It may seem a bit painful to drop $399 on a travel system, but the Chicco Ct0.1 Travel System makes it less excruciating. This model takes baby from car to stroller and looks good doing it.

The Chicco Ct0.1 Travel System includes a matching stroller, infant car seat and base. The stroller has all of our favorite features: a fully reclining multi-position seat, lightweight aluminum frame and a removable, fully adjustable canopy and weather shield. We were a bit dubious about the stroller's folding ability, which is marketed as a compact 3-D fold, but after a bit of trial and error, we find that it does fold as promised (it gets easier after the first time). The wheels aren't oversized, which was an initial concern, but the stroller does have adjustable all-wheel suspension that we find provides a comfortable ride. The stroller also has rear brakes that are effective and easy to engage. We also like the Chicco Ct0.1 Travel System's multi-adjustable handles. These handles, which are more limber than a yogi, can rotate 360 degrees and bend 180 degrees and have several height adjustments; you'll suffer no more aching backs from stooping over too-low stroller handles. The stroller also comes with a child's tray and a cup holder for parents, as well as a storage basket underneath the seat. It also has a long shelf life. The stroller can be used with the compatible KeyFit Infant Car Seat (which is included) or, for older children up to 50 pounds, it can be used on its own.

Chicco's KeyFit Infant Car Seat comes with a base that can be installed in-vehicle. We find that the car seat easily and securely snaps into the base. The KeyFit Infant Car Seat Base has a Lower Anchors and Tether for Children (LATCH) adjustment that requires only one hand to use; we like this simplified feature, although its ease of use can vary from vehicle to vehicle. For vehicles without a LATCH system, the base has built-in locks to keep seat belts secure. The base has two bubble levels to indicate correct installation, and we like the innovative spring-assist leveling foot that can be adjusted from either side of the vehicle to ensure the base is correctly installed. And, although it isn't a safety feature per se, we appreciate the base's smooth underside that won't damage vehicle seats.

When it comes to necessary baby products that promote a blend of safety, comfort and style, Chicco's KeyFit Infant Car Seat gets high marks. It has a roomy seat large enough for infants up to 22 pounds and energy-absorbing foam lining its seat interior, as well as a thickly cushioned seat pad made of Italian fabric. It has full-body insert with a removable head support for infants that we find goes above and beyond the infant support we've seen standard in other car seats.

The car seat may be drop-dead gorgeous, but we don't anticipate it will be easy to clean. Parents will appreciate the five-point harness with one-hand center pull adjustment, as well as the comfortable, cushioned carrying handle and generous adjustable canopy.


Pros: Complete baby gear system including a stroller, infant car seat and base, has plenty of extras and better-than-standard safety features
Cons: Expensive, car seat padding can be difficult to keep clean

Warranty
1 year, limited