Like most parents-to-be, a good stroller was at the top of our list (well after “crib” anyway). Once our baby arrived, we soon realized something smaller, more lightweight and easy to transport really help us. An umbrella stroller was the answer.
Our umbrella stroller is perfect for shorter trips outside and the times we’ve had to fly with our baby. When you have your hands full with luggage and a toddler on the loose, it’s a real plus.
We love the fact it’s lightweight and quick and easy to fold up. You can also have a hand free and with a toddler that is a godsend!
The other really great thing about them is they’re quite cheap, so you don’t feel bad for having two strollers! To be completely honest, we don’t use the more expensive one as much as these days.
To help other parents in the same situation, we review the best umbrella strollers.
My Favorite Umbrella Strollers
Table of Contents
The Best Umbrella Strollers
We have researched the market and tried to choose the best umbrella strollers for any budget and your baby. Whether you’re looking for a summer travel stroller, a stroller for toddlers, or the best umbrella stroller for tall parents, you’ll be sure to find it below. Here’s the top 5 umbrella strollers to consider buying right now:
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Editors Choice | Summer Infant 3Dlite Stroller | 9.7 | Check Price |
Best Value & Low Price Favorite | Summer Infant 3Dmini Stroller | 9.5 | Check Price |
Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller | 9.1 | Check Price | |
Safety 1st Step Lite Compact Stroller | 8.8 | Check Price | |
Pamo Babe Lightweight Stroller | 8.6 | Check Price |
Summer Infant 3Dlite Stroller
- Color: Black
- Frame: Aluminum
- Harness: 5-point
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 42″ x 14.75″ x 12.5″
The Summer Infant 3Dlite Stroller is this years Editors Choice award winner. As I mention elsewhere in this article, umbrella strollers have a few requirements for me, they are: small folded dimensions, lightweight, and low cost. This is the kind of stroller you can take to a theme park, park it while you’re on a ride, and won’t be too upset if someone stole it. This Summer Infant is all of that and a bag of candy.
If you want all the features and are ok if the price makes it a bit uncomfortable if someone walks away with it, this is the umbrella stroller for you. You won’t be giving up much compared to the full size strollers with all the bells and whistles.
Summer Infant 3Dmini Stroller
- Color: Blue
- Frame: Aluminum
- Harness: 5-Point
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 44″ x 9.5″ x 13″
The Summer Infant 3Dmini Stroller is this years Best Value award winner. It is also the lowest priced stroller on our list, so technically it also wins our Low Price Favorite as well!
It’s super light at only 11 lbs. Folds up super compact. And did I already mention cheap, but definitely not cheaply made. Summer Infant makes high quality products and it’s the case for the 3Dmini.
If it were my money, without hesitation, this would be my umbrella stroller choice. It’s cheap enough you can buy 2, put one in each parent’s car so you never have to swap it from car to car.
My strategy would be to buy this as a travel and convenience stroller. And buy a full-sized full-featured stroller for those times you want your baby to ride around in a Mercedes-Benz.
Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller
- Color: Fire Red
- Frame: Aluminum and Plastic
- Harness: 5-Point
- Weight: 11.8 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 18″ W x 12″ d x 34″ h
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller is our #3 pick for best umbrella stroller. It didn’t win any awards, but that’s not a negative on this stroller. It’s under 12 pounds, has the abiltiy to stand by itself when folded, included a storage compartment, multi-position reclining, and a peek a boo window. Lots of premium features as part of a lightweight umbrella stroller configuration.
Safety 1st Step Lite Compact Stroller
- Color: Light Blue
- Frame: Aluminum
- Harness: 5-point
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 10″ W x 9″ D x 41″ H
The Safety 1st Step Lite Compact Stroller is #4 on our list this year. We like a lot that it has to offer but feel the folded dimensions are a bit bigger than we prefer and the weight is definitely a downer for me. Compared to the rest on the market though, it is a solid #4 umbrella stroller to consider.
