What is a baby stroller frame?
A stroller frame is a stroller with a metal frame that is designed specifically for infant car seats. It is very lightweight with an average weight of 12 lbs (5.44 kg) and easy to fold. Stroller frames for car seats are usually used when you need to move your sleeping baby around without waking him up, or if you use a car often and don’t want to carry a heavy infant car seat. Simply click it into a car seat stroller frame and you are good to go.
What is the difference between stroller frames for car seats and stroller travel systems?
While the stroller frame allows you to carry a car seat only, the travel system is a multi-set that contains a stroller, an infant car seat, and sometimes a bassinet. The biggest advantage of the travel system is that there is a huge range of them. Since the infant car seat is included, you can rest assured that everything will work together in a combination.
You have to be careful when choosing stroller frames for car seats or stroller travel systems. Pay close attention to the car seat compatibility. Some strollers are compatible with certain infant car seat brands, some provide adapters additionally.
Of course, the major advantage of the car seat stroller frame is its weight. It should be at least twice lighter than the entire travel system. Also, the stroller travel system will last you years and convert as your child grows. A car seat with a stroller frame is intended to be used up to nine months of age right until your child outgrows the infant car seat.
Lastly, stroller travel systems usually provide all the adapters and additional accessories in the set since travel system strollers are usually feature-packed. On top of that, nowadays we have got amazing solutions on the market with one-hand fold, hidden cup holders, front trays, and fully reclining seats for newborn babies. Stroller frames for car seats do not include any additional features, except for some models that we will discuss below, such as a cup holder and storage basket.
Read More: The best stroller travel systems
When can my baby use the frame stroller?
A universal stroller frame is a bare-bones metal stroller where an infant car seat locks into. It can only be used with a bucket seat. Stroller frames for car seats will last your baby from birth until 12-15 months of age, with a maximum weight of 13 kg for most baby car seats. In reality, your baby may outgrow the infant car seat group 0+ at the age of 9 months or even slightly earlier.
Why frame stroller?
Many of you will wonder why you need a frame stroller when you can get the whole travel system and more? Well, the stroller competition is massive out there. You simply can find a better option that doesn’t suit or is not compatible with your infant car seat. For example, you are a jogger and wish to use a professional jogging stroller after your child turns six months of age. In this case, getting a lightweight cheap stroller frame for up to $50 sounds like a brilliant idea. Or you have decided to use a specific make of a travel buggy that simply doesn’t match your infant car seat.
It can also turn out to be extremely convenient if you want:
- Something cheap that can be used occasionally during your travels
- Something extremely convenient and lightweight
- Or you haven’t decided on your perfect stroller yet and how much you would use it.
What should you look for in stroller frames for car seats?
- Car seat compatibility. Some of the frame strollers are compatible with specific car seats, but some offer additional adapters. Every model we will discuss today will include this information for your reference.
- Maneuverability
- Metal Frame
- Frame locks
- All-wheel brakes
- Front wheels swivel
- Car seat attachment or click-in system
- Bumper bar
- Additional accessories, such as a cup holder, child tray, canopy, hand brake, etc. It is also recommended to have a strap-in system to harness the car seat to a stroller frame.
The best stroller frames for car seats
Image | Name | Weight | Age/weight limit | Buy Now |
 | Chicco KeyFit Caddy | 11.20 lbs | birth - 30 lbs (13.60 kg) | |
 | Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier | 14.12 lbs | birth - 30 lbs (13.60 kg) | |
 | GB Pockit Go Infant Car Seat Carrier | 10 lbs | birth - 30 lbs (13.60 kg) | |
 | Maxi-Cosi Maxi-Taxi Car Seat Carrier | 15 lbs | birth - 30 lbs (13.60 kg) | |
 | Joovy Twin Roo+ | 31 lbs | birth - 95 lbs (43.09 kg) |
Chicco KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller
Chicco KeyFit Caddy is the lightest frame stroller designed to simplify those first few months with a baby. At only eleven pounds, the KeyFit Caddy is a breeze to maneuver with front swivels, all-wheel suspension, and toe-tap locking rear brakes. The frame also folds compactly with one hand and stands on its own for easier maneuvering and storage.
