Graco Metrolite Stroller Review

The Graco MetroLite stroller still functions wonderfully for my two and a half year old daughter and me, and I am sure it will take us through another year. It isn't the fanciest or trendiest stroller, but I don't think any other model could be as versatile or well-suited to my lifestyle as a busy mom in a Southern California town.

We take this stroller for walks on the city sidewalks, the farmer's market, trips to the mall, lunch in restaurants, mornings sitting outside the coffee shop, and frequent outtings to the zoo. I can pull the MetroLite out of my trunk with one hand, squeeze the handle, and shake it open with my daughter in my other arm. It was so easy to assemble, I didn't have to read the directions. The steering is better than anything else in this price range, but it gets rockier as the child gets heavier and more mobile. One-handed turns are possible, but were much easier before my daughter hit 20 pounds. The fabric is soft and smooth, but repels liquids and is easy to keep clean.

Using it as a travel system with the SnugRide car seat was great when she was small, but I stopped when she was about three months old. The sunshade is long and broad enough to cover the whole stroller, but when the sun is low it still hits the passenger. One press of a button opens the entire harness if your tiny baby suddenly needs out right away. Now that she is an active toddler, we don't use the shoulder straps any longer, but the waist strap still keeps her contained. It's compact enough to roll up beside me at a table when we stop for lunch or coffee, and fits nicely in the small trunk of my compact car. The storage basket accommodates my large diaper bag with room to spare, but I wish the parents' tray had a better spot for things you need at your fingertips, like a wallet or cell phone.

My major gripe about my Metrolite is more of a personality flaw than a problem with the product - it is a very efficient, moderately priced, all-purpose stroller. There is nothing indulgent, luxurious, techno-savvy, statusy, or specialized about it. It's just everything you need out of an everyday stroller, and absolutely nothing more. There is something to be said for satisfying ones appetite for something special, especially if you and your stroller will be constant companions.

There is also something to be said for getting all the stroller you need without spending too much money. For a parent who needs to keep a stroller in the trunk of their car, wants plenty of storage space, and will mostly use it on flat roads and smooth lawns, I highly recommend the Graco MetroLite.