By Maura Keating
Do you believe in kismet? What about love at first sight? Love at first stroll? The UPPAbaby G-LiTE arrived when my son was sleeping. Twenty minutes later, he was awake and screaming from pain from what turned out to be his first ear infection. He was exhausted, but no lullaby or story could lull him back to sleep. In desperation, I put him in the newly mobile G-LiTE. He passed out in minutes and slept for hours. This story relates the three most important features of the G-LiTE: its ability to maneuver tight spaces, its comfort, and its convenience.
There is just so much to love about the UPPAbaby G-LiTE. First, there’s the low price tag. For around $100, you get an amazing stroller that you can take almost anywhere. At 8.3 pounds (the lightest full-size umbrella stroller in the US), you won’t mind carrying it everywhere. A shoulder strap makes carrying the G-LiTE easy, and the G-LiTE folds down small, leaving plenty of room in your trunk for other trip necessities. A carry bag is available as an optional accessory–I wish it was included. An optional rain cover is also available. To open the G-LiTE, you need to squeeze two levers near the handles, then the stroller swings open. It stands when it’s folded, staying put in your closet and it takes up no room at all in your trunk.
UPPAbaby has designed a smooth ride for such a compact stroller. I didn’t know that a ride could be so even with small plastic wheels. The G-LiTE’s four wheels are doubles, making them extra-wide and lending some stability to your stroll. The G-LiTE’s sturdy aluminum frame includes shock absorbing suspension so Baby won’t feel every bump. The G-LiTE performs best on even sidewalks, in stores, and in other predictable outings. The plastic wheels can get gummed up in the sand or on other rough terrain. They are no match for the city’s cavernous potholes, but the stroller is so light and sturdy that I found it easy to pull the stroller up and over uneven edges and high curbs. The foam-padded handles of the G-LiTE are higher than most umbrella strollers and were comfortable for all of our testers. My husband didn’t have to stoop to push the stroller and his feet easily cleared the frame–two big problems with other umbrella strollers that we’ve tried. I wish that the G-LiTE had a single handlebar for one handed pushing, but nothing is perfect, I guess…or not until the next generation of G-LiTEs.
My son loves sitting in the G-LiTE and I figure that is because it is as comfortable as it looks. The G-LiTE’s seat is made out a breathable fine mesh material that will be perfect as the weather gets warmer. It includes a machine washable seat pad. Like most umbrella strollers, the G-LiTE lacks the ability to recline but that didn’t prevent my son from napping in the G-LiTE multiple times. The easy access mesh under-basket of the G-LiTE is impressively large for an umbrella stroller and outperformed some larger strollers. The removable sun canopy provides good sun coverage. There are two easy to engage brakes for each wheels and must be engaged separately.
The G-LiTE may come to feel like a member of your family. It will be there when you need it because UPPAbaby has made it easy to take the G-LiTE along for the ride. In the airport, at the mall, the zoo, and even when Baby needs a ride at home, the UPPAbaby G-LiTE will give you hope to carry on… or at least a light stroller for your carry on.
The Details:
The UPPAbaby G-LiTE, $99.99. To find a UPPAbaby stroller near you, click on the “Retailers” link at www.uppababy.com.
Will It Fit In My Car*?: Official Folded Dimensions are 11″ wide x 42″ long x 12′ deep, Stroller Weight: 8.3 lbs.
Baby Must Be: Not recommended for children under 6 months; Weight limit of 40 lbs.
Color Palette: Denny (Red), Jake (Black), Caleigh (Citrus Modified), and Brooke (Blue).
DEAL:
Bellani is offering a 10% storewide discount. The coupon code is KIDOINFO. Expiration date is May 28, 2008.
locally: 1276 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 02886
401-234-1279
* Information provided by manufacturer
