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Umbrella strollers are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. They may not feature all the bells and whistles, but they can make leaving the house with a little one so much more convenient. Many parents end up buying an umbrella stroller eventually, due to its ease of use and how it works in everyday environments.
If you are looking at buying one yourself, the Chicco Liteway Stroller is an excellent option. Below is my Chicco Liteway stroller review with all of the benefits and drawbacks to consider before you buy your stroller.
Things to Consider When Buying an Umbrella Stroller
There are lots of different things to consider when shopping for an umbrella stroller, not just the price. They are perfect for children and great for being on the go, but what things do you need to think about before buying one?
Ease of Use
Umbrella strollers are known to be flimsy and difficult to maneuver, but many on the market are now sturdy yet lightweight in design and simple to push. If you plan on using your stroller every day, it’s essential to consider this.
Look at the quality of the wheels and check if there’s suspension to ensure comfort for your baby. A carry handle or shoulder strap will be handy if you’ll be traveling with your stroller.
Also, when thinking about ease of use, consider whether you can fold and unfold it easily. There’s nothing worse than having a screaming child in one arm while trying to unfold their stroller with the other.
Safety
No matter what you put your child in, the main thing to focus on is their safety. Strollers have to pass certain requirements before they are allowed to be used, so check to make sure they meet them.
Does it have a good braking system and sturdy frame? What age is it suitable for? Most umbrella strollers don’t provide enough support for newborns, so look into this before you buy.
I also suggest having a look at the harness system. You can get a three-point system or a five-point system. Personally, I believe if there’s more support you will know they are better secured in the stroller.
Storage
No doubt you’ll be pushing a lot more than just your baby in the stroller. You’ve got to think about snacks, toys, spare clothes, diapers, and so much more. Is there enough space to store everything, so you don’t look like a walking shopping bag?
Consider if the stroller has smaller sections for things like your phone and keys. Also if it has drink holders, as you and your baby need to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Some umbrella strollers have no storage at all, and others become unbalanced if you place too much weight.
Shade
When out walking with your baby you need to make sure that they are well protected from the sun. Having a canopy is a necessity as it can bear the brunt of all types of weather. Ensure that it provides UV protection for the safety of your child.
When looking at strollers, make sure the canopy is large enough to provide some shade. A number of umbrella strollers feature a tiny canopy that’s not much use when the sun is out in full force. Unless you’re willing to purchase additional accessories, ensure the canopy is adjustable and large enough to protect your little one.
One more thing to consider is getting a stroller with a peek-a-boo window. Instead of continually stopping and peering round into the stroller, you can lift the window and look at your passenger.
Other Features
Other things to consider are weight restrictions, folded and unfolded dimensions, and extra features that the stroller may or may not come with. Depending on your needs, these considerations could help with your decision when buying a stroller.
Presenting the Chicco Liteway Stroller
Chicco is a big name brand when it comes to baby products so you’ve probably heard of them before. They’ve been around for over 60 years and use real-world evaluations when considering a product.
The Chicco Liteway Stroller is an umbrella stroller designed for your comfort and convenience. It’s great for everyday use, whether that be long walks or trips to the mall. The price is affordable and it comes in a range of colors.
This lightweight version of a stroller, unlike traditional strollers, doesn’t break your back. Due to the framework, it’s light yet sturdy and durable. It may not be as lightweight as other market leaders, but it’s undoubtedly harder wearing.
Along with the rear-wheel suspension, the option of front locking swivel wheels provides a smooth ride for your precious cargo. This is something rarely found on umbrella strollers.
The Chicco Liteway Stroller is one of several strollers that Chicco offers. It’s perfect for someone who is always on the go with their little one. Be aware that it is not suitable for newborns as the minimum weight requirement is 10 pounds. Saying that, when they get a little older, this stroller is a brilliant choice.
Chicco Liteway Stroller Review
Overall, this is a quality umbrella stroller with a brilliant price tag. Like everything, it’s not perfect, but its redeeming qualities outweigh the weaknesses. This is a popular stroller, especially with parents in big cities.
Does It Pass the Safety Test?
The simple answer is yes. Chicco has stringent regulations that they adhere to when making any stroller. They all have to pass them in accordance with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as well as their own tests that they do.
The Liteway has been designed with a toe tap rear braking system, so even if you’re in your flip flops, you’ll be able to safely stop and park your stroller. Having them on the rear brakes means for a quicker, smoother stop.
The stroller also has a rear-wheel suspension for an easier ride. The suspension is a brilliant safety feature as it cushions the harshness of the road for your child, giving them more comfort.
With its five-point harness system, your passenger is secure in their seat. This is something to consider if you have a very wiggly child, as with only three they may be able to escape. The more straps, the more secure they are.
On the Road Again
This stroller is perfect for people who want to go for daily walks in the park or around the mall. Its rubber tires are designed for soft ground with minimal gravel.
Due to this, it’s a little challenging to use when walking on rougher terrains and can be harder to control. If you’re looking for one to take into the forest or mountains, this one is not for you.
Incorporating a swivel locking system with the two front wheels is a nice alternative to have. If you’re finding the roads a bit tough, lock the swivel and it should become easier to push.
