We’ve all encountered (or nearly been run over by) giant tank size strollers at the mall, grocery store, or park—usually being hefted around by an exhausted looking parent. These strollers are handy when you’ve got a lot of gear to haul, but can be too cumbersome and heavy for everyday outings.
Alternatively, the super-lightweight umbrella strollers are easy for parents to handle, but uncomfortable for the kid. They have a lack of storage and sun protection, and don’t feature any add-ons—which yes, are ultimately a luxury, but one most parents consider a must-have. One of these is a snack tray, which kids can use for food, drinks, and toys.
So what’s a parent to do?
The solution bestowed on a stroller that falls somewhere in between the two: one that’s not heavy, but still offers storage and comfort. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll answer common consumer queries about lightweight strollers, and will have a close look at a few popular choices—all of which come equipped with convenient snack trays.
#Top 5 Lightweight Stroller In The Market – Editor’s Pick:
 | Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller | ||
 | Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller | ||
 | Graco Jetsetter Ultra Compact Lightweight Stroller | ||
 | Cosco Simple Fold Travel System | ||
 | Jeep Unlimited Reversible Handle Stroller |
Best Lightweight Stroller with Trays Buying Guide
Why should I consider a lightweight stroller?
Strollers that are lighter and fold up easily, are more convenient overall. You can store them in vehicles of various sizes, take them with you on public transport and airplanes (though most are still large enough to require checking), and easily carry them up and down stairs. If you have more than one child, a light stroller can allow an older sibling to push with ease.
These strollers are also good for those with little to no closet space or trunk storage, people with injuries who can’t carry much weight, and people who have to navigate densely populated areas on a regular basis.
What’s more? Lighter strollers are generally more affordable than full-size standard ones, with most costing under $100.
Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself: it’s not uncommon for parents to purchase two strollers—one that’s heavier and meant for longer trips or multiple children, and a lightweight one for quick trips and errands, or to use when traveling.
I don’t think my kid would even use his or her tray. Should I bother?
This is solely up to you. Some kids use their trays for snacks and toys, or one or the other. Keep in mind that many trays also feature cup holders, which can be great for sippy cup storage, if nothing else.
Many parents like the option of a tray for safety: smaller kids will have a sturdy bar of plastic in front of them at all times, which might help if the stroller overturns. At the very least, it can keep overly friendly dogs and other kids at a distance!
Do lightweight strollers hold up as well as heavier ones?
Yes—but this depends on the manufacturer and quality of construction, rather than size or weight. A company’s attention to detail and how well they design and build a stroller will determine its lifespan far more than its weight.
One exception to this rule, however, is material type: steel is stronger than aluminum, but heavier, so those options would indeed stand up to impact better than lightweight strollers.
Top 5 Best Lightweight Strollers with Trays Reviews
1. Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller with Snack Tray Review
For a truly versatile stroller and tray, consider this package. The stroller itself doesn’t have a tray; in fact, the tray doesn’t even attach to it, but rather, directly to your child.
Its unique design means it can be used in strollers, car seats, booster seats, and even on airplanes.
As long as your child is buckled in and won’t move, you can strap this snack and toy tray around their waist for an instant mini-dinner table or play surface.
The Summer Infant 3DLite stroller, being lightweight and ultra-comfortable, is a natural choice to pair with this distinctive tray.
Pros
- Double handle design: instead of one bar, parents hold on to two ergonomic handles for easier steering and less wrist strain.
- Storage basket underneath and pocket on back.
- Shock-absorbing front wheels; quad (4 wheel) design with double wheels that pivot and lock.
- Very affordable.
Cons
- Some parents will dislike the fact this tray attaches to their child’s waist, rather than the stroller itself.
It’s a strange idea, we’ll admit: strapping a tray to your kid to reduce messes? But the design is a smart one, as it sits against your stroller rails for support, and simply uses the child’s weight to hold itself in place. As for the stroller itself, the Summer Infant 3D Convenience lives up to its name: at only 13 lbs., it’s light enough for anyone to carry comfortably. The added bonus of a strap will make transport even easier, too.
2. Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller with Multi-Position Recline Seat Review
An affordable, but highly functional option, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus has mesh storage underneath, three cup holders (one in the child’s tray, and two at the handlebars for parents), and a freestanding, one-handed fold-up function for easy storage.
At just under 12 lbs., this model can fit in most vehicles without any issue, and unfold quickly enough for even the most impatient kids (or parents!).
Pros
- Stroller weight: 11.8 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity for child: 50 lbs.
- Three-tier canopy for extra protection from UV rays/light rain.
- Tray and cup holder for child; two cup holders and additional storage in handlebar area for parents.
