Strolling in Style: A Guide to the Best Lightweight Strollers

Best Lightweight Strollers

Whether you are in the market for a traditional stroller or an umbrella stroller, one thing is clear, it needs to be lightweight.  This is because bulk is out!  In a world where everything is getting slimmer and more streamlined, there is no surprise that this motto is being applied to baby gear items.  While you may be attached to your traditional bulky stroller, there are some great benefits that come from having a lighter and smaller stroller.  Here are a few reasons why you should consider switching to one of the best lightweight strollers:

• Easier to lift:

The number one benefit that you will see from purchasing a lightweight stroller is the effect it will have on your body.  This is a great alternative for mothers who are still recovering from childbirth as well as parents who have back problems.  It may seem like a trivial thing when it comes to storing your stroller in your trunk, but a 20lbs difference will make all the difference in the world.

• Great for multiple children:

Chasing around one child is a challenge.  Chasing around more than one is a nightmare.  By using a lightweight stroller you can more easily wrangle in your children especially when the time comes to put the stroller away.

• Great for city living:

If you live in a city, you know the struggle of having to navigate through busy sidewalks and crowded streets while pushing around a bulky stroller.  A lightweight stroller takes all of the effort out of a long day out and will allow your child to have a smoother and more enjoyable ride.

What to look for?

If you have decided to give a more streamline and lightweight stroller a chance, there are a few things you should look for.  These tips and tricks are a great way to ensure that you have found the best stroller for you and your little one.

• Lightweight frame:

If you are wary about a lightweight stroller because you are worried about the frame, have no fear!  These strollers and manufactured out of strong and sturdy materials like aluminum that offer structure, safety and stability while still maintaining a light feel.  Not only do these special frames support your child, but they also do a great job of absorbing energy and shocks so that your little one can have a soft ride.

• Safety standards:

A lightweight stroller should never compromise general safety stands for weight.  To be sure that your child will be perfectly safe throughout your riding adventures, look for a stroller with top of the line safety buckle systems and well as lock brakes and wheels.

• Check the wheels:

Often times you can tell a lot about a stroller by just looking at the tires.  Air filled bicycle tires are best for active families who enjoy going for a jog or hitting up parks while plastic tires are better for running errands and simple walks.  The tires will also tell you a lot about how the stroller will turn and maneuver.  While a lightweight stroll is easier to push and carry, that doesn’t always mean it will turn easily.  Wheels that feature swivel turning as well as lock positions so that you can be sure you are getting the best possible ride.

• Extra features

When you think of traditional bulky strollers, you may think about all of the amazing extras and features that come along with it.  From extra cup holders to giant storage baskets, these features are a great thing to have.  You may be surprised to learn that even lightweight strollers have these same features.  There is no reason why you can’t get everything you want it a lighter package.

Here are some of the best lightweight strollers that are available today!

Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller

Features:

• Foot activated parking brake
• Five point safety harness
• Quick and easy compact fold
• Extra large sun canopy
• Undercarriage mesh basket
• Padded grip push handles
• Parent’s accessory tray
• Weights only 12 lbs
• Recommended for children who can sit up on their own

While the Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller isn’t a good option for newborns or smaller children, it is perfect for older babies all the way up to young children.  This is because the seat is in a directly upright position which is truly only meant for children who can sit up on their own without assistance.  If you are in the market for a lightweight stroller for your older child, then this is absolutely perfect for you!  Lightweight is an understatement with the stroller as it tops the scales at only 12.5 lbs.  That is over half the weight of traditional bulky strollers.  Having such a light stroller does not mean that you have to sacrifice storage and size either.  The seat is a wide set comfort padded seat so that your child will be perfectly comfortable the whole ride.  You will love the large undercarriage mesh basket which is large enough to hold a bulky diaper bag or even some groceries.

The safety standards of the Baby Trend Rocket Stroller rival those you would find in traditional bulky strollers.  The harness system is a top of the line harness system called a five point harness system.  Along with the buckles you will be delighted to find that the wheels features quick lock brakes so that you can swiftly bring the stroller to a halt in a moment’s notice.  

