A lightweight, compact umbrella stroller is essential for the parent on the go. The umbrella stroller goes to the mall, the airport, on buses and trains, or where ever it would not be practical to use your regular, full-size stroller.
Read on for tips to choosing the umbrella stroller that is right for you, and to learn about the five best based on consumer reviews.
Product Summary
An umbrella stroller is a light, compact stroller that can be easily folded up and brought along when your family is out and about. Having a quality umbrella stroller in addition to your regular stroller can lighten your active family's load substantially.
What constitutes an umbrella stroller?
The criteria to be classified as an "umbrella stroller" is as follows:
What umbrella stroller is best for your family?
The umbrella strollers on the market today run the gamut from extremely light and minimalist to tricked out with all the bells and whistles. The one that is right for you will depend on your family's unique needs.
The first thing to consider when choosing an umbrella stroller is when and where you think you will be using it. This will help guide you through the decision making process as you determine what features are most important when making a purchase.
If your stroller will be primarily used for short trips from point to point, you might consider a very light, basic version.
If you will be using the stroller for long day trips, a snack tray, storage space, and a deeply reclining seat for naps might be considerations of particular value.
Reviews of the Best Umbrella Strollers
This stroller is the lightest of those we reviewed at only 10 pounds and is perfect for both travel and everyday use. It measures 26 x 18 x 7 inches. It features an easy one-hand fold and many of the frills normally offered only by full-sized strollers. It comes with a parent cup holder, a child cup holder, a snack tray and a padded belly bar.
There is a large storage pocket on the back, a roomy storage basket underneath, and an extra-large extendable canopy for shade with a magnetic peek-a-boo window on top. The frame is aluminum and the manufacturer offers a lifetime guarantee and warranty on the wheels. The seat reclines 135 degrees and a five-point safety harness secures the passenger.
Also available with Lime Green or Black Canopy
Things we liked
- Very lightweight even for a stroller with lots of frills
- Comes with lots of convenience accessories
- Durable aluminum frame
Things we didn't like
- Does not stand well on its own when folded
- Very slight seat recline
- Can be hard to maneuver
This stroller weighs 13 pounds and is 36 x 21.5 x 41 inches. It folds easily with one hand and stands on its own when folded. It has 8-wheels with a full suspension system, lockable front swivel wheels, a multi-position reclining seat, and a five-point safety harness with padded straps.
It includes the essential convenience features such as a removable parent cup holder and a large storage basket underneath. The extra-large extendable canopy is water-repellant with UV SPF 50+ protection and a mesh peek-a-boo window.
Things we liked
- Easy to open and close
- Lots of extra features
- Maneuvers well, even with one hand
Things we didn't like
- Sunshade doesn't provide much coverage
- Doesn't handle bumps or thresholds well
- Not comfortable for tall parents to push
This is a tandem stroller with a rear platform and bench seat for an older child to sit or stand and a three-position reclining seat for a front-riding passenger. It is also universally adaptable for car seats.It weighs 21 pounds and measures 37 x 21.5 x 41.5 inches. It offers a trigger fold and all-wheel spring suspension.
For extra convenience, it includes a snack tray, two parent cup holders, a parent organizer, a large storage basket, and an extra-large canopy with a visor extension.
Things we liked
- Solid construction
- Maneuvers well
- Lots of extra convenience features
Things we didn't like
- Rear bench slides and can't be locked in place
- Not much space in back for larger child when using a car seat
- Canopy does not fit over car seats
This stroller is one of the simpler that we reviewed. It weighs 15.9 pounds and measures 41 x 8.8 x 10 inches.The frame is made of aluminum, it reclines to 4 positions, and secures the child with a five-point safety harness. The two rear wheels lock and the front two are anti-shock.
It includes a parent cup holder, a carry strap, a rear storage pocket, a large storage basket underneath and an adjustable, removable canopy with sun visor that flips out.
Also available with Blue or Citrus Canopy
Things we liked
- Maneuvers well
- Comfortable for a tall parent to push
- Aluminum frame
Things we didn't like
- Can't access basket underneath when seat if fully reclined
- Some parents report trouble with wheels
- Can be difficult to fold
This stroller is 2-in-1 that offers a seat and car seat compatibility. It works with KeyFit and KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seats. The front seat reclines to five positions. It weighs 15 pounds and measures 42.8 x 11.5 x 9.9 inches. This umbrella features rear wheel suspension and toe-tap locking brakes.
It includes an adjustable, removable canopy with peek-a-boo window, a storage basket, and parent cup holder.
Things we liked
- Folds up easily and compactly
- Smooth ride for the passenger
- Car seat snaps securely onto the frame
Things we didn't like
- Small canopy
- Basket underneath is small and hard to access
- Limited convenience features
Getting the Best Value
Know what is most important to you
Make a list of features that are most important to you before you set out to shop or start searching online. This will help you immediately rule out strollers that are not suited for your family and will simplify the shopping process substantially.
Focus on safety and quality
It can be easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of strollers on the market. Make the quality of the product and the attention to the safety of your child the foundation for your decision-making process and go from there.
Read the reviews
There are many parents out there with real-world experiences using the exact stroller you are considering. Use this to your advantage and read their product reviews online before making a purchase.
Conclusion
We recommend the Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller as best umbrella with all the frills, while the RECARO Easylife seems to be the best option for a simpler model.