Best Lightweight And Compact Strollers For 2017

I'm a huge fan of lightweight, compact strollers. Partly because these type of strollers are very convenient for city life and partly because I'm petite and prefer not to be encumbered by a heavy, bulky stroller. Lightweight, strollers are designed for portability, weight under 18 lbs and generally feature a simple, compact fold.

Some people are OK with a lightweight stroller being of inferior quality. Their reasoning being that it's a backup stroller which is only used on specific occasions and therefore doesn't need to be exceptionally wonderful. However, for many city dwellers and frequent travelers, a lightweight stroller occupies the place of a main stroller and therefore needs to have as many comfort and convenience features as possible.

My personal standards for a lightweight stroller are very similar to my standards for full size strollers. Just like a full size stroller, a lightweight stroller must be comfortable for a child, provide a good sleeping surface with a deep recline, have high quality textiles, good sun coverage, fold easily and maneuver well. Looks also matter and the lightweight strollers that have a more attractive design get my attention. Of course in a lightweight stroller I have to compromise on the push quality due to smaller wheels. A lightweight stroller will never handle grass and uneven terrain as well as a full size stroller with larger wheels. That just comes with the territory. Lightweight strollers are designed to be mostly used on pavement and indoors (think malls, airports, museums, etc.).

Here's my list of the best compact and lightweight strollers for 2017. These strollers were chosen based on the following criteria: Weight, compactness, child comfort features, ease of fold, quality, aesthetics.

MIMA ZIGI

The Mima Zigi, like all  Mima strollers, has a cool, futuristic look, with transparent wheels, chrome accents and a fluid seat design. The stroller is a head-turner, but also extremely functional. It seems that the designers at Mima really thought of everything!

The Zigi is made with:

• An adjustable, telescopic handlebar
• Adjustable backrest and leg-rest 
• Innovative, one-push open/close canopy
• One-hand, super compact fold. The folded stroller stands upright
• Folded size (18 L x 10 W x 22 H) is a accepted as cabin luggage on most airlines
• Rear wheels suspenssion
• Beautiful fabrics and leather details
• Stroller weight - 18.5 lbs
• Mima Zigi can be used from birth with an optional bassinet or infant car seat.
• Travel system compatible
•  Zigi will be available in 3 colors.

BABYZEN YOYO+

Ever since the release of the original Yoyo stroller, it has been extremely popular for travel and city life. The stroller is as compact as it gets, has a tiny fold and a handy carrying strap. The Yoyo+ has been updated to allow for even more convenience:

• Can be used from birth with a parent facing bassinet attachment or car seat. 
• One-hand folding, unfolding and driving 
• Reasonably large storage basket 
• All-wheel suspension for a softer ride 
• Adjustable, UPF 50+ canopy 
• Removable and machine washable seat fabric
• Extremely compact when folded (52 x 44 x 18 cm), the YOYO+ can be taken on-board a plane as cabin luggage 
• Comes with a rain sheild and storage bag
• Weighs 13.7 to 14.5 lbs (6.2 to 6.6 kg) depending on the version.

MOUNTAIN BUGGY NANO V2

The new Nano V2 folds even more compact than it's predecessor, making it a perfect travel companion. While the stroller is narrow and lightweight, it still features a full size seat, which can be suitable from newborn (with carrycot attachment or car seat) to well into the toddler years. Despite it's small size, the stroller is very stable and sturdy.

Nano's outstanding features:

• Folds compactly to just 22" x 12.2" x 20", suitable as hand-luggage on most airlines
• Weighs - 13 lbs
• Stands upright when folded
• One hand flick out unfold 
• Shoulder strap for hands free carrying 
• Exposed carry handle when folded in satchel 
• Improved mesh ventilation system in back of seat, with detachable cover
• Adjustable leg rest
• Rear wheel suspenssion
• Travel system ready - built in safety belts to secure a car seat no need to purchase additional adapters.
• Optional, lightweight infant cocoon
• Travel bag included
• The limited edition version includes a matching seat liner

GB QBIT+

The GB Qbit+ is one of the few lightweight strollers with a completely flat recline, making it suitable for use from birth without an addition of a carrycot or car seat (though the stroller is car seat compatible). It's also one of the few compact strollers which include a bumper bar.