Here are what other parents have to say about this lightweight stroller:

• Great stroller for vacation
• Perfect for taller parents
• Easy to assemble
• Inexpensive
• Collapses fully for perfect storage
• Baby is comfortable
• Large canopy is a great extra feature

Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller

Features:

• Supports up to 40lbs
• Extendable sun canopy
• Cool climate air circulating mesh panel
• Parent’s cup holder
• Foam covered handles
• Storage basket
• Classic black styling
• Wind shield
• One step fold
• Shock absorbent wheels
• 3 point safety harness system

The Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller is one of the best lightweight strollers if you are in the market for a great umbrella stroller.  Unlike traditional strollers, umbrella strollers allow you to roam more conveniently and with little stress on your body.  True to other umbrella strollers, this one folds down with just one hand and stores away completely flat.  This is a great option if you are planning a big trip where you will doing a lot of walking and don’t feel like lugging around your tradition heavyweight stroller.  Parents liken this stroller to a great back up stroller for vacations and outdoor adventures.  One feature that is seen in this stroller and not many others is the breathable mesh panels.  The special mesh fabric detailing offers optimal air circulation and flow so that you child can stay cool and calm all day long.

The sun canopy on the Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller is unlike any other because besides just retracting for sun protection it can pull far down over your child.  This will not only help to protect them from the elements but can also give them a little bit of privacy if they feel like taking a nap.  You will love the comfort padded push handles that are curved design for a more comfortable hand feel.  While the storage basket isn’t as large as others on this list, it still does a decent job when it comes to storage needs.

Here is what other parents had to say about this stroller:

• Perfect size for traveling
• Keeps your child upright
• Extra sun coverage is great for children with sensitive skin
• Great price point 
• Quality fabric
• Keeps child cool
• Folds away quickly

Graco Verb Click Connect Stroller

Features:

• Works with Graco car seats
• Energy absorbent suspension
• Font lock swivel wheels
• One hand fold
• Self standing
• Auto control
• Ultra lightweight
• Snack tray
• Cup holders
• Sun canopy
• Storage basket
• Color choices

If you are in the market for one of the best lightweight strollers that will work with your child’s car seat, then the Graco Verb Click Connect Stroller is perfect for you.  This stroller offers all of the amazing features that you would want to see from a full sized traditional stroller with the lightweight feel of an umbrella stroller.  Because you can use this stroller with any Graco Click Connect stroller, you can use it for longer starting right from day one of your little one’s life.  Once your child grows out of their infant car seat, you can continue to use this stroller by placing your child right in the big kid seat.  Comfort is at the top of the list because the seat is covered in soft padding and reclines to adjust to your child’s needs.  You have an option when it comes to safety too!  You can choose to use the buckle system as either a three or five point harness system depending on your child’s size and age.  This stroller will literally grow with your child.  You may be surprised to learn that this stroller only tops the scale at less than 20lbs.  

The extra features of the Graco Verb Click Connect Stroller are not too shabby either.  Along with a cup holder for you, you also get two cup holders for your child as well as a snack tray.  This tray is perfect for an afternoon snack or even as a home for little toys to help keep your child busy and engaged all throughout your day out.  Lastly, you will love the bright color options to choose from.  From the teal green to the sapphire blue, you are sure to find the best one to match your little bundle of joy’s personal style.

Here is what other parents love about the Graco Verb Click Connect Stroller:

• Great amount of storage space
• Supports larger kids up to 50lbs
• Multi position reclining seat
• Easy to fold and carry
• Perfect for traveling
• Easy to assemble and store
• Great if you use public transportation

Chicco Liteway Stroller

Features:

• Hideaway boot
• Aluminum lightweight frame
• Compact fold
• Reclining seat
• Five adjustable positions
• Adjustable leg rest
• Rear wheel suspension
• Color options
• Foam padded push handles 
• Sun canopy
• Storage basket
• Water bottle holder

When you think about lightweight strollers and how amazing they are for travel, no stroller meets all of your exploring needs better than the Chicco Liteway Stroller.  The secret to a lightweight, yet supportive feel is in the aluminum frame that offers a great deal of structure and stability.  Aluminum not only helps to keep the weight low but also works to absorb energy and is extremely shock absorbent.  Because of this specially designed frame, this stroller is perfect for big trips.  You can spend the day out hitting the trails or even hit up a packed amusement park worry free knowing that your little one is happy and comfortable the whole day out.  Along with the specially designed frame is the rear wheel suspension which works as an incredible duo to keep your child from getting disturbed.  This is good news for little ones who like to drift off to sleep on days out.

Overall, the Chicco Liteway Stroller only weighs 12lbs.  It isn’t only the low weight that helps to make it a best seller.  The way this stroller folds down quickly is why parents choose to purchase this stroller over for traveling.  You will only find this special 3D fold in this Chicco stroller model.  Because of the high quality multi-functional wheels is why you will find that you have such an easy time weaving in and out of crowds.  The addition of a water bottle holder is just that little extra detail that parents love.  When it comes to extras and add-on features, Chicco has surely thought of everything.