Carry and Go
The Chicco Liteway Stroller weighs 18 pounds. It’s on the heavier side for an umbrella stroller, as they usually weigh around 15 pounds. Saying that, it has a sturdy and durable frame unlike many on the market at the moment.
If you suffer from a bad back or a similar ailment, this stroller will be the one for you. It’s relatively easy to fold away due to its compact fold system. It also has a carry handle to provide on-the-go convenience.
However, it’s not a self-standing stroller. You will have to do a lot of bending and lifting when taking it in and out of the trunk of your car. On the plus side, it’s able to fold down small enough to fit in your vehicle with ease for long days out or road trips with luggage.
Everything But the Kitchen Sink!
I’m not even kidding! This stroller has ample storage holding 6.6 pounds where you can store a medium-sized diaper bag as well as toys and snacks. You can maybe even squeeze in your purse.
It also comes with a removable cup holder for you to keep your water (or coffee) on while you’re out and about. This is a useful feature as you won’t have to stop and bend down to get it from the storage compartment.
The Liteway does not have small side pockets to store items such as your keys and phones. But who needs them when you’re able to store your purse underneath the seat within easy reach?
The Sun Has Got His Hat On
The Chicco Liteway stroller comes with an adjustable canopy that can also be removed. This is great for storing the stroller. It also comes with a peek-a-boo window so you can see what your little one is up to while out on your walk.
One thing to consider is that it does not state whether this canopy is UV protected. It is, however, pretty large and will provide plenty of shade.
Growing Up
Think your child will grow out of this stroller quickly? Think again. This stroller comes with a four-position backrest that can be easily adjusted to suit your child’s height. You can change it with one hand quickly and easily.
On the other hand, the Chicco Liteway stroller can only accommodate children up to a weight of 40 pounds. It states any larger child will struggle to fit in so bear that in mind if your child is on the heavier side.
Creature Comforts
Due to the reclining seat, your child will be comfy in any position whether they want to sleep or watch the world go by. The seat is made with a breathable fabric so that it doesn’t scratch your little one.
It also has an adjustable leg rest for your toddler to aid in their comfort while on your walk. This is a good feature to consider as you know that they will be supported and at ease throughout your journey.
Value for Money
The Chicco Liteway comes at a reasonable price point that’s worth it for the years of use you could potentially get out of it. It may not come with all the extras that some of the top end strollers come with, but you don’t need all these. Whether you’re new to parenthood or not, you’ll soon come to realize that convenience tops everything.
This is an excellent stroller for someone who wants a sturdy and durable stroller on a budget. It’s compact, relatively lightweight, and easy to use no matter where you’re going.
Pros
- Adjustable backrest with four positions
- Ample storage compartment
- Lightweight aluminum frame with rear-wheel suspension
- Large, adjustable canopy with peek-a-boo window
- Extras such as parent cup holder and adjustable footrest
Cons
- Can only hold up to 40 pounds
- Not suitable for newborns
- Sun canopy may not be UV protected
- Harder to use on rough ground
Umbrella Stroller Comparison
The Chicco Liteway Stroller offers a lot of excellent features, but if you’re interested in looking for some other options, here are some to check out:
Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
The main difference compared to the Chicco Liteway Stroller is that this stroller is able to accommodate up to 50 pounds of weight. This means that you may get slightly more use out of it.
It also only weighs 13 pounds which can make a big difference when trying to carry it. This is one thing to consider if you don’t like lifting heavier objects or are unable to.
Saying that, the Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience stroller only has three adjustable positions for the seat and no adjustable leg rest. This may cause an issue when your child becomes older as their legs may dangle.
If you’re interested, here is my comprehensive Summery Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller review.
Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller
This stroller has all of the features of a full-sized stroller, yet it’s smaller and more compact. Even though it’s not an umbrella stroller, it’s still small and convenient for daily tasks or travels.
It also has a five-point harness system, much like the Chicco Liteway, yet the Kolcraft Cloud Plus stroller is not able to lie in a flat position or adjust to your child’s growth.
If you want something small and robust for your outings, this Kolcraft could be the one for you. Please be aware that this stroller can only be used when your child has full head and neck support, so if you’re thinking of buying it for your baby, go for a different option.
GB Pockit+ Lightweight Stroller
The gb Pockit+ is different from umbrellas, as it can fold up and be stored in a bag or the overhead cabin on a plane. It’s perfect for traveling as it’s super lightweight, weighing only 12.3 pounds.
It can hold your child from six months up until they weigh 55 pounds. This stroller is a good one to consider if your family travels a lot and wants to save space for other things.
Due to it being so compact, it can be quite flimsy and may not be as sturdy as you would wish compared to the Chicco Liteway Stroller. It’s also on the high-end price range.
If you’re interested, here is my full length gb Pockit+ Stroller review.
Should You Buy the Chicco Liteway Stroller?
The Chicco Liteway is an excellent stroller for everyday use at an affordable price. It’s built with the safety of your child in mind, as well as having ample room to store your necessary items.
It’s lightweight, yet still durable, so it will last for years to come—especially as the backrest can extend for your child’s growth.
If you’re a parent looking for a stroller that you can use in the mall or on long walks around your area, this is the perfect fit.