Other great features:

• Easy one-hand fold
• Free-standing when folded
• Weighs 16.8 lbs
• Suitable from birth to 55 lbs
• One-hand push and steering
• Large canopy with viewing window
• Nearly flat recline
• Adjustable leg rest
• Swing away bumper bar
• Head support pillow, shoulder and crotch pads 
• Easily accessible, large shopping basket
• Travel system compatible 
• Available in 6 colors

GREENTOM UPP

Greentom is Dutch stroller brand that will be available in USA for the first time this year. The Greentom Upp is a unique concept in stroller design. Besides for being lightweight and very versatile, the stroller is as green as it gets, being completely made of recycled and biodegradable materials. The stroller frame is made of Polypropene and the high quality textiles are made of recycled PET bottles.

Greentom Upp is a 3-in-1 stroller. The frame can be used with a classic, forward facing seat, a newborn carrycot or a reversible seat unit. It can also be used as a travel system with an infant car seat. Available in 3 frame colors and 10 vibrant fabric color options.

• Weighs 15.4 lbs (With Classic seat)
• Flat seat recline
• Infinite recline strap
• Roomy seat
• One-hand steering
• Large canopy with flip out sun visor
• Removable bumper bar
• 8” rear wheels and 6.5” swivel wheels
• Frame can be used with 3 different seat options
• Travel system compatible with adapters 
• Simple "book" fold
• Made of recycled, biodegradable materials

CYBEX MIOS

Mios is the newest addition to Cybex stroller collection for 2017. This stroller is a perfect hybrid of compactness with full-size stroller features. While it's in a higher weight category than the other options in this post, it's still under 20 lbs (weighing 19 lbs to be precise) and has a small foot print.  As with other Cybex strollers, Mios has a sleek, contemporary look that will resonate with Urban parents. 

Here's a list of all of Mios impressive features:

•  19.6" wide
• Weighs 19 lbs
• Reversible seat unit
• Unique breathable mesh seat (Can be covered with a seat inlay)
• Flat recline
• One-hand recline lever
• Adjustable leg rest
• Swing away bumper bar
• Height adjustable handlebar
• All-wheel suspension 
• One-hand fold
• Self standing while folded
• Extendable canopy, with viewing window (Rated UPF 50+)
• Large shopping basket
• Flip-flop friendly break
• Bassinet and travel system compatible 
• Available in 7 colors, plus 3 Special Edition fashion prints.

BABYHOME VIDA

Babyhome Vida is a very lightweight and compact, full featured stroller, that is also very affordable at $299. It features an attractive, fluid design with a slim frame, a compact fold and lot's of thoughtful features. It is one of the few compact strollers with removable and washable seat fabric. Kids are messy, and the ability to wash the stroller fabric offers a degree of convenience rarely found on a stroller in this price-range.

Other features:

• Suitable for 3 months to 55 lbs
• Stroller weighs 16 lbs
• Can be used from birth with a Nest Kit (sold separately), or an infant car seat
• Roomy seat with tall seat back
• Adjustable leg rest
• Adjustable handlebar
• Extendable, 3 panel canopy with a pop out sun visor
• Peek-a-boo window on canopy
• Mesh ventilation panels in back of seat and on the sides of canopy
• Large, easily accessable storage basket
• One-hand manuverability
• All-wheel suspension
• Compact, standing fold
• Removable, washable seat fabric
• Travel system compatible
• Optional bumper bar sold seperately
• Available in 5 colors

VALCO BABY SNAP 4 TREND

The new Valco Baby Snap 4 Trend is loaded with all the 'full size' stroller features, like a roomy seat, large basket and ginormous canopy, while still being relatively light at under 18 lbs. 