These are some features that parents love about the Chicco Liteway Stroller:

• Fits perfect in compact cars
• Great for weekend trips
• Weights next to nothing
• Affordable price tag
• Great for budding toddlers
• Five point harness system is a major plus

RECARO Easylife Ultra-Lightweight Stroller

Features:

• Quick and easy fold
• Large extendable canopy
• Sun canopy with SPF protection
• Peek-a-boo window
• Large storage basket
• Parent cup holder
• Modern and stylish
• Weighs only 13lbs
• Increases air flow

The RECARO Easylife Ultra-Lightweight Stroller offers all of the top of the line features that you would hope to find from a luxury brand, all rolled in a super lightweight feel and design.  When it comes to parents on the go, the RECARO brand has literally thought of everything.  From the super fast and easy fold to the specially designed brake foot pedals that promise to never mess up a pedicure; with this stroller you are covered!  When it comes to actually using the stroller, you will love how easy and seamlessly it pushes around.  This is because the stroller is so lightweight and the padded push bars are designed so that you can simply push the stroller around with one hand.  This little feature makes this stroller perfect for parents who are out seeing the sights with their little one and don’t want to feel like they are being held back by a bulky stroller.

Underneath the RECARO Easylife Ultra Lightweight Stroller you will find an extendable mesh storage basket.  This is a key feature to this stroller because its storage capabilities out rank others on this list.  Best of all, parents love the extendable sun canopy that not only shields your little one from the sun but is actually constructed out of SPF protected materials.  This will give you just that little bit extra peace of mind that your child’s skin is perfectly safe even on long days out in the sun.  In the center of this sun shade you will find a little peek-a-boo window that allows you to keep an eye on your child while also allowing air to flow into their seat.

Is it right for you?  Here are what other parents had to say about the RECARO Easylife Ultra Lightweight Stroller:

• Easy to fold even with hands full
• Looks sleek and modern
• Large sun canopy is amazing
• Great for long vacations
• Perfect for city living
• Plenty of space for storage
• Side set seats
• Comfort padding is great for fussy children

ZOE XL1 DELUXE Xtra Lightweight Travel & Everyday Umbrella Stroller System

Features:

• Weighs only 10lbs
• Lifetime warranty
• Modern styling
• Mesh storage basket
• Easy turn wheels
• Retractable sun visor
• Parent cup holders
• Child cup holders
• Compact and easy fold
• Padded leg rest
• Fits all flight safety standards

Hitting the list of the best lightweight strollers hard is the ZOE XL1 Deluxe Lightweight Umbrella Stroller.  This stroller makes an impressive showing coming in at only 10lbs, making it the lightest stroller on this list.  This stroller was literally designed for travel because it has been tested and approved to exceed all flight safety standards.  This, along with the way it fold down quickly and easy, makes this stroller the number one choice for families who do a great deal of traveling.  Parents who have used this ultra lightweight stroller love the retractable sun visor that pulls out completely to cover the whole stroller.  This not only gives your little one a little extra bit of privacy but will also keep them protected from germs while traveling.  

Whether you are in the market for a great lightweight stroller for travel or just every day use, the ZOE XL1 Deluxe Lightweight Umbrella Stroller is a perfect option.  It not only has amazing traveling capabilities but has so many outstanding features that can easily rival top selling traditional strollers on the market today.  The front wheel suspension keeps the ride smoother and easy for your little one while the lightweight frame gives it some seriously stability.  The padded seat and foot rest offers just that extra little bit of comfort for your child.  Best of all, the ZOE XL1 Deluxe Lightweight Umbrella Stroller comes in a range of different sizes depending on your needs.  This means you can even more precisely customize your child’s riding experience.

Here are some of the raves that other parents gave this stroller:

• Perfect for international travel
• Easy to fold and is spacious
• Affordable
• Child can easily get in and out on their own
• Comfortable enough for naps
• Reclining seat is a nice touch
• Feels high quality

Baby Cargo Series 50 Deluxe Lite Baby Stroller Bundle

Features:

• Five point adjustable safety harness
• Two inner side pockets
• Waterproof cell phone pocket
• Padded strap covers
• Color choices
• Peek-a-boo window
• Retractable sun shade
• Removable storage basket
• Anti-shock wheels
• For ages 3 months and up
• Reclining seat

The Baby Cargo Series 50 Deluxe Lite Baby Stroller Bundle is a perfect option for you if you live in a city because of all the amazing storage capabilities.  While most lightweight, as well as traditional strollers do come standard with a storage basket, this lightweight stroller has much more than that!  Along with the removable mesh basket, you also get two separate side pockets.  These pockets were designed to help to keep you as a parent organized.  Along with a perfect spot to keep your keys and wallet, you also get a waterproof pocket for your phone.  Your child also has plenty of space for their stuff too!  The second pocket is a perfect place to keep toys and snack as well as other things to keep your child happy and occupied even on long afternoon walks.

