Why Buy a
Lightweight Stroller?
A lightweight stroller can be a great option for parents who value the portability, flexibility, as well as cost. It's also a good choice for those who may be experiencing back pain or other discomfort while pushing or carrying a heavier stroller.
In our stroller tests we compared a range of strollers that were lightweight. We looked for the following qualities:
Easy to Assemble
A stroller that is lightweight is an ideal choice for parents who are on the move. They are designed to be quick and easy to set up, fold, carry, and store. Some also come with an extendable canopy to protect your child from sun and rain. They are perfect for getting around busy roads, crowded malls and public transportation.
It is crucial to take into consideration the weight and age of the stroller when choosing one. Most single-seat strollers are designed for kids up to 55 pounds. Most do not accommodate infant car seats. However, some have the option of incorporating the bassinet type seat for infants who are unable to sit upright. Look for a stroller with a large canopy and a reclining seat and plenty of padding.
Some lightweight strollers come fully assembled 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 the button. In addition, this lightweight 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 system and a large canopy with UPF 50+ protection. We particularly liked the fact the fact that it is suitable for infants when you purchase a separate Newborn Pack. The telescoping handlebars are easy to adjust and can be set to accommodate different heights. The stroller offers plenty of storage space, including a big front pocket as well as an under-seat storage basket with zippers that can hold 12.5 pounds.
This stroller may not be the most affordable however it comes with numerous features that are parent-friendly. It is fully assembled and has a simple one-button reclining mechanism. It is also able to fit in the overhead bins on many planes. The only downside is that it doesn't have a leg rest for your toddler, and the on-board storage is smaller than some of our other strollers that are lightweight.
Easy to Fold
Depending on the model you choose, lightweight strollers can fold up into different dimensions and shapes. A few of our top choices have a simple one-handed folding process, while others come with a reclined seat that can be adjusted in multiple positions or a canopy that shields your child from the elements and sun. The best strollers have an adjustable strap for carrying and an enormous storage area beneath the wheels.
One of the most basic models we've tested, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus folds with one 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 if you and your partner have different heights. The flat overhead sun shade does little to block the rays though and the undercarriage doesn't have as much space as some other strollers.
Silver Cross Jet 4 is lightweight stroller that makes an excellent travel option. It folds up into an incredibly compact unit that can be folded like a suitcase and fit into most overhead bins of airplanes. The stroller can be carried using an adjustable strap or handle, making it a comfortable choice for long walks. The Jet 4 stroller is on the more expensive side, however it comes with a variety of features that parents will appreciate. These include a deep recline and UPF 50+ canopy, and the strap is padded.
Another excellent travel stroller is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe, which folds into a triangular form and is about as small as a backpack for babies. It's got plenty of storage space for diaper bags and weekender
pram bags, with a back pocket and two cup holders for parents. The G-Luxe is only limited by the fact that it doesn't fully recline and doesn't have a practical strap for carrying. It's nevertheless an excellent choice for families who are always on the move.
The Cybex Libelle is the most compact stroller in terms of folding. It folds down into a slender rectangle that's as slim as the size of a passport. It can easily be put into a backpack or purse. It can be carried along the aisles of an airplane and is great for gate-checking, cabin storage or even to store in the overhead compartments.
Take it with you easily
Lightweight strollers not only take up less space in your car, but are simple to store and carry using a carry-on. This makes them ideal for families on-the-go. Some fold down as tiny as an umbrella so you can put them into the corner of your trunk or into your diaper bag when not using them. Others have a handle or padded carrying straps that easily slips over your shoulder.
The smallest strollers can be folded into a rectangle, and measure 12x14x7 inches. when folded. This is within the airline carry-on limits. The Pockit is a good example. It takes two steps to fold and requires two hands, but it's so light that you can carry it as a backpack or a tote. The Cybex Libelle is another compact alternative. It is slightly taller than the Pockit, and it folds into a rectangular shape. Its dimensions are 13x18x7 when folded.
They might not roll as smoothly as full size strollers with bigger tires and more robust suspensions, but they're a great choice for maneuvering through tight spaces such as airport terminals or narrow corridors on public transportation. They can also be used on rough terrain, such as cobblestone roads or sandy beaches, though your child will probably get more bumps and bruises than a premium full-size stroller equipped with a robust suspension system.
The Minu stroller from UPPAbaby comes with a lot of features for the price of a reasonable. Its suspension is able to handle rough terrain, it has a decent canopy (though not as wide as our top pick) and the recline mechanism is easy and simple to use. It's not as small as the Yoyo2 or Munchkin Sparrow and weighs more than the Bugaboo Butterfly, so you might need to gate-check it on flights. The stroller comes with a clever feature the handle retracts and can be used as a footrest when folded.
Another option that is great is the Contours Quick Elite, which can accommodate 30 car seats (adapter required) or a toddler up to 50 lbs. It's not quite as light as some of our top options, but it's compact when folded. And it has an under-seat basket that is large enough to hold an entire backpack.
Easy to Store
Think about a stroller that features an easy folding design if you want something that can be easily stored and move. They usually come with an upright that can be used to keep them upright when they're not in use. This makes it simple to fit the stroller into your trunk or backseat for quick access when you need it.
Another option to make it easier to take your lightweight stroller on the go is to look for one with a portable carry bag or pouch that is included with it. This bag makes it simple to carry the stroller on your back, which is perfect for airport security and other cramped areas. This feature is especially useful if you want to use your stroller's lightweight design on a plane, where many airlines require you to gate check your travel stroller.
The Contours Itsy is a great example of a lightweight stroller that's easy to carry. It weighs 12.3 lbs and has an easy, self-standing, one-handed fold. It also comes with a lively dual-wheel suspension, a movable handlebar that's ideal for tall and short people, and a generous underseat storage basket.