Many parents have had the experience of struggling with different stroller models. From trying to push it through tight crowds to finding a spot for it in a diner. When you are a parent that is always on the go, no matter if you are running errands around the city or traveling by car, on a plane or public transit, you need a good lightweight stroller that is maneuverable, compact and easy to transport.
So what makes the best lightweight stroller? It mostly depends on the needs of your family. However, some features, like an easy and compact fold, parent amenities and a sturdy frame, are universally appreciated.
PRODUCT IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | DETAILS | RATING |
---|---|---|---|
Pockit Lightweight Stroller CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON | Stroller Weight: 9 lbs Weight Limit: 55 lbs Minimum Age: 6 months Adjustable Handlebar: No Fold: Two hand Brake: Foot, single-action | 4.7/5 | |
Graco Breaze Stroller CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON | Stroller Weight: 17.5 lbs Weight Limit: 50 lbs Minimum Age: 6 months Adjustable Handlebar: No Fold: One hand Brake: Foot, double-action | 4.5/5 | |
Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON | Stroller Weight: 13 lbs Weight Limit: 44 lbs Minimum Age: 6 months Adjustable Handlebar: Np Fold: Two hand Brake: Foot ,single action | 4.5/5 | |
Graco Literider lx Stroller CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON | Stroller Weight: 16 lbs Weight Limit: 50 lbs Minimum Age: 6 months Adjustable Handlebar: Yes Fold: One hand Brake: Foot | 4.4/5 | |
Maclaren Triumph Stroller CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON | Stroller Weight: 11 lbs Weight Limit: 55 lbs Minimum Age: 6 months Adjustable Handlebar: No Fold: One hand Brake: Foot | 4.5/5 |
TOP RATED LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLERS
Pockit Lightweight Stroller – Editor’s Choice
When gb pockit stroller appeared on the market, it was quite a pleasant surprise to everyone. It is the most compact stroller on the market. The pockit lightweight stroller has certainly earned some bragging rights, as the Guinness World Records proclaimed it the world’s smallest folding stroller.
Weighing only nine pounds, this buggy is ideal for traveling and public transport. If you take it on a flight, it can easily fit in the overhead compartment. One of its most significant advantages is that it can be brought on board as carry-on luggage on any flight because, when collapsed, it’s much smaller than the maximum allowed carry-on bag size and weight.
No other manufacturer can guarantee you something like that. But, of course, considering it’s such a minimalistic and light model, some sacrifices had to be made. Nevertheless, it’s under-seat basket is sizeable and easy to access.
The seat cannot recline, so it is suitable for children who are over six months old. However, because the canopy is so small, and the maximum weight limit is 55 lbs, a very tall child can use the seat comfortably. It has a five-point safety harness that is nicely padded.
Since it has a unique folding mechanism, the fold does require some getting used to, but not much. It doesn’t have auto-lock, but it does have a manual one. The standing fold is pretty useless since you can easily carry it on your shoulder and probably even fit it into a backpack.
It is equipped with nice 4.5″ Eva wheels – front wheels being swiveling and lockable. The stroller works best on flat surfaces but can handle some uneven pavement too. The foot brake is single action and easy to use. It comes as no surprise that the Pockit Lightweight is one of the best selling lightweight strollers currently on the market. This buggy is ideal for parents who want a model that is simple and convenient.
PROS
- Ultra-compact fold
- Perfect for travel
- Easy to store
- Very light
- Slim and compact design
- Easy-to-access storage
- Easy to push with one hand
- Removable and washable seat fabric
CONS
- Handles not comfortable for people over 6ft
- The canopy could be better
- No recline
Graco Breaze Stroller – The Safest Model
This model comes highly recommended for fresh parents, especially because of its remarkable weight. The graco breaze is no burden to carry around. Despite its lightweight frame, it is sturdy and durable. If your main concern is safety, getting a graco lightweight stroller is a safe bet. Their models are famed for exceeding quality control measures. This buggy will be of excellent service to you for many years.