You will love being able to customize the color of this stroller because you can choose from either the hot pink or the trendy gray and teal.  While this stroller stays lightweight, weighing only 15.8lbs, it still has some amazing turning and protection features.  The adjustable five point harness system is what allows you to safely use this stroller from age 3 months and up.  The padded shoulder straps not only work to help keep your little one in place but also will keep them comfortable and cool.  Lastly, you will find safety lock brakes located directly on the wheels which will help you to keep the stroller sturdy in place.  This is perfect for families who use public transit like subways and buses and worry about the stroller rolling.

Why should you buy it?  Here are some reviews that the Baby Cargo Deluxe Lite Baby Stroller received from parents who have used and loved it:

• Perfect for taller parents
• Can fit a whole box of diapers in the basket
• Never tips over
• Children love the reclining seat
• Feels high quality
• Makes a great gift for traveling families

J is for Jeep Brand North Star Stroller

Features:

• Supports up to 40lbs
• Extended sun canopy
• Easy grip handles
• Cup holders
• Storage basket
• Comfortable head rest
• Exposed mesh for air flow
• Folds flat
• Meets flight safety standards
• Three point safety harness

Rounding out the list of the best lightweight strollers is the J is for Jeep Brand North Star Stroller.  While this stroller may not be as popular as other lightweight traveling strollers on this list, it rivals them not only in price but in features and function as well.  First off, the sun canopy is unique and unlike any others on this list.  It is a European style sun canopy that features a little fold down lip that will cover your child’s face.  This will give them just that extra little bit of privacy as well as sun protection all day long.  This is a stroller that is often chosen by taller parents because it features extra long foam grip push handles.  This eliminates the need for the parent to hunch over while pushing the stroller which can be an experience killer while out seeing the sights.

Along with the stroller, when you purchase the J is for Jeep Brand North Star Stroller, you also get a parent organizer.  This organizer hands off the back of the stroller and is the perfect place to keep all the things you need to grab at a moment’s notice.  It is also a perfect place to keep important things you need while traveling like passports and extra cash safety.  You can fly worry free knowing that this stroller has been approved to meet as flight safety regulations.  Overall the J is for Jeep Brand North Star Stroller will blow you out of the water!

Here is what other parents are saying about this lightweight stroller:

• Durable and long lasting
• Easy to assemble
• High push handles are perfect
• Storage basket is a great extra
• Dual wheels make it easy to turn and handle

Before you buy it!

Before you make the leap to a lightweight stroller for your everyday and traveling needs, there a few last things you should be aware of.  Here are some final tips to help you be sure that you have found the best lightweight stroller for you and your family:

• Safe for travel:

Especially if you are planning an international trip, you need to make sure that the stroller you purchase has been approved.  Airplane regulations need to be met you are planning on bringing the stroller with you.  To ensure the stroller you have chosen will work for air travel, check to see if it has received the seal of approval.  If you are still unsure, you can also check with your airline ahead of time.

• Low cost:

In general, lightweight strollers are going to be much lower in cost than traditional full sized strollers.  That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t find the best deal.  While some top of the line luxury brands will have better features and offer you more, you don’t always need all those extras.  That means that you also shouldn’t have to pay for them.  This is especially true if you are in the market for a backup stroller.

• Warranty or replacement:

One of the last things you would want when traveling with a stroller is for it to break or get lost leaving you stranded and down some money.  Before you make the purchase, check to see if there is a money back guarantee or a warranty in place so that you can swiftly replace the stroller if needed.  This is also a good tip if you are planning on using your lightweight stroller for everyday use.

• Keep in mind your child’s age:

Many lightweight strollers do not feature a reclining seat or a car seat attachment.  This means that it will not only be unsafe, but not recommended for use for smaller babies.  If you are looking for one of the best lightweight strollers for your toddler, then this shouldn’t be a problem.  If you are, however, in the market for a lightweight stroller for your newborn you need to make sure that you find one that will suit their needs.  Some lightweight strollers will work with a car seat, so make sure that you find the one that works best with your brand.

Wrapping it up!

Choosing a great lightweight stroller for whatever adventure you are about to endure, does not need to be a stressful decision.  There are so many loose ends and details that need to be tied up before traveling that finding a great lightweight stroller that will keep your child safe and comfortable should not be one of them.  With a little bit of preparation and planning, there is no reason why you shouldn’t find a great lightweight stroller for your lifestyle.  Take care.