7 Best Lightweight Infant Car Seats & Strollers of 2025

The Doona is nothing short of revolutionary — a true all-in-one travel system that redefines what’s possible for urban parents and frequent flyers. With its seamless car seat-to-stroller transition, you can go from vehicle to sidewalk in seconds, all without waking your sleeping infant. The 3-layer side impact protection, anti-rebound bar, and 5-point harness make it one of the safest rear-facing infant seats on the market, while the UPF 50+ canopy and ergonomic insert ensure comfort and proper spinal alignment from day one.

In real-world use, the Doona shines in tight spaces and on public transit, where traditional strollers and car seat combos become cumbersome. At 17.2 lbs, it’s on the heavier side for a car seat, but the integrated wheels and handlebar make it surprisingly easy to maneuver like a suitcase. It handles indoor floors and smooth sidewalks well, though the small wheels struggle on gravel or uneven pavement. While it folds compactly for a car seat-stroller hybrid, it’s not designed for overhead bins — a trade-off for its robust safety build.

Compared to the Graco Gomax Next Gen, the Doona prioritizes integrated safety and convenience over ultra-portability. Where the Graco folds smaller and fits in airplane bins, the Doona delivers unmatched in-motion usability without needing to transfer your baby. It’s ideal for city dwellers, ride-share users, and parents who value safety-first design and effortless transitions. For those willing to carry a bit more weight, the Doona offers a level of seamless functionality that no other system matches.

Meet the Graco Gomax Next Gen — a game-changer for frequent travelers who demand ultra-compact portability without sacrificing safety. This lightweight infant car seat and stroller combo folds down to nearly the size of a diaper bag, making it overhead bin friendly and perfect for plane, train, or taxi rides. The infant car seat is FAA-approved, installs in seconds with Insta-Install rigid LATCH, and supports babies from 4 to 30 lbs, giving you peace of mind whether you’re road-tripping or jet-setting across time zones.

Real-world testing shows the Gomax excels in airports and compact city apartments, where storage space is at a premium. The one-hand standing fold is smooth and reliable, and the stroller frame remains stable even when fully extended. While the car seat base isn’t included, the seat installs securely without it — a huge plus for air travel. However, the small wheels and minimal suspension mean it’s best suited for smooth surfaces; cobblestones and curbs can jostle your baby. The canopy offers decent coverage, but lacks a peek-a-boo window, a missed opportunity for parent-baby connection.

When stacked against the Doona, the Gomax trades integrated stroller functionality for true portability and airline ease. It’s not an all-in-one like the Doona, but it’s far easier to carry through terminals and store in tiny trunks. Ideal for jet-setting families, second-car setups, or caregivers who prioritize lightweight mobility, the Gomax delivers maximum convenience in a minimalist package. It doesn’t replace a full-featured stroller, but for travel, it outperforms nearly every other compact car seat and stroller combo on the market.

The Evenflo Pivot is a modular powerhouse that grows with your child — a rare find in the world of infant travel systems. With six configuration modes, you can start with the LiteMax infant car seat, transition to a toddler seat, or even convert it into a flat pramette for naps on the go. The stability base ensures a secure car seat install, while the large cruiser tires and all-wheel tracking make pushing over sidewalks and mall floors feel effortless. This system is engineered for parents who want long-term value and adaptability without switching gear every six months.

On testing, the Pivot proves its worth in both urban and suburban environments. The self-standing fold is quick and reliable, and the oversized storage basket swallows diaper bags, groceries, and even a compact umbrella. The reversible seat lets you choose between parent-facing for bonding or world-facing for exploration — a small feature with big emotional payoff. However, the infant insert is sold separately, which is a frustrating omission for newborns. And while the stroller handles well, the car seat itself is less compact than rivals, making it awkward for travel without the base.

Compared to the Baby Trend Passport Switch, the Evenflo offers superior build quality and smoother transitions between modes, though both promise versatility. Where the Baby Trend cuts corners on materials, the Pivot uses durable fabrics and robust frame joints that feel premium. It’s best for families planning extended use beyond infancy, especially those who value storage, stability, and long-term flexibility. With more features and better engineering, it delivers greater long-term value than budget systems, even if the upfront cost is higher.

