Trying to Find Lightweight Pushchairs
Today’s mother has to be all things at all times: a yummy mummy looking fabulous in her wrap around jersey dress, calf-hugging boots and funky pushchair as accessory; a no-nonsense go-getter battling the high street crowds to bag the best deal in the nappies aisle; a career-orientated super-woman dashing around from work to crèche to work again! It’s no wonder so many mums are looking for lightweight pushchairs to ease the load!
And it’s not only the fact that our lives are so busy, demanding that we can get in and out of places quickly and without too much struggle! Baby paraphernalia weighs a ton – for your average day out on the beach, for example, aside from the towels, parasols, sun-block, picnic basket, food and drinks, you’re also going to need extra nappies, changing stuff – wipes, creams and such, bottles of food and/ or milk, toys, change of clothes, bibs – oh and don’t forget your handbag, camcorder, iphone etc… All of this on top of your bouncing, increasingly heavy (in a good way) baby! The last thing you need is a pushchair that weighs about the same as a small car! Plus, if you’re planning on taking your baby on a flight anywhere, it is going to be imperative that your pushchair is not only lightweight and compact (due to numerous airline restrictions) but also easily replaceable if it doesn’t quite make the trip in one piece.
But even when you’ve come to the conclusion that a lightweight pushchair is an absolute must have, there are so many pushchairs out there on the market, that it is hard to see the wood for the trees! Almost all pushchair manufacturers seem to claim that their products are going to revolutionise you and your baby’s lives; and half of their websites seem to be so obsessed with presenting you with images of all the marvelous future scenarios you will magically find yourself in once you get their product, that you have to spend hours clicking through to get to the basic product specs in order to find out the crucial thing you are looking for: how much does it weigh! And by the way, why are we subjected to so many different terms for the same thing – buggy, stroller, pushchair – it’s all the same thing!
So, I have decided to collate all my research together in an attempt to help other mothers with this seemingly easy decision. I have categorized reviews of the best (in my opinion) lightweight pushchair options for the following: standard pushchairs, 3 wheel pushchairs, double pushchairs and pushchair travel systems. But don’t just take my word for it – have a look at other website reviews and then go to a baby shop and try it out – borrow a baby if you have to – to really compare both the weight, but also all the other functions that are going to make your life easier.
These other functions to consider include whether the pushchair will fold quickly and compactly; whether it has good safety features such as a 5-point seat harness and easy to use brakes; whether it is ergonomically designed with built-in adjustable handles to allow people of different heights to push; and whether the underneath shopping basket is going to big enough to accommodate all your and baby’s stuff!
Make sure also to be clear about the age range for the pushchair, as many are not suitable from birth. These are fine for the holiday scenario, as most are suitable from 6 months which is probably when most first-time parents feel ready to tackle a flight with baby. Also some travel systems will claim to be lightweight, but it can be a bit confusing to compare, because you really need to compare the chassis weight on its own, and then the other additions – the pushchair seat, the carry cot and the car seat. Plus with some travel systems the seat fully unclips for you to then clip on the car seat/carry cot onto the chassis, whilst in others the seat does not unclip but folds out in such a way as to accommodate the car seat! Finally, some manufacturers will quote the weight without the addition of the shopping basket or sun hood – and what use is that to anyone! So, I have tried to make my reviews as reader friendly as possible so read on!
Two Lightweight 3-Wheel Pushchairs
Petite Star Zia
weight: 6.3kg
age: from birth
size: 104 x 47.5 x 91cm
folded size: 76 x 42 x 37cm
added extras: shopping basket, sun hood, rain cover, 6 months guarantee
not included: foot muff, storage bag
price: from £100
Arguably the lightest three-wheeler that I could find, the Petite Star Zia is an ideal buggy for urban environments – particularly since the wheels are not really designed for more rugged off-road terrain. It’s also seriously compact – apparently can fit into the smallest car boot size – which when you see the storage bag that you can buy for it, is very easy to believe! It’s a fairly easy to use pushchair with a well-designed step and release brake mechanisms, but the folding mechanism – which is simple enough – needs two hands. It’s a very attractive streamlined style, and very affordable too – a good choice if your budget is tight but you still want to have the slick three-wheeler look. The only downsides are that it did feel a little less sturdy than other models, and the handles are not height adjustable. I am also a little concerned that it is only available with a 6 month guarantee from certain retailers.
