In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Larktale Coast Review

An interesting concept with harder to use features that doesn't offer enough storage or a useful folding process
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larktale coast full size stroller review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $300 List
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Manufacturer:   Larktale
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 29, 2021
62
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 17
  • Ease Of Use - 45% 5.6
  • Maneuverability - 30% 6.4
  • Weight/Folded Size - 15% 8.0
  • Quality - 10% 6.0

The Skinny

The Larktale Coast is a full-size stroller that is comparatively lightweight and small when folded. It has a below-average price for a full-size stroller and a one-of-a-kind look that seems to draw attention to every joint and connection point intentionally. Unfortunately, we struggled to fold this option, and even with the brakes locked, it continued to slide while folding. It is also harder to push on almost every surface, and the storage bin has a lower maximum allowable weight limit of only 6.6 lbs, where some of the competition is higher than 20. Overall the Larktale's performance was below average in every metric, and we think there are better strollers to purchase, even in this lower price range.
REASONS TO BUY
Price
Lightweight
Fairly compact fold
REASONS TO AVOID
Below average maneuverability
Hard to fold
Limited storage ability
Editor's Note: This gear review was updated on December 21, 2021, to include additional details and our belief on whether or not this stroller is worthy of purchasing.

Compare to Similar Products

 
larktale coast full size stroller review
This Product
Larktale Coast
Awards  Editors' Choice Award   Best Value Award 
Price $300 List
$199.99 at Amazon
$400 List
$399.95 at Amazon
$400 List
$399.99 at Amazon
$250 List$150 List
$103.99 at Amazon
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Pros Price, lightweight, fairly compact foldHigh-quality, compact fold, lighter weight, comfyLots of car seat compatibility, fairly lightweight, handbrakeBudget-friendly, light and easy to carry/stowEasy to navigate tight places, inexpensive
Cons Below average maneuverability, hard to fold, limited storage abilitySomewhat harder to pushLimited storage access, prop-up footrestNot the best mover, lower qualityLimited storage, lower quality materials
Bottom Line An interesting concept with harder to use features that doesn't offer enough storage or a useful folding processA compact, full-size with impressive features for comfort and ease of use, but it is somewhat harder to push, especially one handAverage option that doesn't truly outshine the regular City MiniBasic stroller that is budget-friendly, lightweight and small for occasional strollingAn easy-to-maneuver and budget friendly option, but has limited functionality
Rating Categories Larktale Coast Thule Spring Baby Jogger City Mi... Britax B-Lively Baby Trend Expedition
Ease Of Use (45%)
5.6
7.9
6.6
6.6
5.1
Maneuverability (30%)
6.4
6.6
9.0
6.6
8.2
Weight/Folded Size (15%)
8.0
7.5
7.0
9.0
5.5
Quality (10%)
6.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
Specs Larktale Coast Thule Spring Baby Jogger City Mi... Britax B-Lively Baby Trend Expedition
Weight 20.9 lbs 22.7 lbs 21.6 lbs 18.9 lbs 23.7 lbs
Folded Dimensions 24.3"W x 26"H x 12.3"L 17"W x 15"H x 30"L 25.6"W x 11.2"H x 33"L 24"W x 9.5"H x 29"L 23.1"W x 33.1"H x 16.3"L
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 52 lbs/43.3"
Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 64 lbs/44"
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 65 lbs/44" Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/44"
Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 50 lbs/42"
Included Car Seat Compatibility None None Baby Jogger City GO, City GO 2 Britax All Britax Seats Baby Trend
Any Baby Trend car seat
Click-in Car Seat Adapters Chicco
Britax
B-Safe Ultra, B-Safe 35
Maxi-Cosi
Micro AP, Pebble, Cabrio Fit, Citi
Clek
Liing, Liingo
Nuna
Pipa
Chicco
KeyFit 30, KeyFit2
Cybex
Cloud Q, Aton M, Aron 2
Maxi-Cosi
Mico 30
Nuna
Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite R
Baby Jogger City GO, City GO 2
Britax B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 2, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip
Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Cloud Q
Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 Elite, Snugride 35 Platinum, Snugride Click Connect 35 LX
Maxi Cosi Mico AP, Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico 30
Nuna Pipa
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35
Uppababy Mesa
Clek Living
Britax All Britax Seats None
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters None None None None Baby Trend
Any Baby Trend Car Seat
Recline Deep Deep Deep Deep Deep
Storage Basket Size Medium Large Large Large Large
Sun Shade Size Medium Large Large Large Small
One-handed Fold No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Auto Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 41"/44" 39"/43" 38.5"/45.7" 40" 41"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Included Accessories Snack Tray, Cup Holder Sun Shade City GO infant car seat adapter. None None
Setup Time 15-20 minmin:sec 1-5 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec

