Are you in the market for a basic stroller for taking the baby for a walk occasionally, or a stroller packed with features for use every day and in every situation? An umbrella stroller is a convenient product to have available but what is the best umbrella stroller for you? Umbrella strollers are nice for day trips into town, fun at a local festival, or for parents who want to get back into nature. They are great for managing little ones who prefer not to be held, or when your arms are tired. They are smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable than many standard or jogging strollers. This makes them especially convenient in crowded situations or smaller spaces such as the mall or town. An umbrella stroller can be the perfect solution for a low-stress outing. It’s a great option for a primary stroller or backup for parents who want to travel light. Even though umbrella strollers are great, you won’t find umbrella strollers as stylish as the Stokke Xplory.
2017 Umbrella stroller comparison table
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Why buy an umbrella stroller?
These are the most common type of strollers that are out there. They are often called umbrella strollers and are made to fit in basically any small area that you need to put it in such as a closet, trunk, or even in an overhead bin on a plane. There are many parents out there that have found that they aren’t really that comfortable for children who are out on a day trip unlike the bigger models. There are plenty of people who enjoy the fact that it is great when you have to travel just about on any type of public transportation, your own transportation, or for a quick run to the corner store with your little one to pick up any item. Lightweight strollers are really handy for parents so we’ll help you choose the best lightweight stroller.
Not ideal for babies
The umbrella strollers are normally called that due to the hooked handles, which are best used as a second stroller. If you’re wanting something that you can use that is not only affordable but easy to take with you anywhere you go, then these are the best. They aren’t best for newborns or infants that still require neck and head support. Strollers like the Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience stroller, which has different rest positions is great for infants as it gives neck and head support. If you’re looking for a really great, light stroller that is also good for babies check out my Bugaboo Bee review.
Some key features
Many umbrella strollers will often be made from Aluminum frames which is what keeps it lightweight and easy to maneuver into small areas. Some will often come with either a fully reclining or semi-reclining seat which is great for various children and some have canopy that helps to keep the sun off of them. They are often have a 1 step fold, which works better than most higher priced strollers. The Mountain buggy nano stroller is a lightweight model that will really show you what comfortable really looks like for your child. It also has easy to use features such as locking swivel wheels and it is quite compact.
There are some features that are right for some babies while others may not work for them. If the stroller reclines fully, then it is safe for a newborn and infant, but if it only semi-reclines it is best for a child that is 4 to 6 months old and older.
When it comes to finding the right lightweight stroller or umbrella stroller, you should always look at the safety features that will help you to keep in mind what is best for your child as well as you and your lifestyle.
Things to Think About When Shopping for an Umbrella Stroller
I do the bulk of the shopping for my family and, while I enjoy shopping, it can be stressful to shop with a small child. Shopping around for the right stroller to minimize shopping stress is time-consuming. The first baby stroller I tried was an absolute disaster. I learned so much from that experience about what kind of features to look for, and what to pay attention. There are so many factors to think about such as to such brand, style, frame, and other qualities. I scoured the internet and asked for advice and suggestions from lots of moms. I compared styles and brands to determine the best stroller for my baby, and for me. I took it to such an extreme that my husband teased me about becoming a baby stroller expert. I spent hundred of hours gathering information! I wanted to pass along what I learned to help parents just like you find the perfect stroller for you and your family.
Before you go out and buy a stroller that may not suit your purposes, it will help first to decide exactly what you need. You might want a basic foldable model, or you might be interested in a more complex model filled with features. Regardless, there are certain factors you will want to consider to help you find the perfect umbrella stroller to fit your needs.
1. Weight
Whether you plan to use your stroller only occasionally or every day, you will want to look for one that is lightweight for easy portability, especially if you use public transportation. However, don’t look for the lightest stroller you can find, as lighter strollers are less sturdy and may be prone to breaking or tipping over. If you buy a stroller that is too light, you will not be able to hang a diaper bag on it, much less your shopping. This is important because it can be difficult to carry heavy items while pushing a stroller. Having a stroller that will accommodate your items, as well as your baby, allows you to have everything conveniently in one place so you can focus on your little one.
