✅Joovy 8229 Kooper stroller, forged iron (overall)
✅Joovy Zoom 360 ultralight jogging Stroll (best for jogging)
✅Joovy Zoom 360 ultralight jogging Stroll (best for taking on a flight)
Is your baby around 6 months and are you wondering whether you should buy a lightweight stroller? Maybe you’re planning a holiday abroad, a family trip to Disney land or just looking for a way to make your park outings a little easier for yourself?
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, a lightweight stroller might be just what you need. As you well know, a travel system can be bulky and heavy to pack up every time you’re going on an outing with baby. Especially when you’re planning on taking a flight with your baby.
In comparison, lightweight strollers can be very easy to fold up, and won’t take up as much space in the boot/on the train bus or plane, making your trips far less cumbersome.
But there are many strollers out there, making it daunting to find the right one, so to help you see the wood for the trees, we have created this guide on buying the best lightweight strollers. We discuss everything from why you need one, what to look out for when buying one, and which one is best for your lifestyle.
Types of strollers
When you google stroller, you’ll find many different types, and it can be hard to figure out which is most suitable for your needs. Here are the most common ones.
- A lightweight stroller or travel stroller is a lighter version of a traditional stroller (part of your travel system). It’s a great stroller for urban parents who use a lot of public transport or parents who like traveling.
- An umbrella stroller is a cheap, lightweight stroller that doesn’t take up a lot of space in your car boot or home. It also lacks a few features of a lightweight stroller, such as a comfy seat or a large canopy.
- A traditional stroller is part of the travel system you bought when pregnant (probably). It accommodates your car seat and boasts extras such as a cupholder and tray. Unfortunately, it’s bulky & hard to fold, taking up more space in the boot of your car and home.
- A jogging stroller is a three-wheeled stroller with a fixed front wheel and has a handbrake as well as a foot-operated parking brake, making them great for runners. Don’t buy it if you’re not going to jog as the fixed front wheel can be a bit limiting.
- Double stroller, as the name implies a stroller for twins, or a baby and toddler. There are side-by-side double strollers; great for your children who can see each other, but not so good for getting through door openings (before buying always check if it can fit through your own front door). Or you can buy a convertible stroller that can convert from a stroller for one into a stroller for two. This takes up much less space on the footpath, but your babies might start fighting over who gets to sit where.
The 10 best lightweight strollers
1. Joovy 8229 Kooper stroller, forged iron
Pros
- a mesh cup holder and zipper pocket for keys and drinks
- one-handed fold
- stands while folded
- included tray that folds with the stroller
- extra-large water-repellant canopy provides UPF 50 sun protection
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a rain cover
- Brake is not conveniently located
Other features
- size: 34.5 x 21.1 x 40.9 inches
- size: 29.3inches x 21 inches x 12.5 inches when folded
- weight: 16.17 pounds
- weight range: holds up to 55 lbs
- includes a peekaboo window in the canopy
- made from 100% flame retardant chemical-free material
- large lower storage space, with a generous 15 lbs capacity
2. Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
Pros
- 4 position recline with 5 point safety harness
- Aluminum frame with large seat area
- Anti-shock front wheels and lockable rear wheels
- Adjustable and removable canopy with flip out sun visor
- Extra-large storage basket and rear storage pocket
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- You have to remove the sun visor when folding the stroller
- no peekaboo window in the visor
- Back wheels are a bit rigid
- Takes up a good bit of space in the trunk
- You need one hand and a foot to fold the stroller
Other features
- Size: 10.2 x 10.8 x 41 inches
- Size: 42.75 x 12 x 11 inches when folded
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Weight range: maximum weight child: 50 pounds
- minimum age: 6 months
- It doesn’t have a kickstand, but flip the stroller when folded and it will stand
- Easy to wipe clean
- The basket can be removed to clean it
- Lightweight: handy for traveling
Pros
- Suitable for newborns
