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Best Lightweight Travel Strollers
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Here are Shelly's picks for lightweight travel strollers.
Strollers are listed in order of weight from the lightest up to 15.6
lbs. To add shade coverage, weather or insect protection, comforts,
or conveniences, see
Stroller Accessories.
 Maclaren
Volo
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Good luck catching the New York subway
without seeing one of these. The Volo's quick-and-easy one-handed
umbrella fold, combined with its ultra lightweight frame, ergonomic
foam-grip handles, and built-in shoulder strap quickly made it a
favorite among city dwellers--not to mention travelers. Its sturdy
aluminum chassis also makes light work of steering, and it truly is
responsive to one-handed pushing and steering. With a handle height of
41 inches, it has also proven quite comfortable for parents of all
heights. Do be aware that this is a "bare bones" model, with no extra
padding in the seat and even see-through mesh used in the back, though
that can be a plus if you live or travel in very hot regions. Also, the
seat does not recline at all, which is why they say it is for children 6
months and older--though the seat is subtly reclined where it is
positioned. Unlike most lightweight strollers it is rated up to 55 lbs.
and will also accommodate taller children than most models. For more
bells and whistles, see the other strollers and Maclaren models below.
Folds to 13.5" x 11" x 41". Weighs 9.2 lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
Babies R Us
Baby Universe
Diapers.com
Target.com
|
 Silver
Cross Micro V.2
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
It is quite comparable to the popular Volo,
above, with a few differences that may be preferred by some.
Similarities: Weight at 9.2 lbs., umbrella fold, shoulder strap, ergo
foam-grip handles, style of shopping basket, and breathable mesh fabric
used in seat. Differences: Larger wheels at 6" diameter (Volo's are only
4.5"), optional/removable cushioned seat pad, and even taller handles at
42.5" H. Folds to 10 x 8 x 42. Weighs 9.2 lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
One Step Ahead
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UPPAbaby G-Luxe
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Lots to like about this
newbie. It's made in the USA with advantages of my favorite foreign
competitors. Near-full recline, basket, ergo foam-grip handles, sturdy
but light aluminum frame, cup holder included, self-standing when
folded, 5.5" wheels, and essential shoulder carrying strap. Use it from
3 months up to 40 lbs. (compare with the Maclaren Triumph). Folds to 11"
x 9.5" x 42.6". Weighs 11 lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
Baby Earth
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Chicco Capri (C6)
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Value. Another excellent
option that also comes standard with a shoulder carrying strap!
Compact umbrella fold, two-position seat recline, all-wheel suspension,
and a storage basket underneath. A carrying bag is also included with
its own shoulder carrying strap as well--helpful for those times you
might prefer to check your stroller with your suitcases. Ages 6 months
to 3 years. Weighs 11 lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
Babies R Us
|
 Combi
Flare Stroller
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Having traveled the globe
with a Combi over the shoulder, Shelly's quite familiar with the selling
points--and sticking points of Combi's travel strollers. The new Flare
improves upon two sticking points of the past: 1. At 40", the handle
height is 2"-3" taller than most previous models, making it more
comfortable to push and maneuver for taller parents. 2. While most
travel strollers are not made to be used with infant car seats, the
Flare is compatible with the Combi Shuttle infant car seat, making it
useful from your first day home, if you're so inclined (Have a Combi
Connection? See the Savvy below). It is also rated up to 55 lbs., to
hopefully serve you on many, many trips to come. Other great features
included: shoulder carrying strap, bumper bar with cup holder, and an
adjustable recline suitable for use from birth. Folds to 10" x 15" x
37". Weighs 11.7 lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
Baby Age
Babies R Us
Elite Car Seats
|
 Combi
City Savvy Stroller
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
It's all in the bumper bar.
While the City Savvy offers great travel features, including Combi's
compact tri-fold design and a convenient shoulder carrying strap, its
bumper bar gives it one very noticeable advantage over its featherweight
competitors. How important is a bumper bar? It gives parents something
to grab onto at the front end when steering the stroller through narrow
doorways, it provides a place to attach travel toys and a
portable stroller tray,
and it makes an adorable footrest for older babies (numerous parents
have reported this). The City Savvy also offers a fully reclining seat
that can be used from birth and includes an infant boot. Another
advantage over the other lighter weight strollers in its category is
that the City Savvy can be used with the Combi Connection Infant Car
Seat. Also includes storage/travel bag. Suitable from birth to 45 lbs.
Folds to 10.5" x 18" x 39". Weighs 12 lbs.
Note: Pricing for this
stroller may range widely depending on the accessories included with it,
e.g. the "all-weather" package with zip-on foot muff, etc.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com Babies
R Us
Baby Age
Baby Universe
Elite Car Seats
|
 Maclaren
Triumph
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Longevity.
I have used it for my
5-month-old as well as my 5-year-old just this past week.
