In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The UPPAbaby G-Lite stroller earned higher than average scores for weight and folded size, and quality but did not perform as well in the remaining metrics in our best umbrella stroller review. With low scores in ease of use and maneuverability, the G-Lite feels like a pared-down version of a competing UPPAbaby option. However, the price is lower, and it may be a better option for you, depending on your budget. If you plan to use this for shorter trips, we think this is a good option, but we think baby and parents would rather have a more versatile stroller with more attention to comfort as a primary option.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to carry
Lightweight
Stands on its own
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to push and turn
Not for napping
Convoluted fold
Update — December 2021
The G-Lite has a new version with some improvements over the old umbrella stroller. Changes include a new zipper-operated recline, a larger basket, and a canopy that has almost double the coverage. We are now linking to the new version of the G-Lite here, but feel that this review will still give you an accurate representation of the stroller.
Editor's Note: The UPPAbaby G-Lite review was updated on December 16th, 2021, with extra information on testing methods, product comparison, and what we would buy.
Our Analysis and Test Results
UPPAbaby is a company started and maintained in America. They have over a decade's worth of experience in the juvenile industry and families of their own, where they draw inspiration for designs that would work well. The UPPAbaby Family is on constant alert for innovative ways to create products that are lighter, easy to use, safer without sacrificing convenience or style. UPPAbaby makes some of the best strollers and some of our favorite car seats.
Performance Comparison
The G-Lite has an easy to use smooth shoulder carry strap that isn't as comfortable as the strap on the Quinny Yezz, but more user friendly than strollers that only have a handle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Folded Size
The G-Lite was above average in the weight and folded size category. This stroller has an overall weight of 11.8 lbs and a volume of 6,105 cubic inches when folded. Only the GB Pockit is lighter than the G-Lite, but several options fold smaller, making it somewhat a tossup. It does offer a shoulder carry strap for easy transport.
Ease of Use
The G-Lite isn't the easiest to use, with fewer features than some competition.
The Details
Our ease of use score is a combination of various features that all make a stroller easier, or more difficult, to use. These sub-metrics all have different levels of influence on the overall score depending on how important they are.
Fold and Unfold
Fold and unfold accounts for 25% of the overall ease of use score. Collapsing a lightweight stroller should be an easy task, but that is not always the case. Unfortunately, the G-Lite did not perform well in this sub-metric because it requires two hands and has steps that are easier to do wrong.
Initiating the G-Lite fold includes pressing two buttons and pulling two loops at the same time. If you have even a slight amount of pressure on the pull loops the buttons will be impossible to press.
The G-Lite stands on its own when folded thanks to a nicely designed kickstand.
The G-Lite fold requires two hands and is initiated by pushing a button on each side and pulling the loop simultaneously (above left). If you engage the loop first, you can't press the button or continue the fold, which is surprisingly common when folding. Once folded, this stroller self-stands and has an automatic lock (above right).
Because the G-Link seat back does not recline, the storage bin is always easy to access.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
Good storage is key to a successful outing with kids, and this sub-metric contributes to 25% of the overall ease of use score. While this is not always easy to find in a lightweight product, the UPPAbaby G-Lite earned a score that is above average. The storage bin is relatively easy to access, and it has a parent cup holder, which is something you don't find on most products.
The G-Lite storage bin holds up to 10 lbs of supplies and fits a medium size diaper bag. The G-Lite seat doesn't recline, so the bin is always accessible from the back and sides. This stroller also has a removable parent cup holder.
Brakes
The G-Lite brakes are average to set and release; they are a bit stiff and require some pressure to ensure they are engaged. Like other UPPAbaby options, the pedals are sandal foot-friendly. However, it is the only UPPAbaby stroller that requires a double-action set.
The G-Lite canopy is one of the nicest in the group with SPF 50 and a pop out visor, but there is no peek-a-boo window for spying on baby.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
The G-Lite has a nice canopy with a pop-out visor and SPF 50. While the canopy covers to the knee, it does not have a window to see the baby, and this means you can't spy on your baby while strolling with the canopy fully open. However, the canopy looks nice and is easy to use.
While the G-Lite harness straps are smooth and feel nice, they do not tighten enough for smaller babies and the buckle is somewhat stiff.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
The G-Lite harness is a 5-point harness with silky smooth straps and a stiff but relatively easy-to-use buckle. The shoulder straps are easy to adjust and slide into place up or down. Rethreading requires pushing the strap end through the slots in the netting, which is stiff enough to accept the strap without folding.
Seat
The G-Lite seat is made primarily of breathable mesh fabric, but it does not recline. It also doesn't have a leg rest, but a small footrest sits somewhat under the end of the seat bottom.
Ease of Setup
Setting up the G-Lite took 3:39 minutes, and we didn't need any tools. The stroller only has a few components to assemble, and the manual is fairly helpful.
Maneuverability
The G-Lite has plastic wheels and a dual front wheel design that translates into difficulty pushing and turning over uneven terrain and veering off course when one wheel hits a bump or obstacle. The stroller is easier to push on flat surfaces, but it still isn't as responsive as it could be, and there is some rubbing in the wheels that increase rolling resistance.
The G-Lite has small dual plastic wheels on all four legs. They have what feels like additional rolling resistance that made them harder to turn and less responsive.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This stroller has an all-wheel suspension and ergonomic foam-covered handles. While the sling-style seat and the suspension will help give the baby a smoother ride, the lack of padding, adjustable leg rest, and no reclining seatback will leave your baby less comfortable if the adventure lasts too long.
Quality
The G-Lite has a similar quality to other UPPAbaby products (typically high). Still, the smaller plastic wheels would probably be easier to push if they were larger or higher quality for better rolling resistance. The thin, plastic feeling mesh back is not that friendly to the touch, but it may be better for hot weather strolls as it is so breathable. This stroller has a nice frame, and most of the components are nice enough, but overall it has a cheaper feel and limited functionality.
Should You Buy the UPPAbaby G-Lite?
UPPAbaby typically makes good quality and reliably long-lasting products. If you value this in your purchases and can't afford one of the more high-end options, then the G-Lite is a good option for you. While it is not as feature-heavy as some higher-scoring products, we think it will do the trick for families who use their umbrella stroller infrequently.
What Other Umbrella Strollers Should You Consider?
In this price range, the Zoe Traveler is a great option that is slightly lower quality but has greater adjustability, more features, and a smaller fold. It is somewhat heavier, but the difference is negligible. If you are willing to spend a bit more, the Inglesina Quid is a high-quality option that is fully equipped for a day at Disneyland and is easier to push and turn.