Even though its canopy isn’t huge, it is pretty sizeable, especially when compared to other models of its category. It provides excellent protection from the hot sun and strong winds. There is also a peek-a-boo window, so you can always check upon your kiddo.
The buggy has extra ventilation, allowing for a comfortable stroll during humid summer days. You won’t have to worry about the ride either since the model is equipped with an integrated front wheel suspension system that significantly increases stability. It can even handle bumpy surfaces.
Its simple one-hand folding mechanism and lightweight design make it great for travel and public transit. The fold also has an auto-lock feature. Since its quite compact when collapsed, you won’t have a problem loading it into your car.
The seat features a near-flat recline. While it’s not suitable for newborns, any child that has proper head and neck control will find it very comfortable for napping. However, it is not possible to access the under-seat basked when the seat is reclined.
The Breeze features a padded five-point harness that is easy to adjust, but hard to unbuckle by a toddler, which is very good. There is also the adjustable leg rest that is great for younger children, but not so suitable for toddlers. The basket is large enough and can fit a medium diaper bag.
Each high-end stroller has a distinctive feature that sets it apart from the rest of the bunch, and with the Breeze, it’s its ability to be converted into a travel system. The stroller is compatible with Graco’s Click Connect infant car seats. They are renowned for their quality and safety.
PROS
- Very easy to carry and store
- Rolls smoothly on uneven surfaces
- Sizeable basket
- Great ventilation
- Great maneuverability
- Easy-to-wash frame; only requires water and soap
CONS
- Legrest too close too seat
- Basket cannot be accessed when the seat is reclined
Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller – Best for a Family Adventure
An aptly named lightweight stroller that is rightfully among the best of its kind. When it comes to running errands, strolling around town, and traveling, it hardly has any competition. It is very light, compact, and can even be converted into a travel system.
It is hard to grasp the fact that such a lightweight, compact stroller accepts a car seat, but it is true. Besides that, you can even bring it as carry-on baggage on a flight. With this buggy, it just gets better and better.
The seat is spacious and offers sufficient head room, making it comfortable for toddlers as well as younger children. It features a deep recline and can accommodate children older than six months. With the inclusion of an infant car seat, you can even use it with a newborn!
There is also the three-point harness that is padded and easy to adjust. Babies adore the adjustable leg rest the buggy comes with. The handlebar has a safety strap attached to it to make sure the stroller doesn’t run away from you if you accidentally let go of it. Even though the buggy doesn’t have a regular peek-a-boo window, there is a large mesh window that ensures excellent ventilation. The basket is quite big compared to other, similar models. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a parent organizer and cup holder.
It hasn’t broked any world-records like the Pockit, but it has an excellent, compact fold that allows you to store it even in the overhead compartment of a train or plain. To fold it, you need two hands, but you can unfold it with just one. It stands on its own when folded and features an auto-lock.
The stroller is equipped with four marvelous 6″ EVA wheels. The front wheels are swiveling and lockable, while the rear wheels can be removed for an even more compact fold. It has a rear-wheel suspension system that cushions the ride even on bumpy, uneven pavement.
PROS
- Great maneuverability – handles gravel, cobblestone, sidewalks
- Adjustable legrest
- Light
- Quick, simple fold
- Comes with a travel bag
- Easy-to-use brake
CONS
- No parent tray, cup holder
- Folding requires both hands
- No usual peek-a-boo window
Graco Literider lx Stroller – Versatile and Pocket-Friendly
An economic model that promises to give you more than you are paying for. This particular graco lightweight stroller is a few pounds heavier than your usual lightweight model, but it comes with most of the perks of a full-sized stroller. It has all the safety features necessary for your child, and some conveniences for the parents as well.
The padded seat is spacious enough and reclines at two angles: flat and upright. The seat fabric is removable and can be washed in a washing machine. You can even convert the stroller into an infant car seat stroller combo with Graco’s Snug Ride or Snug Ride 25 infant car seats.
The regular seat is suitable for children older than six months, but, if you decide to purchase a compatible car seat, you can use it with an infant. Another great feature of the seat is the adjustable five-point-harness that you can turn into a 3-point harness. The canopy is of decent size and is equipped with a nice peekaboo window. It is adjustable and provides full sun coverage.