2. Dimensions
Unless you have unlimited storage space for a stroller both at home and in your car’s trunk, you’ll need to know whether your stroller will fit in the space available. The best way to make this determination is to know the dimensions.
3. Folding Mechanism
Folding strollers can be highly convenient or a huge hassle. Look for a stroller with an easy fold mechanism. Some of them can even be operated with one hand! You can fold and unfold the stroller without having to put baby down. If you’ve ever used a stroller with a complicated folding mechanism that requires both hands, you know how big of a hassle it is to fold and unfold the stroller in a location where there isn’t a good place to put baby down.
4. Construction Material
Ideally, you want to find a stroller made from aluminum or another metal. There are strollers that are made from plastic that are less expensive but are not likely to hold up, especially to daily use. You will also want to find a stroller with rubber wheels for stability.
5. Features
There are a number of other features you may be interested in for the ultimate in comfort and safety for your baby and convenience for you. A five-point harness that fastens with a secure buckle holds your baby securely in the seat. These features can offer peace of mind that more energetic children will not fall out, while rear brakes keep the stroller from rolling when you let go of it, such as if you stop for coffee. A canopy will protect your child from direct sunlight, and some strollers have canopies that are adjustable or removable, or are made with UV-absorbing fabric. Younger children may fall asleep while you’re out, and a stroller that reclines will allow your baby to rest in comfort. Finally, trays for you and your child offer a convenient place to put snacks, drinks, toys, or other items. Not all strollers will offer all of these features while some strollers offer additional features beyond these. Keep in mind that every added feature, while nice to have, will add both weight and cost to the stroller.
Umbrella Stroller Reviews – The top 5
So now it’s time to go over the best umbrella strollers in more detail. They have been rated on if they were easy to use, safe, easy to move around, size, and weight as well as the assembly. There are some that will be higher priced than others while some are going to be more basic for those who are on a budget.
#1 Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
When it comes to finding a great umbrella stroller, you are going to be pointed to the Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller. Why? Simply because it is lightweight, works with all budgets, high weight limit, and a deep recline. That is exactly what parents are looking for when they are looking for an umbrella stroller. No one really wants to go out and spend hundreds on a travel system, just to have to go and buy another stroller that will work for their day to day commute on public transit systems.
This stroller was designed just for that. It is perfect for those parents who are constantly on the go and are always running errands, going to parks, traveling on planes, and even just making a trip to the mall. This little stroller only weighs 12 pounds. You can just throw it in and go. Since it has such a deep recline, your little one can have that perfect little nap while you are out and about. The great part about this stroller, is it works with tall children. It fits up to 28 inches tall to the canopy. The stroller was made for infants 6 months or older to children up to 50 pounds.
Storage isn’t a problem because it has a cup holder, large basket, and even a storage pocket for your little items. It also has a great canopy that comes with a sun visor, tall handle bars, carry strap, front wheel suspension and best of all it is easy to fold. The website states it is a one hand fold, but I had to use my foot as well and was able to fold it up with my daughter in my arms. It folds up slightly smaller than the Chicco Echo so that’s a plus.
This is my absolute favorite travel stroller. It has great features, especially for being such a compact and light stroller. It had the important stuff that I wanted such as storage, tall handle bars, high weight limit, deep recline, low carrying weight and a low price. The fact is that many would be expected to be paying on the upwards of $200 for this type of stroller, but this stroller is much cheaper. That is one thing that you certainly cannot pass up when it comes to having a great travel stroller.
Another great thing about this stroller is that it has a 5-point harness and it comes with a 1-year warranty from the original purchase date. Not to mention that it actually has 9 different colors to choose from: Newport Pink, Yellow, Citrus, Blue, Tangerine, Pink, Tropical Green, Black and lime. The frame stays silver. Luckily I was able to find a great umbrella stroller that came in a color that matched all my daughters baby items.
