What we love
The Britax B-Lite is incredibly compact and narrow, definitely an advantage when out and about. And if, like me, you have a narrow doorway and hall, it's an absolute lifesaver. It's the ideal shape and size for quick trips to the shops or for using public transport.
Although it's small, the dimensions didn't feel too mean – the seat felt surprisingly spacious, even with my chunky toddler wedged in. While this isn't the world's most sturdy buggy, it's not at all bad for a lightweight. It also looks smart, in classic black (Neon Black) with an aluminium frame, or there’s a great bright red option (Venetian Red) if you want a big dash of colour.
The B-Lite has a nice action and is easy to steer on and off pavements. You can also lock the wheels for extra steadiness on more uneven terrain. Unlike some lightweight strollers, the B-Lite can be used from birth if the seat is fully reclined.
The neat umbrella folding action is definitely manageable one-handed, and it folds down to a tidy, easily storable package, which is exactly what you want from a lightweight buggy.
The Britax B-Lite comes with zip-on hinge protectors that stop little fingers getting trapped, a common worry for parents. It also has an adjustable calf support.
The rainproof detachable hood is easy to clip and Velcro on, and offers a decent amount of protection. It also has a window so you can peek in at your baby, to check he or she is OK.
The shopping basket underneath is surprisingly spacious, given the buggy's small size, and I manage to wedge in a decent amount of groceries on my shopping trips.
It's worth mentioning that this buggy has a two-year warranty, for extra peace of mind. It can be used up to weight 15kg, or around 3 or 4 years of age, so has a decent life span, too.
As is standard with most lightweight buggies, the B-Lite features a fairly no-frills pared-back design with few extras, and yet despite this, it's fairly comfy, featuring light seat padding.
What to watch out for
The two-foot release clips required for folding were a little stiff. Initially you really do have to whack your foot down on them, though no doubt with repeated use this gets easier.
While the foam-covered handlebars protect your wrists and arms a little, I notice the vibrations in my hands when going over uneven tarmac and bumpy pavements.
The Britax B-Lite doesn't come with a raincover, and you’ll have to purchase it separately.
The rear toggle for reclining the seat is slightly awkward to use, especially with my son in situ. Consequently it’s a little tricky to get him into an upright position that he’s comfortable in.
There are cheaper lightweight buggies out there, as well as pricier ones. The B-Lite feels better quality than many budget models, but if you want a true high-end option made of top-notch materials, you might want to look elsewhere.
Who is the Britax B-Lite lightweight buggy best for?
Mums who want smart looks and decent quality in one tidy package.
The Britax B-Lite is a great mid-price compact buggy. Although weighing just 6.9kg, it feels fairly sturdy and surprisingly spacious. It looks great, and is ideal for those short trips to the shops. Certain elements were a little awkward to use at first, but not doubt these become easier with practice.