- Compatable with Chicco car seats or others if you use adaptors
- Comes with a parent organizer, running leash, and tire pump
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Comes with a large expandable basket with front/rear access
- budget-friendly
Cons
- Wheels could be sturdier
- Doesn’t stand up upright when folded
Other features
- Size: 37.2 x 20 x 35.5 inches
- Size: 20 x 11 x 33.5 when folded
- Weight: 11.2 pounds
- Weight range: 5 Pounds to 30 pounds
- one-hand fold
- Padded handle with 4 height positions
- Toe-tap rear brakes for parking
- mesh basket is easy to clean with wipes
4. Pockit lightweight stroller
Pros
- 2014 Guinness World Records most compact stroller folding down to 11.8” x 7” x 13.8” and a weight of 9.5 pounds
- it can hold 11 pounds of gear in the storage basket
- easy for flying: stows away in the overhead bin
- lockable front swivel wheels
- overhead canopy
Cons
- shoulder straps for baby are a bit short
- could be sturdier
- not much room in the storage basket
- canopy needs to be bigger
- no cup holder
Other features
- Size: 28″ x 18.5″ x 39.8″
- Size: 14″ x 12″ x 7″ when folded
- Weight: under 12 lbs
- Weight range: from 6 mo to 55 lbs
- self-standing when folded
- one-hand fold
- easy to clean
- Great for taking to Disney World: you can fold it up and take it on rides
5. Joovy Zoom 360 ultralight jogging Stroller
Pros
- Includes parent organizer, running leash, and tire pump
- Aluminum frame with shock-absorbing suspension
- Quick-release 16″ rear wheels and 12.5″ swivel front wheel that locks straight
- Taller handlebar for taller parents
- Large sunshade
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a tray
- The basket doesn’t have lots of space
- Wheels could be sturdier
- The stroller needs to be checked in when flying
Other features
- Assembled size: 46″ H x 25″ W x 54″ D
- Folded size: 19″ H x 25″ W x 34″ D
- Weight: 25.7 lbs
- Weight range: 15 lbs-75 lbs
- one-hand fold
- Self-standing when folded if the wheels are locked
- Cleaning: Wipe Clean with Soap and Water
- Two side pockets for small items like a sippy cup
6. Maxi-Cosi Lara lightweight ultra compact stroller
Pros
- Comes with a cup holder
- Includes 2 easy-to-access storage baskets
- breathable seat pad to keep baby comfortable
- easy for flying: stows away in the overhead bin
- one-hand fold
Cons
- Wheels are on the small side
- Not great for very tall parents
- doesn’t come with a tray
- too small for bigger toddlers
Other features
- Size: 21 x 17.2 x 10.2 inches
- Size: 20 x 19 x 15 inches when folded
- Weight: 14 pounds
- Maximum weight: 50 Pounds
- It has two fixed seat back positions. It can be positioned upright or reclined, though the newer model provides more positions
- Easy to clean: wipe clean only
- made from breathable material
7. Besrey airplane baby stroller kids
View me on Amazon.
Pros
- 5 points safety belt
- comes with a rain cover
- adjustable canopy, footrest, and backrest
- easy to unfold-just press a button
- easy for flying: stows away in the overhead bin
Cons
- wheels are made of rubber but quite small
- doesn’t include a tray
- doesn’t lock the stroller when it folds, so can open when you lift it
- doesn’t stand up when folded
Other features
- Size: 33.5 x 19.5 x 40.6 inches
- Size: 12.3 x 10.3 x 21.7 inches
- 16.05 pounds
- Weight range: 1 pound to 33 pounds
- The stroller is tested and approved according to safety standard EN 1888: 2012;
- peekaboo window in the canopy
- comes with a shopping basket and a carrying bag
8. 2018 UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller- Gregory
Pros
- includes toddler seat, rain shield & bug shield
- full-size front and rear– facing toddler seat-180-degree recline with one hand
- One-hand, adjustable handlebar with leather cover
- shock-absorbing front & rear suspension
- adjustable canopy with peek-a-boo window-extendable UPF 50+ sunshade
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a cup holder
- Doesn’t fold with one hand
- heavier than other reviewed strollers
Other features
- Size: 36 x 17 x 22.3 inches
- Size: 22.3 x 17 x 36 inches when folded
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Weight range: 20 to 50 pounds
- Suitable for children from birth (with optional snug seat accessory)
- Cleaning: easy to wipe clean
- Large basket for storage
- Mesa car seat works with this stroller
9. Summer 3Dpac CS+ double stroller
Pros
- car seat compatible with Gr snug Ride Click Connect
- one-hand fold
- comes with a cup holder
- adjustable leg rests
- parent storage pockets and sippy cup pockets
