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Chicco Liteway

*Est. $140

Reviewed

August 2012

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Good for taller parents
Maneuvers well
Accepts newborns

Cons

Heavy for an umbrella stroller
Lower weight rating
Leg rest doesn't fold down automatically

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs
150 Amazon Reviews

Safety

Heavier in weight, heavier in safety. Owners say the Chicco Liteway has a rugged build with a sturdy frame that locks securely in the closed position so it doesn't open accidentally. It has a padded, adjustable, five-point harness and the brakes lock securely, but they have to be locked individually.

Ease of use

Simple, but a bit more bulky. Most parents say the Chicco Liteway folds and unfolds easily, is compact, and is easy to use in crowded situations like airports and to carry on a bus. However, a few parents complain that the sunshade can pose an obstacle to one-handed folding and can even be broken in the process, and that the cup holder sticks out awkwardly when the stroller is folded. Another common complaint is that the leg rest doesn't fold down when the stroller is unfolded; it has to be pushed down separately, which parents say can be a hassle when they're in a hurry or have a baby in their arms. The fabric removes easily for cleaning.

Lifestyle features

A nice ride for newborns. Unlike most umbrella strollers, the Chicco Liteway is comfortable for newborns -- the harness straps are padded, the seat reclines fully, there is adjustable leg support, and the stroller even comes with a hideaway boot/bunting that keeps little babies cozy. It does not accept a car seat, which may be an inconvenience for suburban parents who rely on their car for errands. Also, the Liteway is only weight rated up to 40 pounds (similar strollers are rated as high as 55 pounds), which will shorten its usable life span.

The canopy is small, and the window garners a lot of complaints. Some reviewers say the plastic is difficult to see through and the window is oddly placed, so you can only see the child in full recline position. Several other reviewers complain that the lack of a cover on the window allows too much light in, which bothers their children. Others note that you can toss a blanket over it to counter that.

The Liteway's larger wheels, with suspension in the rear, and precision swivel front wheels, that can also lock, work well on uneven terrain. Parents say the Liteway's handles offer a comfortable, ergonomic shape and are a good height for even very tall users. Other convenience features on the Chicco Liteway include a detachable adult cup holder and the under-seat storage basket that converts into a backpack. Many owners complain the storage basket is small, but some say the backpack comes in handy.

One issue for parents in warmer climates: Several reviewers say the stroller can hurt your feet if you're not wearing full-coverage shoes due to the way both the brakes and the fold require lifting levers with the foot. Flip-flop lovers may want to consider a different stroller.

Customer service

A reputation for good customer service. According to expert reviews, Chicco has a solid track record when it comes to customer service. The Chicco Liteway carries an industry standard, one-year warranty.

Bottom line

The Chicco Liteway is a good value for parents who want a good number of features at a fairly low price point and the option to carry newborns. However, the Liteway is not a particularly lightweight option, and other umbrella strollers fold more compactly.

Where To Buy

Chicco Liteway Stroller, Fuego
(150 reviews) Buy new: $139.99 1 Used from $121.65

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
3,912 store reviews	In Stock. Usually ships within 2 business days	$139.99	See It
1,257 store reviews	In Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Condi	$233.78	See It
1,833 store reviews	In Stock. Free Shipping on qualified orders	$139.99	See It
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Our Sources

1. Baby Bargains

Review credibility: Excellent The 2011 edition of "Baby Bargains," written by consumer advocates Denise and Alan Fields, covers a variety of stroller manufacturers. The authors provide overall ratings for brands and individual models. They also rate bases on parent feedback. In the latest edition, they discuss Chicco in detail and the Liteway specifically.

Review: Chapter 9: Strollers, Diaper Bags, Carriers and Other To Go Gear, Denise and Alan Fields, Ninth edition, 2011

2. Which? magazine

Review credibility: Excellent Which? magazine -- the U.K. equivalent of ConsumerReports.org -- names 34 best buys after testing 135 strollers (including the Chicco Liteway) for ease of use, ease of car seat attachment, capability on rough terrain and general handling.

Review: Pushchairs: Best Buys, Editors of Which? magazine, April 20, 2011

3. Babble.com

Review credibility: Very good Babble.com names the Chicco Liteway as a runner up in the "reader's choice" category of their Best 2011 Stroller roundup. Editors describe the Liteway as simple, lightweight and affordable with the ability to get you from point A to B conveniently. One negative comment includes the stroller's small canopy that lets in too much light for napping children.

Review: Babble Best 2011 Strollers, Editors of Babble.com, Not dated

4. Amazon.com

Review credibility: Very good The Chicco Liteway earns an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in more than 150 reviews. Owners praise its light weight and full, one-handed recline and say it's a great stroller for the price. A few say the canopy is too small, the window lets in too much light and the basket is small and hard to access.

Review: Chicco Liteway Stroller, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of August 2012

5. Viewpoints.com

Review credibility: Very good The Chicco Liteway receives an average score of 87 out of 100 at Viewpoints.com based on just over 20 reviews. For the most part contributors agree that the Liteway is sturdier than other umbrella strollers and the slightly larger wheels make it more versatile. Most contributors find the Liteway easy to use with extra amenities, which make it a good choice for heavier use. Some outliers found the wheels roll unevenly and the canopy doesn't function well.

Review: Chicco Liteway Stroller Reviews, Contributors to Viewpoints.com, As of August 2012

6. ConsumerReports.org

Review credibility: Good The editors at ConsumerReports.org rate 32 umbrella-style strollers for ease of use, maneuverability and safety, including the Chicco Liteway. There are few details offered about the strollers, and a number of them have been discontinued, making this review seem very dated.

Review: Traditional Stroller Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Not dated

7. Parenting.com

Review credibility: Fair Part of the Parenting.com "community," Parenting Pregnancy offers roundups and reviews of baby gear, including strollers. This positive review describes the Chicco Liteway as easy to maneuver and versatile. It is part of a "9 best stroller" roundup, but there is no mention of testing and the Liteway is not compared to the other strollers in the roundup.

Review: 9 Best Strollers, Margaret Williams, Not dated

8. Pregnancy & Newborn

Review credibility:Fair Readers of Pregnancy & Newborn magazine submit non-comparative, highly positive reviews covering strollers from assembly to first use. In this review, the writer does not mention assembly. She says that at 17 pounds, the Chicco Liteway is actually on the heavy side for an umbrella stroller. She goes on to say she loves the quality that she finds in Chicco products in general, and the Liteway in particular. She says the weight adds sturdiness, the one-hand recline lays the seat almost flat for newborns, the leg support is adjustable, and it is easy to steer and maneuver.

Review: Chicco Liteway, "Sarah", Oct. 6, 2010

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