The 10 Best Umbrella Strollers
Editor's Notes
March 30, 2020:
Although you may have received a deluxe, fully equipped travel system as a shower gift, you’ll reach a day when you’re seeking something quite the opposite, in a lightweight, foldable umbrella stroller. This will likely be when your baby is around four to six months of age and has developed the head and neck control that are needed to remain in an upright, seated position independently. Always check with your pediatrician as to whether your child is ready for an umbrella stroller, and adhere to the stroller manufacturer’s age and weight guidelines.
In this update, we added the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, a budget-friendly model with plenty of convenient, travel-friendly features that include a light weight of less than 12 pounds, an extended canopy for UV protection, and an easy, one-handed folding mechanism. The seat reclines, which makes it a lifesaver when you’re out at nap time. A large bottom basket can hold your diaper bag, a blanket, and any other necessities.
Also joining the list today is the Chicco Liteway, which is made with a lightweight aluminum frame, adjustable backrest, and sturdy toe-tap brakes that keep it securely at a standstill when it’s parked. It, too, boasts a roomy bottom storage bin to hold all of your gear. It’s available in your choice of black, gray, and blue.
A newer update of the highly popular Summer Infant 3D Lite+ occupies our number one spot, and this one boasts premium, comfortable fabric and ergonomic cup holders for both baby and parent. It’s also got a convenient built-in cell phone holder and a zippered storage pocket, so your small essentials are always within reach. Its oversized canopy features a flip-out sun visor and a peekaboo window that makes it easy to check on your little one.
Another newly updated choice that’s high on our list is the Graco Breaze Click Connect Pierce, which attaches easily to compatible Graco car seats, so you’ll have the convenience of an umbrella stroller with the ability to transfer your child easily from the car to the stroller. It also offers easy-grip padded handles, a removable parent cup holder, and simple, one-handed folding.
In this update, the Quinny Yezz and the Zoe XL1 Deluxe leave the list, both of which are unavailable at this time.
When choosing the best model for you and your child, be sure to pick one with a 5-point safety harness, which all the models on our list have to offer. Have your baby strapped in at all times during use. In addition, do not hang bags or other items from the handles, as they can cause it to tip over backwards. Rather, use the bottom basket for storage. Never leave your child unattended when he or she is in the stroller.
The Superior Advantages Of Umbrella Strollers
It's easier than ever to make the home a place conducive to safely and successfully rearing children.
Children are stressful, this is no hidden secret. Traveling with children can be even more so, and the more kids you have under your watch, the more anxiety that accompanies them. Fortunately, the 21st century is an era rich with tools, toys, and how-to books aplenty, which are geared toward ameliorating much of the pressure parents confront. Two prime examples are ergonomic high chairs and Wi-Fi baby monitors. It's easier than ever to make the home a place conducive to safely and successfully rearing children.
When it comes to dealing with small children, anything that can save you a few seconds and reduce your stress level by a notch is a precious commodity. And that holds true whether you're rushing to complete an afternoon's errands with an ornery toddler in tow, or if you are trying to get to the airport with your gassy infant that insists on screaming throughout the ordeal.
One of these items is the classic umbrella stroller. Far from the flimsy, wobbly umbrella strollers seen trundling around amusement parks or shopping malls in decades past, many modern umbrella strollers are rugged, reliable, stable, and smooth. They not only ensure that your baby remains safe at all times but are also simple on parents, so there's one less thing to manage.
You see, umbrella strollers are named as such not because they will safeguard you from Mother Nature's wet seasons but because they have the ability to fold down compactly. You've likely already spotted some of them, with their signature "J" shaped handles. Besides, if you've ever traveled with a bulky, heavy stroller, you understand the constant battle they put up; they're a pain to maneuver, and take up too much space in the trunk.
The Ways Umbrella Strollers Accommodate Your Needs
As mentioned above, an umbrella stroller is not intended to be a heavy-duty travel system. They are designed to be lightweight, compact, and maneuverable, as well as easy to stow away when not in use. Essentially, when it's time to go on a family excursion, these strollers attempt to be as problem-free as possible. They should collapse fast for tossing into the trunk, and pop open in seconds, ready to roll down the street or through the store. Choose a stroller that's large enough to comfortably accommodate your kid, and remember that adequate storage space for some groceries and a cupholder for coffee are never a bad thing.
The second reason families use umbrella strollers is to make long distance travel easier. Most umbrella strollers can be gate checked for flights or tucked into the overhead gear rack in trains. If hassle-free travel is your primary concern, worry less about accessories and more about a solid chassis that can stand up to hours of daily use and a hood that will reliably bock the sun and rain when you're far afield.
In short, as with most products in the parenting category, you should first consider your family's lifestyle and your child's needs, then consider which strollers are suitable. Don't expect them to be overburdened with features, because then they would lose their lightweight, portable appeal.
Umbrella Stroller Pro Tips
Buying an umbrella stroller that doesn't come with the right accessories is like buying a car that's missing its radio or A/C: it still works, but you'll never be fully satisfied. One of the first accessories to consider is the travel bag. Most umbrella strollers have a purpose-built travel bag that snugly and securely stores them for that trip under the plane or bus or among the bags in the back of your car. A few umbrella strollers do not, though, and that will mean buying a generic travel bag that will never perfectly fit or fully protect your stroller. If you and your children travel frequently, a good umbrella stroller travel bag is a must.
Many umbrella strollers come with rain covers, and in areas prone to inclement weather, these are imperative for the comfort of your child. An umbrella stroller's included shade will do little to protect against precipitation, so don't think of your stroller as ready for use in any sort of foul weather until you have purchased an additional cover.
As for additional accessories like cup holders, handle bags, and snack trays, they might not be necessary, but you and your youngster will surely appreciate them. Think beyond the base unit before you buy.