I was first introduced to Graco’s Modes 3 Lite travel system at an event in London earlier this year. Izzy, my daughter, was three at the time and she climbed into a sample that had been left on display and refused to get out!
Fast forward a few months, and we’ve been trying out Graco’s Modes 3 Lite at home. Here’s how we’ve rated its performance.
Versatile, versatile, versatile
If there’s one word I’d use to describe this product, it’s versatile. It comes with a carrycot, car seat and seat unit. In other words, it can be used from birth up until the child is 15 kilos in weight (roughly three years of age).
Izzy is about 15 kilos and so she is at the ‘far-end’ of the scale. Since that event in London, Izzy has also celebrated her fourth birthday so we wouldn’t normally use a stroller with Izzy, but for the purposes of this review, she was a very enthusiastic participant!
As for Helen, my eldest, well, she’s in Year Three at school and ‘though she may wish to be pushed around in the Modes 3 Lite, she is far too big. Sorry Helen, but Christmas is round the corner so sure you’ll get some great presents then I’m sure.
Numerous ride options
There are a total of seven ride options. The carrycot, car seat and seat unit can all be used front or rear facing. With three large wheels, double wheels at the front, the Modes 3 Lite is also capable of going over all terrains.
Assembly
Let us, however, take a step back a moment. The Modes 3 Lite requires some assembly. I had it put together in about 20 minutes.
My advice though: keep an eye out for the split pins! I made a mistake and put the rear wheels together without using the two small split pins that fix them in place. The result: the wheels promptly fell off!
They are the smallest components in the box so locate them and put them in a special place until you need them. Rest assured that once I’d rectified my mistake (and it was my mistake as I hadn’t read the instructions properly) the Modes 3 Lite was ready for action just moments later.
FastAction fold
I simply have to mention the FastAction fold, so good Graco has registered FastAction as a trademark. Collapsing the Modes 3 Lite so it can be stored or put in the boot of a car is much easier thanks to this feature.
There is a strap in the frame of the Modes 3 Lite. You simply pull it and the frame instantly collapses. The stroller can be collapsed this way either with or without the seat unit in place.
The best thing: it can be done one handed. If you’re carrying a child you can still collapse the buggy with ease.
I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of trying to collapse a pushchair out on the street in the rain. Well, the FastAction fold enables you to avoid all of that hassle.
Other features
The Modes 3 Lite boasts a range of other features including:
- Lightweight frame (and it is surprisingly light)
- Shopping basket under the seat
- One handed steering
- Rain cover and footmuff
- Five point harness to keep child securely in place.
Cost and availability
I was very surprised when I discovered the cost of the Modes 3 Lite. It has a price tag of £389 and is exclusively available from Babies r Us.
I have used similar items with a considerably higher retail price. I would consider this to be a very well priced product.
Final words
The Modes 3 Lite is a very versatile product. It may be the only stroller you ever buy. One handed steering, for me, is a must. The FastAction fold feature is also a very useful .
All things considered, I think Graco has produced an exceedingly versatile product at a very competitive price. If we were still using strollers with out kids, the modes 3 Lite is definitely one we would consider.
Disclosure: A Modes 3 Lite stroller was provided for review purposes. Thoughts and opinions entirely my own.
20 thoughts on “Versatility on three wheels: The Graco Modes 3 Lite”
We’ve got one of these too and it’s definitely a very versatile stroller that will serve us well!
That’s so good that it can last so long, too often you spend loads of money to only get a years’ worth of use from it x
Looks awesome I can imagine it making my daily back breaking fold up routine so much easier! Was it heavy?
That quick fold option would be a godsend for using public transport, etc.
I laughed at your comments about Helen wanting to be pushed around and Izzy loving ot try this just for the review. I remember being told by my parents that when I was about four, I’d climb into the stroller and my younger sister would push me. Anyway, I’m glad this sis such a versatile system.
I think given the option, the kids would push each other around in this stroller! Both girls were very taken by it.
Wow it served you well! Lovely pictures of father and daughter too ?
This looks like a really good buggy to take around when you are out and about
It is great because of its versatility. You can go off road and on so you are free to go anywhere.
I love strollers that have car seats! My old one used to, and it was so handy! The strap for folding or unfolding sounds like a god send. Folding a stroller with one hand is near impossible!
Yeah, the FastAction fold is a fantastic feature. It would make life much simpler.
This looks so useful! I’ll have to recommend this to my best friend for her little one.
Oh do recommend it, it is a marvellous stroller and incredibly versatile.
Hi, I know this is coming couple of months after you did review on the stroller. I got it on black Friday deal 2017 from toysrus. Fixed it 3mths after I bought it but the front 1wheels comes off easily when pulled on. Don’t know what else to do.
Hi Olive, more than few months I am afraid. i reviewed this quite a while ago. I can only suggest you return to the retailer. It;s not an issue we ever experienced I’m afraid.
This looks brilliant – I like how you have described it as versatile as it definitely would be great to fit round your requirements rather than having different pushchairs for different things. I love the design too, seems a far cry from what I was pushed around in as a child!
Oh yeah, pushchairs have moved on a lot from when we were kids! This one really is versatile. It’s a great piece of kit.
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I had a Graco Mini for 2 of my 3 kids and I absolutely loved it (plus it did last!). Search no longer, this is the one. Light, steer with one hand (have the other free!), huge basket for all your bits and pieces. My husband researched for ages and ordered it for us. Great choice. By the way your blog is just great!
Hi Christi – thank you for you very kind words about my blog. You can come back again!
Delighted to hear you had such a good experience with the Graco Mini. They are awesome buggies.