Unlike some cheaply made strollers, this one comes with rubber, not plastic, wheels. It’s sized where a small parent (ie 5′ 2″ tall) can comfortably use this stroller. If you prefer the features more than the three others we ranked higher, get it, it’s a quality stroller.
Pamo Babe Lightweight Stroller
- Color: Black
- Frame: Not specified
- Harness: 5-Point
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Folded Dimensions: 11.0″ x 7.1″ x 42.5″
The Pamo Babe Lightweight Stroller is not a name brand most people are familiar with, but it feels like a solid stroller. Features are fine but the weight and folded dimensions are negatives for me. It did beat out a ton of other strollers to make our #5 best umbrella stroller list, so that is a positive.
If you don’t like any of the previous 4 strollers we recommended above, you should seriously consider this one.
Previously Recommended Umbrella Strollers
The Zoe XL1 – Best Umbrella Stroller For Tall Parents
A stroller’s height is a very important feature many people overlook. You don’t want one which is uncomfortable to actually use. It’s no fun pushing your child around when your back screams “Stop!”.
If you or your partner are taller than 5″8, most umbrella strollers will have you hunched over like Quasimodo pushing your little angel.
Many tall couples have reported that the Zoe XL1 is the perfect height. It’s also got a lot of great features, too.
First off it’s light but still sturdy. It weighs less than 10lbs and collapses easily with just one hand.
When collapsed, it’s about the size of a piece of carry-on luggage. This makes it really easy to take on trips, and that’s the main reason people want these kinds of strollers in the first place.
With its 5-point harness, Zoe has really taken care of the safety part. It brakes really well and Zoe have issued a “Lifetime Warranty” on the wheels. So they really stand behind their product (no pun intended!).
Other great features on this model include the sun canopy, underneath storage and cup holders. Not essentials, but some really cool “Nice to haves” which will make your trips with little one more convenient and worry-free.
The only real downside to this buggy is the price. However, as it’s so well made you can use the Zoe XL1 from around 6 months to 3 – 4 years old. So you can use it as a toddler stroller too. Something you can’t do with a lot of comparable models.
If you’re after a tall umbrella stroller that’s exceptionally well-made, the Zoe X1 is hard to beat.
Pros
- 5-Point Harness
- Weighs Less than 10lbs
- Folds Easily with 1 hand
- Good storage, snack and cup holders
- Sunshade Canopy
- Perfect Height
Cons
- Expensive
Best Hybrid Umbrella Stroller – Summer Infant “Go Lite” Review
If you”re thinking maybe umbrellas stroller are too small, Summer Infant’s “Go Lite” is the one for you.
It’s taller and more spacious than its competitors, but at just under 16lbs, it’s still pretty lightweight. Perfect for taking on your airplane adventures and long road trips.
The first thing you’ll notice is it’s a bit taller than many umbrella strollers. A lot of these kinds of strollers are undersized, or maybe not actually designed for us North Americans?!
The wheels on the “Go Lite” are smaller making it easier to push for a silky-smooth ride. It has a 5-point harness and quick-release wheel breaks for your little one’s safety.
Another great feature on the “Go Lite” is that it reclines. It’s hard to find umbrella strollers that recline. There are some around, but they involve changing clips and harnesses. Hard to do quickly with a sleeping or fussing baby.
The Go Lite reclines quickly by adjusting a strap behind the seat. You need to be aware it’s not a full 180-degree incline. However, it’s enough to get your little one off to sleep. It also means you can use this stroller from 3 months.
Without a recline, you need to wait until your baby can sit up unassisted and has good neck control. So this is really a big plus.
A drawback to the “Go Lite” is it doesn’t come with a cup holder. The canopy is also a bit on the small side. This means you can’t be out in the sun for too long.
Overall, this is a great, mid-range umbrella stroller. It looks and feels like it costs double the price.
