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Best Lightweight Strollers for 2012 RevealedWhat to Look for in Quality Lightweight Baby StrollersThe best lightweight strollers have more features than an umbrella stroller, but are generally more compact than standard singles. Here are the best rated, broken down by different price points. Lightweight baby strollers are medium to small-sized strollers. They can look just like standard strollers and it is easy to get them mixed up; but these lightweights weigh 15 to 17 pounds and standard strollers start at about 20 pounds or more. Lightweight strollers are a great alternative to the full featured strollers when you don't want all the extra weight, but still want to have some convenience features that umbrella strollers don't have. Umbrella strollers, on the other hand, have curved handles that look like umbrella handles, hence the name. Umbrella strollers also fold vertically, while lightweight and most other types of strollers fold flat horizontally. Compared to lightweight strollers, umbrella strollers are typically not suitable for newborn babies, and they have almost no extra features such as a reclining seat and storage basket. Lightweight strollers have almost all the features of full-sized buggies, with the convenience of being lightweight. CLICK HERE to go straight to the best lightweight strollers for 2012! What to Look for in Lightweight Strollers When choosing a lightweight baby stroller, parents should pay attention to is its frame. The frame should be stable and sturdy and most lightweight strollers are made of aluminum. The lightweight but sturdy frame is crucial for parents who travel with their babies frequently. The best lightweight baby strollers can take the abuse of traveling via public transportation, such as air travel. Many families gate check their stroller at the airport so they can use it at their destination. Another important factor that should be considered when purchasing a quality lightweight is its safety features. A good stroller should come with a 5-point safety harness, and it should be adjustable according to the baby's size. A safe lightweight stroller must also have rear brakes that are either hand or foot-controlled. Some strollers have a locking mechanism, keeping the stroller from collapsing once it's set up - you don't want to even think about your stroller collapsing around your precious baby! The next standard feature to consider are the wheels. Wheels with good suspension are ideal for parents on the move because it provides a smooth ride for your baby as you're zipping around. Front wheels that can swivel provide superb maneuvering in crowded areas, an important factor when you're in the city or a crowded shopping mall. What kind of seat does the best lightweight stroller have? The seat should be padded, with strong back support. Just as you've chosen the best crib mattress with firm support, this feature is important with your stroller as well. Most lightweights come with seats that recline at multiple positions, which is a bonus. A few models can accept an infant car seat, turning your lightweight baby stroller into a travel system. More features to look for is an adjustable and fully retractable sun canopy to protect the baby from elements such as sun, rain and wind. You're also going to want an easy fold that is compact for storage. For parents who love strolling with their babies, extra features such as child and parents cup holders, snack tray for baby and adequately-sized storage baskets or pockets are excellent additions. These features help parents to store their belongings safely and to keep the baby entertained. The best lightweight stroller of this type usually has a padded bumper bar for the baby to hold onto. Best Lightweight Strollers for 2012These are the best lightweight strollers for 2012. Based on consumer reviews, professional guides, blog reviewers and as well as personal experience, these are the best lightweight strollers this year. Choose the price range that fits your budget for the highest-rated lightweight strollers on the market. Note: Some of these models are for 2011 as some manufacturers do not release their 2012 lightweight strollers til a bit later in the year. I frequently check availability to give you the latest. Best budget lightweight strollers up to $100You'll be surprised to find that some of these lightweight brands don't even surpass $100, yet they've gotten excellent parent and professional ratings. Jeep Cherokee Sport
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$50-$70
Compact and lightweight for busy parents, the Jeep Cherokee stroller is ideal for quick trips. The Cherokee Sport is a high quality lightweight baby stroller that weighs only 13 pounds and has an easy one-hand compact fold that stands on its own.
For kids, the Cherokee Sport has a multi-position seat recline, adjustable sun canopy and snack tray. A 3-point quick release buckle keeps your kiddo safe, yet allows freedom of movement. This lightweight baby stroller holds up to 35 pounds.
For you the stroller has a generous storage basket and two removable cargo bags along with two parent cup holders and organization tray. Not many lightweight strollers have so many features and not get too heavy.
The Jeep Cherokee Sport has gotten 4 ½-star reviews from many, many happy parents who recommend this product
Top Reasons to Buy
- Stand-alone compact fold
- Fantastic storage cargo bags and basket
- Lots of amenities for a small price and light weight
Kolcraft Contours Lite 
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$54-$85
This amazing little stroller has been knocking fellow lightweight contenders out of the ring. The Kolcraft Contours Lite has features that parents require, namely a less bulky product that still has amenities for both adult and child. At only 15½ pounds, it's a breeze to take anywhere with you.
The Contours Lite has a recline feature that lays nearly flat and the padded seat and shoulder straps on the 5-point safety harness are comfy enough that children prefer this stroller to their full sized ones. They even get their own snack tray and cup holder!