You can use the Triumph from 3
months through 4 years,
though I personally recommend it for babies 6 months and older because
the recline is not quite enough to keep infants from "slumping." Unlike many lightweight travel and umbrella strollers--the
Triumph
accommodates the longer legs, taller bodies, and greater weights of
older children. The sturdy frame and ergonomic handles also make Maclaren strollers easier to push with older children than many other
models. Enjoy the same quick-and-easy one-handed fold, ergonomic design,
and other shoulder carrying strap of the Volo, with the added bonus of a
multi-position reclining seat. For 3 (or more) months to 55 lbs. Owing to its
narrower canopy, the Triumph also folds slightly smaller than the Volo,
plus its wheels are a full 5" diameter and offer a slightly smoother
ride. Rain cover included. Folds to 10" x 10" x 41". Weighs 11lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
Babies
R Us
Baby Universe
Target.com |
 Maclaren
Quest
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Good for infants. Add to the features of the
Triumph an extendable leg rest to support little legs,
a UV-treated peek-a-boo window in the back of the hood,
and a storage pocket on the back of the canopy (Volos and Triumphs don't
have windows or pockets). The seat has
4 reclining positions reclining seat.
It also has treaded 5" wheels and. Note that the Quest has a carrying
handle and not a shoulder strap. If your child is already past
the point of using the leg rest and you can do without the peek-a-boo
window, you might prefer to travel with the lighter weight, less
expensive Triumph (above). Also, compare with the Chicco C5 below. For
children 3 months and up. Folds to 10" x 10" x 41". Weighs 13.4 lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
Babies
R Us
Baby Universe
|
 Combi
Helio DX
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Goes the distance as Combi's premier
stroller for traveling families, featuring a full recline and car seat
compatibility for infants (with Combi Shuttle), and accommodating
children up to 55 lbs. Bells and whistles include an integrated fold-up
infant boot, removable kids tray with cup and snack holder, larger
wheels, and a removable washable seat cushion. Standard Combi perks
include shoulder carrying strap, compact tri-fold design, and travel
bag. Folds to 10.5" x 18" x 40". Weighs 13.4 lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
Babies R Us
Baby Age
Tip: Save $ buying with the Combi
Shuttle as a
travel system.
|
 Chicco
C5
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Comfort and value (compare with the Quest
above). The Chicco C5 gives you big-brand extras, like ergonomic
foam-grip handles, a one-hand umbrella fold, one-hand multi-position
seat recline, an adjustable padded leg rest, extra seat padding, and a
lightweight tubular aluminum frame--but at a price lower than you may
expect. Canopy with peek-a-boo window zips open at back when extra
ventilation is desired. 5.5" wheels. Note: There are many Chicco
strollers in the market, so be sure you are shopping for the C5 if you
are interested in this model. Also, the Chicco C5 has a carrying handle,
not a shoulder strap. For babies 6 months up to 37 lbs. Folds to 15" x
10" x 42". Weighs 13.7 lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
Baby Age
Baby Universe
|
 Maclaren
Techno XT
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
Add a few bells and whistles to the Maclaren
Volo and Triumph models and you get the Techno XT. This deluxe model
features a fully reclining seat and a UV-protective sun canopy that can
extend down to your child's knees when needed. Ergonomic handles adjust
from 41 to 44 inches, making it ideal for taller parents--or households
with staggered parents. 6.5" wheels are larger than other Maclaren
models and help ensure a smoother ride. Built-in carrying handle instead
of a shoulder strap. Rain cover included. Suitable from birth to 55 lbs.
Folds to 11.5" x 10.5" x 42.5". Weighs 14.5 lbs (fully equipped).
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
Baby Universe
|
Micralite Fastfold FTS
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
We'd be lying if we said
that looks had nothing to do with it--after all this is hardly the
stroller to choose if you want to blend in with the crowd. But it may
also turn the heads of those hoping against all odds to find one
stroller they can be happy with for all occasions--this one may actually
fit the bill. Pneumatic 12" rear wheels give a smooth ride over park
trails and even help you negotiate curbs and sets of steps with
grace--plus they have shocks. A spring-loaded swift folding mechanism
activates when you simply lift the handle, and--shebang--you can leave
it self-standing on the jetway as you board your flight. Seat adjusts to
two positions. Easy steering handle adjusts from 37" up to 41.5"H.
Rain cover included. Can be used from 3 months up to 50 lbs, or from
birth with the Micralite
Graco Car Seat Adapter. Folds to 40" x 12.5" (wheels) x 14.5". The
stroller weighs 15 lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
Baby Age
Babies R Us
One Step Ahead
|
 Quinny
Zapp
Why
Shelly recommends
it:
It's the most compactly folding stroller we
know of. At only 27" x 10" x
11" folded, you can pack it in your suitcase and still have room for
your clothes. Better yet, think of all the room it could save you in
your cruise ship cabin, sleeper car--or rental car for that matter.
Unfortunately, the seat doesn't recline, but you can't have it all.
However, the Quinny Zapp does have a storage basket, sun canopy, rain
cover, and adapter for the Maxi-Cosi infant car seat. Weighs 15.6 lbs.
Find it online at:
Amazon.com
JoggingStroller.com
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