• 8 klg (17.6 lbs) 
• One-hand fold
• Infinite strap recline
• Flat recline position, suitable for infants
• Height adjustable handlebar
• Tailormade fabrics
• Huge, extendable canopy with mesh portion
• Adjustable leg rest
• Leatherette covered bumper bar and handlebar
• Mesh ventilation window in back of seat
• Zip-up pocket in back of seat
• Large storage basket
• Available in 3 colors. 

OXO TOT AIR STROLLER

If you like the Oxo Tot Cubby and Cubby+ strollers, you will absolutely love the new Oxo Tot Air stroller! When Oxo designs baby products, they do it right, and this stroller is no exception. At $180, it's one of the most affordable travel strollers on the market.

• Weighs only 11 lbs
• Suitable for 6 months to 55 lbs
• Super compact fold (folds to the size of a backpack) 
• Front wheel suspension
• Large, UPF 50 canopy with peek-a-boo window
• Mesh sides for ventilation
• Breathable seat fabric
• Machine washable fabric
• Roomy storage basket
• Shoulder carrying strap
• Estimate release date - October 2017

Mini Buggy XL By Easywalker - Review and Comparison

Today, I have another lovely stroller to show you, the Mini Buggy XL by Easywalker. I recently reviewed the Easywalker buggy 2016, and this one shares a lot of the same features. Therefore, instead of repeating myself, I will focus on the differences between the two buggies.  

The Mini buggy is available in 6 colors and 2 versions, regular and XL. I was sent the XL buggy in Union Jack Classic for this review, compliments of Baby Jungle.

DESIGN / SEAT / TEXTILES 

The first and obvious difference between the Mini buggy and Easywalker buggy is in the design. The Mini buggy was created in collaboration with MINI of BMW Group and features iconic MINI design elements on fabric and wheels. 

While both buggies are gorgeous and made with a lot of attention to detail, the Mini has a few 'extras' which set it apart. The seat on the Mini buggy has a plush liner, which can be conveniently removed for cleaning. There's also a small, removable head pillow for extra comfort.

Although the textiles on the Mini buggy are beautiful and high quality, I prefer the seat fabric of the Easywalker buggy because it's softer to the touch and more breathable.

The seat size and functions are almost identical to the Easywalker buggy: one-hand reclining lever, 4 backrest positions, including completely flat, adjustable leg rest and very easy to adjust, 5-point harness. The seat is roomy and tall and can accommodate a child from birth to 20 kg (with additional 5 kg in the underseat basket). 

The leg rest on the Mini buggy is 4" inches long, as compared to 5" on the Easywalker buggy. 

Among other accessories, Easywalker offers a matching, leatherette covered bumper bar for the Mini buggy, which can be purchased separately. A bumper bar is a very useful stroller accessories, which I highly recommend investing in.

HANDLES / WHEELS

Besides for the design, the XL version of the Mini buggy differs from the Easywalker buggy in two areas: handles and wheels.

Just like on the Easywalker buggy, the handles on the Mini buggy are ergonomically shaped and covered in leatherette. What makes these handles unique is that they are also height adjustable. When extended, the very top of the handles measures 44" from the ground, vs 41.5" on the Easywalker buggy.

The extendable handles are a very convenient feature for taller parents, however this convenience comes with a small downside. There's some minor wiggle in the handles, which is present even when the handles are in the lower position. 

The XL version of the Mini buggy is made with 15 cm wheels, as compared to the 12 cm, on the Easywalker buggy. The larger wheels are better at handling grass and uneven pavement. The Mini buggy XL is also equipped with all-wheel suspension. We have pretty bad pavement near our home, and the ride in the Mini buggy XL was noticeably smoother than in the Easywalker buggy. 

The larger wheels do add a bit more weight, making the Mini buggy XL 8 kg (17.6 lbs) as compared to  Easywalker buggy weighing 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs).

