Baby strollers reviews

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller Review: Pros, Cons & Value

Have you ever experienced the struggle of trying to push a heavy stroller? Then yes, you are not alone. Sometimes, it’s difficult for parents to find a lighter stroller with the same extra features they would expect in a more expensive stroller. I’m here to introduce the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller. It weighs only around 11-13 pounds and can be easily lifted and carried.

Let’s skip to the chase and tell you exactly all the things this budget umbrella stroller does well and also where it lacks.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller Overview

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus stroller is designed to be:

  • Lightweight.
  • Easy to carry.
  • Easy to fold, and
  • Easy on the wallet.

This stroller has more features than most umbrella-style travel-friendly cloud strollers in this price range.

The Pros — What You Will Like About It

Now let’s talk about why tons of parents love this stroller at this price. There are a few ways that the Kolcraft Cloud Plus stands out to make your daily life easier.

Lightweight & Portable

One of the reasons many people buy this Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller is that it weighs so little! If you have ever tried to lift a stroller into your car or bus and struggled with a heavy one, undoubtedly, you will see where the appeal is with this model. Because of its portability, this stroller is a favorite with families who travel.

  • Kolcraft Cloud Plus is easy to carry, lift into cars, and transport because it only weighs 11–13 lbs.
  • It’s compact and self-standing, and its fold will collapse with one hand.
  • You can store it without the stroller tipping over!
  • It is great for airports, family vacations, and amusement parks.

Everyday Convenience

Though it is a low-cost stroller, it has the conveniences of what you would find in higher-priced strollers. These little extras were designed to lessen the carry-ons, mess, or needing to juggle bags while walking and pushing your child.

  • It has a parent tray with two drink holders and an additional area for the storage of phones or keys.
  • The child snack tray comes with a cup and juice pouch holder.
  • The storage basket underneath has plenty of room for a diaper bag, groceries, or toys.
  • The 3-tier adjustable canopy has a peek-a-boo window that adds shade and airflow for children.
  • The multi-position recline allows children to sit up or lie back for diaper naps on the go.

Comfort for Short Trips

You might be wondering if a budget stroller is comfortable enough for kids. Surprisingly, the Cloud Plus model provides comfort for short-medium trips.

The most comfortable features are:

  • Good padding on the seat.
  • Recline ability, and
  • Air-vent canopy.

These provide versatile seating for way more than the majority of umbrella strollers within this budget.

Budget-Friendly

This is crazy: you are getting all of these features for one of the few lowest cost points on the market. For many families, as a backup stroller or a lightweight travel stroller, this is a value that cannot be replicated without losing the basics.

The Cons—Things You Need to Know

But here is the kicker: low-cost prices come with concessions. The Kolcraft Cloud Plus model is fantastic for traveling or errands. But it is not a perfect stroller. Let’s briefly look at the instabilities of this stroller so it doesn’t mislead some parents.

Build & Maneuverability

If you’re thinking this will function as an off-road stroller or on rugged sidewalks, you probably won’t be happy. The materials are very cheap, and the wheels are not meant for off-road use. It is best for indoor use or flat surfaces. Turning on a rug wouldn’t be so easy.

  • The materials seem very low-quality and won’t last very long.
  • The frame seems flimsy compared to the very expensive strollers.
  • Plastic wheels will not endure rough ground.
  • Brake is a little difficult to set and takes a little more force than normal to engage.

Limitations of Comfort

Next comes comfort. This system would be great for short trips, but for longer adventures or larger toddlers, you’ll see the pros and cons more evidently. The seat is smaller, less padded, and the canopy does not completely cover.

  • If you have taller or larger toddlers, you will also find that the seat is smaller and less padded.
  • Short trips are ok, but long adventures will probably not be ideal.
  • The canopy is adjustable; however, it is not great for sun coverage.
  • Not set up to adapt to infant car seats, it won’t be good for an infant.

Folding Quirks

The stroller’s folding is quick, but the folding is not always smooth. Some parents have reported the latch sticking, and the canopy frame pinching fingers (perhaps this is just if you’re not careful). If you’re only using it occasionally, this does not matter, but it’s just something to consider.

Who is the Kolcraft Cloud Plus For?

The truth is: this stroller is not designed for everyone. There is a specific parent type this stroller is intended for. If you are the type of parent who is willing to sacrifice weight, cost ,and ease of use over true durability, then the Kolcraft Cloud Plus stroller is for you.

This stroller is perfect for:

  • Parents on a strict budget who want something inexpensive for a secondary stroller.
  • Families looking for a lightweight, easy to carry option for the airport, vacation, and running errands.
  • Anyone who wants something portable and easy to use over durability and portability.

It is not for the parent who wants a stroller for everyday and constant rough use, looking for the ability to connect to a car-seat, or has a larger child that needs thicker padding and a better seat.

Final Thoughts

The Kolcraft Umbrella Stroller is a superb lightweight option that offers excellent portability and everyday convenience, all at a price point nearly every family can get behind. It’s great as a secondary or travel stroller and especially advantageous when weight and compactness are key.

It does have some limitations in durability and terrain capability, especially if the child is on the older side, and comfort level overall. So what is the takeaway? If you are using a stroller daily, you may want to invest in something better. If you are parents looking for a budget travel stroller, the Cloud Plus might be the answer.