We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
In addition to plenty of diapers, comfy postpartum pajamas, and maybe a nightly foot massage, new moms should also have a fabulous umbrella stroller.
Now, we’re not talking about a buggy that takes center stage at the London fashion show. No, we want something practical, affordable, and able to do pretty much anything we ask of it!
But with all of the options, it can get pretty overwhelming to know which one to choose. And, unless you have hours to cruise the internet, which, we’re guessing you might not have, being a new mom and all, researching the ins and outs of today’s top strollers is likely not on the top of your to-do list.
The good news? We did the searching for you and came up with some of the best umbrella strollers in every category from budget and travel to frequent use and summer days.
What is an umbrella stroller?
If you’re new to this whole mom thing, you might be wondering what the difference is between a traditional stroller and an umbrella stroller. You might also be wondering why you need an umbrella stroller when you already have the luxury travel system stroller that comes with a car seat and a stroller.
An umbrella stroller is a lightweight (typically under 20 pounds), portable version of your travel system stroller, minus the car seat. They’re smaller and easier to pack. And a lot easier to unfold when you’re standing outside your car in the pouring rain.
Designed for quick trips, walks, and travel, umbrella strollers serve the purpose of ease and portability when you don’t need the car seat, storage units, and all the other bells and whistles of the travel systems.
They’re a great option to have on hand as an extra stroller for grandparents or other caregivers or for times when the large travel system isn’t practical.
That said, they are meant for older babies and toddlers, generally four to seven months or older, that can sit upright on their own.
How we chose
The strollers described below were chosen based on parent recommendations, best-seller lists, reviews, and Facebook parent groups. While not an exhaustive list, the strollers in these categories came out on top among various audiences.
Price guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50-$150
- $$$ = over $150
Best budget umbrella stroller
Price: $
There’s a reason the Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller tops the list for best budget option. It’s a favorite of many families looking for a simple, lightweight, yet durable stroller that’s also very affordable.
The stroller collapses easy with a one-step fold, weighs 9.5 pounds, has an extended sun canopy, and still comes with a small storage pocket for the essentials like snacks and bottles.
Best reclining umbrella stroller
Price: $$
The Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller has a four-position recline with a five-point safety harness to keep your little one safe and comfy during naps.
This fan favorite gets the top pick for reclining since the lowest recline position goes almost flat, which is great for nap time. It also folds with a one-hand and one-foot system that allows for quick setup and takedown.
Plus, parents say the padding on the seat and straps are top-notch, and the foam handles feel nicer than the plastic on other strollers. It also has a wider seat than other strollers, which is a nice feature for older toddlers.
Best luxury umbrella stroller
Price: $$$
Luxury meets convenience in this splurge-worthy umbrella stroller. If you have an unlimited budget or friends looking for a group gift to buy, the Babyzen YOYO+ Stroller is our top pick for luxury umbrella strollers.
It has a fast, one-handed fold that transforms the stroller from fully open to closed and over your shoulder in a matter of seconds. The travel bag you can sling over your shoulder or use as a backpack is one of the reasons this luxury stroller is also so popular with families that travel a lot.
Note: This particular Babyzen stroller model is no longer being produced, so quantities may be limited. It has been replaced with a newer model — the Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller — which comes with an even higher price point!
Best umbrella stroller for small spaces
Price: $$
Whether the space in your trunk is tight or you need to shove your stroller in the corner of a room, finding an umbrella stroller, like the GB Pockit Stroller, that is compact and fits in small spaces is a feature many parents are seeking.
The GB Pockit Stroller is compact and light, coming in under 12 pounds. When folded, this compact stroller measures 12 inches x 7 inches x 20 inches, according to the manufacturer.
But just because it’s small doesn’t mean it’s not sturdy. The Pockit can accommodate your little one up to 55 pounds, and you can stuff 11 pounds of gear into the storage basket. Plus, the seat has thick padding, which comes in handy for kids on the higher end of the weight limit.
Best lightweight umbrella stroller
Price: $$$
If you’re looking for an umbrella stroller that’s lighter than your infant, the Maclaren Mark II Style Set Stroller is the stroller for you. This super-lightweight stroller weighs in at under 8 pounds, which makes it ideal for packing and travel.
