders are also a bit shallower than I prefer, but it might not be an issue for you. The front wheels swivel and lock as needed, but also include more shock absorbing functionality than many others I've used.

Because of this, I have tested it on all kinds of different terrain. It holds up very well on bumpy surfaces like small gravel or asphalt And does an OK job on grass. This will fit many different brands of car seats, but you should do a bit more research or call the manufacturer to make sure that your car seat will fit.

Assembly was quite easy and did not take much effort at all. This frame also features straps two connects to your car seats to keep it in place. For extra storage it includes two small pouches on each side of the stroller frame.

Orbit Baby Stroller Frame G2

Because of the way the infant car seat can face me instead of sideways, I really like the Orbit Baby Stroller Frame G2. Actually, the baby seat can rotate 360° to face any direction you like.

This is quite handy when you are outside and the angle of the sun changes as you move around, or you find wind is an issue. In terms of a smooth ride, this has got to be the best. I can take this over gravel, grass and bumpy surfaces just like any other normal stroller.

It features a one handed compact three D fold which is super easy. It literally takes about 2 seconds to open up or fold down. The handlebars are adjustable as well and it has a cargo potty diaper bag underneath.

There are three different colors of diaper bag underneath the stroller frame for you to choose from. This one weighs in at 16 pounds which is a bit more than some of the others but it rides so smooth, and is so easy to use that the weight does not bother me at all.

It is made with an aerospace grade aluminum frame that makes it both strong and lightweight. The only drawback to this is that it is quite pricey. If you can afford it you will absolutely love it though.

Safety 1st Clic It Infant Seat Carrier

The last one we are looking at here is the Safety 1st Clic It Infant Seat Carrier. I’m actually surprised that this amazing stroller frame is as affordable as it is. You can choose a pink frame, a blue one, a green one, or a purple one.

It features a one handed fold design that stays standing when folded. This one weighs in at just over 16 pounds as well. The basket underneath is actually larger than many others I have found. The parent tray includes a storage space and a two deep cup holders. With this car seat frame you never need to worry about straps, it simply clicks in loudly to let you know that your child is secured.

An added feature that I have not seen on any other styles is a stretch canopy for more protection in bad weather or sunny afternoons. Steering is not quite as smooth as others I have tried but it is adequate for use on smooth surfaces. If you find you have any issues with the wheels not turning well, add a bit of oil and it should be just fine.

The wheels on this stroller frame do not do well on rough terrain though. I have noticed though that it is actually a lot easier to access items in the basket underneath while the car seat is installed. For a family on a budget this is an excellent choice.