Technical details:
- Stroller weight: 11.20 lbs (5.80 kg)
- Stroller Dimensions: 37.2 x 20 x 35.5 inches
- Weight limit: birth up to 30 lbs (13.60 kg)
Car seat compatibility:
- All KeyFit infant car seats
- All Fit2 infant car seats
Additional features:
- Parent tray with two cup holders and storage compartment
- One-hand, free-standing fold
- Oversized, expandable basket with front and rear access
- Padded handle with four height positions
- All-wheel suspension
- Front-wheel swivels
- Toe-tap rear brakes for parking
Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier
Baby Trend Snap-N-Go is a universal stroller frame for car seat which is cheap, light, and goes with every infant car seat. This is exactly what you need when you are searching for a stroller frame. If you plan to purchase a frame to use occasionally for travels, Baby Trend Snap-N-Go is the perfect solution for you.
Technical details:
- Stroller weight: 14.12 lbs (6.40 kg)
- Stroller Dimensions: 36.75 x 24.5 x 40 inches
- Weight limit: birth up to 30 lbs (13.60 kg)
Car seat compatibility:
- All Baby Trend Snap-N-Go infant car seats
- Baby Jogger City Go
- Chicco Keyfit
- Goodbaby Asana 35
- Graco SnugRide 30/35
- Evenflo Embrace 35/ Litemax 35
- Maxi-Cosi Mico Max
- Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35
- Safety 1st onBoard 35
- UPPA Baby Mesa
For information on compatibility, please check here.
Additional features:
- Two-cup holder parent tray and storage compartment
- One-hand fold
- Large storage basket
- Rear wheels with brakes
GB Pockit Go Infant Car Seat Carrier
GB Pockit Go is the most compact infant car seat carrier among all stroller frames for car seats. It weighs only 10 lbs (4.53 kg) and easily folds to fit in the overhead plane compartment, so if you are about to rake a flight, this frame stroller may be a great choice.
Technical details:
- Stroller weight: 10 lbs (4.53 kg)
- Stroller Dimensions: 28 x 17.5 x 39.8 inches
- Weight limit: birth up to 30 lbs (13.60 kg)
Car seat compatibility:
- Cybex
- Nuna PIPA
- Maxi-Cosi Mico 30
Note: The necessary adapters included.
Additional features:
- Folds into a handbag-size package in seconds with car seat adapters included
- Fit the overhead compartment of the plane or train
- Self-standing fold
- Storage basket
Maxi-Cosi Maxi-Taxi Car Seat Carrier
Maxi-Cosi frame stroller is the perfect lightweight solution that lets you keep your infant snuggly in their car seat as you transfer them to the stroller frame. The wheels on the Maxi-Taxi let you maneuver through your day with ease. A storage basket gives you a place for larger items, while the three-compartment, zip-to-close Parent Tray attaches between the handlebars letting you keep smaller items close by.
The downside of this stroller frame is that it is quite expensive (along with GB Pockit Go) compared to its competitors, exceeding the $100 mark. But we all know, Maxi-Cosi is all about quality and fantastic style.
Technical details:
- Stroller weight: 15 lbs (6.80 kg)
- Stroller Dimensions: 40 x 15.5 x 34 inches
- Weight limit: birth up to 30 lbs (13.60 kg)
Car seat compatibility:
- Maxi-Cosi Mico infant car seats
Additional features:
- Easy quick fold
- Parent cup holder and a three-compartment zip-to-close parent tray
- Storage basket for larger items
Joovy Twin Roo+
Joovy Twin Roo+ is the only stroller frame available for twins. You can attach two car seats in one click. Joovy Twin Roo+ is compatible with a variety of infant car seats, and it mounts the infant car seats sideways and in the same or opposite directions giving you easy access to your children without the stroller handle or second car seat getting in your way.
Its unique design provides a smaller wheelbase for super maneuverability and easy handling. The frame is wider by design to provide maximum stability for your babies. Joovy Twin Roo+ uses a simple click-in design and releases with the manufacturer car seat’s release lever.
Technical details:
- Stroller weight: 31 lbs (14.06 kg)
- Stroller Dimensions: 32.5 x 30 x 41.8 inches
- Weight limit: birth up to 95 lbs (43.09 kg)
Car seat compatibility:
Note: Car seat adapters sold separately.
Additional features:
- One-hand fold
- Parent tray with four cup holders for bottles and beverages
- Oversized storage basket
- A lightweight frame
- Front swivel wheel locks
- Rear-wheel brakes
- Front-wheel suspension
- Easy access to both babies
Have you chosen your car seat stroller frame yet?
Share with us which one it is and enjoy the time out with your baby!
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