Baby Jogger City Mini
weight: 7.5kg
age: from birth
size: 100 x 62 x 105cm
folded size: 78 x 61 x 25cm
added extras: fold strap to keep stroller folded, shopping basket, sun hood, 1 year guarantee
not included: carry cot, rain cover, mosquito net, activity tray and storage, storage bag, car seat adaptor
price: from £199
The Baby Jogger City Mini has had mixed reviews, with some complaining that its was a hassle to fold (on account of there being a fold strap to keep it securely folded) and others finding it quite easy to fold. Go figure! I think it’s somewhere in the middle – and this is definitely one to test-run in a shop before you buy (really do the folding up and imagine how often you’re going to have to do it). It’s certainly not as light as the Zia, but a lot lighter than other three-wheelers. Unlike the Zia, with the necessary added attachments (at extra cost), this pushchair will adapt into a travel system accommodating a carry cot or a car seat, though the seat reclines to almost flat, so it’s fine for a newborn as it is. I also like the uni-handle, which makes it possible to push with one hand – great if you’re on the go with a mobile phone or coffee in your other hand! Clearly, it’s almost twice as pricey, so it’ll come down to your budget and your personal taste. Not much in it between these two pushchairs – both good all-round lightweight options.
Two Lightweight Pushchair Travel Systems
Bébé Confort Streety
weight: chassis is 6kg, seat is 2.6kg
age: from birth
size: 85.5 x 56.5 x 94.5cm
folded size: 33 x 27.5 x 84cm
added extras: shopping basket, sun hood, rain cover, 2 year warranty
not included: sun parasol, foot muff, carry cot, infant car seat, changing bag
price: from £250*
The Bébé Confort Streety travel system pushchair is a great buy for lots of reasons. It comes in a great range of fun colours and has a streamlined design. I really like that the seat unit can be set facing mum or facing the street. It also has the uni-handle which means you can push with just one hand. It’s easy to fold, it is very compact and stands up on its own when it is folded – great for when you’ve got your hands full when getting baby into the car – and it has side handles when folded to easily lift it up and get it in and out of places. The other really fantastic thing is that it is suitable from birth to 4 years old, so has a long range of usability. Also if you get the coordinating Streety car seat, this is suitable from birth to 12 months (which is longer than some infant car seats). *Regarding price, make sure to compare the different Streety pack deals available online which will include the pushchair and seat unit, and then some or all of the following; the carry cot, the infant car seat, the foot muff and a matching changing bag with mat included!
Silver Cross Linear Freeway
weight: chassis and seat is 6.6kg
age: from birth
size: 60 x 104 x 103cm (when in pram/ bassinet mode)
folded size: 60 x 29 x102cm
added extras: shopping basket, sun hood, rain cover, foot muff, changing bag with mat, apron, 2 year warranty
not included: infant car seat, sun parasol, liner and mattress
price: from £340
The Silver Cross brand is one even our grandmothers will remember, and it has consistently brought our reliable, sturdy products with designs that meet modern demands. There’s no getting around the fact that Silver Cross is a more expensive brand, but I would argue that you get a superb quality product in return. The Linear Freeway is a great pram/ pushchair that becomes a travel system when combined with the compatible Ventura Plus infant car seat (suitable from birth to 9 months – to be bought separately). What I love about this range is that the seat unit has been very cleverly designed so that it can be both a completely flat bassinet when baby is newborn which faces mum for that all important eye contact, and then converts easily to a pushchair seat when baby is able to sit up (this can also be set to face mum or the street). It is remarkably light at just 6.6kg and the added extras are a great bonus. I also like the classic yet not old-fashioned design
Two Lightweight Double Pushchairs
Out n About Nipper 360 Double
weight: 10kg
age: from birth
size: 77 x 97 x 115cm
folded size: 77 x 37 x 90 cm
added extras: shopping basket, sun hood, rain cover, 1 year warranty
not included: carry bag, foot muff
price: from around £300
The Out n About Nipper 360 Double is possibly the lightest twin pushchair on the market – definitely a good thing when you’ve got twice the load, and particularly so if you’ve got a baby and a toddler – and hits a lot of the criteria in terms of its practicality and design. It has a very sporty urban look that is bang up to date, and comes in sensible cleanable colours (dark blue, black or red). The signature 360-degree front wheel and uni-handle means that it has excellent manoeuvrability (once you get the hang of it!); and the fact that it is just 77cm wide means you’ll easily get through most shop doors! It also boasts a compact folded size, although it can be even more compact if you take the wheels off first (not ideal in terms of speediness – though the quick release system works well enough). The question is, is it worth the rather large price? Well yes, and no. If you want that particular sporty 3-wheeler style of twin pushchair it is rather well priced, though there is a slightly cheaper one in the Mothercare own-brand range (but at 15kg, this is quite a bit heavier). Also, and I think that this is the decider – the Out n About will take you through from birth to 4 years old, whereas most other pushchairs only go to 3 years – so you’ll certainly get your money’s worth.