You can purchase this stroller just about anywhere, but I found the best deal on Amazon. It has a low price, plus free shipping and free returns with no worry about sales tax. This is certainly one stroller that I plan to keep in my baby arsenal for years to come. Check price at amazon
#2 UPPAbaby 2015 G-Luxe
The G-Luxe weighs only 14 pounds and may well be the most widely used umbrella stroller.
The newly released 2015 model has a stronger frame and replaces two brakes with just one. Of course, the new model costs a little more than previous models, making it comparable to some higher end models, such as the City Mini.
This model reclines nearly flat for maximum comfort for a sleeping baby, has a cup holder and a high-quality sunshade. The G-Luxe model by UPPAbaby can held up to years of heavy use.
The G-Luxe is not a budget stroller, but if you’re looking for a stroller that can hold up to heavy daily use, it’s worth it. If you’re on a budget and looking for something for less frequent use, a less expensive stroller may be better for you. If you’d like to know more read my review of the UPPAbaby G-Luxe.
#3 Chicco Echo
The Echo is a compact stroller from Chicco with more features than their Capri.
The first time that I noticed this stroller, I was at the park with my daughter and another parent had their little boy in it. My first thought about this stroller is that is was really modern looking. I loved the fact that the frame was actually colored and it was a really bright, fresh color. It was done in turquoise. It also had black on it and the color mixture made it look really sleek and stylish. So I went to talk to the parent and actually look at the stroller up close.
The Echo is a great lightweight umbrella stroller that is very simple, but it is actually affordable. It is priced at under $100, which makes it great for using when you are traveling. Take for instance, you plan to go visit relatives in another state, you are going to want something that is lightweight as well as compact that you can take with you on the plane, then in the car, then other places such as parks, restaurants, but you really do not want to spend a lot of money. Chicco Echo is a great choice. Plus, if it happens to get damaged while at the airport, which happens to me a lot when I am checking in, you will not really get upset, because you did not spend a lot of cash.
Besides the great price, it has a really roomy seat that has plenty of headroom. It comes with an adjustable leg rest and tall handlebars as well as a medium sized basket. I am not saying that it is the greatest umbrella stroller out there, simply because there is little to no padding on the back of the seat, the canopy is small, there isn’t any peek a boo window, and it doesn’t really recline. Not to mention that is weighs around 17 pounds, which is a little heavy for such a basic stroller. Now those are things that I can really deal with, but when it comes to the wheels, they are really small and made of plastic and hard to push on rough surfaces. It is great for those who live in the city that has a lot of flat surfaces, this is a great stroller.
My favorite part about the stroller is the roomy seat. My little one has plenty of room to wiggle in and since it does recline a bit, she is able to take naps when on the go. There is a one hand recline lever, which allows you to recline easily if you are doing something else. I was a little iffy about the lack of padding on the back, because you can feel the support bar through the material, so I actually made a foam pillow to make it more comfortable for her. The canopy does have a really nice option for being unzipped to allow air circulation on those hot, muggy days.
It has a one year warranty and if you are constantly on the go like I am, this for the low price, it will work. You don’t have to worry about if it gets damaged, because it is that cheap.
#4 Maclaren Techno XT
The Maclaren Techno weighs in at 14.2 lbs and has the convenience of an umbrella stroller with many of the features of a high-end luxury stroller. The thing about that is that the cost is far higher than your average umbrella stroller.
This model has shock-absorbing suspension for a smooth ride for the baby. It also has adjustable handles to make it easy and comfortable to push, even for taller parents. It also has an extendable canopy and flip-out UV visor to protect baby from the sun, a peek a boo panel, and a rain cover. For you, there are storage pockets for convenient storage.
