Graco Metrolite: don't tell me you can use one hand
Written: Feb 24 '02
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Pros: light, good looking, parent tray, height adjustment
Cons: one hand fold shouldn't be a selling point, canopy
The Bottom Line: The canopy "issue" is the only thing that removed a star. I'd go with 4.5 if I could.
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| LRGuis's Full Review: Graco MetroLite 6110 Standard Stroller |
Two instant attractions to this stroller for the mom on the go: weight and appearance. Once again the two concepts meet only this time it's about a stroller, not about that post-baby buldge.
The Graco Metrolite emphasizes its weight above all else. And justifiably so, as it weighs in just over 15 pounds. In the spectrum of strollers this is a contender. (For we busy moms juggling multiple children know that a "contender" in strollers often is about the least amount of weight possible.) But before I hear cries of victory, screams of just how light your umbrella stroller is, consider these features:
height adjusting handle In some households this isn't a big selling feature. For couples we know where the height spread is six inches or more this eases a lot of frustration for the taller partner. I will mention, however, that although stroller that boast this feature are more handy, they don't solve problems where a difference in stride is concerned. The taller pusher may still find the stroller causes some hampering of their longer than normal stride. An adjusting handle just eases the problem but does not erase it.
snack trays! And not just for child/baby. Yes, the strollee does have a removable tray suitable for holding a few crackers or a juice cup, but the stroller gets a tray too. And great, not so much for food and drink as for the other "stuff" that one is often carrying around. This is what I found useful...a place to lay the cell phone as I push. The child's tray is nice, useful, but nothing unique in comparison to other strollers. The parent tray is something to write home about.
under seat storage This is slightly more than adequate. I've come to accept that for the most part you have to sacrifice some undercarriage storage in exchange for portability and light weight. I've found a few light weight models with larger bins, but they also come with a larger price tag. Best size descriptor: I can fit a fullsize diaper bag in but little else. Not a good basket for winter when you want to also store a coat or two, hats, mittens and bag.
seat itself A very nice padded seat makes this one comfortable for smaller babies as does the fact that recline is almost full. In addition, padding removes for washing and retains its fit--trust me, we've had to find this one out the hard way. Baby is kept in place with a three point harness (a feature I've actually begun to expect in strollers).
Oh, it's not the end of my review, but this is the part where I go HA! to the stroller manufacturers and their promises.
First, Canopy is nice and large for a light stroller and it does provide some good coverage for a sleeping baby. But this is a stroller, not a carriage, and so I don't have a handle that allows me to push facing my baby. Keeping that in mind, an excessively large canopy makes it difficult to check on baby as you go along. This one could have used a viewing window up top.
Secondly, the concept of one hand folding is really quite silly. For one, who really needs one hand folding? I've never even tried to fold a stroller while holding either a tiny baby or my wiggling toddler. It's simply not possible (and I've attempted with all three children). So while this Graco claims one handed folding keep in mind that the feature probably isn't going to be used. It's nice in a perfect scenario but those are few and far between. Does it actually work? Yes, you can fold the stroller with one hand - no foot work required - but you'll still need to open the mini van hatch, pick the unit up, get it thrown in the back, shut the door and carry the stuff that was in the stroller storage bag. One hand? Yeah...okay... (ha!)
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Final thoughts: I like this one as an entry in light strollers. For me it doesn't replace a carriage for tiny babies, but it's great for quick trips or a walk around the neighborhood. Front wheels swivel for easy maneuvering and the appearance gives it a rather high-class, European look. It looks like it cost a bit more than you paid. Kind of a nice added feature for some. And if you truly like this one I would recommend finding it soon. Graco recently came out with a line of "European" modeled strollers and equipment and I can't help but wonder if they'll phase this one because it resembles the new items so closely.
Good investment as your second stroller.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 119.95
Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 Months
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LRGuis
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