Collapsing the buggy is an easy one-hand job. Once folded, it stands on its own and has an auto-lock. Although it’s height doesn’t change much once it is folded, it is compact enough to fit inside most car trunks.
What really sets this stroller apart is its huge storage basket. It can fit an extra-large diaper bag and still leave room for other necessities. The basket features a drop-down function, which allows for easy access even when the seat is in full recline.
That’s not the end of it; there is also the parent organizer for phone and keys, as well as two cup holders. There is a separate tray for the child, although some parents report that it scrapes the ground when the stroller is folded and pushed around. The other major selling point of this model is its convenient, adjustable handlebar that is great for parents of different height.
PROS
- Incredibly low price
- Peek-a-boo window
- Parent organizer
- Two cup holders
- Adjustable Five-point harness
- Large storage
CONS
- Not as light as other models
- Parents report problems with the child tray
Maclaren Triumph Stroller – Most Durable Product
Any buggy with the Maclaren logo is guaranteed to be sturdy and durable. This maclaren lightweight stroller is no exception, thanks to its high-quality aluminum frame. Its excellent maneuverability makes it great for long walks.
Since this buggy is equipped with 5″ wheels, while the front ones are both swiveling and lockable, it has more stability on bumpy terrain. It is easy to steer with one hand can even handle some grass and mulch.
The seat features a multi-position recline including the almost-flat position. It is comfy on its own, but for additional coziness, you can purchase extra seat liners. For your child’s safety, there is the five-point harness that is height adjustable and easy to handle.
The folding mechanism requires some getting used to, but once you master it, it can be done in a couple of seconds and with one-hand. Parents report being able to fold and unfold it with one hand, while having their baby in the other. It has an automatic lock and a convenient carry strap for ease of transportation.
Once it is folded, it is shorter than your average lightweight model, making it very easy to move onto and off public transportation. There is no assembly – it is ready to go as soon as you take it out of the box.
The sun won’t we causing your child any discomfort thanks to the large SPF+ 50 canopy. It is equipped with mesh side windows for extra ventilation. The visor flips down, and the whole thing is removable and water-resistant, ideal for a stroll in the rain.
The under-seat storage is large enough for all the items you might need on an outing. However, it is not possible to access it once the seat is in full recline. There is no parent organizer, but you can purchase one separately. However, there is one much-appreciated extra feature – it comes with a rain cover that’s of great use in case it starts drizzling a bit harder.
PROS
- Lockable, swiveling front wheels
- Adjustable 5-point harness
- Removable and washable seat fabric
- Light
- Ergonomic handles
CONS
- Seat padding sold separately
- No parent organizer
CHOOSING THE BEST LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER – BUYING GUIDE
Raising a child in a hectic environment is stressful on its own, and without the appropriate baby gear, it could only get worse. Taking out the time to carefully pick out good lightweight stroller will help you alleviate some of your parenting hardship. The best lightweight stroller will help you get through crowds, run errands and is easy to carry in public transport.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Lightweight Stroller
If you are planning to have another child anytime soon, it might be a good idea to get a model that will last. Such a stroller will be of great use for the little sibling. Parents who are expecting to get the most out of their stroller, ought to check for features such as a snack tray, parent organizer, cup holders, extra storage space, and washable and removable fabric.
Think about where will you be using your buggy. Are you usually up for brisk walks on smooth concrete pavement? If so, single-action brakes are easy to set and will prevent the stroller from running away. In case you are more fond of exploring nature, look for lockable and swiveling front wheels.
Consider how much money you are willing to spend on a lightweight model. Luckily, there is a light model for everyone’s pocket. If you plan on using it occasionally, or as a second, backup stroller, there is no need to get the most expensive model.
But if you are fond of long walks and plan to put a lot of miles on it, a too economic buggy won’t do you any good. In case you are planning to get only one stroller for regular use, there are lightweight strollers out there that are just as versatile as regular ones.
