Summer Infant 3D Lite vs 3D One

In this comparison you will discover the differences and similarities between the two strollers in the Summer Infant 3D Lite vs 3D One lightweight strollers. These strollers are very much alike which can cause a few issues for shoppers. Below, we’ve outlined the details of these strollers and hopefully by the end of this write-up you will have a better idea of which stroller will work best for you.

Summer Infant 3D Lite – Click here to check price

Summer Infant 3D One – Click here to check price

Summer Infant 3D Lite vs 3D One: Which Stroller is Best for you...?

The Basics

Summer Infant 3D Lite vs 3D One

Summer Infant 3D One

Both the 3D Lite and the 3D One are foldable umbrella strollers. They both have lightweight aluminium frames and are rated to carry your child up to a weight of 50lbs. The 3D Lite, true to its name, is the light of the two at 12lbs. The 3D one is 4 lbs heavier, mostly as a result of the additional features included on this model.

The 3D Lite is a more budget friendly option, however, as we’ll get to below, it has fewer features than the 3D One. Summer Infant market their 3D One stroller as the ‘one and only stroller mom will ever need’, which means it has some great features that some other similarly priced umbrella strollers don’t have.

Both strollers are 18 inches wide which makes them ideal for navigating through doorways and even using on crowded pavements. Both have generous pockets under the seat for storing larger items, and a convenient smaller pocket for your phone and keys on the back of the canopy. The pocket closes with velcro on the 3D Lite or a zipper on the 3D One. Some users have had trouble accessing the large storage pocket when baby is laying flat, although this is very common in most compact umbrella strollers. Summer Infant include a removable cup holder on both models. Users have described the cup holder on the 3D Lite as flimsy and too small for a drink bottle. The cup holder on the 3D One is somewhat more robust but still too small for most large drink bottles.

Both models come in multiple color options – Summer Infant lists seven colour options for the 3D Lite and three for the 3D One, although some colour options may be temporarily out of stock. They both come with a one year limited warranty, and users report Summer Infant’s customer service is easy to deal with.

Ease of use

The build quality on these two strollers is good for their price range, with the notable exception of the wheels on the 3D Lite. The wheels are plastic, and many users find the stroller difficult to maneuver because the wheels can feel unstable and flip around during use. This is particularly noticeable on unpaved surfaces like grass, gravel and sand, although some users have found the issue extends to turning on paved surfaces.

In contrast, the 3D One includes ‘smooth glide’ wheels which are able to lock in the forward position. This is especially useful when navigating over bumpy terrain like grass or uneven tracks. Of course, this stroller is not a jogging stroller and you shouldn’t expect it to perform like one, but it’s certainly more capable and comfortable to take on short jaunts off the beaten path than the 3D Lite.

On both models, the brakes are separate on each of the two rear wheels. Users of both models have reported the brakes can be stiff and can be difficult to engage and unengage in some footwear. The brakes are not as effective unless both brakes are engaged.

Users report the handles are nice and high on both models, making these a great option for taller users.

Click here to get more details on the Summer Infant 3D Lite

Click here to get more details on the Summer Infant 3D One

Sun protection

The sunshade is often cited as the big difference between these two strollers. In reality, the sun canopy is the big difference between the 3D One and most other similar strollers on the market. The sun canopy on this is impressive – and it even has a hidden extension to block even more sun from baby’s delicate skin. Some users have installed a small velcro loop to keep the excess fabric away from curious fingers while the extension is not in use, as the placement can bother some children. The 3D One has a mesh window on the top of the canopy so you can easily check on baby.

The 3D Lite’s canopy is significantly smaller by contrast. Many users have suggested additional sun protection if you’re using this stroller out in the sun, as even when using the reflective extension sun protection is limited. There is no viewing window in this model.

Folding

Both the 3D Lite and the 3D One fold up as you’d expect for an umbrella stroller. The 3D Lite can be folded with your foot or hand, which is a nice edition on such a budget-friendly stroller. It has an automatic lock once it’s folded, although some users have reported the automatic lock on both the 3D Lite and 3D One is finicky and can pop open during transport.

The 3D One has one touch controls, so can be folded with one hand. This is a lifesaver when you’re juggling baby and trying to get the stroller away into the trunk. Both the 3D Lite and 3D One have carry straps. Only the 3D One has the ability to stand upright without support. This makes storage really convenient and is surprisingly useful while you’re out and about.

Seat

Summer Infant 3D One vs 3D Lite

Summer Infant 3D Lite

The 3D One has a single lever to raise or lower the seat to three preset angles. It lays almost flat, which Summer Infant notes is great for emergency diaper changes. The seat also has additional padding, perfect for keeping your little one more comfortable on longer trips out.

In addition to the adjustable seat, the footrest on the 3D One is adjustable – great for wrigglers, and will also mean your stroller should last you that bit longer as your little one grows. Unfortunately, the 3D Lite has a fixed footrest.

The 3D Lite is easy to adjust, but you will need two hands to lower baby into a reclining position as the adjustment is made with a lever each side. The 3D Lite has four preset angles, including one which is almost flat.

Both models have a five point adjustable harness with three height adjustments. Users report the height adjustment can be fiddly as it involves rethreading the harness through the seat, although this only needs to be adjusted occasionally as your child grows. The 3D One has additional padding on the harness for comfort. A small number of users have reported their older children have learned to undo the harness themselves. It’s worth mentioning that these harnesses are very standard, so if your child has proven to be curious with other harnesses and buckles, a buckle cover may be a good investment for your family.

Click here to see reviews and ratings for the Summer Infant 3D Lite

Click here to see reviews and ratings for the Summer Infant 3D One

Summary

By now you should have a better understanding of which of these strollers is best for you. The biggest difference between these two is the price and the quality/convenient features. The 3D One is definitely the better stroller as far as quality and convenience are concerned however the lite version is a lot less expensive. This is more of personal budget kind of choice.

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