Specs
- Durable, 12 pound frame with large seat area, multi-position recline, and 5-point safety harness
- Front swivel wheels and lockable rear wheels
- Adjustable and removable canopy
- Large storage basket and rear storage pocket
- Easy compact fold
Pros:
- Reclines
- Quick Release 5-point Harness
- Folds easily
- Storage Basket and Pocket
- Perfect Height
Cons:
- No Cup Holder
- Sun Canopy a bit small
Best Umbrella Stroller That Reclines – Chicco Liteway Plus Review
If you’re after an umbrella stroller that reclines, the Chicco Liteway Plus is perfect.
Unlike many similar models, this gorgeous looking stroller can recline fully flat. It has 4 different positions to help your baby feel comfortable and for you to get some well-earned rest!
The Chicco Liteway Plus has a few more bells and whistles than the $20 varieties you can find at Wall-Mart. Firstly, there’s a 5-point harness to keep your little one safely secured. This is much better than the 3-point harnesses many cheaper ones have.
It also has padded shoulder straps for comfort. Again, is hard to find good umbrella strollers with shoulder straps, so that is another plus.
There is a cup and storage basket under the chair and a detachable sun canopy. Some parents do find the canopy a bit on the small side, though.
One thing that isn’t too small is the stroller itself. It’s a great height if you or your partner are a bit on the tall side.
At around 20lbs, it is slightly heavier than others on our list. Still, his does have the advantage of making it seem a lot sturdier, too. It does fold down really easy and won’t take up a lot of valuable real-estate in your trunk.
The Chicco Liteway Plus is a great “second stroller” for leaving in your car for unexpected trips or at the grandparents.
Sometimes you can get a great deal on this model over at Amazon, so it’s worth checking their current price.
Specs
- 2 in 1 lightweight stroller and KeyFit car seat carrier
- Seat folds forward to attach KeyFit infant car seat with an audible click
- One hand adjustable seat recline with 5 positions
- Adjustable, removable canopy with zip off rear panel and peek a boo window
- Compact fold and carry handle for easy travel and storage
Pros:
- Reclines in 4 positions
- Basket storage
- Padded 5-point harness
- Easy to open / fold
- Tall
- Sturdy and pretty
Cons
- Heavier than comparable models
- Small sunshade
Best Travel Umbrella Stroller – Cosco Umbrella Stroller Review
If you’re looking for a lightweight stroller for a specific trip, the Cosco umbrella stroller fits the bill.
It’s cheap so you can buy a couple if you have more than one child. However, despite its low price, it also stacks up well against models costing double the amount. At just 7.2lbs it’s lightweight and sturdy enough to withstand baggage handler abuse!
What I like most about the Cosco (apart from the price) is that it folds up super-slim. That means it can fit in many overhead compartments with ease. This is perfect if you’re taking a bus or train and are worried your baby sling or clunky stroller won’t do the job.
One of the unexpected benefits of a more lightweight stroller is your baby will love to push them! They make a great push along toy, and my son loves pushing his around the park.
The Cosco range comes in some really cute designs like “Sleep Monsters”, Mickey Mouse and bees.
There are several downsides you need to be made aware of. There is only a 3-point harness. Frankly, his is to be expected at this price point. If you want a 5-point harness, you’ll need to pay around $20 – $30 more.
Like many umbrella-type strollers, it also has a lower profile so taller parents will struggle here. Lastly, you need to use both hands to fold this stroller.
If you need a low cost, travel stroller to take on vacation, this is a great choice.
Specs
- Your child will love riding along in this fun, monster-themed Cosco stroller
- This stroller features a simple umbrella fold thats compact and stores easily in a closet or car
- A double foot brake provides extra safety on inclined surfaces or when moving the child into or out of the stroller
- Designed for travel, this fun stroller is lightweight and easy to carry
- The three-point safety harness keeps children up to 40 pounds safe and secure, plus a built-in leg rest keeps little feet comfortable
- This stroller is JPMA-certified, meets ASTM standards for safety, and includes a one-year limited warranty
Pros:
- Lightweight and Sturdy
- Folds Up Slim & Small
- Can be Stowed In Overhead Locker
- Super Cute Patterns
- Has a Sun Canopy
- Lasts up to 40lbs
Cons:
- Bit on the small side
- Takes 2 hands to fold down