Lightweight and maneuverable
February 1, 2018
TL;DR: Graco's ClickConnect systems are amazing for new parents. I love how easy it is to click your baby from the car to their stroller in seconds and know they are safe and secure in both places. The car seat part of the system gets 5/5stars - though it does need a newborn head support in my opinion. The stroller in this particular system is a little bare bones, however, and only gets 3/5 stars from me.
As I mentioned, I love the Graco ClickConnect system. It was a lifesaver when my son was born because it's lightweight and easily let me transfer him from the car to his stroller and back without straining my c-section scar or sudden lack of ab muscles. If you have an average sized baby, it should last year about their first year of life before you needs to upgrade. I can't think of any complaints about this car seat!
The stroller was a little different from what I'm used to with my current stroller, though, and I think the best I can do is list the pros and cons of the LiteRider LX and you can decide if it's the stroller that's right for you:
PROS:
This stroller was really easy to assemble. I did it all by myself in about 20 minutes and it doesn't require any extra tools.
Size! This stroller is narrow enough to navigate tiny store aisles but doesn't compromise on the space for baby to sit in. This also means it won't take up your entire trunk and could even be slid in front of the backseat if need be. The stroller is also very lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Storage space! The basket under the stroller is huge with the seat it its upright position. I could throw two diaper bags down there if I wanted to and still have room left over for a coat or two.
Colors. This of course would depend on which style you pick out, but I received the stroller in "Rille Fashion" colors, which is a bright teal and silvery grey. It's gender neutral and has a great little pop of color without being overwhelming.
Small things. The straps are easy to adjust and easy to use. Baby's tray is a decent size and removable if you need the stroller to be that much more compact.
CONS:
In order to collapse the stroller, one must slide in a lever and twist the handlebar. This took a bit of practice but eventually I could do it with one hand. Opening the stroller, however is a two handed job since there is a little lock that slides into place when closed, and I had to twist the handle and pull on the strollers basket to get it to open. Ideally I should be able to twist and gravity would help finish the process.
When the stroller is folded, the seat is on the outside and the back is tucked inside. This means your pretty new stroller will get dirty in your trunk or on the ground, since it does not stand up by itself when folded.
The parents tray only has one cup holder, leaving Mom and Dad to fight for prime cup space when going out together. My husband also noticed that the canopy overhung the cup holder, so when you put your cup in you have to lift the canopy up a little and when you remove said cup, the canopy smacks back down. It was annoying for a frequent sipper.
The stroller does not have any shocks making it much better for a trip to the mall or somewhere else indoors, and much less comfortable for baby for an outdoor trip. The first time I used it was on a walk to the park. We weren't off roading, mind you, but stuck to sidewalks and the paved trail around the pond and the poor kiddo had quite a bumpy ride. The front wheels also got stuck on uneven pavement a couple times in the sidewalk, where my other stroller never has that problem.
Similarly, the quality of the wheels themselves leaves much to be desired. They're just a hard plastic that, after less than half a mile on pavement, had completely worn down. What a joke.
Bottom line: This stroller is not all bad and if you're on a budget, this travel system would be great for you. If you like to do a lot of shopping and don't spend a lot of time outdoors, this stroller system seems like it was made for you.
Graco is a brand I wholeheartedly trust when it comes to my baby and so for that alone I recommend it. I would like to add, I received this travel system from the weeSpring Parent Panel for free in exchange for my honest review.
This product review was collected by the manufacturer.