Lightweight Stroller Guide

Strollers offer parents the ability to easily transport infants, toddlers, and younger children from one place to another with ease. However, no two stroller designs are exactly alike. There are many strollers that are designed to be large and accommodating for the child. While this sounds great, it does not always account for the feasibility of packing and unpacking the stroller on a regular basis. For this reason, many parents opt for lightweight strollers that weigh much less than their larger counterparts, without making substantial sacrifices to comfort or versatility.

However, you likely have questions about lightweight strollers. For example, how light can strollers actually be while still remaining safe and useful? Are there specific types of lightweight strollers for newborns? Finally, where can you find a high-quality lightweight stroller that meets your needs? In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s examine what actually qualifies as a “lightweight stroller” and what this term really means.

What Is A Lightweight Stroller?

It goes without saying that a lightweight stroller weighs less than “standard” strollers. However, this is still too vague. What constitutes a light stroller can vary from one person to another. For example, some people think that any stroller designed for travel or any compact stroller that can be easily folded into a small package is a lightweight stroller. However, this may or may not be the case, because defining a lightweight stroller always comes down to the weight, not necessarily the size or versatility.

This makes it much easier to really define what it means to be a lightweight stroller. On average, standard strollers weigh between 22 and 27 pounds (or 10 and 12 kilograms). Large, heavy-duty strollers and many double or triple strollers can weigh more than 35 pounds (upwards of 16 kilograms). While these may not sound like major inconveniences, you would be surprised how much of a difference a few pounds can make.

Fortunately, lightweight strollers (often marketed as travel strollers) offer far more than just a few pounds of difference. In fact, the cut-off for a lightweight stroller is generally 19 pounds, with many lightweight strollers weighing less than 15 pounds. This means that you could get a stroller that weighs less than half of most of the larger options on the market.

So, what does this actually do for you? First and foremost, it makes transporting your stroller much, much easier. Trying to carry, fold, pack, and unpack heavy-duty or even standard strollers can be a huge hassle. If you have a small vehicle or you are traveling by plane or public transport, a heavier, more cumbersome stroller may not even be able to fit in its designated space. Therefore, a lightweight, compact stroller is the best option for people who plan to use their strollers outside of their local area.

What Is The Lightest Stroller?

It is difficult to name the lightest stroller in the world. There are literally thousands of lightweight strollers on the market that compete with their own slender frames, small designs, and lightweight materials, so actually identifying the lightest stroller that is still functional and safe is nearly impossible. That said, the Trend 4 Lightweight Stroller is high on the list, as it combines the lower weight which is seen in light umbrella strollers with the features and sturdiness of other standard-sized and small strollers.

There are technically lighter strollers available for purchase, but many are lacking in features and are not very durable. They can easily become damaged and not offer much protection for your child. For this reason, we recommend the Trend 4 as the best sturdy, full-featured, lightweight stroller. Umbrella strollers are typically lighter, but they simply cannot offer the strength and features of a stroller like the Trend 4.

More specifically, the Trend 4 weighs just 16.5 pounds (with the wheels) and can carry children weighing up to 48.5 pounds. It is easily foldable and compact, making it a great option for car or air travel. Additionally, it is compatible with bassinets, making it far more versatile than most other lightweight strollers.

Lightweight Strollers For Newborns

Finding good lightweight strollers for newborns can be tricky. On the one hand, you want to make sure that your newborn gets all the necessary support and comfort they need. On the other hand, you don’t really need a giant, cumbersome, heavy-duty stroller for a tiny baby. Unfortunately, many heavy-duty strollers are the only ones to offer full head and neck support for newborns. This is due to the fact that most lightweight strollers are paired down and have fewer features.

For example, the average lightweight stroller does not have the ability to recline all the way back. This is an important feature for infants, who need to have the proper head support and usually need to be transported in a reclined position. So, if your baby does not have the ability to sit upright yet, you will definitely want a stroller that is fully reclinable (like the Trend 4).

Fortunately, there are ways to use most kinds of lightweight strollers to support newborns thanks to the All Sorts Seat Pads. These pads can make virtually any stroller newborn-friendly by adding additional padding and head support that helps reshape the interior of the stroller. Rather than simply having one upright angle for your baby, you can insert the All Sorts Seat Pads to offer a more declined variation that is also heavily padded for extra support and comfort.

The Trend 4 and Trend 4 Ultra Lightweight Strollers

As previously mentioned, there are thousands of stroller options available to purchase. This can make the shopping process a bit stressful, as you want to make sure that you are getting the best possible stroller for you and your child. Thankfully, the Trend 4 and Trend Ultra Lightweight Reversible Stroller are two of the best lightweight strollers for infants, toddlers, and even preschoolers.

We have already outlined the benefits of the Trend 4, but the Trend Ultra takes many of the same features and offers a few extras. Weighing in at just 19 pounds, the Trend Ultra is a bit heavier than the Trend 4, but it also has the benefit of being reversible. This means that you can take walks with your baby facing forward (the standard direction) or facing back toward you. For many parents, having a reversible stroller is extremely important, as it allows them to interact with their babies and toddlers as they walk. As an added bonus, the Trend Ultra has a slightly larger seat and canopy, as well as a boot cover with a built-in mosquito net!

So, whether you opt for the Trend 4, Trend Ultra, or another high-quality, lightweight stroller, you can rest easy knowing that you are getting a strong, durable, and highly portable stroller for your child. The key is to determine your needs as a parent and the needs of your child. However, both the Trend 4 and Trend Ultra are some of the best options for parents of younger children, as they are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to take from one place to another!

We hope you enjoyed our guide on lightweight strollers! Do you want to learn more about enhanced child transport solutions or other parenting accessories? If so, be sure to reach out to Valco Baby today!