A Step-By Step Guide To Selecting The Right Lightweight Stroller

Why Buy a Lightweight Stroller?

A stroller that is lightweight is a great choice for parents who appreciate mobility, flexibility and price. It's a great option for parents who suffer back pain when pushing or dragging the heavy stroller.

When we tested strollers we looked at a variety of lightweight strollers. We evaluated the following features:

Easy to Assemble

A lightweight stroller can be a great choice for parents who are constantly in motion. They are designed to be swift and easy to put together, fold, carry, and store. A lot of them come with an extended canopy that shields your child from the elements of rain and sun. They are ideal to navigate busy streets, crowded malls, and public transportation.

It is crucial to take into consideration the weight and age of the stroller before deciding on one. The majority of single-seat strollers are designed for children of up to 55 pounds. They are not designed to accommodate infant pushchair car seat seats. However, some have the option of incorporating an infant bassinet-style seat for babies who can't sit upright. Additionally, you should look for a stroller that offers plenty of padding in the seat, a recline mechanism, and a large canopy to shield your child from the elements.

Some lightweight strollers are assembled straight out of the box making them easy to use. Some, like the Contours Itsy, are rated at just 12.3 pounds and folds at the touch of the button. In addition, this lightweight stroller newborn is easily carried by a strap that is attached to the back of the seat.

The Thule Shine is another light stroller that includes a lot of the features you want in a stroller. These include an easy recline system that is user-friendly and a large canopy that comes with UPF 50+ protection. It was wonderful that the Newborn Pack can be purchased separately and used for newborns. The telescoping handlebars are easy to adjust and can be adjusted to accommodate different heights. The stroller also offers a good amount of storage space, including a big front pocket and a zipped-close underseat basket that can hold up to 12.5 pounds of equipment.

Although this stroller isn't the cheapest in our tests, it does have numerous features that parents will appreciate. It is 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 does not have a leg rest to support your toddler and the storage space on board is less than our other lightweight stroller choices.

Easy to Fold

The strollers that are lightweight come in a variety sizes and shapes, depending on the model. A few of our top choices come with a simple one-handed folding process, while others have a multi-position reclined seat or an extended canopy that shields your child from the elements and sun. Some of the top strollers for travel also come with a carry strap and an ample undercarriage to store things in.

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is one of the easiest models to fold. It can be folded with one hand and even while your child is inside (although this is not recommended). It folds quickly and has an adjustable handle in case you and your partner have different heights. The flat overhead sun shade isn't enough to block the rays though the undercarriage isn't as roomy as some other strollers.

For a lightweight stroller that's also suitable for traveling then 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 planes. The stroller can be carried using a strap that is cushioned or a handle, which makes it a great choice for long walks. The Jet 4 stroller is on the expensive side, but it comes with a variety of features that parents will appreciate. These include a deep recline UPF 50+ canopy and an adjustable strap.

Another great travel stroller is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe, which folds into a triangular shape and is as compact as a baby backpack. It has plenty of storage space for a diaper bag and weekender bag, as well as an extra back pocket and two cup holders for parents. The only downside is that the G-Luxe doesn't offer a full recline and doesn't come with a carry strap that is convenient, but it's still an excellent option for families on the move.

The Cybex Libelle is the most compact stroller in terms of folding. It folds into a rectangular shape that's as small as a passport. As such, it can easily fit into a backpack or purse. It can be carried along the aisles of an aircraft and is perfect for checking gates, cabin storage or even to store in overhead compartments.

Easy to Carry

In addition to taking up less space in your car, lightweight strollers are easy to carry and store with carriers, making them great for families who are constantly on the move. Some fold as small as an umbrella so you can put them into the corner of your trunk or into your diaper bag when not using them. Some have handles or padded strap for carrying that easily fits over your shoulder.

The most compact strollers can be folded into a rectangle that measures 12x14x7 in. when folded. This is well within the carry-on restrictions of airlines. The Pockit is an example. It takes two steps to fold and requires two hands, but it's so light that you can pick it up like a backpack or tote. Another option that's compact is the Cybex Libelle, which is slightly taller than the Pockit, and folds into a rectangle however it measures 13x18x7 inches when folded.

Lightweight strollers don't always move as smoothly as full-size strollers that have larger wheels and more robust 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 terrains that are rough like cobblestones and rocky beaches. However, your child is likely to get more bruises and bumps than a stroller of the same size that has a serious suspension system.

UPPAbaby's new Minu stroller is a great model of a stroller that is light that provides a lot of features for the money. Its suspension is able to handle rough terrain, it has an excellent canopy (though it doesn't have as much coverage as our top pick), and the recline mechanism is simple and easy to use. However, it doesn't fold like the Yoyo2 or Munchkin Sparrow and weighs more than the Bugaboo Butterfly, Top Prams so you might need to gate-check it on flights. The stroller comes with a clever feature it has a retractable handle that can be used as a footrest when folded.

Contours Quick Elite is another fantastic option. It can fit 30 different car seats (adapter required), or a child who weighs up to 50 pounds. It's not as light as our top choices, but it's compact when folded. It also has an under-seat basket that is large enough to hold a backpack.

Easy to Store

If you're looking for a stroller easy to transport and store, consider one with an easy fold. These kinds of strollers usually come with a built-in stand that can be used to keep it upright when not in use. This makes it easy to put the stroller in your trunk or back seat for quick access when you need it.

Another way to make it easier for you to carry your stroller around on the go is to search for one that has a portable carry bag or Pram Newborn pouch that comes with it. The bag lets you carry the stroller over your shoulder, making it easier to pass through airport security or other tight spaces when traveling with your child. This feature is particularly helpful when you plan to take your stroller that is lightweight on a plane, as numerous airlines require you to gate-check your stroller for security.

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 features a nimble dual wheel suspension, a movable handlebar for tall or short people as well as an ample underseat basket. It doesn't recline, and it has no parent cup holder. It's still a great option when you're looking for a lightweight travel stroller, though.

When shopping for a lightweight stroller, it is important to focus on the quality of its build. You'll want to choose the stroller made of top-quality materials and a sturdy frame, so it can withstand years of wear and wear and tear. Also, you should consider a stroller that includes a safety harness, lockable wheels and brakes to ensure your child's safety during outings.

Target has a variety of strollers that have innovative features that will ease your life moving about. These strollers are outfitted with handlebars that can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of heights, and spacious storage baskets for purses, diaper bags and bags for the weekend.