~~GRACO GLIDER LITE RIDER STROLLER~~A BASIC YET ATTRACTIVE STANDBY
Written: Apr 29 '02
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Pros: Lightweight; easy to fold; 3-point harness seat belt; large storage area; cup-holders and trays.
Cons: Upper weight limit of 40 pounds; does not perform well on outdoor surfaces.
The Bottom Line: For basic stroller needs (such as trips to the mall), the Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller is a good choice for babies and small children under 40 pounds.
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| melissasrn's Full Review: Graco Glider LiteRider Stroller 6927LV |
Soon before my 22 month old son was born almost 2 years ago now, we received the Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller as a baby shower gift from a family member. While I intended on purchasing a jogging stroller later on when Tristan was old enough to ride in the upright position (about 6 months of age), I was certainly happy to receive a traditional stroller such as this one as well so that it would fit our basic stroller needs during his newborn period. Very modern and attractive in appearance as well as lightweight and easy to fold and unfold quickly for storage, this moderately priced stroller is certainly worth the investment for a limited number of purposes, such as short trips to the mall or the grocery store. However, this Graco model would certainly not be my first choice if one intends to use this stroller outdoors on a regular basis, especially for older children.
~~~Stroller Features~~~
Our Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller is dark blue in color and features a thickly padded, removable and washable pad that consists of an attractive blue and green checked pattern, called "harbor plaid" (a "cypress" light green and beige pattern is also available). The large retractable canopy is made of the same durable material as described above, which helps to protect young riders from the burning rays of the sun when used outdoors. There is a small clear plastic visor section that makes checking on the baby very convenient without having to push the canopy back every time. Recommended for newborns up to age 4 years who weigh 40 pounds or less, this stroller has a roomy seat that reclines into three separate positions to meet the varying stages of physical development of babies and small children as they grow. The three-point harness seat belt allows for adequate safety as young riders are securely fastened into place, although currently there are many newer models that contain the five-point harness for maximum restraint purposes. The front and rear suspension features (smaller double wheels in front that swivel with larger single wheels in the back that lock into place when the stroller is not in motion) allow for easier handling while the lightweight yet sturdy frame and ergonomically designed handle makes maneuvering this stroller on surfaces other than pavement a breeze even though turns are sometimes a bit difficult. The one handed folding mechanism contributes to simple folding for storage, and when unfolding it again for use, this stroller quickly clicks into position with one swift movement. And as as a few added bonuses, the Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller has an extra-large storage basket with mesh sides located under the seat, as well as removable plastic storage trays with cupholders for both baby and parent.
~~~Price & Availability~~~
While we received our Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller as a gift and I am unsure of the exact price that was paid, consumers wishing to purchase this model online will pay approximately $79.96 plus shipping at many highly rated websites, such as Wal-Mart.com. Those parents wishing to purchase one of those new travel systems that are ever growing in popularity yet very costly, which includes both the stroller AND an infant car seat that may be used together, probably would not prefer purchasing these two baby care necessities separately, including this single stroller. But if expectant parents already have a car seat and now only need a basic moderately priced stroller that will last several years and then some for limited uses only (perhaps through a second child as well), then the Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller would certainly be a good choice to consider.
~~~What I Like~~~
When my 22 month old son, Tristan, was just an infant, using the Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller in the fully reclining position was a must, especially when he was sleeping and before he was old enough to begin gaining some head control. Once he was a few months old and began showing more interest in his surroundings, he could ride in a semi-reclining position comfortably without sliding around in the seat. Now that he is almost two, Tristan rides in the fully upright position while resting his feet upon the plastic foot rest even though this stroller is primarily used as a spare now that he is older. The lightweight attractive design is a plus, and I especially like the large storage space and the removable cupholder trays for both the child AND me. But most of all, I like the one handed folding mechanism, which makes storing and transporting our Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller as needed easy and uncomplicated. For nothing is more frustrating than being caught out in the rain in the parking lot at the mall while having to fight with a stroller to get it loaded quickly in the car. This scenerio thankfully rarely happens with this helpful feature I only wish my jogging stroller had as well.
~~~What I Don't Like~~~
Once Tristan was approximately 6 months of age and had gained adequate head control, we bought a new jogging stroller and began using the Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller less frequently than during his newborn period basically for day trips to the mall only. Since one of my hobbies is fitness walking, I needed a stroller that is designed for outdoor use, and this model with its plastic wheels just does not perform on pavement very well at all, especially for longer rides. Any time we go to an amusement park or to the beach, this Graco model is left behind because of its limited maneuverability outdoors on paved or off road surfaces, which makes pushing this stroller much more difficult as well as frustrating for Mom or Dad. And even worse, older children who wish to roam find it very easy to climb right out of the three-point harness system unless they are very tightly buckled in at all times, which could certainly lead to a very harmful accident. The Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller is a good basic choice for the newborn period when physical activity is limited, but older babies and toddlers may be happier and easier to push in a different design model.
~~~Overall Recommendation~~~
New or expectant parents in the market for a basic yet moderately priced single traditional stroller should at least consider purchasing the Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller and see if the features fit their particular stroller needs. Lightweight in construction, attractive in appearance, and easy to push on a limited number of smooth surfaces, this stroller type is the best option for those with newborns who must ride in the reclining position. However, older babies are not as limited to this specific riding position and as a result, other models may be preferable in the future, especially for parents who intend to put many outdoor miles on their stroller as I do. So for quick day trips to the mall, the Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller with its extra large storage space for all those purchase you are bound to make will fit your needs quite nicely either and is the way to go. While I certainly would not recommend purchasing this one as a primary stroller choice to use for years on end for a variety of purposes, it performs quite well nonetheless as a back-up stroller and for occasional use only. So keep the Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller in mind, especially if any great deals are out there to be found.
For more information on the Graco Glider Lite Rider Stroller and other similar baby care products such as car seats, swings, etc., check out their website online at:
www.gracobaby.com
Questions or comments?
1-800-345-4109
GRACO CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS
PO Box 100
Elverson, PA 19520 USA
Attn: Customer Service
If interested, please check out the following review of the InStep Omni jogging stroller (I STILL love it!), which is used much more frequently in our household than this standard Graco model featured here:
http://www.epinions.com/content_30882631300
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): GIFT
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months
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