Our Analysis and Test Results

Larktale is a breakdown of the two words meaning "fun stories." The company's goal is to make products that aid in creating fun stories for families. It is the "brainchild" of parents who believe child-raising is a joy. They hope to make innovative products that help parents solve problems. They create strollers, wagons, and a scooter.

Performance Comparison



larktale coast full size stroller review - one of our favorite features on the larktale is the child's snack...
One of our favorite features on the Larktale is the child's snack tray that is the only one we've seen with a cover.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Larktale has below-average performance for ease of use, with features that were generally harder to use than the more straightforward competition.

The convoluted fold of the Larktale includes unlocking the frame to...
The convoluted fold of the Larktale includes unlocking the frame to initiate the fold.
The handlebar on the Larktale includes a button that is part of the...
The handlebar on the Larktale includes a button that is part of the fold and unfolding process but also inhibits one-handed pushing.

Fold and Unfold


It takes two hands to fold and unfold. The wheels cause the entire frame to slide around as you try to fold it, even if the brakes are set. We had to hold the stroller still with a foot during testing, so we could push it down and forward to complete the fold. The unfold is easier than the fold by squeezing the lock and lifting the handle. It automatically locks and self-stands and has a carry handle. Overall, the task of folding and unfolding is more challenging than we would like, especially when you compare it against the Baby Jogger City Mini 2, a stroller that shines in this testing metric.

larktale coast full size stroller review - the larktale's brake pedal is easy to use and is a press to set and...
The Larktale's brake pedal is easy to use and is a press to set and release, making it easier on feet and shoes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


Easy to set and release single action brakes on the Coast is located on the right side of the stroller near the wheel. It is sandal-foot friendly.

The storage bin on the Larktale has easy access but the maximum...
The storage bin on the Larktale has easy access but the maximum allowable weight is below the average for the group and could prevent you from carrying enough supplies for a full day.
While the Larktale includes a seatback pocket with a higher weight...
While the Larktale includes a seatback pocket with a higher weight limit than most, it still isn't going to be enough to lug your average diaper bag or all the supplies you'll need for the day.

Storage


The storage bin has easy access but has a smaller weight limit with a 6.6 lbs maximum allowable weight capacity. We were able to fit a medium size diaper bag inside. There are no bars or straps to inhibit access, but the weight limit could prevent you from carrying enough supplies for the whole day. There is also a mesh pocket on the back of the seat with a 6 lb weight limit, but it is less useful than a bin for your diaper bag.

larktale coast full size stroller review - the larktale canopy is upf 50+, but it lacks the option for...
The Larktale canopy is UPF 50+, but it lacks the option for ventilation. We do like the magnetic closure on the peek-a-boo window cover.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


The Larktale has a medium-sized canopy compared to the competition. It is UPF 50+ and has a vinyl peek-a-boo window with a magnetic closure. The shade extends far in front of the seat can cover the knees of some passengers.

larktale coast full size stroller review - the release button on the larktale harness requires you to press and...
The release button on the Larktale harness requires you to press and slide it which could be more challenging for some users than a traditional press-only button.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The Larktale harness is 5-point and rethread for shoulder height adjustment that is fairly easy. The button is stiff, and all 5 straps click together separately. Releasing the button is more of a process than pressing the button as it requires sliding and then pressing. This could be challenging for those who have any hand dexterity problems. The straps are lightly padded.

larktale coast full size stroller review - the larktale seat has a near-flat recline for comfortable napping...
The Larktale seat has a near-flat recline for comfortable napping, but it lacks adequate padding for comfort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Seat


The included seat is only slightly padded and not the coziest in the group. The recline is relatively flat for napping comfort, but the adjustment toggle is stiff and harder to use.