The break pedal on the Mini buggy is a slightly different shape, but it's still flip-flop friendly and functions exactly as on the Easywalker buggy.

CANOPY

Just like on all Easywalker strollers, the canopy on the Mini buggy is very well designed. It is lined and expands to provide superb protection from the elements. The two mesh inserts on either side of the canopy help with air flow, and there's a vinyl viewing window in the back. 

As you can see in the comparison photo, the shape of the canopy on the Mini is different from the Easywalker buggy.  It's designed with 3 panels, giving it a more rounded appearance. Abby, age 1.5 was not very happy when I lowered the canopy over her because it obstructed too much of her view. She preferred the shape of the Easywalker buggy canopy, which extends more forward, rather than down. 

ACCESSORIES

A variety of accessories are available for the Mini buggy XL. A matching leatherette covered bumper bar is really great to have in my opinion. Little Missy loves leaning on it and sometimes propping up her feet. The buggy folds with the bumper bar attached. 

Another great accessory is a matching winter footmuff. This footmuff is very generously proportioned and fits babies and toddlers alike. Little Missy at almost two, still has plenty of growing room in it. The footmuff is lined in soft, cozy fleece and has a zipper on both sides. The top portion can be zipped off entirely, leaving just the underside as a warm stroller liner.

Of course the footmuff has openings for a 5-point harness and can be used on most strollers.

Other available accessories are car seat adapters, parent cup holder, child snack tray, rain shield, mosquito net, and more!

CONCLUSION

Both, the Mini buggy XL and Easywalker buggy 2016 are gorgeous, luxury umbrella strollers, made to high standards. Both strollers have exceptionally comfortable seats for babies and toddlers alike, and both are travel system compatible with car seat adapters. It's really hard to say which of the two buggies I prefer more, since both have their advantages. 

I really like the larger wheels and the removable, plush seat pad on the Mini buggy. Since I'm petite, I don't need the extendable handles feature, but I can see how it can be a deal breaker for taller parents.

I prefer the pastel colors, the canopy shape and the seat fabric on the Easywalker buggy, though I wish it had larger wheels.

No matter which of these two buggies you choose, rest assured that you're getting a top quality umbrella stroller that your child will love riding in and that you will feel proud pushing! 

A great big THANKS to Baby Jungle for sending a stroller for this review! Baby Jungle is located in the Netherlands and ships worldwide.

Easywalker Buggy 2016 Review

Ever since I laid eyes on the original Easywalker Mini stroller, which was followed by Mosey and then an updated version of Mini, I was enthralled. If you're not familiar with Easywalker, it is a Dutch brand, which consistently puts out innovative, high quality strollers and accessories.

The Easywalker buggy is the brand's newest creation and I'm so excited for the opportunity to try out and review it, thanks to Baby Jungle!

You can check out my unboxing post HERE. Now, without further ado...


First Impression 

The new Easywalker Buggy was made to turn heads! It is a fashionable buggy that you will feel proud pushing. In the world of utilitarian looking strollers, this buggy stands out with it's refined textiles, beautiful colors and leatherette details. Lest you think this stroller is all about looks, I'm happy to report that it's made with unparalleled child-comfort features. Suitable for newborns and travel system compatible, the Easywalker buggy has all the features you'd want in a compact stroller.

The buggy is available in 6 beautiful colors. I was sent Paris Brasserie and Vienna Cafe for this review. You can see more pictures of the Paris Brasserie buggy from our day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Dimensions & Weight:

• Stroller width - 18.5" 
• Handles height - 41.5" (to the top) 
• Stroller weight - 14 lbs (6.5 kg) 
• Seat width - 12.5" 
• Seat depth - 9" (14" when leg rest is extended) 
• Seat back height - 19.5"  (27" to canopy)
• Suitable for birth to 44 lbs (20 kg) 

Seat

The seat on the Easywalker buggy is roomy and tall. It accommodates children from birth to 44 lbs (20 kg). The seat back measures 19.5" and a whooping 27" inches to canopy! That gives more head room than most strollers on the market, which means even older toddlers will fit into this stroller without having the canopy sitting on their heads.

