8 Best Graco Car Seats and Strollers of 2025

If you’re after a no-fuss, featherlight companion for life on the move, the Graco Gomax Frame Stroller delivers with impressive portability and airline-ready compactness. Weighing in at just 13.1 pounds, this frame-only stroller folds down to a size nearly rivaling a carry-on suitcase—making it a game-changer for frequent flyers and urban dwellers alike. The one-hand standing fold and backpack-style carry eliminate the struggle of lugging bulky gear, directly tackling the pain point of parents juggling bags, babies, and boarding passes.

In real-world testing, the Gomax shines in airports and transit hubs, where its overhead bin-friendly footprint lets you breeze through security and gate changes. While it’s not meant for rough terrain—its fixed rear wheels and minimal suspension struggle on gravel or cobblestone—it performs admirably on smooth sidewalks and mall floors. The height-adjustable handle ensures comfort for taller caregivers, and the ability to snap in any Graco infant car seat transforms it into a makeshift travel system. Just note: you’ll need to purchase the car seat separately, and the lack of a storage basket is a noticeable omission.

Compared to the full-featured Graco Outpace LX, the Gomax Frame is the minimalist’s answer to mobility—trading ruggedness and built-in seating for unmatched packability. It’s ideal for parents who already own a car seat and want a light, secondary stroller for travel, not daily adventures. While it doesn’t replace a full travel system, it outperforms heavier frames in portability and ease of use, offering maximum convenience with minimal compromise.

The Graco Redmond Modes Pramette Stroller punches well above its weight, offering three distinct modes in one budget-conscious package that grows with your child from newborn to 50 pounds. Its standout feature? A true convertible design that shifts from car seat carrier to enclosed pramette to a forward-facing toddler stroller—delivering long-term value without the premium price tag. For parents seeking versatility without breaking the bank, this stroller solves the classic dilemma of outgrowing gear too quickly.

On the pavement, the Redmond handles daily errands with ease. The multi-position recline and reversible seat let you customize the ride—ideal for soothing a fussy newborn or letting a curious toddler face the world. The full-sized canopy with peekaboo window provides excellent sun protection, while the tray system with cup holders keeps snacks and sippy cups within reach. However, the plastic wheels and basic suspension make bumpy sidewalks a jostling experience, and the stroller’s bulk makes folding and storage slightly awkward in tight spaces.

When stacked against the Graco Modes Nest2Grow DLX, the Redmond lacks the luxury of expandability to a double, but it delivers core functionality at nearly half the cost. It’s the perfect pick for first-time parents or those who want a simple, no-frills stroller that covers all the essentials. While it doesn’t offer the plush ride of high-end models, its combination of affordability, longevity, and practical features makes it a standout in the mid-tier market.

For parents who want modular flexibility without the complexity, the Graco Modes Nest Travel System strikes a sweet balance between value, functionality, and ease of use. This 3-in-1 system seamlessly transitions from infant car seat carrier to pramette to toddler stroller, with the Slide2Me seat allowing you to lift baby to eye level—perfect for bonding during walks. The inclusion of the SnugRide DLX Infant Car Seat means you get a complete, ready-to-go travel system right out of the box.

In real-world use, the aluminum frame keeps weight down while maintaining durability, and the one-step self-standing fold makes storage a breeze—even with one hand free for baby. The extra-large storage basket is a standout, easily holding diapers, snacks, and a diaper bag. On pavement, the stroller rolls smoothly, though it’s best suited for urban environments rather than off-road trails. The reversible seat and multi-position recline offer customization, but the canopy could be larger for full sun coverage.

Compared to the Redmond Modes, the Nest adds premium touches like a leatherette handle and enhanced seat adjustability, justifying its higher price. It’s ideal for parents who want a long-lasting, all-in-one solution without jumping to the top-tier Nest2Grow DLX. While it doesn’t expand to a double, it offers the best blend of features, quality, and value in the mid-range travel system category.

The Graco Mode Nest2Grow DLX redefines what a travel system can be—transforming from a single infant stroller into a double stroller as your family expands, offering unmatched long-term versatility. With over 15 configurations, including infant car seat carrier, pramette, toddler stroller, and double stroller modes, this is the ultimate grow-with-you system. The Slide2Me seat lifts baby to three height positions, enabling face-to-face bonding—a feature that stands out in emotional connection and practicality.

In testing, the smooth-rolling all-terrain wheels and multi-position recline delivered a comfortable ride on everything from park trails to city sidewalks. The height-adjustable leatherette handle ensures ergonomic comfort for parents of all heights, and the spacious storage basket handles grocery runs with ease. While the stroller is on the heavier side, the one-hand self-standing fold keeps it manageable. The only real limitation? The carry cot and second seat are sold separately, which can add up quickly.

