Strollers

Cybex Aton on Mamas & Papas Sola

For an easy-to-print PDF of the table below, CLICK HERE.

Below is a stroller – car seat compatibility chart – which is divided into three pages 1. Single strollers, 2. Double strollers, and 3. Double strollers that fit 2 car seats at the same time.  Please note, “snap n’ go” type strollers (i.e. metal frames with wheels that accommodate different infant seats) are not included in this chart.  All the strollers included in this chart can be used WITH OR WITHOUT the car seat – while snap n’ go strollers can only be used with the car seat.  

Here’s what you need to know before checking out the chart:

1. The chart is up to date as of 10/22/12 – and includes only the strollers currently available on the respective stroller manufacturers’ websites.  
2. The chart applies to the 2012 versions of the strollers listed – and not necessarily to older models with the same name as sometimes older models accommodated different/fewer/more car seats than the current version.  There were a few models that we have not confirmed for 2012 (you will see them highlighted in yellow on the chart) – the information provided for these yellow-highlighted strollers reflects the 2011 version of this stroller.
3. The chart only includes 4 infant seats (in alphabetical order): the Britax Chaperone, Chicco Key Fit 30, Cybex Aton, and Graco Snug Ride 35.  Why only 4 – and why these particular 4?  Here’s how we chose these 4 (trust us, it wasn’t random):
   1. These 4 infant seats are compatible with the widest variety of strollers 
      • You may wonder why the Cybex Aton says that it fits onto a particular stroller if there is a Maxi Cosi adapter for that stroller.  Cybex was very smart when they designed their Aton car seat and, knowing that there were many strollers worldwide that had Maxi Cosi car seat adpaters, designed the Aton to fit onto the Maxi Cosi adapter.  Since the Cybex has only been available in the US since May 2011, most stroller companies have not officially listed it as compatible with their strollers.  However, since it fits onto Maxi Cosi adapters, we have listed it as fitting on a particular stroller if there is a Maxi Cosi adapter for that stroller.
   2. These 4 infant seats are more likely to be used properly than other seats because:
      • They all have built-in locking clips for an easier installation with the vehicle’s shoulder/lap belt.  Why is this important if most cars have LATCH?  Glad you asked !  Since few cars allow for the use of LATCH in the center seat AND since the center is 43% safer than the side, it is best to have the car seat installed in the center using the seat belt – and a built in locking clip for the seat belt typically allows for an easier and more secure installation.
      • Due to the contours of their bases they can be installed securely in a wide variety of vehicles (can’t say that about many other car seats)
      • The harness straps tighten and loosen easily and the straps can’t get uneven.  When straps get uneven, as happens with many other car seats, it drives parents crazy and the kids typically ride around with straps that are too loose, which isn’t safe. 

Trying to decide between these 4 seats?

• If you’ll be using the carrier without its base – friends’ cars, taxis, travel, rental cars, etc – the Cybex Aton or Graco Snug Ride 35 is your seat as due to a European-style routing path for the vehicle’s shoulder belt it gives a more secure installation without its base than the other 2.  Note: installing the carrier by itself is VERY safe as long as it is installed properly – the base is not a safety feature, but rather a convenience feature.  
• If your baby weighs less than 5 pounds, you are in luck as all four start at 4 pounds (many infant seats start at 5 pounds).  Note: older versions of the Graco Snug Ride 35 started at 5 pounds – so make sure to check that the labels on the one you are using if your baby weighs under 5 pounds. 
• Putting the car seat behind one of the front seats and need as much room as possible for the person in front?  The Cybex takes up the least amount of space front-back, the Chicco 3 inches more than the Cybex, and the Graco and Britax 4 inches more room than the Cybex.  

For an easy-to-print PDF of the chart below, CLICK HERE.

Click on the tabs at the very bottom of the chart to switch between the list of single strollers, double strollers, and double strollers designed for twins (i.e. can take 2 infant car seats at the same time)

Disclaimer: this list is as accurate and up to date as we could make it – but PLEASE always double check with your stroller manufacturer before using a car seat on that stroller.

———–