The recline adjustment method on the Larktale seat is harder to use...
The recline adjustment method on the Larktale seat is harder to use than the alternatives found on the competition.
The leg rest on the Larktale is adjustable with dual buttons on...
The leg rest on the Larktale is adjustable with dual buttons on either side. It has two potential positions.

The pressure required to release the recline lever (above left) caused the stroller to slide in our tests, even with the brakes on. This requires holding the stroller in place with your foot to make the adjustment. It also has an adjustable leg rest (above right) that works well but isn't padded as much as the competition.

larktale coast full size stroller review - the larktale is compatible with various infant car seats, including...
The Larktale is compatible with various infant car seats, including the Chicco Keyfit 30.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Car Seat Compatibility


This stroller is compatible with some car seats from Chicco, Britax, Maxi-Cosi, Clek, and Nuna. All use a click-in connection, which we prefer over the strap method. We tested ours with the Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat and the Larktale Chicco adapter. The process is simple, and the adapter is easy to use. Installation is easy, and the seat falls right into place inside the adapter. You just need to remember to add pressure, so it fully connects with a click. It is easier to remove than connect, and we don't think it could be done wrong unless you forget to push it down.



Ease of Setup


The Coast is one of the most involved in the group to assemble and takes between 15-20 minutes to put together using the provided instructions. The manual was not super clear, but assembly is fairly easy. We installed the canopy backward due to the hard-to-decipher instructions, and we had to redo it. It might not be the best option for those nervous about assembly.

Small and slippery plastic wheels make pushing the Larktale...
Small and slippery plastic wheels make pushing the Larktale problematic.
Despite the ability to lock the front wheels in place, it is still...
Despite the ability to lock the front wheels in place, it is still hard to push this stroller over uneven surfaces.

Maneuverability


The Larktale is more challenging to push than most of the competition. It has plastic wheels, which is not uncommon, but these seem to be slippery compared to the competition. The wheels rattled somewhat, making noise when other options did not. It did push okay on shallow gravel and dirt, but this became difficult on grass. The main problem is that the front wheels are so much smaller than the rear and have a narrower placement. This design causes the stroller to want to tip to the side if it gets confronted with small bumps.

larktale coast full size stroller review - the larktale is one of the smaller folded options in the group.
The Larktale is one of the smaller folded options in the group.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


The Larktale is one of the lighter-weight full-size strollers in this group, with a weight of 20.9 lbs. It is also fairly small when folded, measuring 7,771 cubic inches.


However, higher-ranking options with smaller folds and similar weights performed better. So, while that is a plus to any stroller, it isn't enough to make the Larktale a top stroller option.

larktale coast full size stroller review - the larktale is lower quality than some of the competition with a...
The Larktale is lower quality than some of the competition with a somewhat unfinished look.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Coast is of lower quality compared to the competition. Every single connection point is visible and almost has attention drawn to it by contrasting colors that make it look busy and industrial. The parts are all sort of rickety, and there are strange joints and knobs that stick out for no real reason other than a design choice. The fabric does not fit the fame well. It is a nylon material that feels durable and wipes clean, but it isn't cozy, and the padding is minimal. The wheels are foam-filled plastic and very slippery, so despite being larger in the back, they aren't as nice as the competition.

larktale coast full size stroller review - the overall fit and finish of the larktale are busy and it looks...
The overall fit and finish of the Larktale are busy and it looks disjointed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The overall fit and finish are busy and somewhat messy, with a look that feels like someone snapped all the parts together instead of attempting to create a sleek and finished product like some of the nicer competition.

Should You Buy the Larktale Coast?


It's not often that full-size contenders come with a cup holder and snack tray. Typically, these accessories are additional purchases; if a manufacturer offers them. However, the Larktale answers the call by providing a little extra within its reasonable price. But, the Larktale doesn't bring much to the competition beyond this perk. In fact, we felt disappointed by its limited storage, below-average maneuverability, and hard-to-fold design. Therefore, given the option to select this stroller or not, we would pass. Other strollers in our lineup might not include these accessories but bring along a happier user experience for the same price.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?


The Baby Jogger City Mini 2 is undoubtedly worth considering over the Larktale. It's cheaper yet a step up in ease of use and maneuverability. It's an attractive everyday option, as long as you can say goodbye to the cup holder and snack tray. Perhaps use a kid-friendly sippy cup and one of our favorite snack catchers instead.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz
 

Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.

BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.

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