Baby Gizmo 2013 Flite Review with Video

"More changes for the Bumbleride collection of strollers and this time we are talking about the Flite. This is Bumbleride’s lightweight, umbrella-fold stroller that is great for travel and on-the-go. For 2013, the Flite has a few changes that are important to know:

• Since we all know canopy size matters, we are happy that the Flite canopy is even larger this year.
• The harness has been modified with a harder-to-do buckle and breakaway straps so that it prevents entanglement.
• New colors
• The Flite is only available in the Natural Fabric.

Let’s start with the new fabrics. The “Movement” and “Classic” fabrics of yesteryear are out and the Natural fabric is in. The Flite is only available in the eco-friendly fabrics that consist of a bamboo, nylon blend interior to wick away moisture from the little rider’s body and recycled polyester blend exterior.

SEAT: The seat is roomy and accommodates up to 50 lbs so even your bigger kids can hop in for a ride when their legs get tired. It measures 13″ wide, with a 20″ seat back and a measurement of 27″ from seat to canopy. It’s a great seat for those taller toddlers! The adjustable, padded 5-point harness has been modified for 2013 with a stronger center release button and 3 to 5 point breakaway shoulder straps which help with a faster connection and prevents entanglement. While the harness does “break away” (which can be annoying on some strollers!), we are happy that the Indie’s harness does stay clipped together when we want it to so that it doesn’t come apart every time we take our child out of the seat. The Flite has an adjustable footrest with two positions – up and down. The seat has a deep recline that is easy to do with the one-hand strap system. (You need two hands to put the seat back up though!) Even though we’d recommend this seat for 3+ months, you can still use it with a newborn with the universal car seat adapter.

STORAGE: Typical for an umbrella stroller, the Flite has a very small basket. You definitely won’t get a diaper bag in there but it can hold a few baby essentials. There is also a small zipper pocket on the back of the canopy.

There are no baby or parent trays or even a bumper bar on the Flite but there is the Bumbleride cup holder that can attach to either side of the stroller. There is also a great accessory for baby called the Snack Pack that is sold separately. The Snack Pack is a soft pouch that zips closed and is divided in two compartments inside. NOTE: The Snack Pack has to be removed to fold the Flite.

HANDLE: The ergonomic handles are nonadjustable but they are higher at 40″ from ground to handle. Since they are separate handles, you will probably need two hands to maneuver the stroller easily.

CANOPY: Probably to help the Flite fit in better with the rest of the collection, they have made the Flite canopy even bigger for 2013. Woot! Woot! Size matters with a canopy, people! It’s a good size canopy with built in 45-SPF and a  darker mesh peek-a-boo window to see in at your little rider.

WHEELS: The Flite rolls on four sets of 5 1/2″ wheels and a dual front and rear suspension system that gives baby a smooth ride. Even though the front swivel wheels can be locked straight to handle grass and a bit bumpier terrain a little better, this is an umbrella stroller that is meant to perform best on smooth surfaces. The rear wheels have individual locks on each wheel to lock the stroller in place.

When we travel, light strollers are our BFF. That’s why we love that the Flite is only 14 lbs, and with the carry handle and shoulder strap, it’s a great travel companion.

The Flite has a two-handed fold that is rather easy to do. Pull up on the two release triggers just below each handlebar. Then lift up on the rear step with your foot to release the rear support bars, pop up that support bar between the handlebars and push it forward until the stroller folds down to the ground. We love that the Flite has an automatic lock to keep the stroller locked while transporting! The folded stroller is very compact and can fit in the tightest of trunks and spaces.

While many other lightweight umbrella strollers don’t accommodate an infant car seat, the Flite accepts almost all infant car seats with the included car seat adapter to make it a lightweight travel system. It accepts Graco, Chicco, Britax, Peg Perego, Combi and Baby Trend infant car seats but check Bumbleride’s website just to make sure yours is compatible. NOTE: The car seat adapter must be removed to fold the stroller.

Overall, the Bumbleride Flite is a lightweight stroller that is great for travel and does everything but all-terrain and jogging. This year we love that they made the canopy bigger and the buckle harder to escape. If you are looking for a beautiful, lightweight, umbrella stroller that is stocked with style and features, then the Flite might be the stroller for you. Don’t forget to check out our video review of the Bumbleride Flite 2013 by clicking the video below:

Read the entire Flite review at Baby Gizmo.