Parents, you are not forgotten. The Contours Lite has a storage basket big enough to carry a large diaper bag and you get a cup holder, a must-have for most parents, don't you think?
The Kolcraft Contours Lite has gotten impressive 4½-star reviews for durability and good value across various online retailers and is a Consumer Reports Best Buy. See more Kolcraft Contours strollers.
Top Reasons to Buy
- Modern design, with durability and value
- Near-flat reclining seat
- Nice large storage basket
Joovy Scooter 
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$100
This may be the smallest of the Joovy lightweight strollers, but the Joovy Scooter works hard. It weighs 18½ pounds, so it's not super lightweight; think of it as being more hefty to safely hold your child up to 55 pounds. Like the Joovy Kooper, the Scooter has a reclining seat that lays back to a 149° angle, which is far enough that your child can nap in complete comfort.
Baby also gets a padded bumper bar and side mesh pockets for little toys to play with. When baby looks up, there's mamma looking in through the peek-a-boo window at the top of the canopy. What's more is that this little stroller can even accommodate a Graco car seat, turning it into a travel system!
The handles on the Scooter have a unique design, so if you like having a lightweight baby stroller that looks different, then this is a great choice. The enormous sun canopy is a hit with moms, as is the ample storage basket beneath the seat. Parents also have the convenience of a cup holder between the handles as well as a little storage pocket for keys, etc.
Parents like the maneuverability and smooth ride - you can push it one handed. The linked parking brake makes stopping easy with one step. Features like these give the Joovy Scooter 4 stars across different online retailers. Read more reviews here
Top Reasons to Buy
- 55-pound weight capacity for years of use
- Full-coverage sun canopy for your child's protection
- One-handed smooth maneuvering
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Best lightweight strollers between $100-$200
Graco UrbanLite
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$150-$160
Look at this beautiful new Graco! As you may notice, single wheels are all the rage trending in best lightweight stroller design and Graco's gotten on board with their lovely UrbanLite.
The UrbanLite weighs just under 20 lbs, yet it can hold your child up to 50 lbs. The seat reclines in numerous positions to flat, and can carry your Graco SnugRide infant car seat to make a travel system. Several color schemes offer a matching car seat that you can buy together as a pair
Enjoy your outings using the UrbanLite with its adjustable-height handle bar and very generous shopping basket. The sun canopy is impressive on this new model as is the tight, compact fold.
The UrbanLite is quite exciting and so far consumers feel the same way with early owners writing in with their impressions
Top Reasons to Buy
- Travel system ready
- Modern, single-wheel design
- Adjustable-height handle for both tall and petite parents
Joovy Kooper
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$150-$183 depending on color
Here's a best lightweight stroller that's actually comfortable for your child! The Joovy Kooper has a seat back that is structured for better support and it reclines to a 149° angle, just right for your child's nap. The five-point safety harness is padded for your child's comfort and security.
Mom, you're going to love the vibrant colors, one of the highlights of Joovy strollers, and there are five to choose from. It is made with 1680D fabric, which is good for keeping that color nice and bright despite all the weather it is exposed to.
The Kooper has other features that parents appreciate such as its easy maneuverability and huge sun canopy. The stroller is balanced quite well and is stable so that when your little one gets out, the Kooper still stands upright with no risk of tipping over. The storage basket is adequate enough for your things and you get a couple of pockets on the seat back for your beverages. Advantages like these inspire moms like you to write in with average 4-star reviews. Joovy Kooper is the best lightweight stroller to consider if you don't quite have the budget for a Baby Jogger City Mini or a Britax B-Agile (as seen on next tab).
Top Reasons to Buy
- Vibrant, sporty colors that don't fade
- Well-known for a child's comfort
- Stable and well balanced
Best lightweight strollers between $200-$300
Baby Jogger City Mini
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$200
The City Mini is one of the most popular in the line of Baby Jogger strollers. Baby Jogger products integrate a patented one-hand Quick-Fold Technology and patented Universal Accessory Mounting Bracket, making it simple to add the accessories you want. These innovations make your experience with the City Mini a pleasure to use and because of these convenient features and excellent quality, the City Mini has gotten 4-star reviews across the Internet.
Baby Jogger City Mini is the winner of NAPAA Gold Award as well as other distinctive honors. That's saying something! parents rave that the Mini is very easy to fold up and it has a large adjustable protective sun canopy with two peek-a-boo windows. The tall seat back and easy adjusting safety harness ensure a proper fit for the tallest and biggest passengers.
It is a dream to stroll around, even when going slightly uphill. Moms love that it is very lightweight, at just under 17 pounds, making storing and traveling a breeze. The Baby Jogger City Mini is a clear favorite for savvy moms.
