Travel system from Graco

Posted by on January 15, 2012

 

Today we’ll talk about Graco MetroLite stroller which is however not a simple one but a whole travel system. And besides it is one of the lightest travel systems. Commonly travel systems are quite heavy and big ones but not the Graco MetroLite. It is light and maneuverable stroller with SnugRide infant car seats. So in case you are in search for travel system then Graco may be your choice.
So, what does this travel system really have?
First off all, we should mention SnugRide car seats. These car seats are quite popular as easy to use ones and as equipped with front-adjust harness.
The weight of the travel system base is about 17 lbs. This is due to aluminum frame and plastic wheels. Though front wheels are equipped with swivels and may be locked if needed.
This stroller is easy folded; it is equipped with big under seat basket a comfortable handle that may be adjusted according to the height of the parents and a parent tray. The seat of the stroller may be fully reclined thus the stroller may be used even with the newborns. The weight limit of the stroller is 40 lb. the stroller is provided with 5-point harness which is however may be transformed into 3-point one for use with grown up babies. Moreover there is a head support for newborns in the stroller as well as in the car seat.
Now, what are the advantages of the Graco MetroLite?
First of all it is the weight of the stroller. Travel systems are commonly really heavy ones thus the MetroLite has a great advantage here as it weights about 17 lbs instead of 25+ lbs of the common travel system. At the same time the MetroLite remains complete travel system and not a simple stroller.
Furthermore, despite its low cost the MetroLite performs quite smooth steering. It is not intended for walks over rough surfaces however it is only a bit more complicated to operate on the grass, dirt, rough sidewalks than on plain surfaces.
Another advantage of this stroller is no doubt the simplicity of its folding as well as the easiness of engaging the foot brake and reclining the seat. And if consider the under seat basket then we should say here that it is easily accessed one which is commonly a trouble within all travel systems.
As for the car seat it is fixed firmly in the stroller but MetroLite provides several additional clips to hold car seat tighter. So we can call it an extra safety measure.
However there are several disadvantages in this stroller as well.
The weight limit for this stroller is 40 lbs. But we do not advise you to load it fully as it starts then to wobble a bit. Of course the lightweight frame is an advantage but it reduces the sturdiness of the stroller however. But here we should specify that this relates to any stroller not only MetroLite ones.
Moreover this travel system is one of the lightest ones among travel systems only. When we consider the usual strollers the MetroLite may seem to be too heavy still. You will notice it surely in case you will have to put it in and out of the car too often.
And finally, the MetroLite travel system doesn’t unfold as easy as it folds. It may be a little bit awkward to unfold it still it is only a matter of time. As soon as you know how to do it is not a problem for you anymore. But even folded the stroller remains too large one as it cannot be folded flat and inward at once as with simple umbrella strollers. So it will need quite lot of the free space in your car trunk.
So is it worth buying or not? The answer is quite simple one. In case you are already sure you need travel system with all its features but a bit lighter and equipped with SnugRide infant car seat then the MetroLite is your choice. On the other hand in case you are not planning to walk only through flat and smooth sidewalks or stores with your baby than you’d better consider another travel system with firmer frame and rubber wheels or be ready that MetroLite will not serve you for a long period of time.

Baby Strollers Blog

Filed Under: Strollers - Comments: Be the First to Comment

Tags: From, Graco, System, travel

top