The only downside of this stroller is the higher sticker price, with fewer features than many other strollers. That said, it does have a nice sun canopy, a two-position reclining seat, and a wind-resistant rain cover.
Best umbrella stroller for summer days
Price: $$
Keeping your little one protected from the sun is important when out and about. That’s why the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Travel Stroller, made the cut for best umbrella stroller for summer days.
This lightweight umbrella stroller has an extended canopy that more than shields your infant or toddler’s face and body from the sun, and it has a peek-a-boo window so you can quickly glance down to see what they’re doing. Since the seat is multi-positioning and reclines, your baby can be protected from the sun when they’re sleeping.
Best reversible umbrella stroller
Price: $$
If you’re looking for a stroller with a reversible seat design that also comes with some top must-have features, then the Summer 3Dflip Convenience Stroller, is worth checking out.
Like a reversible car seat, this umbrella stroller allows you to face baby toward you when they’re young, and as they get older, you can flip the seat around, so they can look out at the world. It also reclines in three positions for rear-facing and three positions for front-facing. The forward-facing position fits your child until they reach 50 pounds and the rear-facing until they’re 25 pounds.
Best umbrella stroller for travel
Price: $
The Jeep North Star Stroller is geared toward parents looking for a lightweight stroller that also packs easily for travel. Weighing in at under 12 pounds, it certainly meets the requirement for an easy-to-lug travel stroller.
With a large storage space and a removable parent organizer that hangs from the back of the stroller, the Jeep North Star is an excellent choice for parents who want to pack light for a day trip but also have a place to put their personal items.
Best umbrella stroller for frequent use
Price: $$
The Joovy Groove Ultralight Umbrella Stroller wins the category of best umbrella stroller for frequent use because it’s one of a few you can use with a newborn. Most umbrella strollers are recommended for 4 months and up, but the Groove Ultralight has a deeper recline and bassinet mode, which makes it ideal for babies.
Since it’s appropriate for kids up to 55 pounds, you’ll get a lot of use out of this stroller. Plus, it comes with a large sun shade that will protect both newborns and toddlers.
Best double umbrella stroller
Price: $$
Leaving the house with two kids under the age of 3 can sometimes feel like herding cats. One takes off in one direction while the other splits and goes the other way. Well, not anymore with the Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem Umbrella Stroller.
This sturdy, yet comfy, double umbrella stroller is a must-have for any parent that needs to have two kids in a seated position at the same time. Like most of the top umbrella strollers, this one comes with a five-point harness system and the sun visor, while smaller than other strollers, still provides protection from the sun.
Because it is a side-by-side stroller, you can expect it to be on the heavier side. This one weighs in at 18.3 pounds. However, users do say that it folds up easily and fits in smaller spaces.
What to look for when shopping for an umbrella stroller
Each family will have different criteria when shopping for an umbrella stroller. That said, there are a few features to keep in mind before you seal the deal.
- Price. Knowing your budget before you head to the store is key when shopping for an umbrella stroller. These baby gadgets will run you anywhere from $30 to $500, with the average being around $75 to $200.
- Weight. The lighter, the better, especially if you’re using this stroller for travel or quick trips to the store. Most umbrella strollers weigh less than 20 pounds, with the majority under 15 pounds. Some of the top lightweight picks weigh in under 10 pounds though.
- Push. Wheel design, handlebar height, and weight all factor into how easy it will be for you to navigate your stroller.
- Foldability. You might not think the ease of folding and unfolding an umbrella stroller is something to be concerned with when considering your options. But ask any seasoned parent, and they’ll tell you that it’s a game changer. Ideally, go with a one-handed fold that makes getting the job done a lot easier, especially since you’ll likely be holding at least one item, your baby, and possibly more in the other hand.
- Safety. Check the stroller for safety ratings and recalls. You can also look for the JPMA seal on the box. This is the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certification for safety.
- Features. Having an umbrella stroller with a reclining seat is a feature many parents want, and some prefer multiple-reclining options. Also, cup holders, storage bins, and removable seats for easy cleaning are all features to keep in mind when looking for the right umbrella stroller for you.
Takeaway
With hundreds of umbrella strollers on the market, you’re bound to find the right one for you. Read through our list, take some notes, and head to your nearest baby-goods store to try them out.
It’s always a good idea to test a stroller before buying one, so you can get an idea of what it feels like with your baby strapped in.