The Baby Trend Passport Cargo is a budget-savvy workhorse that punches above its price point with thoughtful storage and smooth functionality. At just 7.5 lbs, the EZ-Lift PLUS infant car seat is one of the lightest on the market, making it easy to carry in and out of cabs or up apartment stairs. The stroller boasts a huge dual-access basket, a parent tray with two cup holders, and a UPF 50+ canopy — practical touches that make daily errands a breeze. Even the removable leatherette handle cover adds a touch of comfort often missing in budget models.

In real-world use, the Passport shines as a daily driver for cost-conscious parents. The one-hand center fold is intuitive and compact, and the stroller stands on its own when folded — a small but meaningful detail. The car seat installs with a base and includes a bubble level indicator, helping ensure correct angle every time. However, the frame feels less rigid than pricier models, and the smaller wheels transmit bumps more directly to baby on uneven ground. The canopy lacks ventilation, which can make it stuffy in warm weather.

Against the Chicco Bravo, the Passport offers more storage and lower cost but sacrifices premium materials and suspension. While the Chicco glides over rough terrain, the Baby Trend is better suited for smooth sidewalks and indoor use. It’s ideal for first-time parents, second cars, or caregivers who need a reliable, no-frills system without breaking the bank. For those prioritizing value and convenience, the Passport delivers solid performance at a standout price — a true budget champion in a crowded field.

The Chicco Bravo is a premium-tier travel system that blends Italian design with military-grade safety, making it a top pick for parents who refuse to compromise. The KeyFit 30 infant car seat is legendary for its SuperCinch tightener and EPS energy-absorbing foam, delivering one of the tightest, safest installs available. Paired with the Bravo stroller, which clicks in without adapters, the system offers seamless transitions and aircraft-ready portability. The one-hand smart fold stands independently, and the all-wheel suspension glides over cracks and curbs like a much more expensive stroller.

Testing reveals the Bravo excels in both safety and comfort. The multi-position recline lets babies nap comfortably, and the peek-a-boo window in the UPF 50+ canopy allows discreet check-ins. The large treaded tires handle wet pavement and gravel better than most competitors, and the storage basket is deep enough for groceries. However, the car seat is on the heavier side (12 lbs), and the stroller doesn’t fit in overhead bins, limiting its travel appeal compared to the Graco Gomax. Still, for everyday use, it’s a smooth, stable, and luxurious ride.

Against the Doona, the Chicco offers better suspension and stroller performance but lacks the all-in-one integration. It’s not as portable as the Graco, but it’s more durable and comfortable for daily walks. Ideal for parents who want top-tier safety, smooth ride quality, and long-term reliability, the Bravo stands out as a premium choice that balances luxury and practicality. With better materials and engineering than budget systems, it justifies its place among the elite infant travel systems.

The Shyft DualRide is a niche innovator built for the tiniest newborns and safety-conscious parents. With support for infants as light as 3 lbs, it’s one of the few travel systems designed for preemies or low-birth-weight babies, making it a lifesaver for early arrivals. The one-step transition from car seat to stroller is smooth and secure, and the removable carryall bag adds serious utility for long outings. But its standout feature is SensorSafe technology, which uses Bluetooth alerts to warn you of unbuckling, overheating, or extended buckling — a game-changing layer of protection for distracted or solo caregivers.

In real-world use, the DualRide feels thoughtfully engineered for safety and convenience. The nesting wheels stay clean in the car, and the Quick Connectors make installation fast and reliable. The stroller mode rides smoothly on pavement, and the removable cup holder is a nice personal touch. However, the stroller frame is narrow, which can make it tippy on slopes, and the canopy lacks a window, limiting visibility. The car seat base is sold separately, which is a frustrating gap for a system this advanced.

Against the Doona, the Shyft offers better infant accommodation and tech integration, but lacks the integrated, all-in-one elegance. It’s not as sleek, but it’s more inclusive and safety-forward. Ideal for parents of preemies, NICU graduates, or tech-reliant caregivers, the DualRide fills a critical gap in the market. With real-time alerts and ultra-early usability, it provides peace of mind no other system matches — a true guardian for vulnerable infants.