Review of Britax Blink Lightweight Stroller Features
- Stroller weighs about 16 lbs
- Can be used from 6 months to 55 lbs
- Seat reclines and leg rest adjusts
- Five-point harness
- Seat width - 13"; seat depth - 8.5"
- Padded handles for parent comfort
- Quick and easy fold / unfold mechanism
- Lockable front wheels and all-wheel suspension
- Canopy with window is included
- Storage pocket on back, plus a storage basket
- Carry strap and storage / travel bag included
What I Like About the Britax Blink Lightweight Stroller
Unfolding the stroller is easy. Flip the side latch, let gravity open the stroller, then push down on the back pedal with your foot until it clicks. Folding is simple, too. Just push down with your foot on a lever while pulling on the carry strap to fold. The folded dimensions are 13x12x42, which should be a comfortable fit in most trunks.
I expect to see a canopy, basket, suspension and front locking wheels on a stroller over $100, but those are improvements over many basic umbrella strollers, so if you're considering an upgrade from a cheapy, all of those are worthy places to spend money. The basket is big for an umbrella stroller. I love the zip pocket on the seat back. It's big enough for my cell phone and keys, so I don't have to dig for those in the basket.
The seat recline and adjustable leg rest make this a versatile stroller for all ages. I also like that Britax included a travel bag, perfect for gate-checking.
What I Don't Like About the Britax Blink Lightweight Stroller
The recline mechanism is pretty easy to recline, but it's a little harder to get the seat back up, especially when there's a child in it. If you can get it adjusted before the child gets in, that's probably easier. I do like that you can adjust the recline to any position, though.
When you have the stroller folded, it doesn't stand on its own unless you turn it over so the handles are on the ground. The wheels still turn on the end, so even propping it against something may not be sufficient for storage. You'll need to lay it down, brace it, or turn it over.
The wheels rub on the canopy when the stroller is folded, which can mark up the canopy. It's a minor problem, but could be annoying for some.
Should You Buy a Britax Blink Lightweight Stroller?
While you won't get the amazing one-finger steering of a $300 stroller, the steering is certainly passable on the Blink. For the added cost over a super-cheap umbrella stroller, you get a stronger frame and some storage, plus an increased weight limit, canopy, reclining seat and the adjustable leg rest.
I wouldn't suggest this stroller for rough terrain because the all-plastic wheels aren't tough enough. It's a city and suburb stroller. While it does have a suspension system, it is not enough for off-roading. Like most umbrella strollers, the Blink is not suitable for newborns since it does not recline fully.
Overall, Britax did a pretty good job of balancing the cost and features on the Blink, and came up with a stroller that performs well at the mall or the airport, folds easily for stashing in a trunk, comes with a bag for storage or airline travel, and has an impressive 55 lb weight limit.