As you can see in the pictures, both Ben (age 3.5) and Abby (otherwise known as Little Missy, age 1.5) are very comfortable in this buggy. The only place where Ben is starting to outgrow it, is in the leg room. The distance between seat edge and foot rest is 8", which is typical of most umbrella strollers.

The seat has a one-hand lever recline, which is my favorite type of recline mechanism. It adjusts to 4 positions, including completely flat, making it suitable for newborns and allowing children to stretch out comfortably for naps.

The backrest on this buggy is rigid and provides good back support. Many umbrella strollers on the market are made with a hammock-like backrest, which my kids detest.

The buggy also features a leg rest. It adjusts via two small levers underneath. When the leg rest is extended, the total sleeping surface is 33" inches.

Canopy

The Easywalker buggy is equipped with an XL canopy. There's an extra zip out portion, and when fully extended, the canopy provides superb protection from the elements. It is lined with the same beautiful pastel fabric as the inner sides of the seat, giving the buggy an extra pop of color.

There's a vinyl peek-a-boo window in back of the canopy. It's positioned further back than on most strollers, making it a bit challenging to see the baby when the seat is in the upright position. It's more useful when the seat is reclined.

There are also two mesh ventilation inserts for better air flow. The fabric flap in the back of the canopy can be rolled up on a hot day and there's a snap to hold it in place.

Textiles/Quality 

As I mentioned earlier, the textiles on the Easywalker buggy are exquisite! Everything from the stroller outer fabric and seat to the leatherette handles and brushed aluminum frame, exudes quality.

The Easywalker Buggy is available in six colors: Paris Brasserie, Berlin Breakfast, Ibiza Brunch, Milano Melange, Vienna Cafe and Monaco Apero. Each color is so beautiful in it's own way, it's really hard to choose! The buggies have either a light grey or dark grey frame, and light grey or black leatherette covered handles.

The canopy and seat outer are made of durable fabric in refined colors. The Paris Brasserie and Vienna Cafe also feature a subtle circles print. The lining is made of smooth fabric in complimentary, pastel colors.

The seat is well padded and covered in softer, cozier fabric. Depending on the outer color of the stroller, the seat is either heather grey, or charcoal. The leg rest is also covered in a more durable, fabric that is easier to clean. Seriously, this is a buggy that you just can't take your eyes off!

Harness 

The buggy is equipped with a very user friendly, 5-point harness. The upper straps and lower straps are attached to the same clip, so there's no option of using it as a 3-point harness.

Just like on my Easywalker Mini stroller, which I reviewed last year, the length of the harness is very easy to adjust and it can be done with one hand by lifting up the plastic harness thread peace which is hidden under the shoulder strap pads.

The harness pads are attached with small elastic, which prevents them from slipping down. It's a small detail, but it makes a difference!

The clasp is very easy to open and close for an adult, yet challenging for a young child. It requires squeezing the clip in two places simultaneously, which young kids are not dexterous enough to do.

Wheels 

The buggy rolls along on 4 sets of double wheels with rear-wheel suspension. The front swivel wheels can be locked in a forward-only mode for better handling of grass and mild terrain.

Frankly, the wheels are the only part of this stroller that can be improved upon. Made out of hard foam and measuring 5" (12.5 cm), these wheels are typical of most umbrella strollers. While there's nothing really wrong with them, I feel that the wheels don't quite live up to the high end feel of the rest of this buggy. It would be really great if the wheels were slightly larger and made of hard rubber.

Push/Steering 

The Easywalker buggy was designed for city use. It pushes very well on smooth pavement and indoors. Anything more becomes a bit of a struggle because of the small wheel size.