Cons
- only one car seat can be used at the same time
- doesn’t come with a tray
- doesn’t come with a rain cover
- doesn’t stand up on its own when folded
- the storage basket is on the small side
Other features
- Size: 23.8 x 30 x 14.3 inches
- Size: 23.75x 30 x 14.3 folded
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Maximum weight: 50 Pounds
- Two extra-large canopies with flip-out sun visors and peek-a-boo windows
- Front wheels have locks and the back wheels have a brake pedal
- The wheels are made from general-purpose EVA foam
10. Britax B-Lively Lightweight Stroller
Pros
- comes with B Safe Ultra infant car seat and base, B Lively Stroller, and car seat adapters
- comes with a cup and mobile phone holder
- one-hand fold
- peek a boo window
- large UV 50 plus canopy
Cons
- One of the heavier strollers in our top 10
- The car seat is on the heavy side
- doesn’t stand on its own when folded
Other features
- Size: 33 x 23 x 40 inches
- Size: 17.75 x 25 x 30.62 inches when folded
- Weight: 31 pounds
- Maximum weight: 55 Pounds
- Large storage size at the bottom
- Easy to clean: car seat cover can be hand washed and stroller can be spot cleaned
- Comes with a strap for carrying
How to choose the best lightweight stroller for your lifestyle
Before buying one from our list consider this:
- Is your baby comfortable?
First things first, is the seat nicely padded for your baby? She will spend a good bit of time sitting in her stroller, so her comfort is key. Also, is the seat large enough to accommodate her growing size? (Check what weight the stroller is marketed for). - What’s the pushchair like to push?
Trust me, you will be putting the stroller through its paces-on different terrains. Think about your daily routine and whether you will be negotiating sidewalks, cobbled streets, rough terrain, uneven grass kerbs, gravelly carparks, airports, etc. - How heavy is the stroller?
Trust me, this matters more than you might think. Perpetually tired as a new mum, you don’t want to be carrying a heavy stroller from your home to your car boot, onto the bus, a train or even a plane. Seriously, 10lb can make a big difference. - Is the stroller easy to fold and unfold?
The best lightweight strollers are the ones that fold with one hand, but beware, some manufacturers might claim their stroller is easy to fold, they forget to mention that you have to remove the hood first. - Storage
Check the measurements and see if the stroller will fit into your car boot with room to spare, and if it doesn’t take up too much space unfolded in your home, as it will spend a lot of time there. - A lightweight stroller for a newborn?
If you’d like to buy a lightweight stroller for a newborn; you will need a unit that reclines for enough for her to lie flat. - Budget
Think about your budget, and what you’re willing to spend on it. Make sure you check what accessories come with it first before you end up having to buy a rain cover and a footmuff extra. It pays to check out the specs first before you order, to save you from disappointment.
Must-have features in a lightweight stroller
Let me share with you my personal checklist for the best lightweight stroller:
- Safety belt: make sure your stroller has a safety belt to keep your baby from slipping from her seat.
- Safety brake: check if your lightweight stroller has a parking brake to keep the stroller from rolling when you’re not pushing it.
- Five-point harness (though a three-point harness does meet safety regulations)
- Safety lock to prevent the stroller from collapsing while in use
- Fold lock to prevent the stroller from opening once folded
- Look out for a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal. This independent organization tests products to be sure the stroller meets national and international safety standards.
- Reclining seat for your little one; it will need to recline at 150 degrees for a newborn
- Folding should be easy with one hand, so you can hold your baby with the other one
- The lightweight stroller should be able to stand up on its own when folded
- Wheels: avoid plastic wheels and go for foam-filled instead-for a better suspension and a more comfortable ride for your little one.
- Protection from rain and sun-a canopy should be able to do both. Opt for a multi-fold rather than single-fold ones as they offer more protection.
- Adjustable handles to prevent you from slumping over your stroller
Are you planning a trip somewhere and looking to see which diaper bag is best for flying? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
