BabyStyle Oyster Lite Buggy review

Despite being a light stroller it can carry children up to 20kg – the weight of some 6 year olds.

Going up against other lightweight buggies such as the Joie Air Lite at 4.8kg and the Silver Cross Zest at 5.8kg, the Oyster Lite is up against some tough competition.

I tested the BabyStyle Oyster Lite on shopping trips and days out during the summer holidays, including trips on public transport, with the help of my two trusty assistants - Jasmine aged 3 and three quarters and Roselyn, aged 16 months.

You can buy the Babystyle Oyster Lite from Pramworld, Amazon, and Kiddies Kingdom.

This buggy is being sold on being a lightweight buggy, how light is it?

The Babystyle Oyster Lite is 6.9kg.

How compact is it?

Very compact, especially when in the boot of my SUV, I can just fling it in no need to find space or make adjustments. It’s square shape when folded, which means I have nearly half the car boot left for other items.

The folded stroller with wheels measures 63cm wide x 85cm x 27cm in height. By taking off the wheels, the buggy slims down to 49cm wide x 76cm deep x 27cm high.

How easy is it to store?

I really like that that the Oyster Lite can be stood upright so it can fit into a gap or be stored in a hallway without taking up much room.

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Is it affordable for what it is?

I think it is. At £169 for the stroller and colour pack it provides good value for money.

Is it suitable from birth?

The stroller has a fully reclining seat, which is suitable for using from newborn, if you wish. Using universal car seat adaptors (£19) means it can be converted into a travel system for your newborn, compatible with Maxi Cosi Pebble and Cabrio Fix car seats, or with Oyster car seats using a separate adaptor (£15).

Does its weight hamper its durability?

I don’t think so. The only thing that I felt might let the buggy down with regards to durability is the front wheels. They just don’t feel like they could survive much of a bashing as even the smallest of kerb can be a challenge.

What do you think of the seat size?

It’s spacious. Plenty of space either side of my 16 month old and my almost 4 year old. The seat size is generous and measures 25cm wide by 32cm deep at its base, and the back is 26cm wide by 46cm high.

What do you think of the height of the buggy?

At 104cm high, it’s at a good height for pushing and requires very little bending at the waist to fold it. However, my 6’1” hubby did say he wished the handles were adjustable.

Is the frame strong, durable?

The frame is clearly lightweight so I think this may impact on how durable it is. I think for occasional short trips it will stand the test of time but I’m not sure if it can take many siblings and/or walking excursions.

A great thing about the buggy is that it did not topple over once, no matter how much I loaded it up. My toddler also loves to climb and I watched her clamber all over the Oyster Lite and it didn’t show any signs that it would topple back.

What do you think of the fold system?

To be honest it took me a few days to get the hang of the fold. My husband got it immediately and I was annoyed at how easy he made it look while I continued to struggle. However, once I got the knack it really is quick and easy and now I feel quite smug at how quickly I can snap it shut!

Is it a one-hand fold?

Yes – once I got the knack of it – I could easily fold it one-handed.

What do you think of handle?

The handle is one feature of the Oyster Lite that I don’t like. I think it needs more padding and the positioning aggravated a repetitive strain injury I have on my right hand. The height cannot be adjusted. There is also noticeable discomfort if you need to put weight on the handle to mount kerbs. I think this could have been easily alleviated with a more cushioned handle.

How comfortable does it feel for your little ones?

The colour pack comes with a seat pad which I felt provided some much needed cushioning for the seat. However, the seat pad continuously slips out of place and required too much adjusting to get the straps in place before I could seat my toddler. I grew so fed up with the seat pad I eventually removed it. Without the pad the seat is not very cushioned, however both my daughters still seemed quite happy.

The seat recline works via a toggle system which I actually quite liked. It meant that I could adjust the seat to exactly the position I felt my child would be most comfortable in and it’s extremely easy to use. On the other hand the leg rest has just two positions – either up horizontally or down.

How is interacting with your little ones when in the buggy?

I really liked the viewing options on the Oyster Lite. The top viewing window gives a good view of baby and there is also a mesh side which I found useful on the bus when baby was sat at a right angle to me. Finally some extra storage – great for phones/mum’s snacks - at the back of the stroller can be rolled up to reveal an additional large viewing window.

What do you think of the hood? Can it be used as a sun protection?

I felt the hood provided good protection, however it doesn’t lock very firmly in place so my toddler can push it back easily and doesn’t have any specific UV sun protection factor.

What are the basket and storage pockets like?

The basket provides loads of storage. On a shopping trip I used it instead of a basket and it easily held everything I was buying. It holds my daughters’ swimming bag with ease and plenty of room to spare. The only thing I was cautious about is that it’s quite shallow so I feel it’s easy for something to fall out unnoticed.

How easy is it to push, do the wheel lock and swivel positions make a difference?

Because the Oyster Lite is so… lite(!) pushing it is extremely easy. I felt the difference from heavier strollers and didn’t need to apply as much pressure to get it to move. It glides across smooth surfaces.

The swivel position was by far easier to use than the locked wheel position, however the swivel wheels did catch on very low kerbs a couple of times just because I caught the wheels facing to the side instead of forwards. In the locked position the stroller is very hard to move in any direction other than forwards – which is not how life works.

I was also out with another mother and her stroller at the park. I noticed that I was struggling with getting over ramps and up and down paving slabs a lot more than she was. Essentially anything other than a smooth surface is a challenge, so the Oyster Lite I feel is best suited to urban terrains.

How does it ride on different surfaces?

The angle and small size – just 16.5cm diameter - of the swivel wheels at the front of the Oyster Lite make uneven surfaces a challenge. Grass needs an extra hard push. Flat surfaces are great.

What do you think of the tyres?

They seem just fine, they won’t get punctured. However the small size at the front is a challenge.

Tell us about the brakes.

I liked that the brake is a long bar and can therefore be activated anywhere along its length. It’s a bit of a challenge in flip flops but not as painful as other stroller brakes I’ve used.

Does it fit in the boot of your car?

In my large SUV boot it looks quite small! There is plenty of room for other items. In the boot of my sister’s hatchback it’s a tighter squeeze and I could only get it in comfortably with the wheels facing to the side of the car.

What age child is it best for?

I would say a toddler.

What’s in the box?

• Chassis
• Seat
• Wheels
• Raincover
• Bumper bar
• Colour pack - seat liner and hood (£30)

Additional extras

• Oyster Lite bottle holder £7.50
• Footmuff £40
• Changing bag £40
• Sun shade £10
• Car seat adaptors for Maxi-Cosi Pebble or Cabriofix £19
• Oyster car seat £74
• Car seat adaptor for Oyster car seat £15

Is it easy/hard to build the product?

It took me about 20 minutes to build and I found that my (very tired) brain struggled with the instructions a little.

What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the item?

That it glides across smooth surfaces!

Who would the product be most useful for?

Urban parents taking leisurely strolls to the shopping centre. Those with limited car boot space.

Is the product value for money?

At £169 for the package including everything you need to get going, I think it is. However, if you’re looking to get the most for your investment, it’s worth considering the Obaby Zeal bundle.

Is there anything unique about this product?

I’ve not come across a side viewing window before.

MadeForMums verdict

A spacious lightweight buggy that glides on flat surfaces and fits nicely into car boots. Great for shopping centres and strolls in the park.

Check out these other lightweight buggies:

• ABC Design Takeoff
• UPPABaby G-Luxe stroller
• Recaro Easylife