UPPAbaby G-Lite

Safety

A sturdy ride in a feather-weight package. Thanks to a well-engineered design, the UppaBaby G-Lite is able to provide great stability in spite of its low weight. According to independent testing organizations, the G-Lite performs exceptionally well for safety. The G-Lite features a five-point safety harness and rear brakes that parents say are easy to engage, but operate independently. A few parents say they accidentally step on the brake while walking, but since the G-Lite's brakes are the same design as virtually all strollers and do not have a linking bar, that's a puzzling criticism.

There were a few complaints in 2011 from consumers that the G-Lite would unexpectedly fold up on the passenger. Responding to the complaints, UppaBaby discovered a defect in a specific lot of strollers from March through July 2011. UppaBaby issued an immediate recall of all affected strollers -- contacting registered warranty holders and posting the information on the front page of their website. No injuries were reported; all subsequent lots have remedied the problem, and a formal recall was never warranted. More information is available at their website.

Ease of use

A snap to clean, fold and carry. The G-Lite's padded seat removes quickly and easily for machine washing -- a great advantage given inevitable spills and accidents. The stroller's fold mechanism is placed so that parents don't have to bend over when collapsing the stroller. Even better, the G-Lite stands up when folded making it easier to stow. The G-Lite includes a shoulder strap. Owners say the G-Lite is easy to push, and many say they can push it with one hand.

Lifestyle features

Good for older babies and toddlers. The UppaBaby G-Lite does not recline making it suitable only for babies from 6 months. It provides older babies and toddlers up to 50 pounds with a comfortable seat, but the lack of a recline may be a problem for toddlers who need to nap. The seat is padded and roomy, and the sun canopy provides better coverage than most umbrella strollers, with an extendable sun shade, and it provides SPF 50+ sun protection. The G-Lite comes with a cup holder for parents and includes an under-seat basket that is roomy for an umbrella stroller.

Several owners say they bought this stroller to use on more challenging terrain, such as hills, uneven sidewalks and in light snow. It has four-wheel suspension, which makes it a smoother ride on bumpier surfaces. At 42 inches tall, the G-Lite's handle height is higher than most, which both increases comfort for taller parents and helps prevent them from kicking the back of the stroller.

Customer service

Great reviews for customer service. Owners say UppaBaby responds quickly when they call with problems, often sending out immediate replacements. The G-Lite carries a better than average two-year warranty (most umbrella strollers have a one-year warranty).

Bottom line

The UppaBaby G-Lite is a great choice if you're looking for a lightweight stroller for an older baby or toddler that is easy to use and maneuvers well. The G-Lite is not an inexpensive stroller, but it's got a lot of great comfort and ease-of-use features. Its inability to accommodate infants makes it less versatile than other umbrella strollers.