- Easy fold-up function; stands upright.
- Seat reclines in five different settings for maximum comfort.
Cons
- Plastic tires and lack of shock absorption make this good for very even, level terrains, but not much else.
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is like an umbrella stroller deluxe: it’s lightweight and easy to store and carry, but gives the kids more comfort (and shade, thanks to the generous canopy). Parents will like the convenience of the snack tray and three cup holders—but they’ll absolutely love the price, which is only about double that of a just-basic umbrella model.
3. Graco Jetsetter Ultra Compact Lightweight Stroller Review
A well-liked choice among parents. Graco Jetsetter Ultra Compact Lightweight Stroller provides car seats, strollers, playpens, and more, all with rigorous safety tests, practical and durable designs that often grow with your kids, and can even last long enough to pass down to future children for many years after purchase.
Their Jetsetter Ultra Compact Stroller is crafted to stand the test of time and toddlers—and while it isn’t shockingly light, it isn’t heavy or bulky, either.
Pros
- Stroller weight: just under 14 lbs.
- Maximum capacity: 50 lbs.
- Features a tray for both parent and child, as well as cup holders.
- Quad (four wheels) can swivel or lock.
- Mesh storage underneath.
Cons
- Though ~17 lbs. is still very lightweight, this isn’t the lightest option available among comparable models.
It’s hardly light as a feather, but the Graco LiteRider LX is still easier to carry than some giant behemoth, meant to haul a toddler and 4x their weight in gear. We especially like the color scheme, which has a playful pop of color and patterned piping on the canopy, but is 99% standard black. The convertible harness grows with your child, which is exactly the kind of adaptability consumers have come to expect from this brand.
4. Cosco Simple Fold Travel System with Light and Comfy 22 Infant Car Seat, Sapphire
Another well-known brand for kid gear, Cosco is popular because of its practical designs and affordable prices.
This Lift and Stroll weighs 28 lbs., and quickly folds in half (rather than inwards) by lifting the handy carrying strap.
The tray features a cup holder, which snaps into and out of place easily—but not so easily your little one will figure it out.
Pros
- Easy folding system: simply lift handle (located in between child’s seat and backrest) to fold stroller in half. No need to remove tray first.
- Features a parent tray with two cup holders, as well as a child’s front tray with cup holder.
- Works with a compatible car seat (sold separately) that weighs only 28 lbs. Can grow with children from infancy through preschooler age, depending on height and weight.
- Infinite recline system: instead of a few pre-set positions, you can lie the child back completely or sit them upright, and any position in between.
- Available in Posey Pop (mod floral design) and Rainbow Dots (multi-color polka dots).
Cons
- Color/pattern options are very cute, but limited selection overall.
- Tray doesn’t have to be removed for folding/carrying, but might get in the way for some people.
Cosco is a great brand for parents on a budget, and even those who aren’t. The products are solid and designed with conveniences in mind, without a lot of flash and mark-up. Our only complaint is the limited color selection, since some parents would prefer to not have prints or patterns. We recommend the Graco option over this one, but do like its folding function better for overall convenience.
5. Jeep Unlimited Reversible Handle Stroller, Grey Tweed
With a light and compact build, the Baabyoo is great for frequent travelers, especially if you have to take buses, airplanes, or taxis with your child on a regular basis.
While it might be out of some budget ranges, we could see it as a worthy investment for globe-trotting families who want more than a standard umbrella option.
Pros
- Stroller weight: 20.9 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 40 lbs.
- Ergonomic handles with two grips vs. one bar.
- Large canopy with mesh front net for visibility.
- 3-point safety harness.
Cons
- Snack tray does not have cup holder; stroller also lacks parents’ tray or cup holders.
- Will only fit child up to 40 lbs.
- Fairly expensive.
While it’s a fine stroller, we only recommend this to parents who don’t mind that their kid might not be able to use it past age 2 or 3; the lower weight limit makes it unlikely a kid could use this at age 4, and certainly not 5. For babies and young/small toddlers, however, it’s worth consideration. The price is another downside, although it’s not terrible. We could also see it being popular with parents who travel frequently, and need a stroller that’s as easily to steer through crowds as it is to fold up into the back seat of a rental car.
To Conclude
Some strollers are designed to carry not just your kid, but half the nursery with them! While large options are fantastic for longer trips and multiple children, they aren’t convenient for daily use or travel. Lightweight strollers make packing and unpacking less of a hassle, and give tired parents a break when they encounter unexpected stairs or hills.
And for those who want more than a basic umbrella stroller, there are padded, covered options such as the ones featured here, many of which boast trays and cup holders (along with handy storage), to make your day run just a tad more smoothly.