The Techno reclines nearly flat for comfortable sleeping or newborn babies. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you know it’s made to hold up to heavy use. If you’ve ever used your averaged umbrella stroller you would have noticed that they don’t hold up to wear and tear very well.
If you want a compact stroller that’s easy to lift yet still has luxury features, this is the stroller for you.
Recently, my friend was asking about if I could recommend any type of umbrella stroller. I have been through a lot of them and my honest opinion is you get what you pay for. I told her about my Maclaren Techno XT. This is a really popular stroller simply because it is so easy to move around and it really folds up small. It has hard rubber wheels, which means that you don’t have to deal with a flat tire and it has all wheel suspension, which gives your little one a nice comfortable ride even in the most torn up terrain out there. It has a narrow frame that allows it to be navigated in tight spaces such as in stores, elevators, and even between cars when you need to find your own car.
There is also a recline level that you can use with just one hand that has 4 different reclining positions that goes almost as flat as for a newborn. If your child is a bit on the tall side, no worries, this stroller has an adjustable canopy that will move up and down on the frame to give your child the head room it needs. When it comes to the canopy, this one is quite large and it even expands in the back to add more canopy for your child and there is also a pop out sun visor to give your little one extra coverage from the sun.
The seat is very roomy and was made for newborn infants all the way up to an older child to 55 pounds. Plus it has an extendable leg rest that lets your little one stretch their legs. Although there is not a travel system option, it does have an option for a carry cot for newborns that simply inserts into the seat but you have to buy that separately.
There is also a basket that fits a medium sized diaper bag without any issues. Plus there is a large pocket on the back of the seat for extra storage options for parents. It is awesome for things like your wallet, keys or even your phone. If you are pretty tall, then you are going to love the fact that the handlebars actually are adjustable which is super rare to find in an umbrella stroller. The fold of this stroller is very compact and easy to do. The best part is that you can actually fold it with just one hand. There is also a carrying strap that makes it easy to transport. It weighs about 15 pounds which is good for a sturdy umbrella stroller.
This is certainly everything you need and them some in an umbrella stroller. The really most important feature is that it is easy to move around as well as easy to fold. I have really found this stroller to be my favorite in my arsenal of baby items. The one issue I had was choking down the $400.
#5 Mountain Buggy 2013 Mini Stroller, Chili
If you’re looking for a lightweight stroller that you can maneuver through store aisles that’s also sturdy enough to stand up to a toddler and heavy shopping, you may be interested in the new Mountain Buggy Mini.
The New Zealand company has a solid reputation for strong strollers that can be used on any terrain, in town or off-road.
The Mini looks a lot like the Urban, with a light aluminum frame, a canvas seat in black/chili, and a Mountain Buggy kick plate. This model is stylish, streamlined, and smart.
The Mini weighs in at 8kg (about 17.6 lbs), so it’s a bit heavier than other models we reviewed. It is lighter and narrower than the Urban, but has full-size wheels with Aerotech tires for easy maneuverability, especially over rough terrain. Compared to many strollers, the smooth handling is a big difference, especially in areas without sidewalks or where sidewalks are in need of repair.
The First Years Ignite Stroller (discontinued by the manufacturer)
This model is a lightweight 14 lbs and is one of the best budget strollers you can buy. It has a storage console to keep your phone and a drink in easy reach. With six inch wheels, this stroller folds up compact enough to easily fit in most trunks. It reclines (though not quite flat) for the inevitable snooze. For further information read my The First Years Ignite Stroller review.
Chicco Ct0.6 Capri Lightweight Stroller, Topazio (discontinued by the manufacturer)
This model is a super lightweight 11 pounds and is a no frills stroller. The C6 (formerly known as the Capri) is one of the lightest umbrella strollers you can find. The included travel bag and cover make it ideal for flying.
This model has 2 recline positions, which does not lay quite flat. This is a great lightweight stroller for a very low price.
Have a stroller you are interested in, but don’t see if featured, contact us and you may see it reviewed!