Top Reasons to Buy
- One-handed quick fold
- Full-coverage sun canopy for protection
- Great seat for growing kids
Britax B-Agile
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$195-$212
The Britax B-Agile is a sporty, lightweight baby stroller that is giving the City Mini (above) a serious challenge. Weighing in at 16½ pounds, this stroller is sturdy and durable as well as attractive. What else makes the B-Agile take a place in the winner's circle? It has a huge sun canopy, a really nice, roomy seat and a compact easy fold that automatically locks.
What do parents like about the B-Agile? Moms say they love the maneuverability and that it can go over rather rough terrain, though it is not an all-terrain stroller. Parents also write in to say how much they appreciate the easy fold and the one-handed seat recline. The B-Agile has a different frame than the City Mini that allows easier access to the basket in back, which is a huge advantage. You can also buy lots of accessories to go with this lightweight baby stroller.
This is the newest model in the Britax lightweight strollers line-up and customer reviews have been phenomenal. We're talking 4½ stars as well as rave reviews from various mommy and baby blogs. Read my Britax B-Agile review to discover the differences between the Britax B-Agile and the Baby Jogger City Mini and why consumers adore this new Britax stroller so much!
Top Reasons to Buy
- Easy access to storage basket
- Quick, auto-locking fold
- Excellent maneuverability
Best lightweight strollers over $300
Here you will see the luxury lightweights. These beauties combine artful form and precision function. Not to mention high fashion fabrics! You will turn heads pushing one of these gorgeous strollers down the street.
Valco Baby Ion 
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$340
One of the most uniquely designed strollers, the Valco Baby Ion is egg-shaped to maximize the interior space while at the same time giving extra strength to the super light frame. You'll turn heads when taking the Ion out on the town for the modern design.
The Ion is one of the best lightweight strollers available at only 18 pounds and it uses a "1-Twist" compact fold that is quick and easy. Roll the stroller behind you like luggage for easy transport. The seat lies flat and can accommodate a Valco bassinet or use a single car seat adapter for your newborn. At the upmost position, your child sits nice and straight. While the handle is unusually shaped, no reviews have complained about it. As a matter of fact, quite the opposite and the handle is height adjustable for your strolling comfort.
This particular model also comes in a double side by side called the Valco Ion Twin. This extensive review of the Twin Ion pertains to the single as well, so you should read that to get the details you need.
So far reviews are utterly phenomenal
Top Reasons to Buy
- Futuristic design
- Compact fold with rolling luggage transport
- Car seat or bassinet ready for newborns
Zooper Waltz
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$300
Zooper lightweight strollers are well known for all the accessories that come included such as a cup holder, sleeping bag leg cover (boot), rain cover and sun shade. The Zooper Waltz boasts both attractiveness with updated luxury fabrics and functions such as one-handed maneuverability. It folds super compact, and suspension in all wheels gives a smooth ride.
Parents love the Waltz for its Napper canopy. The unique canopy protects your baby by going all the way down to the snack tray and has a huge viewing window so your little passenger can still see outside. The Waltz is suitable from birth because the four-position reclining seat lays completely flat. Most moms agree that a separate infant seat is not necessary, as their babies fit into the Waltz snugly and securely, but the Waltz is sturdy enough as a travel system if you want to include a car seat. It also has an adjustable leg rest that can be zipped up for extra safety as a secure enclosure for your newborn.
Customers who buy this item love that the Waltz is very lightweight and once folded, rolls behind you like a suitcase. Parents give this stroller 4½ stars, though an earlier recall is revealed in the Zooper Waltz review. See all Zooper strollers here.
Top Reasons to Buy
- All accessories included with purchase
- Huge napper canopy comes down to snack tray with window
- Suitable for newborns as travel system or with infant seat enclosure
Inglesina Avio
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$400-$450 depending on color and seller
Simplicity is beautiful, and the Inglesina Avio exemplifies just that with a clean, light design. A super-smooth glide is yours with the sealed ball bearings fitted in the wheels. The one-handed self-standing fold is a winner when you're holding your baby in your other arm. Your child can ride in this stroller from birth either with a car seat (Graco, Peg Perego or Britax) or with the optional matching carry cot that is just as chic.
Rich in features, the selling points for customers include an enormous canopy with flip-out visor and peek-a-boo window. The wide, deluxe padded seat reclines in multi positions and a 5-point safety harness adjusts to your passenger's size. The wheelbase width is only 19½" vs. most other luxury strollers that are as wide as 26". This enables you to go through doorways and narrow shopping areas much easier. Included accessories are a rain cover and cup holder.
This is a relatively new lightweight baby stroller on the market and while there aren't a ton of customer reviews out for the Inglesina Avio yet, the feedback so far has been outstanding. The average 4-star rating it receives is for the smooth, tight maneuverability and the incredibly easy, compact fold. Explore more of these revealing testimonials.
Top Reasons to Buy
- Narrower width for easier accessability in tight spaces
- Beautiful, simple design with optional matching bassinet
- Gliding maneuverability and superb performance
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