Very light toddler buggies

[minipie]

We're reliant on public transport and I realise we would have a lot more travel options if I could carry toddler DD in one arm and folded buggy in the other so I can go up and down steps.

At present we have the Bee which is just too heavy for me to carry both at the same time.

So... I am looking for something really really light. There seem to be quite a few around but I suspect quite a few are lemons.

Must haves

• easy to carry one handed when folded
  
• hood
  
• under 6kg
  

Nice to haves

• Recline
  
• Decent basket
  
• Decent suspension/not too rattly
  
• Single handle rather than 2 handles
  

Budget: either pretty cheap with the idea that it will only be used on a few specific lots-of-steps journeys, with the Bee used most of the time OR really good (and with a recline/decent basket) so that it can be a replacement for the Bee.

So, I'm interested in things at both ends of the budget scale...

Thanks!

[AliceMum09]

I wouldn't go for an umbrella-fold stroller if I was you. They are quite 'unwieldy' to carry, because of the length, you will be swinging it around and banging other people's legs if you are in a busy place. The Maclaren Techno XT is definitely not small or lightweight, and yes you do have to empty the basket of an umbrella-fold stroller to fold it (although I suspect you have to more or less empty the basket of any pram to fold it).

But I don't know what else to suggest. I love my BabyJogger City Mini, the way it folds into a 'square' shape makes it much easier to carry than my Maclaren Quest. Mamas and Papas do the armadillo (I think) that looks like it folds the same but might be lighter and slightly less bulky when folded. But as you have decided to go for super small and light now i'm out ideas. I've always used the car really, I don't have to rely on public transport and just use my Maclaren on the odd occasion I do get the bus.

[youlookbeautifultonight]

Maclaren volo?

[minipie]

thanks everyone! as you can see buggy research trumped sleep yesterday

The Volo does look very good in all ways except for the recline.

The Triumph (or Quest) are quite a bit heavier (ie 5.5kg rather than 4kg for the Volo, I think?) but they do have a recline.

Hmmmm.....

[minipie]

www.kiddicare.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/productdisplay0_10751_-1_266003_10001#pdpTabs

ooh ooh

kiddicare trix, only 4.3 kg and it reclines!

so what's the catch?

thanks for your help and patience everyone...

[Mylovelylovelyhorse]

I've got a mark II. Emergency holiday purchase but it's amazing. SO light. Fab to push, glides over rough ground with my giganticus nearly 3 yr old. I'd recommend it highly

[minipie]

Thanks mylovely. That does sound good. Guess he doesn't nap any more? I'm only put off the volo and mark II because they don't recline and DD still naps in the day. Just wondering how well toddlers can nap in the volo or mark ii.

[OrangeyTulips]

thought the volo was great. not easy to nap in but ds managed. Added cosy insert for winter here in Aberdeen. we used buses a lot so used baby sling and volo for ages. Had D's in sling and Volo folded up before bus arrived. no way was I going to wait for another bus if no buggy space available. volo brakes OK but may have improved since I bought my volo in 2009.

[MissWimpyDimple]

Maclaren globetrotter is a volo with a bit of a recline

[minipie]

Thank you misswimpy the globetrotter looks fab and it's only 4.8kg! that may be the winner!! Also my local buggy shop stocks it so I can easily give it a whirl. Will have to see what the "partial recline" is like but I think a bit of a recline would be ok for DD - just not sure she would sleep with NO recline iyswim.

Thanks again everyone. Time to do some RL testing I think.

[rnguyen12]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I just wanted to find out what you decided on, minipie!

I noticed that you were considering Recaro Easylife and Mountain Buggy Nano. I quite liked the fold and the weight of them. The Recaro had such an easy fold, especially when you have a baby in the other arm, whereas the Nano requires two arms to fold but comes car seat compatible and with its own tote and fits on American planes!

Thank you!

[JellyTipisthebest]

Be careful on the published weights on maclarens as its often without the hood ect. Sometimes its not about the weight but how its balanced when it folded where the handles are.

My sugestions would be nano or the baby jogger I know the wieght says it hievey but it doesnt seam it and a great one to push

[Annietheacrobat]

I am a huge baby jogger fan. They may weigh over 7kg but they are so easy to fold and carry one handed. Far less cumbersome than trying to fold a Maclaren . Very roomy , decent recline , one handed push and fab sunshine.

[minipie]

rnguyen I never got one in fact! I'm now due baby 2 in April and my buggy thoughts have been all about doubles, decided I couldn't really justify a toddler stroller and a double (as well as keeping our bee which I want to do).

I do keep an eye out for second hand Volos on sale near me though. the nano would be great but they never seem to come up second hand, perhaps they are too new yet.