Advantages:
- Large, lockable front swivel wheels with suspension
- “Never flat” tires
- Large, easy access drop-down basket
- Easy to assemble; men not required
- 3/5-point harness
- Height-adjustable handle
- Easy one-hand fold
Disadvantages:
- Rain cover not included
- No adjustable footrest
Graco MetroLite Overall Rating: 9.0 / 10
If you just want to read the conclusion, I’ll save you the time and effort of scrolling down: Graco MetroLite is great! If it’s a lightweight stroller you’re looking for, it’ll be hard for you to find something better, even at a higher price than the MetroLite. And as an added bonus, it’s super easy to assemble! Speaking of price, I’ve seen the MetroLite on sale several times at Amazon for about $85 (not all colors though). Check if your favorite color is on sale.
If the details interest you, please do read on…
Graco MetroLite Analysis:
The Handle:
Graco MetroLite features a height-adjustable handle. You get to walk comfortably while pushing the stroller. The handle’s surface isn’t slippery. It feels smooth to the touch, too, so your hands don’t get irritated on those long walks. While steering with one hand is possible, it’s not very easy to do with the MetroLite. An included parents’ tray with 2 cup holders is attached to the stroller’s frame directly below the handle. This tray actually includes the mechanism for folding the stroller.
The Canopy:
Graco MetroLite’s canopy is large enough to shield your baby from the sun, and also from people’s prying eyes. You can open and close it without making any noise and waking your baby. Two peek-a-boo windows, at the top and rear of the canopy, let you see your baby at all times without having to open the whole canopy. They can also be used to play peek-a-boo.
The Frame:
The stroller’s frame is made of Aluminum. This made it possible to keep the weight down. Graco MetroLite weighs less than 20 lbs. This lightweight stroller sure feels sturdy, though. A pivoting tray (included) can be attached to the stroller’s frame directly in front of the seat.
The Seat:
The MetroLite stroller has a 3-position reclining seat that reclines all the way to a nearly flat position. It also features a removable infant head support (doesn’t this sentence creep you out?). The 5-point harness can be easily converted to 3-point by removing the shoulder strap. The seat can also be removed and machine washed.
A Graco infant car seat (purchased separately) can be attached to the stroller. You can do that by reclining the MetroLite’s seat all the way down, then securing the infant seat to the frame in such a way that your baby is facing you. The instructions in the user’s manual are very detailed, so don’t worry about it. Only Graco SnugRide and Infant SafeSeat car seats are compatible with the MetroLite. Contact Graco for more information!
The Wheels and Brakes:
The front swivel wheels of the Graco MetroLite stroller can be locked. Their large size and the suspension insure a smoother ride. The tires are entirely made of rubber, so they’ll never go flat. The back wheels are equipped with brakes. You can apply them easily with your foot.
Graco MetroLite Miscellaneous Notes:
The “one-hand” folding mechanism is a good feature. Like I stated before, the mechanism for folding the stroller is included in the parents’ tray. Folding it requires that you push the release button (on the upper side of the tray) with your thumb, then squeeze the grip with your other fingers. So it’s absolutely safe. Don’t worry that you’ll accidentally fold the MetroLite when your baby is in it.
The basket beneath the seat is large, deep and accessible. The stroller is very easy to maneuver on a wide range of terrains.
What we didn’t like about Graco’s MetroLite stroller is that it doesn’t have an adjustable footrest. This means that your child will not be able to sleep in the stroller with his/her legs extended.
Graco MetroLite Specifications:
- Aluminum frame, weighs 17.4 lbs / 7.9 Kg
- Accepts Graco SnugRide or Infant SafeSeat car seat
- Height-adjustable handle
- 3-postion reclining seat
- One-hand fold
- Lockable front swivel wheels with suspension
- Large “never flat” rubber tires
- Parents and Baby trays
- Dimensions: 28″ x 19″ x 40″ (LxWxH)
- Convertible 3- and 5-point harness
- Removable infant head support
- Padded seat
- Maximum recommended child weight: 40 lbs
- Maximum recommended child height: 43″
The MetroLite from Graco is one of the best lightweight strollers money can buy. The price is great for such a quality design and build. Depending on the color you want, it could set you back from $120 to $160 (maybe less if it’s on sale).