Next to the Modes Nest, the Nest2Grow DLX is the clear upgrade for growing families, offering future-proof design and superior adaptability. It outperforms the Outpace LX in configurability and the Redmond in longevity. For parents planning a second child or wanting maximum return on investment, this system delivers premium performance, unmatched flexibility, and smart engineering—making it the best overall choice despite the higher entry cost.

Built for the jet-setting parent, the Graco Ready2Jet Travel System earns its name with an automatic one-hand fold that collapses the stroller into a self-standing, overhead-bin-ready package in seconds. This isn’t just compact—it’s engineered for efficiency, with a 13.1-pound frame and airline-friendly dimensions that make it a top pick for hassle-free travel. The removable belly bar that doubles as a carry handle adds to the seamless transition from plane to stroller, solving the universal pain point of managing gear mid-flight.

On the ground, the Ready2Jet performs reliably on smooth surfaces, with a UV 50 canopy and parent cup holder adding thoughtful touches for daily use. The SnugRide Lite Infant Car Seat installs easily and is airplane-certified without the base, a major plus for flying families. However, the lack of suspension and small wheels make it shaky on uneven terrain, and the storage basket is on the smaller side—a trade-off for its compact design.

When compared to the Gomax Frame, the Ready2Jet offers a complete travel system with car seat included, eliminating the need for separate purchases. It’s not as rugged as the Outpace LX, but for travelers who prioritize speed, portability, and convenience, it outshines most in its class. With smart automation and true go-everywhere design, it’s the most streamlined solution for mobile families.

When terrain matters, the Graco Outpace LX All-Terrain Travel System rises to the challenge with never-flat rubber tires and ComfiTech in-seat suspension that smooth out bumps from park paths to gravel driveways. This is the rugged workhorse of the Graco lineup, built for parents who refuse to limit their adventures to sidewalks. The integrated SnugRide 30 Lite Infant Car Seat clicks in securely, creating a seamless transition from car to trail.

In real-world testing, the Outpace LX handled grass, gravel, and cracked pavement with confidence, thanks to its larger wheels and shock-absorbing design. The dishwasher-safe snack tray is a game-changer for messy eaters, and the full-sized canopy offers excellent coverage. However, the stroller is one of the heaviest in the lineup, making it less ideal for travel or public transit. The fold is compact but requires two hands, and the frame lacks the ultra-slim profile of travel-focused models.

Against the Ready2Jet, the Outpace LX trades portability for superior ride quality and durability. It’s not designed for overhead bins, but for suburban families, weekend hikers, or parents who value smooth rides over fold size, it’s unmatched. With practical, parent-friendly features and all-terrain capability, it delivers reliability and performance where it counts.

The Graco Modes Element LX Travel System hits the sweet spot between affordability and functionality, offering a 3-in-1 convertible design in a clean, no-frills package that appeals to practical parents. It transitions smoothly from infant car seat carrier to toddler stroller, growing with your child up to 50 pounds. The inclusion of the SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat means you get a complete system without extra purchases, making it a smart mid-range choice.

Performance-wise, the Element LX handles daily use with ease. The one-hand self-standing fold is quick and intuitive, and the leatherette handle adds a touch of polish. While it lacks the Slide2Me feature of pricier models, the reversible seat still allows for parent-facing cuddles or world-facing exploration. The ride is smooth on pavement, though the basic suspension doesn’t handle rough terrain well. Storage is limited—the basket is modest, and there’s no expandable option.

Next to the Modes Nest, the Element LX skips some premium features but retains core versatility at a more accessible price point. It doesn’t have the large basket or height-adjustable seat, but it covers the essentials reliably. For parents who want a dependable, mid-tier travel system without overpaying, it offers solid performance, simplicity, and long-term usability—making it the best mid-range option.

The Graco Gomax Next Gen Travel System is engineered for travel obsessives, combining an ultra-compact fold with aircraft-compatible design to deliver the most portable all-in-one solution in Graco’s lineup. With a one-hand standing fold and frame that collapses to diaper-bag proportions, this system is built for parents who fly frequently or live in tight urban spaces. The Insta-Install rigid LATCH system allows for base-free car seat installation in seconds, a rare and valuable feature for rental cars or grandparents’ vehicles.

In action, the Gomax Next Gen shines in airports and subways, where its lightweight build and overhead bin compatibility make transit stress-free. The airplane-approved car seat (without base) ensures safety mid-flight, and the stroller’s lean profile navigates narrow aisles with ease. On pavement, it rolls smoothly, though the lack of suspension makes bumpy sidewalks noticeable. Storage is minimal—there’s no large basket—but that’s the trade-off for its radical compactness.

Compared to the Ready2Jet, the Gomax Next Gen offers similar portability but adds base-free car seat installation, a game-changing advantage for travelers. It doesn’t have automatic folding, but its manual fold is just as compact. For families who prioritize travel readiness over storage or off-road performance, this system is the ultimate go-everywhere companion, blending innovation, convenience, and real-world practicality like no other.