Graco MetroLite Travel System Features
The MetroLite stroller is the base for this travel system. It weighs about 17 lbs, thanks to a lightweight aluminum frame. The wheels are plastic, and the front set have shocks and swivels, but can be locked for straight steering by pushing the buttons on the front.
The MetroLite stroller folds with one hand, has a swing-out front tray, a big basket that drops down for access when the seat is reclined, a height-adjustable handle and a parent tray. The stroller seat reclines fully for use with newborns, and has a 40 lb. weight limit. The MetroLite stroller has a 5-point harness, but you can convert it to a 3-point harness for toddlers. A matching newborn head support is included with the stroller. Another head support is included with the infant car seat.
What I Like About The Graco MetroLite Travel System
For a reasonably priced standard stroller, the MetroLite steers well. On smooth surfaces it rolls easily in a straight line and makes turns with little effort. While this isn't an all-terrain stroller by any means, the MetroLite can handle rough sidewalks or the occasional dirt or grass path fairly well, though the ride is a bit bumpy and steering becomes more difficult.
The stroller unfolds easily and doesn't require standing in any awkward positions like some full-size strollers do. The seat reclines fully for newborns and the seat position is simple to change. The foot brake engages quickly and easily.
I like that the basket drops down for access when the seat is fully reclined, as that's a common complaint with travel system strollers.
The SnugRide car seat snaps into the stroller easily, but the MetroLite stroller also has extra clips on the back bars that hold the car seat in securely. I like this extra safety measure.
You can't go wrong with either the SnugRide 32 or the regular SnugRide car seat with the front harness adjuster. These infant car seats are easy to install in many vehicles and offer EPS foam for impact protection. I also like that you can leave the carry handle up on these car seats while driving and they can be used without the stay-in-car base if necessary.
What I Don't Like About The Graco MetroLite Travel System
While the weight is definitely less than most standard travel system strollers, it's still at the top of the range for what is considered "lightweight" for strollers, which is under 20 lbs. If you intend to use the stroller long-term, and need to lift it in and out of the trunk or up and down stairs, the MetroLite may still be too heavy.
While the unfolding is easy, it's a little awkward to fold the MetroLite, even though you can do it with one hand. You have to push a button while squeezing a grip in the parent tray area. Once you get the push/squeeze motion figured out, the stroller collapses itself. Similarly, the brakes are easy to engage but harder to disengage. You have to put your toe under the brake and push up, which can range from annoying to downright painful depending on your choice of footwear. I wish Graco would put smoother plastic or a rubber pad on the underside of the brake pedals on models like this, for parents wearing open-toe shoes.
While the MetroLite folds down fairly flat, it does not fold inward like an umbrella stroller, so it still requires a lot of trunk space. When folded, it's about 36x21x14 inches.
Should You Buy A Graco MetroLite Travel System?
The MetroLite stroller is made for fairly smooth surfaces. If your lifestyle involves walks on rough terrain, you may be better off with an all-terrain type stroller that is better designed for off-roading. Treated well, the MetroLite stroller should hold up for a few years, but the light aluminum frame and all-plastic wheels won't withstand constant walks on gravel roads. The MetroLite travel system is a good choice for parents who will use it primarily on sidewalks and in stores. The front wheels do lock for occasional trips on rougher terrain.
