5 Lightweight Stroller Tips From The Professionals
From Shiapedia
Why Buy a Lightweight Stroller?
A lightweight stroller is a great option for parents who appreciate mobility, flexibility and price. It's a great option for parents who experience back pain while pushing or dragging an extremely heavy stroller.
During our stroller testing we looked at a variety of lightweight strollers. We examined the following characteristics:
Easy to Assemble
A stroller that is light in weight is a great option for parents who are constantly in motion. They are designed to be fast and easy to set up and fold up, carry and put away. Many of them also have an extendable canopy that protects your child from the elements of rain and sun. They are perfect for navigating busy streets, crowded malls, and public transportation.
It is essential to consider the weight and age of the stroller when choosing one. Most single-seat lightweight strollers are designed for kids up to 55 pounds. They typically don't have room for infant car seats, though some do allow to include a bassinet-style seat for infants who are unable to sit up. Look for a twin stroller with an expansive canopy, a reclining seat, and ample padding.
Some lightweight strollers are assembled when they arrive in the box. This makes them simple to use. Some strollers that are lightweight like the Contours Itsy are only 12.3 pounds and fold easily by pressing the button. Additionally, this light stroller can be easily carried using a padded strap attached to the back of the seat.
The Thule Shine is another lightweight stroller that includes a lot of the features you'd want in a stroller, including an easy-to-use recline feature and a large canopy with UPF 50+ protection. We particularly liked the fact the fact that it can be used for newborns when you purchase a separate Newborn Pack. The telescoping handlebar is super simple to adjust and can be pram set up to different heights. The stroller is packed with storage space, including a big front pocket and an under-seat basket that has zippers that can hold 12.5 pounds.
Although this stroller isn't the most expensive in our tests, it does come with many features that are suitable for parents. It comes fully assembled, has an easy-to-use recline mechanism, and can be tucked away in the overhead bins of many airplanes. The only drawback is that it doesn't include a leg rest to help your child and the storage space on board is smaller than our other lightweight stroller alternatives.
Easy to Fold
The strollers that are lightweight are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the model. A few of our top choices come with the simple one-handed folding system and others feature a multi-position reclining seat or a canopy extendable that protects your child from sun and the wind. Some of the best strollers come with an adjustable strap for carrying and an enormous storage area beneath the wheels.
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is one of the most simple models to fold. It can be folded with one hand and even when your child is in the room (although this isn't recommended). It unfolds fast too and comes with an adjustable handle in case you and your child are different heights. The flat overhead sun shade does little to block the sun's rays, however and the undercarriage doesn't have as much space as some other strollers.
For a compact stroller that's also suitable for traveling then look no further than the Silver Cross Jet 4. It folds up into small, compact packages that can be carried like a suitcase and fit in most airplane overhead bins. The stroller can be sat on with an adjustable strap or handle, which makes it a comfortable choice for long walks. The Jet 4 is a bit on the pricey side, but it's packed with features that are suitable for parents such as a deep recline and UPF 50+ canopy.
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is another great travel stroller. It folds up into a triangle shape and is about the size of a backpack for a baby. It has enough storage for an extra weekender bag and a diaper bag and an extra pocket for the back. There are two cup holders for parents. The only drawback is that the G-Luxe doesn't offer the full recline, nor does it have a convenient carry strap however it's an excellent option for families on the move.
The Cybex Libelle is the most compact stroller (the full details) when it comes to folding. This stroller folds into a rectangular shape that's about as thin as a passport. As such, it can easily fit into a purse or backpack. It can also be rolled down airplane aisles, and is a great option for cabin storage, but it may not fit into the more compact overhead compartments of smaller planes.
Easy to carry
In addition to taking up less space in your car, light strollers are easy to carry and store using the help of a bag which makes them ideal for families on the go. Some fold as small as an umbrella, so you can tuck them into the corner of your trunk or in your diaper bag when you're not using them. Others have a handle or padded strap for carrying that can be easily slipped over your shoulder.
The most compact strollers can be folded into a rectangle and measure 12x14x7 inches. when folded. This is well within the carry-on restrictions of airlines. The Pockit is an example. It requires two steps to fold and requires two hands, but it's light enough that you can carry it like a backpack or tote. The Cybex Libelle is another compact alternative. It's a bit taller than the Pockit, and it folds into a rectangular form. However, it measures 13x18x7 when folded.
Lightweight strollers might not always perform as smoothly as strollers with larger wheels and more robust suspension systems, but they're a great option for navigating narrow spaces like airport terminals or narrow aisles on public transportation. They can be used on uneven terrain like cobblestones or sandy beaches. However your child is likely to experience more bumps and bruising than a larger stroller that has a serious suspension system.
The UPPAbaby Minu stroller is an excellent model of a stroller that is light that offers a lot of features for the money. Its suspension is able to cope with rough terrain. It has a good canopy however, it's not as big than our top pick. The recline mechanism is simple to use. It's not like the Yoyo2 or Munchkin Sparrow and weighs more than the Bugaboo Butterfly, so you might need to gate-check it on flights. It does come with an innovative feature, however it has a retractable footrest, which doubles as a handle when the stroller is folded.
Contours Quick Elite is another great option. It can accommodate 30 different car seat models (adapter required), or a child who weighs up to 50 lbs. It's not quite as light as some of our top options, but it's compact when folded. It also has an enormous under-seat storage basket large enough to fit an entire backpack.
Easy to store
Consider a stroller with the compact folding feature if you want something that is easy to store and transport. These kinds of strollers usually come with a stand that can be used to ensure it's upright when not in use. This allows you to easily place the stroller inside your trunk or backseat so that you can quickly access it whenever you need to.
Look for a lightweight stroller that includes bags or a carry bag. This bag makes it easy to carry the stroller on your back, which is perfect for airport security and other cramped spaces. This feature is particularly useful for those who plan to use a stroller with a light weight while flying, as some airlines require you to gate check the stroller.
The Contours Itsy is a great example of a babiie 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, a handlebar that can be adjusted for people who are tall or short as well as an ample underseat basket. However, it's not reclined and doesn't have an adult cup holder. It's nevertheless an excellent option if you want a lightweight prams travel system stroller.
When looking for a lightweight pushchair, it is important to consider the quality of the construction. You'll want to select one with a sturdy frame and high-quality materials that can endure wear and tear for many years. Look for a stroller with safety harnesses and wheels that lock.
Target offers a range of strollers featuring innovative features that will ease your life while on the move. These strollers are equipped with handlebars that can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of heights, as well as spacious storage baskets for purses, Pram diaper bags and weekender bags.
