Prams are often considered essential equipment for new parents, as they offer a safe and comfortable ride for your little one while you’re out and about. But many parents overlook how easy it is to carry the pram around. The stroller’s weight impacts manoeuvrability and ease of use, making your life more difficult than you realise.
So, how much does the average stroller weigh? Let’s find out in our article below.
Key Points
- Standard strollers often weigh between 3.3 kg and 16 kg
- Jogging strollers, lightweight strollers, and travel systems are some of the most popular types
- Parents should consider their budget, lifestyle, safety features, and the weight of a stroller when deciding which will be the right fit for their family
- Durability, manoeuvrability, and safety are some of the things parents should look for when buying a stroller
Content In This Article:
- How Much Does A Stroller Weigh?
- How Much Does Each Pram Type Weigh On Average?
- How Heavy Is Too Heavy For A Pram?
- Signs That Your Stroller Is Too Heavy For You
- What Are Some Good Lightweight Prams To Consider?
How Much Does A Stroller Weigh?
The weight of a stroller will depend on the type of pram or stroller you’ve chosen. Generally, strollers can weigh anywhere from 3.3 kg to 16 kg. The weight depends on the materials used to make the pram, additional features included on the chassis, and how many wheels the stroller has. For example, umbrella strollers often weigh less than double strollers because they’re smaller and have fewer seats.
How Much Does Each Pram Type Weigh On Average?
There are so many types of prams on the market that it can be difficult to choose which is best for your family. We’ve detailed some of the most popular types of pram or stroller below, along with their average weights, below:
Jogger Strollers
Jogging strollers usually weigh between 11 and 13 kg. Deceptively heavy, jogging strollers need the extra weight to accommodate the features needed to keep your child comfortable as you run. They’re excellent for active parents who want to take their babies out and about with them while getting some exercise. Jogging strollers are often three wheelers with excellent suspension and good manoeuvrability.
Umbrella Strollers
Umbrella strollers are typically for older children who don’t use their prams very often, with the strollers weighing between 4 and 8 kg. These strollers don’t feature much padding or many additional features because they’re not designed to be used for long periods. They fold up like an umbrella and can be kept in the boot until you need them.
Compact Strollers
A compact stroller is a light version of a full sized stroller, often weighing between 5 and 8 kg. Unlike umbrella strollers, compact strollers have all the necessary features to be used with younger babies from six months, or even birth in some cases. Most parents use compact strollers for travelling, as the light weight and compact fold make them perfect for fitting in an overhead locker.
Full Sized Stroller
A full sized stroller usually weighs between 9 and 13 kg. They weigh more because they have all of the bells and whistles you’d expect from a stroller, such as a canopy, storage basket, footrest, adjustable handle, and more.
While full-sized strollers weigh more than compact strollers and umbrella strollers, they often have compact fold capabilities, making it possible for you to carry them on your own.
Double Pushchair
Double strollers have twice as many chairs as a standard stroller, so you can expect them to be on the heavier side. However, some brands have managed to keep their double strollers as light as a single stroller! A double stroller will often weigh anywhere from 9 to 18 kg, depending on the brand and configuration you have the chairs set up in.
Travel System Prams
Travel systems often either come with two or three chair types – a toddler seat, a car carrier, and a newborn bassinet. You can swap the chairs out interchangeably depending on your baby’s age. Depending on your chair, travel systems can weigh anywhere from 10 to 16 kg. Bassinets tend to weigh more than car seats, for example.
How Heavy Is Too Heavy For A Pram?
As a general rule of thumb, parents tend to find anything over 12 to 15 kg too heavy for a standard single pram. However, you might find that the added features are worth the extra weight.
When choosing your right pram, we recommend seeing the stroller in person and testing it beforehand. You can visit a showroom to push the strollers around and pick them up to see if they’re too heavy for you. While this might seem like a waste of time, you’ll feel the world of difference between a light stroller and a too-heavy alternative. Plus, you’ll be able to figure out what is too heavy for your boundaries.
Signs That Your Stroller Is Too Heavy For You
Have you ever used a stroller that felt more like a headache than a convenience? This may be a sign that your stroller is too heavy for you. Here are a few ways you can determine if your stroller isn’t the right fit for your family:
- You feel like you are straining to push it – When your biceps are getting a workout from pushing your pram down the street, it might be an indication that your stroller is too heavy for you.
- You can’t lift it easily – You need to get your pram in and out of your car boot without hurting yourself, so if you find lifting the stroller difficult, look for a lighter model.
- You struggle to manoeuvre it – Look for a stroller that is easy to manoeuvre around tight spaces and corners. A stroller needs to be light enough to move swiftly, so if you have to conduct a three-point turn around every corner, look for a lighter stroller.
- It tires you out quickly – Your pram might be too heavy if your arms and legs tire out quickly when you push it. A lightweight stroller may make errand days feel like less of an unplanned workout and more of an enjoyable day out with your baby.
- You hear the wheels squeaking – Squeaking and grinding wheels could be a sign that your stroller is too heavy.
What do you do if you own a stroller that is too heavy for you? You can sell, exchange, or give away the stroller to a family in need. It isn’t worth holding onto a stroller if you are struggling to use it. Recovering mothers should especially opt for a lightweight stroller that is easy to use and does not present any physical strain. Both you and your baby will be happier and safer for it!
Is There A Weight Limit For Prams On Planes?
The weight limit for a stroller on a plane will depend on the airline’s guidelines. Some don’t have a weight limit, as long as the stroller can fold and fit into the overhead locker. However, some other airlines have a weight limit of 10 kg for strollers checked at the gate. Any stroller heavier than that will need to be checked at the ticket counter and placed in the hold.
Always check with the airline you’re flying with before heading to the airport. Most modern prams should be light enough to fit within their guidelines, but it always pays to be prepared!
What Are Some Good Lightweight Prams To Consider?
There are plenty of excellent lightweight stroller options on the market, and we have detailed some of our favourites below:
1. Baby Jogger City Tour 2
The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is a lovely compact stroller that weighs only 6.5 kg. This four wheel pram is a great option for urban living, travelling, and more.
2. Uppababy Minu V2
The Minu 2 lightweight stroller can be used from birth to five years old and only weighs 7.7 kg! It has a five point harness, cup holders, and meets the safety standard for prams and strollers – what’s not to love?
3. Joolz AER
The Joolz AER is one of the most compact stroller options on the market, weighing in at just 6 kg. This frame is perfect for travelling parents and can make a travel system with the correct adapters.
Final Thoughts On How Much Does A Pram Weigh?
The stroller’s weight is an important consideration when shopping for your baby’s pram. Most parents prefer a lightweight stroller which is easier to push and manoeuvre through busy places. Full sized strollers are slightly heavier, but no stroller should be a chore to push. Look for one weighing no more than 15 kg for comfort and convenience.