EDITOR’S NOTE
The original Summer Infant 3Dlite Stroller was released in 2016. There was an updated version of the Summer Infant 3Dlite released in 2019 that has all the same features and an upgraded design, including a totally black frame and black wheels and some new color accents.
A few steps above the super cheap umbrella strollers sold in big box stores, but not quite as reputable as a Joovy or a Bob stroller, does this pram deliver all it promises for this low price?
The case for the umbrella stroller. Long ago, a few kids away, I thought moms who bought multiple strollers were silly. Just get a jogging stroller and be done with it! So young, so naive was I. Jogging strollers are heavy and bulky but great for long walks and calorie-burning. Umbrella strollers, light in weight and easy to transport, are wonderful for moms on the go.
The Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller looks well constructed, unlike say, a Cosco stroller. Appearance-wise, it reminds us a lot of a UPPAbaby G-lite but costs half the price. Looks are nice, but we want to get to know this stroller for who it is and what it can do.
Have Stroller, Will Travel
When shopping for an umbrella stroller, the first thing I look at is weight. I want a stroller that is lighter than my baby and can easily be folded up and tossed in the trunk. The Summer Infant 3Dlite gets a checkmark in each of these columns.
Light as a Feather
At just under 13 pounds, the 3D Lite Umbrella Stroller is quite easy to lift and cart around. I have big babies so 13 pounds is like a one-month-old to me. I got this. The aluminum frame allows for durability in a lightweight package. I have zero complaints here.
Watch ’em Fold
Folding this Summer Infant buggy up could not have been any easier. It’s a simple, three-step process. First, you lift the rear handle. Next, push the lever with your foot. Last, fold ‘er down. It auto-locks AND has a carrying strap. If you need to take a stroller on vacation, this strap will save your life. They even sell a little carrying bag for air travel, if you are so inclined.
- Lightweight and easy to pack around
- Easy to fold
- Handy carrying strap included
All these features, combined with a pretty impressive 50-pound weight limit, landed the Summer Infant 3D Lite convenience stroller on our best strollers for 3-year-olds and best strollers for 4-year-old list.
Impressive Comfort
Back in the 80s, umbrella strollers were basic. An X-frame with some fabric and a lap buckle was all you got. It’s amazing to see that design morph into the comfort and safety offered by the Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller.
Shaded and Elated
The 3D Lite has a canopy worthy of Baby Jogger or Bob. It’s adjustable, extendable, and blocks out 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Unlike some of the more expensive models, the canopy doesn’t have a peekaboo window. If you want to see baby, you have to walk around and say hi.
Laid Back
An umbrella stroller that reclines for this price? Well, now I have seen it all. The Summer Infant buggy fully reclines. Go ahead and walk your baby to sleep, come home, park and enjoy the peace. Baby will be happy and comfortable in the padded seats, and may even stay asleep! The only downer is that the seat doesn’t go full upright. The “upright” position is still slightly reclined, fine, maybe even good, for younger babies, but not so much for older babies.
- Comfortable, fully reclining seat
- Canopy that fully shades baby’s face
- Seat always reclines slightly
Wheels and Suspension
There is nothing worse than getting a shaky shopping cart at the grocery store. Oh, wait, yes there is. Getting a wobbly stroller you are expected to use for the first year or two of your child’s life. Umbrella-style prams are a roll of the dice in this department but the Summer Infant 3D Lite Umbrella Stroller is coming up sixes.
Sturdy Wheels
This is not a jogging stroller. Repeat, this is not a jogging stroller. The wheels are small and not fit for a bicycle. This means that the Summer Infant 3D Lite is not meant for all terrains, but it will do quite well on sidewalks and store aisles. For an umbrella stroller, this little buggy has impressive 6-inch wheels with a swivel lock. You can turn or you can go straight.
Somewhat Smooth Suspension
I took the 3D Lite on a few adventures. At the grocery store, this baby did great. I kept my little one on lockdown as we cruised the aisles on a quest for purple frosting for big sister’s science project. The Summer Infant stroller was a dream.
Our next journey was a walk around my neighborhood. We stayed on the sidewalks, save for one side street that doesn’t have any. On that paved road, the Summer Infant 3D Lite did well. My final test trip with this buggy was at my sister’s house. A county road (read: not paved often). Baby and I felt every bump and the 3D Lite pulled with each groove, as is expected with an umbrella stroller.
- Sturdy 6″ wheels
- Locking swivel front wheels
- Smooth ride on smooth surfaces
- Doesn’t handle rocky terrain
Extras and Details
The three things you want to look for in an umbrella stroller are ease of travel, comfort, and ride performance. The Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller did well in all three of those categories. What about the little things, like storage and parental comfort? Let’s check those out.
Can I stash diapers and snacks?
Once I narrow my baby stroller choices down to my top picks, I then ask the question, “Where do I stick the diapers, wipes, and fruit snacks?” The 3D Lite answers back with, “Here and here, beautiful!” There is a good-sized storage pocket on the back of the stroller that hooks close.
The underneath storage basket is generously sized and you can finagle your stuff out easily, even with a kid in the seat. Oh, and there is a cup holder! I’m not sure if it’s meant for the parent or the kid… I attached it to be within my reach ’cause Mama needs her coffee.
Like Holding a Cloud
One of the worst parts about umbrella strollers are the hard, rubber handles. My palms get sweaty and sore. Trips to the zoo on a sunny day are the worst. Summer Infant really came through for all of us palm sweaters. The 3D Lite has contoured foam handles for your pushing delight.
Vertically Gifted People Rejoice
My friend Amy is tall, very tall (5′ 11″). One of her chief complaints about umbrella strollers is that her feet kick the back wheels. Amy bought, and quickly gave away the Chicco Capri Umbrella Stroller. Knowing her disdain for the umbrella stroller, I enlisted her help in this review. Guess what? No wheel kicks! So, there you go, tall friends. The Summer Infant 3D Lite is looking out for you.
- Lots of storage space
- Cupholder included
- Comfy handles
- No back tire toe touches
Watch
Customer Reviews:
- 4.4 stars, 122 reviews BabiesRUs
- 4.4 stars, 25 reviews Walmart
- 4.4 stars, 55 reviews Buy Buy Baby
- 4.0 stars, 19 reviews Albee Baby
Pros:
- Easy to fold up and carry on the go
- Comfortable, fully reclining seat
- Underneath storage basket and rear pocket
- Affordable
Cons:
- Shakey on rough terrains
- Seat doesn’t sit fully upright
Bottom Line:
You really cannot get more bang for your buck that you do with the Summer Infant 3DLite Convenience Stroller. Compared to a MacLaren, it performs nearly as well. The reclining feature is often for those walk induced naps and the carrying strap makes taking this stroller on the road an easy task. Priced for a budget, this stroller is wonderful for vacations. Unless you are an avid jogger or live near rough roads, this stroller will do just fine.
Check out our Best Umbrella Stroller article to get more umbrella stroller ideas, including ideas for more reclining umbrella stroller choices.