Only you know what your family’s needs are, and consumer reviews can be of plenty of help. They are especially useful for telling you what to keep an eye on. Take some time to look into other peoples’ experiences.
Why Do You Need a Lightweight Stroller
A normal-sized model can be difficult to push over curbs and around corners. They can especially be a handful in crowded areas. A lightweight model takes up much less space, and their light weight makes them great for long strolls. If you want to drop by a cafe quickly, you will easily find a spot for it.
Despite their weight, they come with all the safety features that are required for a safe and smooth ride. Traditionally, they have a wide wheelbase that ensures stability and prevents the buggy from tipping over. Every proper lightweight model comes with a five or three-point safety harness and a parking brake.
If you are always struggling with space or have a tiny car, lightweight strollers are great space-savers. You won’t have a problem loading it into your car trunk or stoving it in a hall closet. If you live in a big city and rely on public transportation, then no other model will be so easy to bring along on a train or bus.
Not only that, but some models are so light that you can bring them as carry-on luggage on any airliner. They come with such a compact fold that you can store them in the overhead compartment.
A lightweight model goes for as little as $20. When your kiddo outgrows their buggy, you won’t be bothered by guilt for shelling out too much money on a piece of equipment that lasted so short. You can even get an extra buggy to store at the grandparent’s house for the sake of convenience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLERS?
Q: What is a lightweight stroller?
A: Such a stroller is much lighter than a full-sized model and has a compact, easy fold. They are ideal for cars and public transportation. They are great for crowded places and families who lack storage space in their home.
Q: Are lightweight strollers suitable for toddlers?
A: Most of them are, but none of them comes with a specific upper age limit. However, an average light model can hold up to fifty pounds of weight. Your child’s height shouldn’t be a problem as most canopies can be pulled all the way back.
Q: Are lightweight strollers suitable for newborns?
A: In most cases, they are not. For starters, such a stroller must have a seat with a full recline, because newborns don’t have head and neck control. Even if they do have a full recline, it is not necessarily enough, so it is best to check in the product description of the specific model you are considering.
Q: Can I bring it on an airplane?
A: Most likely, every light model can be brought on a flight, but it depends on the airline and, even if when they allow it, you might have to check it in. However, some models are so light and compact that they are guaranteed to be accepted as carry-on baggage, as they can even fit in the overhead compartment.
Q: Are they suitable for tall parents?
A: If they have an adjustable handlebar, then they are suitable for parents of any height. If not, you will need to check the height of the handlebar and the product description to see if it is suitable for you.
Q: Do lightweight buggies accept infant car seats?
A: Due to their simple design, most of such models are incompatible with car seats. Some models are, but usually with car seats of the same manufacturer. If you plan on using it as a travel system, it is best to check the owner’s manual.
Q: When can I start using a lightweight stroller with my child?
A: In most cases, as soon as your child turns six months old. That is the time when infants gain head and neck control. You can use it with newborns if you attach an infant car seat, but most light buggies do not accept them.
Q: How heavy is a lightweight stroller?
A: An average lightweight model weights between 8 lbs and 17 lbs.
Q: Are umbrella strollers and lightweight strollers the same?
A: No, not necessarily. An umbrella model has two handles, each of them resembling that of an umbrella. Some models fall under both categories.
Q: How long do lightweights last?
A: High-end models will last you for many years, providing that they are built of sturdy, durable materials. Most likely, you won’t have any problems using it well into toddlerhood.
Q: Do lightweights come with a warranty?
A: It depends on the specific model. To find out, it is best to check the product description, or with the store where you are planning on buying it. A lot of manufacturers offer warranties only to the first owners.
CONCLUSION
If you are in a hurry, time and convenience are often of the essence, and you don’t want to drag a huge buggy with you that will only slow you down. More features often come at a higher cost, and sometimes, it is not worth spending a lot of money on a product that you are going to use for a short period of time. An excellent lightweight stroller will make parenting easier and make the whole family happy.
As your family grows, your needs grow as well. Simpler is sometimes better. With less baggage, chances of something going wrong also decrease.