Steering is best done with two hands. It's possibly to steer with one hand if necessary, but it's not very comfortable because of the horn handles. Those of you who have experience with umbrella-type strollers will know exactly what I mean.

This buggy is very stable with good weight distribution. I've hung heavy bags off the handles and the buggy does not tip over.

Handles 

The EW buggy has horn handles, like most umbrella strollers. The handles are covered in leatherette, for a luxurious feel. The very top of the handles is 41.5 inches from the ground. Since I'm petite (5"2), I find the handles to be higher than I'd prefer, but for an average size parent, it should be a perfect height.

Under-seat Storage

While the under-seat basket doesn't appear all that big, it's actually decent for an umbrella stroller. It's easily accessible from the back and from the sides. In the pictures, I have my shoulder bag, a pack of baby wipes and Mr. Wolf in there with room to spare.

Break

There are two connected break pedals, one on each rear wheel. The breaks are flip-flops friendly, being chunky and having rounded edges. They make an audible click, so you know when the breaks are engaged.

Fold

The buggy has a typical umbrella-stroller fold, which can be done with your foot and with just one hand supporting the stroller. There's an auto fold lock and a carrying handle on one side in addition to a shoulder carrying strap in the back. As with most umbrella strollers, the folded stroller is narrow and long.

The down side to this type of fold is that the front wheels are resting against the canopy lining. Since it would be a shame to get such a beautiful canopy dirty, and being the crazy lady that I am, I carry along a plastic bag, which I wrap around the front wheels before folding the stroller.

Accessories 

The Easywalker buggy comes with a rain shield included. A variety of other, useful accessories can be purchased separately.

Easywalker offers an optional bumper bar for their buggies, available in 5 colors. Just like the handles, the bumper bar is covered in leatherette.The bumper bar does not have gate opening, but it can be moved up or down for easier access to the seat. It does not need to be removed when folding the stroller.

I was also sent a Summer seat inlay to use with the buggy. It's made out of 3D air mesh fabric and helps to keep a child from sweating in the stroller on a hot day.

Another very convenient thing to have is a parent cup holder. 

Parents of infants may want to use this buggy as a travel system. Easywalker  makes adapters which fit the following infant car seats: Maxi Cosi Cabrio, Maxi Cosi Pebble, Cybex Aton, BeSafe IziGo, Nuna Pipa, and Kiddy Evolution Pro.

In addition to the above mentioned accessories, Easywalker also offers a travel bag for the buggies, a snack tray,  mosquito net, sun parasol, Windshield and a Cocoon to keep baby cozy on cold days.

Conclusion & Ratings

The Easywalker buggy is a luxurious, lightweight and compact stroller, perfect for city dwellers and for travel. It allows parents to easily navigate in tight spaces and crowded places, while providing optimum comfort for a child. The narrow fold and carrying strap makes this buggy convenient for use on public transportation. The buggy can be used from birth to as long as your kids ride in a stroller, due to a flat reclining seat and ample head room.
In addition to all the great features, I think fashionable moms out there would be hard-pressed to find a more attractive umbrella stroller.


Pros:
1. Beautiful design
2. High quality textiles
3. Completely flat recline
4. One-hand recline mechanism
5. Lightweight & compact
6. Huge canopy with ventilation windows
7. Adjustable leg rest
8. Sturdy
9. Plenty of head room for taller children
10. Shoulder carrying strap
11. Easy to adjust harness
12. Flip-flop friendly break
13. Optional belly-bar
14. Car seat compatible with adapters

Cons:
1. Small wheels
2. Suspension could be softer
3. Handles too high for petite parents (not a con for everyone)

I very much enjoyed using the Easywalker buggy in the city and it would be my stroller of choice for future travel. The minor drawbacks are really just me being overly-picky and so I decided to give this buggy an overall 5 out of 5 stars rating.

Once again, I'd like to thank Babyjungle.nl for sending these buggies for a review. Baby Jungle is located in the Netherlands and ships worldwide.