Kolcraft

A 1990's vintage Kolcraft stroller.

Kolcraft is an entry-priced stroller brand that specializes in lightweight, affordable strollers.

The company is named for its founder, Leo Kolkun who founded the company in Chicago in 1946. Kolkun started making crib pads and mattresses (partnering with Sealy), branching out into high chairs, playpens, car seats and strollers. Kolkun was joined in the business by son Sandy. Today it's still family owned and operated with grandson Tom Kolkun at the helm.

Kolcraft launched its stroller line in the 1980's and expanded it in the 90's and 2000's. In 2005, the company debuted Contours, a line of upgraded baby gear that also includes strollers.

Kolcraft is the more affordable, entry-priced stroller line, while Contours features higher prices and upgraded features.

They divide the lines into lightweight, convertible (single-to-double) and double strollers.

Flagship model: Kolcraft Cloud Plus

The Kolcraft Cloud Plus stroller (12.87 lbs., see price on Amazon) is a lightweight stroller pitched for travel and paved neighborhoods. It offers a one hand, self-standing fold and compact size of only 17.6" x 29.9" x 41.7". Other features include:

• Partially reclining seat for kids 6 months up to 50 lbs.
• Three tiered extended canopy
• Peek-a-boo window
• Large storage basket
• Removable child tray with drink holder
• Parent tray that holds up to 2 water bottles
• All-terrain wheels with front suspension

The Cloud Plus does not have an adjustable handle, so may not be a good fit for tall parents. Also, the recline may not be enough for napping babies to be comfortable.

Kolcraft makes a side-by-side double stroller version of its Cloud Plus (23 lbs., see price on Amazon). This stroller has extendable, independent canopies, two baskets for storage and other features like the single Cloud Plus. Maximum child weight per seat is 40 lbs.

More Lightweight Models: Kolcraft Cloud Sport, Cloud Umbrella

Other lightweight strollers from Kolcraft include the Cloud Sport (12 lbs., see price on Amazon) and the Cloud Umbrella (9 lbs., see price on Amazon). The Umbrella version is Kolcraft's lightest weight option at a mere 9.5 lbs. and includes a mesh seat with roll-up for airflow. Maximum child weight is only 40 lbs., so this stroller will not last as long as others. It's also missing the child tray, parent tray and one-hand fold of the Cloud Plus

The Cloud Sport has similar features as the Cloud Plus although it has a slightly bigger footprint.

Contours Lightweight Strollers: Itsy, Bitsy Elite

The Contours Itsy stroller (12.3 lbs., see price on Amazon) is the lowest priced, lightweight option in the Contours line. To keep the weight and price low, it has limited features including front wheel suspension, storage basket, self-standing, one-hand fold, step on parking brake dual linked to both rear wheels, removable padded bumper bar and large canopy with mesh peek-a-boo window. There is no reclining seat back on this stroller and it can only be used from six months up to 40 lbs.

The Contours Bitsy Elite (14 lbs., see price on Amazon) is an upgrade from the Itsy. The Bitsy can be used from birth with the addition of a separate car seat adapter (sold separately for 35 infant car seats). Kolcraft also added a premium knit fabric, leatherette handlebar, mesh seat, expandable storage basket, reclining seat back (up to 135°) and all-wheel suspension.

Other Contours Lightweight strollers include the MaxLite Deluxe Umbrella Stroller, the MaxLite Elite Deluxe Umbrella Stroller, the Quick Lightweight Stroller, and the Quick Elite Lightweight Stroller.

Contours Single to Double Strollers

The Contours Legacy Convertible stroller (28 lbs., see price on Amazon) is a single-to-double with 20 different seating options. Initially, the stroller allows for 4 modes out of the box and an additional 16 when a pramette, infant car seat adapters or a second seat are added.

Seating for two is stadium style and the seats can be either forward or parent facing. A leatherette handlebar (adjustable) and bumper bar, adjustable footrest, large storage basket, extendable canopy and stand up fold (without or without the seat attached) rounds out the accessories.

Contours' other single-to-double stroller is the Contours Element (42.5 lbs., see price on Amazon) is a knock-off of the Bugaboo Donkey with a wider wheel base (28.9" wide–the Legacy is 24.25" wide for comparison) allowing for 40 modes including a side storage tote or second seat. Included in the box is the stroller seat, parent organizer and tote.

A pramette and second reversible seat are also available at an additional charge. Features are similar to the Legacy with a height adjustable handle, leatherette bumper bar and handlebar, adjustable footrest and self standing fold. The Element also offers an expanded parent organizer, color coded sandal-friendly brakes and front wheel suspension

Contours Double Strollers

Contours makes four tandem double stroller options: Contours Curve V2, Contours Options Tandem, Contours Options V2 and Contours Options Elite. The Curve V2 (41.75 lbs., see price on Amazon) touts its "superior 360° turning," maneuverability and handling. It has reversible, removable seats and can accomodate car seats with adapters or bassinets (sold separately).

The Options Tandem (37.42 lbs., see price on Albee Baby) is the line's lowest priced double with reversible, stadium-style seats. It also features front wheel suspension, never flat wheels and an included universal infant car seat adapter.

The Options V2 is only available on Contours web site. It is similar to the Options Tandem.

Lastly, the Contours Options Elite V2 (37.5 lbs., see price on Amazon) add more features including height adjustable handle, quilted fabrics and an improved "easy lift" to make it easier to reverse the toddler seats. Like the other doubles mentioned above, it allows for infant car seat attachment with adapters (sold separately).

Safety Recalls

In 2013, Kolcraft and the Consumer Product Safety Commission issues a recall for Jeep Liberty strollers whose inner tub on their air filled tires ruptured and flew off as projectiles.

In 2012, Contours Options LT Tandem strollers were recalled by Kolcraft because the front wheel assembly could break and pose a fall hazard. On other strollers, nuts attaching the stroller's basket support screws could detach posing a choking hazard.

Also in 2012, Contours Options three and four wheeled strollers were recalled because children's fingers could become caught in the hinge the adjusts the handlebars causing an amputation or laceration hazard.

Is a Kolcraft or Contours stroller washable? How can I clean my stroller?

Kolcraft has this advice on their web site: "Clean all metal parts with a damp cloth and wipe dry. You may also clean woven fabric or vinyl parts with mild soap and water solution."