Lightweight Stroller Tips That Will Change Your Life
Why Buy a Lightweight Stroller?
A lightweight stroller is a great choice for parents who value mobility, flexibility and price. It's also a great choice for those who may experience back pain or other discomfort while pushing and carrying a heavier stroller.
During our stroller tests, we evaluated a variety of lightweight strollers. We looked at the following features:
Easy to Assemble
A lightweight stroller can be a great choice for parents who are always in motion. They are designed to be fast and easy to assemble and fold up, carry and store. Many have an extended canopy that shields your child from the elements of rain and sun. They are ideal for navigating busy streets, malls that are crowded, and public transportation.
It is crucial to take into consideration the weight and age of the stroller before deciding on one. Most lightweight single-seat strollers are designed for children of up to 55 pounds. Most of them do not have room for infant pushchairs car seats seats. However, some models have the option of incorporating an infant bassinet-style seat for infants who are unable to sit upright. Find a stroller that has a large canopy and a reclining seat and ample padding.
Some lightweight strollers are assembled right out of the box making them easy to use. Some, like the Contours Itsy, are rated at just 12.3 pounds and fold by pressing a button. Additionally, this light stroller can be carried using a padded strap that is attached to the back of the seat.
The Thule Shine stroller is a lightweight stroller with many of the features that you'd expect from the stroller. It has a large canopy and UPF 50+ protection. We especially liked the fact that it is suitable for infants, with the purchase of a separate Newborn Pack. The telescoping handlebar is super simple to adjust and can be set up to accommodate different heights. The stroller is packed with storage space, including a huge front pocket as well as an under-seat storage basket with a zipper that can hold 12.5 pounds.
While it's not the most affordable in our tests, it does come with many features that are suitable for parents. It's assembled and comes with a simple one-button reclining mechanism. It also fits in the overhead bins on many planes. Its only downside is that it does not have a leg rest to help your child and the storage space on board is smaller than our other lightweight stroller options.
Easy to Fold
Depending on the model that you choose, lightweight strollers can be foldable into a variety of shapes and sizes. A few of our top choices have a simple one-handed folding system and others feature the option of reclining seats in multiple positions or a canopy extendable that can shield your child from sun and wind. Some of the top strollers for travel also come with a carry strap and a large undercarriage for storage.
One of the most basic models we tested The Kolcraft Cloud Plus folds with a single hand and can even be done while your child is playing in it (although this isn't recommended). It unfolds fast too, and there's an adjusting handle in case you and your partner are different heights. The flat overhead sun shade isn't enough to block the sunlight, however and the undercarriage isn't as spacious as some other strollers.
For a compact stroller that's also a good choice for travel, look no further than the Silver Cross Jet 4. It can be folded into a compact unit and then rolled up like an ordinary suitcase to fit into the majority of overhead bins on airplanes. The stroller can be carried using a strap that is cushioned or a handle, which makes it a comfortable choice for long walks. The Jet 4 stroller is on the expensive side, but it comes with many features that are suitable for Twin Pushchair parents. This includes a deep recline, UPF 50+ canopy and a padded strap.
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is a different great travel stroller. It folds down into a triangle shape and is about the size of backpacks for babies. It's big enough to fit a weekender bag, Pram set a diaper bag, and a back pocket. There are also two parent cupholders. The G-Luxe is only limited by the fact that it doesn't fully recline and doesn't have a convenient carrying strap. It's nevertheless a great option for families that are constantly in motion.
The Cybex Libelle is the most compact stroller when it comes to folding. This stroller folds into a rectangle that's about as thin as a passport, so it's able to fit easily into a purse or backpack. It can be carried along the aisles of an aircraft and is ideal for checking gates, cabin storage or even to store in overhead compartments.
Carry it easily
Lightweight strollers not just take up less space in your car, but are easy to store and transport using a carry-on. This makes them ideal for families on-the-go. Some fold as tiny as an umbrella so you can put them into the corner of your trunk or in your diaper bag when not using them. Others come with handles or padded carrying strap that easily slips over your shoulder.
The most compact strollers can be folded into a rectangle that measures 12x14x7 inches. when folded. This is well within the airline carry-on limits. The Pockit is a great example. It is a two-step process and requires both your hands to fold, however it's so light that it can be carried as a tote or backpack. The Cybex Libelle is another compact option. It's a bit taller than the Pockit and can fold into a rectangular shape. However, it measures 13x18x7 when folded.
Lightweight strollers might not always perform as smoothly as larger strollers that have larger wheels and more serious suspension systems, but they're an excellent option for maneuvering narrow spaces like airport terminals or narrow aisles on public transportation. They can be used on uneven terrain, such as cobblestones or rocky beaches. However your child is likely to suffer more bumps and bruising than a larger stroller that has a serious suspension system.
UPPAbaby’s new Minu stroller offers many features at a very affordable price. Its suspension is able cope with rough terrain. It comes with a nice canopy however it's not as spacious as our top choice. The recline feature is simple to use. However, it's not as small as the Yoyo2 or Munchkin Sparrow and weighs more than the Bugaboo Butterfly, so you might have to gate-check it on flights. The stroller has one clever feature: a retractable handle that can be used as an additional footrest when folded.
Contours Quick Elite is another great option. It can fit 30 different car seat models (adapter required), or a child up to 50 lbs. It's not quite as light as our top options, but it's compact when folded. And it has an enormous under-seat storage basket large enough to accommodate the backpack of a child.
Easy to Store
Look into a stroller that has an easy folding design if you want something that is easy to store and move. These kinds of strollers usually have a built-in stand that you can use to ensure that it is straight when not in use. This makes it easy to place the stroller in your trunk or backseat for quick access when you need it.
Another method to make it easier to take your lightweight stroller on the go is to search for one with a portable carry bag or pouch that comes with it. This bag makes it easy to carry the stroller on your back, which is ideal for airport security and other tight areas. This feature is particularly helpful for those who want to use your stroller's lightweight design on a plane, where numerous airlines require you to gate check your stroller for security.
The Contours Itsy stroller is a excellent stroller that is lightweight. It's also easy to carry. It weighs just 12.3 lbs and folds up easily with one hand. It features a dynamic dual wheel suspension, a handlebar that can be adjusted for people who are tall or short, as well as a generous underseat basket. It doesn't recline and doesn't come with an adult cup holder. However, it's an excellent choice if need a lightweight stroller for your travels.
When shopping for a lightweight stroller, you should also focus on the quality of its build. You'll want to find the stroller made of high-quality materials and has an extremely sturdy frame, which means it can withstand years of wear and wear and tear. It is also recommended to consider a stroller that comes with a safety harness, lockable wheels and brakes to ensure your child's safety during outings.
Target has a variety of strollers with innovative features that can simplify your life on the move. These strollers come with adjustable handlebars to accommodate various heights, as well as spacious storage baskets for diaper bags, purses and weekender bags.