Folding up your Graco jogging stroller so it’s compact and easy to transport or store away is a breeze once you know how. As a parent who uses a jogger regularly, I’ve mastered the art of quickly collapsing it down in just a few simple steps. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through the entire process step-by-step on how to fold Graco stroller.
How to Fold Graco Stroller
Key Points
- Engage the brake to prevent the stroller from rolling
- Close the canopy and recline the seat fully upright
- Release the fold lock and pull up on the stroller handle
- Fold the stroller towards you using your foot on the red fold link
- Secure the stroller with the folding strap
Step 1: Engage the Brake
Before folding up your Graco jogger, always make sure to engage the brake first. There is typically a large pedal brake near the rear wheels that you can press down on with your foot. This prevents the stroller from inadvertently rolling around as you go to collapse it.
Why it’s important
Engaging the brake keeps both you and your stroller safely in place while folding. If you don’t lock the wheels, the stroller could roll forward or backward and potentially tip over or hit something/someone. Using the brake also gives you both hands free to complete the folding process.
Step 2: Close the Canopy and Adjust the Seat
The next step is to close the extendable canopy completely if it’s open. Most Graco joggers have a large adjustable canopy with a visor that can unfold forward to block sunlight. Close this canopy and push it back into its rear position.
You’ll also want to ensure the seat is fully upright and not reclined back. Adjust the seat into the complete vertical position before folding the stroller.
Why it’s important
Closing the canopy and adjusting the seat makes the stroller more compact for folding. If left open, the canopy can get in the way and prevent the stroller from collapsing fully. An upright seat also reduces the overall folded size.
>> Read more: How to open a Graco Stroller
Step 3: Release the Fold Lock
Graco jogging strollers have a fold lock mechanism that holds the frame rigid for use. Before folding, you need to disengage the fold lock. There is typically a large fold lock lever located on the side of the stroller.
Push this lever or slide the lock over to release the fold mechanism and allow the stroller to be collapsed. The stroller will now be able to fold freely.
Why it’s important
The fold lock keeps the stroller securely unfolded while in use for safety. By releasing it, you can freely fold the entire frame together. Forgetting to unlock the fold lock is the most common mistake people make when collapsing their Graco.
Step 4: Lift the Handle and Fold Together
With the fold lock released, you can now lift up on the stroller handle with one hand to initiate the folding process. The handle will be on the back of the stroller by the parent’s position.
As you lift the handle up, use your other hand to push forward on the stroller frame, right above the front swivel wheels. This will cause the stroller to fold inward on itself, collapsing the front and rear wheels together.
Why it’s important
Lifting the handle while pushing forward allows the stroller frame to fold up easily. The folding joints will pivot inward, bringing the wheels and sides together into a closed position.
Step 5: Secure with Folding Strap
The last step is the most important – securing the folded stroller closed with the folding strap. On the side or bottom of the stroller will be a strap that you clip across the folded stroller to keep it from unfolding.
Clip this strap into the provided anchors on each side to hold the jogger closed. Make sure the strap is fully secured.
Why it’s important
The folding strap securely contains the closed stroller so it stays folded when you pick it up or transport it. Without engaging the strap, the stroller could unexpectedly unfold, leading to injury or damage.
>> Read more: How to Unfold Graco Stroller
How to fold Graco Stroller Click Connect
Folding a Graco Click Connect stroller:
1. Close the canopy and unzip any peek-a-boo windows.
2. Recline the seat fully back.
3. Release the fold lock mechanism, usually a switch or lever near the handlebar.
4. Push the stroller handle forward and press down on the seat until the frame collapses.
5. Wrap the seat straps around the frame to secure.
6. Optional – flip the stroller over to make a compact fold.
How to Fold Graco Stroller With Car Seat
To fold a Graco stroller with the car seat attached:
1. Fully recline the stroller seat.
2. Release the fold lock on the stroller frame. This is usually a switch or lever.
3. Keep one hand on the stroller handle and use your other hand to gently push down on the seat.
4. Once the stroller begins folding, continue to push the handle forward.
5. The stroller will collapse with the car seat still attached.
6. Wrap the canopy around the frame and secure with the seat straps.
How to Fold Graco Stroller Jogger
Follow these steps to fold a Graco jogging stroller:
1. Close the canopy and recline the seat all the way back.
2. Release the fold lock mechanism by the handlebar. It’s usually a switch or lever.
3. Push down on the seat with one hand while pushing the handle forward with the other.
4. The stroller frame will collapse on itself. Continue folding it closed.
5. Wrap the canopy around the closed frame and secure it with the straps.
6. Lock the release lever to keep the stroller folded.
>> Read more: How to fold a Britax Stroller
How to Fold Graco 3 in 1 Stroller
To fold a Graco 3-in-1 stroller:
1. If using infant car seat mode, remove car seat first.
2. Recline seat completely flat.
3. Locate fold lock and release it. May need to push a button or switch.
4. With one hand on the handle, use other hand to push down on seat.
5. Keep pushing down until stroller folds closed.
6. Wrap canopy around stroller and clip straps in place to secure.
7. Lock the release lever to keep stroller folded.
How to Fold Graco Modes Nest Stroller
Follow these steps to fold the Graco Modes Nest stroller:
1. Fully recline the seat back flat.
2. If infant car seat is attached, remove it.
3. Release stroller fold lock by pushing button or switch.
4. With one hand on handle, use other hand to push down on seat.
5. Keep pushing down until stroller is folded.
6. Wrap canopy around stroller and fasten straps to secure.
7. Stand stroller up vertically to make a compact nest shape.
8. Engage fold lock again to keep stroller folded.
How to Close Graco Stroller
Helpful Folding Tips
Here are some additional useful tips to help you on how to fold Graco stroller quick and easy:
- Push down on the red fold link with your foot as you fold the stroller together. This will make collapsing it much easier.
- Try to fold the stroller in one fluid motion, rather than stopping mid-fold. One smooth action works best.
- Make sure to unfold both sides at the same time, do not pull on just one side.
- The storage latch that holds the stroller closed for transport must be fully engaged to unfold the jogger.
- Re-engage the fold lock after unfolding to keep the frame rigid for use.
Conclusion
Learning how to fold Graco stroller will make transporting and storing it a breeze. Just remember to lock the wheels, adjust the canopy and seat, release the fold lock, lift the handle and push the stroller closed. Securing it with the folding strap will keep it compact and contained.
With a few repetitions, you’ll be able to master this process in seconds. Soon you’ll be folding and unfolding your jogger quickly each time you need to put it away or take it on the go. Just be careful to undo the folding strap so you can unfold it when needed again.
I hope this guide has helped explain the entire process from start to finish. Let me know if you have any other questions on how to fold your Graco jogger compactly
