Here at Little Urbanites, we know how overwhelming the search for the perfect stroller can be. There are so many factors to consider: flexibility, durability, simplicity, price point, style — the decision can drive even the most poised of parental units around the bend.
And so the Little Urbanites blog team is here with Strollers 101, our informative new series designed to take the stress out of stroller shopping. Welcome to Lesson One: Compact Strollers!
The further you travel with your little one, the heavier your stroller will feel. These lightweight strollers are perfect for travel, and whether you go by train, plane or automobile, they’ll fold quickly and compactly when the time comes to store them away.
But these strollers aren’t just for your wanderings far afield — they’re just as convenient and quick when you use them closer to home. Not only are they perfect for running errands and negotiating crowded aisles at the grocery store, they also fold small enough to leave room in the trunk for the groceries when you’re done!
Here are five of our favorite compact strollers, and our favorite things about them.
UPPAbaby G-LUXE
UPPAbaby G-LUXE
Price: $159.99
Weight: 11 lbs.
Ease of Folding: The releases are by the handlebars, so no awkward foot action is required to fold. It stands by itself once folded, making it even easier to carry and pack.
Why We Love It: The G-LUXE is the lightest full-size reclining umbrella stroller in the US. It reclines to 120 degrees, and its weight capacity is an impressive 40 lbs, making it suitable for children aged three months to toddler.
Baby Jogger City Mini
Baby Jogger City Mini
Price: $229.99
Weight: 16.9 lbs.
Ease of Folding: Like all the strollers in the Baby Jogger City Series, the Mini is a dream to fold. Just lift the stroller the handle in the middle of the seat (helpfully marked: Pull to Fold) and suddenly you have a perfectly folded stroller in your hand. If only everything in life were that easy.
Why We Love It: The City Mini has it all – a near flat reclining seat, a huge multi-position sun canopy with clear view windows, front wheel suspension, a 50 lb. weight capacity, and a lockable front wheel for long distance strolling. It’s kinda awesome.
Phil and Teds Smart
Phil & Teds Smart Buggy
Price: $249.99
Weight: 13 lbs.
Ease of Folding: The Smart folds flat in one easy step – not too shabby.
Why We Love It: The molded foam-like Aerocore seat is hypo-allergenic, water-proof, and incredibly easy to clean. The Smart only reclines to two positions, but it’s compatible with the Phil & Teds Peanut bassinet, which is perfect for the stroller’s youngest occupants. It also has rear wheel suspension, an adjustable sun canopy, and an excellent sense of style.
MicraLite Toro
MicraLite Toro
Price: $525
Weight: 19 lbs.
Ease of Folding: One squeeze of a lever and a tug upward and the Toro folds nicely into a free-standing, roll-able compact stroller. Perfect for public transportation and apartment buildings with lots of stairs.
Why We Love It: The Toro has a unique, cleverly designed sliding seat that allows a full recline for baby’s comfort, or upright seating for your ‘big kid’. Ideal for urban and adventurous living, the Toro is remarkable for its ability to cover all terrains, and its inflated tires absorb the bumps and ensure the passenger a comfortable ride. And like the Phil & Ted Smart, the Toro has a compatible bassinet: the Toro Carrycot.
Bugaboo Bee
Bugaboo Bee
Price: $649.99
Weight: 17.5 lbs.
Ease of Folding: The folding safety release is conveniently located on the handlebar, and then it’s only one smooth downward push to a folded stroller.
Why We Love It: The Bee is the only stroller on this list with a height adjustable handlebar and a reversible seat. Recently redesigned, the new model features a circular joint reverse system that makes it easy to change the direction of the seat, so your child can face you or the world around them. Other new features include a height adjustable backrest, an extendable seat bottom, and a wider seat – making it that much easier for your stroller to grow with your child.
That concludes this week’s session of Strollers 101. Check back next week for Lesson Two!
