Essential things to consider when deciding which one is right for you

Universal car seat carrier strollers are simply stroller frames onto which an infant car seat can attach, resulting in something that is not far different from a travel-system stroller, only a lot more lighter and compact and a great deal cheaper. Universal car seat carriers can only work with an infant car seat so can only really be used while your baby still fits into this seat; usually a period of around one year. Top brands include Graco, Kolcraft and Maxi-Cosi.

Universal car seat carrier strollers tend to be very basic compared to full-featured strollers and travel systems. However, their main appeal lies in this no-frills simplicity itself and if you choose well, it is possible to get a stroller which saves you a lot of time and hassle. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a universal car seat carrier stroller:

1. Weight

Lightweight is one of the key selling points of these strollers with some models weighing as little as 12 pounds. Remember to account for the weight of the car seat when considering how heavy the stroller really is.

2. Compactability & Storability

Look for an easy folding and unfolding mechanism, preferably one that you can manage with one hand. The frame should collapse to a compact size which can be stored effortlessly in your car boot, while still leaving space for other luggage.

3. Car seat compatibility

If you are buying this stroller to use with a car seat you already have, make sure the two are compatible. Most universal car seat carrier strollers will work with most major car seat brands but if you have an older model, this may not be the case. If you are buying an infant car seat to fit the stroller, make sure that it has all the safety and comfort features you desire and that it fits your car.

4. Car seat attaching & detaching mechanism

Try installing and releasing your car seat on the frame prior to purchasing. This should be very easy and the seat should fix securely in place without the risk of detaching while you are on the move.

5. Safety

Look for rear-wheel parking brakes; these may be hand or foot operated. In addition to this, ensure that your infant seat adheres to safety regulations too.

6. Handling

Look for front swivel wheels which will give easy manoeuvrability in tight spaces. The stroller frame should fit through narrow spaces even with the car seat in place. Some models have adjustable handle-bars which can be optimized for different heights.

7. Comfort

In large, the comfort of a baby traveling in a universal car seat carrier stroller will depend on the quality of the car seat that the stroller is used with. Most stroller frames don’t even have sun-canopies so choose a car seat that has its own. Some models come with rain covers and parasols can be bought separately and attached to the frame. Selecting a model with wheel suspension will minimize the bumps felt by your baby so will ensure a smoother ride.

8. Storage

Most of these strollers offer a generous amount of storage space in under-seat baskets. Some have spring-loaded pull-down features so that they are easier to access when the car seat is in place.

Universal car seat carrier stroller frames are also available in twin or triplet models and are great for keeping the weight down when you have to cart around multiple kids. Starting at $60, they provide a cost-effective transporting solution for those who like to keep things simple.

Bringing you the highest standards in car-seat safety

IMMI, the manufacturers of Safeguard car seats have been producing child seats for over three decades and pride themselves on their high safety standards, so much so that they have their own in-house safety standards testing facility. Safeguard car seats currently come with an astonishing limited warranty of 7-years which covers them against defects in their materials or workmanship.

IMMI currently produce two car seat models; the Safeguard GO-Booster Hybrid and the original Safeguard Child Seat. Both these seats are front facing and are designed to be used for children aged one year or over, weighing a minimum of 22 pounds which in accordance with current safety regulations.

The Safeguard GO-Booster Hybrid seat is current IMMI’s most popular model and provides good value for money at around $150. It can be used as a conventional forward facing seat as described above, or as a backless booster seat for children weighing between 40 to 100 pounds and between the heights of 43 and 57 inches.

The key feature of this seat is it’s lightweight and portability. It folds away easily and can be stored in its handy carry-bag. It boasts top and bottom LATCH anchors which means that it can be installed easily; the manufacturers claim that this can be done in under one minute although in theory it does take a little longer than this especially on the first fitting. The top tether requires LATCH connectors to be present in the car but the bottom section can be anchored using a standard seat-belt.

The GO-Booster has an adjustable 5-point safety harness and meets and exceeds federal safety standards. The side protection is somewhat limited on the body section but side-wings provide a generous amount of side-coverage on the head-rest. Unfortunately, the seat does not recline but armrests are present to provide a little extra comfort.

The original Safeguard Child Seat retails at the heftier price of around $350 and can accommodate children between 22 and 65 pounds. It is ergonomically designed with shoulder pads and a height-adjustable head-rest. The seat is well padded with a super-comfy memory foam which guarantees a smooth ride for little passengers.

Safety features on the Safeguard Child Seat include the standard 5-point harness as well as a decent amount of side protection all the way around the seat. The frame is made of an aircraft-quality aluminum and it has a Smart-core to absorb energy in the event of a collision. This seat also supports a LATCH connecting system but a standard seat belt can also be used. Although it is still lightweight, it is not as easily transportable as the Go-booster and is beat being used in a fixed location.

Safeguard car seats are sturdy in construction and are manufactured to the very highest standards. In terms of safety, ease of use and comfort, they compare very well to other leading brands and with their generous weight tolerances, are likely to last your child a very long time.