Are Lightweight Stroller As Important As Everyone Says
Why Buy a Lightweight Stroller?
A stroller that is lightweight is an ideal choice for parents who appreciate mobility, flexibility and price. It's also a great choice for those who may be experiencing back pain or other discomfort while pushing and carrying a heavier stroller.
In our stroller testing we looked at a variety of lightweight strollers. We evaluated the following features:
Easy to Assemble
A stroller that is lightweight is a great option for parents who are on the move. They are designed to be swift and easy to assemble, fold, carry, and store. Many of them also have an extendable canopy that protects your child from rain and sun. They are ideal for navigating busy streets, crowded malls, and public transportation.
When you are choosing a stroller with a light weight, it is important to consider its age and weight recommendations. The majority of single-seat strollers are made for children that weigh between 55 and 55 pounds. They typically don't have room for infant car seats, but some models allow to add a bassinet-style seat for infants who are unable to sit up. Find a stroller that has a large canopy as well as a reclining seat and plenty of padding.
Some lightweight strollers come fully assembled out of the box, making them a breeze to use. Some lightweight strollers, like the Contours Itsy are only 12.3 pounds in weight and can be folded by pressing the button. This stroller that is lightweight can be easily carried using a cushioned strap that connects to the back of the seat.
The Thule Shine is another light stroller that includes a lot of the features you'd like in a stroller. These include an easy-to-use recline feature and a huge canopy with UPF 50+ protection. We particularly liked the fact the fact that it is suitable for infants by purchasing an additional Newborn Pack. The telescoping handlebar is super simple to adjust and can be set for different heights. The stroller has plenty of storage space, including a big front pocket and an under-seat basket that has a zipper that can hold 12.5 pounds.
This stroller may not be the cheapest however, it does come with a lot of features that are parent-friendly. It is fully assembled and features an easy one-button recline mechanism. It also fits into the overhead bins of the majority of planes. The only downside is the lack of an extra leg rest for your child and the storage space on board is less than our other strollers that are light.
Easy to Fold
Based on the model you choose, lightweight strollers can be foldable into various shapes and sizes. Some of our top picks are easy to fold with one hand procedure, while others feature a multi-position reclined seat or a canopy that protects your child from the elements and sun. Some of the best strollers come with a carrying strap and a large storage area under the wheels.
One of the most simple models we've tried, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus folds with a single hand and can even be folded with your child in it (although that's not recommended). It also unfolds quickly and comes with a movable handle for if you're different heights from your companion. The sun shade is flat and doesn't really do much to block the sun's rays. It also has an undercarriage that is less than other strollers.
If you're looking for a stroller that is light and an excellent choice for travel then look no further than the Silver Cross Jet 4. It folds into an incredibly compact unit that can be folded like a suitcase and fits into most overhead bins of airplanes. The stroller can be carried with an adjustable strap or handle, which makes it a comfortable option for long walks. The Jet 4 stroller is on the pricey side, but it comes with a variety of features that parents will appreciate. These include a deep recline UPF 50+ canopy, and the strap is padded.
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is another great travel stroller. It folds up into the shape of a triangle and is as compact as backpacks for babies. It has plenty of storage space for diaper bags and weekender bags, with a back pocket and two parent cupholders. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't have the full recline, nor does it come with a carry strap that is convenient, but it's still an excellent option for families on the go.
When it comes to folding and carrying it's impossible to get more compact than the Cybex Libelle. It folds down into a rectangular shape that is as thin as the size of a passport. It is easily tucked into the bag of a backpack or purse. It can be rolled along the aisles of an aircraft and is perfect to check the gate, store cabin items or prams pushchairs prams even to store in the overhead compartments.
Easy to carry
Lightweight strollers not just take up less space in your car but are also easy to store and transport with a bag. This makes them ideal for families on-the-go. Some fold up as small as an umbrella, allowing you to store them in the corner of your trunk or even in your diaper bag when not in use. Some have handles or padded strap for carrying that can be easily slipped over your shoulder.
The smaller strollers can fold into a rectangle, and measure 12x14x7 in. when folded. This is within the limits of airline carry-ons. The Pockit is a good example. It takes two steps and requires both hands to fold, but it's so light that it can be carried as backpacks or a tote. Another option that is compact is the Cybex Libelle, which is slightly higher than the Pockit and also folds into a rectangle shape however it measures 13x18x7 inches when folded.
Lightweight strollers may not move as smoothly as full-size strollers with bigger wheels and more robust suspension systems, but they are an excellent option for maneuvering tight spaces such as airport terminals or narrow aisles on public transportation. They can be used on rough terrain, such as cobblestones or sandy beaches. However your child is more likely to experience more bumps and bruising than in a full-size stroller with a robust suspension system.
UPPAbaby’s new Minu stroller offers many features at a very affordable price. Its suspension is able to handle rough terrain, it comes with an excellent canopy (though not as wide as our top pick), and the recline mechanism is easy and simple to use. It doesn't fold down as compactly as the Yoyo2 and Munchkin Sparrow, nor does it weigh as much as the Bugaboo Butterfly. You may have to gate-check the stroller on flights. It does come with a clever feature, though it has a retractable footrest that doubles as a handle when the stroller is folded.
Contours Quick Elite is another excellent choice. It can fit 30 different car seats (adapter required) or a child who weighs up to 50 lbs. It's not quite as light as our top picks, but it's still compact when folded. It also comes with an enormous under-seat storage basket large enough to accommodate a backpack.
Easy to Store
If you're looking for a stroller that's easy to store and move, consider one with compact fold. These strollers typically come with stands that can be used to keep them upright when not in use. This makes it easy to fit the stroller into your backseat or trunk to make it easy to access when you need it.
Another way to make it easier to carry your stroller around on the go is to search for one with a portable carry bag or pouch that comes with it. The bag allows you to carry the stroller on your back, which is great for airport security and other cramped spaces. This feature is especially useful when you plan to take your stroller that is lightweight on a plane, as most airlines require you to gate check your travel stroller.
The Contours Itsy is a great example of a stroller that is light that's easy to carry. It weighs 12.3 pounds and features an easy, self-standing one-hand fold. It has a dynamic dual wheel suspension, an adjustable handlebar for short or tall people as well as an enormous underseat storage basket. It does not recline and has no cup holder for the parent. It's still a great option when you're looking for a lightweight prams travel system stroller, though.
When looking for a lightweight pushchair, you should also consider the quality of the build. You'll need to choose a stroller with solid frame and high-quality materials to stand up to wear and tear for many years. Find a stroller that has a safety harness and wheels that lock.
Target offers a range of strollers featuring innovative features that will ease your life when you are on the move. With adjustable handlebars that allow various heights to spacious storage baskets that can easily store diaper bags, purses and weekender bags, these state-of-the-art strollers provide unparalleled convenience.