Lightweight / Umbrella Stroller Review

We’ve reviewed full size strollers and jogging strollers thus far and another stroller type to consider is a lightweight or umbrella stroller.  Most of these strollers are suited for children three months and older as most lightweight strollers don’t fully recline to accommodate a newborn.  Umbrella strollers are lightweight, easy to fold, take up very little space and invaluable for traveling due to their compact nature.  For more information on which type of stroller to choose look for our upcoming Stroller Buying Guide. Which stroller do you have or are you registering for?

Uppa Baby G-Lite

Shown in Caleigh
www.uppababy.com

Stroller weight: 8.3 pounds
Child weight limit: 40 pounds
Minimum age:  6 months and older

The Wise Baby Rating:

Highlights:  The Uppa Baby G-Lite is the lightest umbrella stroller on the market weighing in at 8.3 pounds and appears on our Bells & Whistles Baby Registry Guide.  Parents love the overall quality of the Uppa Baby brand and the G-Lite, with it’s sturdy aluminum is no different.   It has great functional features with the ample canopy and easy to access storage basket. The G-Lite is easy to fold and easy to unfold with a hand level trigger that requires no foot action.  The G-Lite gets rave reviews for its ability to stand on its on when folded as well as its smooth ride.  Overall the G-Lite is easy to maneuver and fold – both important features of a lightweight stolller.

Lowlights:  Feedback on the G-Lite is generally positive although, parents complain that the 40 pound weight limit is low as compared to other brands.  Other than that weight limit, there isn’t too much negative out there about the G-Lite.  We’d love to hear any complaints you may have G-Lite owners!

Bottom Line:  The only reason the G-Lite does not pull the five out of five rating is its relatively low weight limit as compared to others in its class.  However, the safety, quality and functionality are unmatched and we highly recommend the G-Lite.

Baby Jogger City Mini

Shown in Sand / Stone
www.babyjogger.com

Stroller weight: 16.8 pounds
Child weight limit: 50 pounds
Minimum age:  3 months and older

The Wise Baby Rating:

Highlights:  We’re big fans of the City Mini and it appears as the lightweight stroller option of choice on our Urban Baby Registry Guide.  Among other things, we love the City Mini’s one handed, super nifty fold. Truly, it is amazing and SO easy.  The City Mini has superior maneuverability and provides a very smooth ride for your little one.  The front wheel even locks in place for longer strolls which provides an even smoother ride . The seat reclines to a near flat position which allows you to begin using it earlier than some of the other models reviewed here.  Parents love the large sun shade and nicely padded yet breathable seat.  Generally speaking parents rave about the City Mini and it gets glowing reviews.

Lowlights:  In the world of lightweight strollers, the City Mini is heavy and definitely not as compact as some of its counterparts. Many parents complain about a front wheel locking issue – apparently, the front wheel locks itself while strolling which creates problems.  Baby Jogger has handled this issue by sending a replacement wheel.  Secondly, for its class the City Mini is on the high end of the price spectrum.

Bottom Line:  All in all, the City Mini is an excellent stroller and earns a four out of five rating from us.  The only reason we withhold the final “elephant” is the size and weight as we think for a lightweight stroller it aires on the side of heavy.

Maclaren Triumph

Shown in Black
us.maclarenbaby.com

Stroller weight: 11.2 pounds
Child weight limit: 50 pounds
Minimum age:  3 months and older

The Wise Baby Rating:

Highlights:  The Maclaren Triumph gets good reviews for its lightweight and easy, compact fold.  Parents seem to think the Maclaren provides a smooth ride while still maintaining adequate maneuverability.  The fact that the Triumph can accommodate children up to 50 pounds is a plus and certainly extends the useful life of your investment.  The Triumph has three recline options and can accommodate children as early as three months.  Further, its ample canopy and sizable storage basket make this a popular model among parents.

Lowlights:  In 2009 all Maclaren strollers were recalled due finger amputation since the recall Maclaren has added protective hinge covers to all models (and sent parents with older models the covers).  Most recently, Maclaren USA filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and rumor is they plan to liquidate the business.

Bottom Line:  We’ve gotten lots of first hand feedback from parents that are thrilled with their Maclaren Triumph.  Maclaren remains a popular brand in this category however, we give the Triumph a three out of five rating.  With the looming bankruptcy and past issues we would hold off on adding this one to the registry at this point.

Chicco C6

Shown in Topazio Blue
www.chiccousa.com

Stroller weight: 11.0 pounds
Child weight limit: 37 pounds
Minimum age:  6 months and older

The Wise Baby Rating:

Highlights:  The lightweight and maneuverable C6 from Chicco gets high marks from parents.  Especially those  parents that are folding and stowing the stroller often, hence its appearance on our Suburban Baby Registry Guide.   In general the C6 meets the needs of a lightweight stroller – it is easy to fold, easy to push and lightweight.  The C6 is the “value option” in its class and parents are pleased with the price point.

Lowlights:  The Chicco C6 gets quite a few complaints for durability which may come as surprise given the Chicco brand name.  Taller parents complain that they have to bend down to push the stroller.  Lastly, and taller parents feel the stroller is on the short side.  Further, there are plenty of complaints about parents feet kicking the back of the stroller when they walk.  Lastly, the weight limit is on the low side at 37 pounds.

Bottom Line:  Overall, the Chicco C6 is a good value and functional stroller and for that it receives a four out of five rating.  Due to its durability issues, we don’t suggest this stroller for an Urban environment and feel it’s best suited for the smoother terrain the ‘burbs.

There you have four umbrella strollers – after reading, which is best for your needs?  Not sure?  Coming up later this week is our Stroller Buying Guide  which will help you decide what type of stroller(s) you need and how to choose the ones that work best for you!