Graco DuoSport
weight: 10.2kg
age: from birth
size: 102 x 76 x 75cm
folded size: 100 x 76 x 30cm
added extras: shopping basket, removable sun hood, 6 month to 1 year warranty
not included: foot muff, rain cover, matching changing bag
price: from £170
The next lightest twin is the Grace DuoSport coming in at just a tiny bit heavier than the Out n About Nipper 360 Double. It’s also narrow enough to get through doors (76cm), it also has a uni-handle for easier steering, it is a lot cheaper, and it is suitable from birth but then only to 3 years old. Personally, it gets nul points for style – I have to say I find it a bit old-fashioned looking. But it’s not offensive and at that price is definitely a good buy from a very trusted brand. But be careful to check the warranty duration from your retailer.
Lightweight Pushchairs – A Selection
Mamas & Papas Nipi Buggy
weight: 6kg
age: from birth
size: 106 x 47 x 38cm
folded size: 102 x 33 x 29cm
added extras: practical carry handle when folded, shopping basket, 2 year guarantee
not included: matching accessory pack with beach bag, sun hood and raincover, storage bag
price: from £49 online sales to around £70
The Nipi Buggy is a pretty fantastic bargain if all you need is to get from a to b quickly – especially if you can take advantage of the Mamas & Papas online sales prices! It’s a good choice for a holiday pushchair, although the fact that you have to pay extra for the sun hood (in the accessory pack) is a bit cheeky really! The five recline positions include one that is almost flat, so fine for a newborn, and the ease of use – foldability and brakes are good – is simple and effective. I do also rather like the funky colours and designs. Downside is that the handles are not adjustable, but comfortable enough.
Cosatto Swift Lite Supa
weight: 7kg
age: from birth
size: 106 x 38 x 61cm
folded size: 106 x 30 x 32cm
added extras: practical carry handle when folded, shopping basket, matching footmuff, head hugger, sun hood and raincover, 4 year guarantee
not included: nothing!
price: from £70
The absolutely great thing about the Cosatto range is that you get all the accessories included in the price, and an astounding 4 year guarantee (in UK and Ireland only)! Other than that it’s pretty much the same as the Nipi above so not much to say really! The only thing that might put some off is the ‘cute’ text based design which include “Chip off the old Block”, “Cute as a Button”, “Little Pip Squeak” etc – for those who prefer their babies to travel in a more subtle fashion statement go for the “In Crowd” design, which doesn’t have words on it and is a bit more restrained colour-wise.
OTHERS WORTH CONSIDERING
Silver Cross Fizz Stroller
weight: 5.3kg
age: from 6 months
size: 107 x 48 x 75cm
folded size: 105 x 29 x 22cm
added extras: practical carry handle when folded, shopping basket, sun hood and rain cover, 2 year guarantee
not included: sun parasol, foot muff
price: from £85
Very good and seriously lightweight standard stroller from a trusted brand, but only suitable from 6 months, and unlike the Volo below the seat does recline.
Maclaren Volo Buggy
weight: 4kg without hood/basket etc!
age: from 6 months
size: 104 x 48cm
folded size: 104 x 25.5 x 25.5cm
added extras: shopping basket, sun hood and rain cover, 1 year guarantee with option to upgrade to lifetime gurantee
not included: no recline on seat, foot muff, mosquito net, sun parasol, storage bag
price: from £80
Theoretically the lightest pushchair, if you don’t count the hood and shopping basket! Nevertheless, a great quick use pushchair from 6 months – but with no recline feature means it’s not ideal for long journeys.