Top 10 Best Umbrella Stroller Models: Comparison Chart
Affordable Quality - Summer Infant 3d Lite Convenience Stroller Review
Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience is one of the best reclining umbrella stroller models because its frame supports four different positions. It’s also a very light stroller that weighs 13 pounds but is suitable for children up to 50 pounds. Aside from its quality recline mechanism, Summer Infant offers plenty of useful features: 5-point safety harness, extra storage basket, a tray with a cup holder, and a spacious rear storage pocket. The seat is very soft and comfortable for your little one, and the UF canopy shields the baby from sun rays.
According to numerous best umbrella stroller reviews, Summer Infant is a perfect balance of high quality and affordability. It has all the features parents may need, and the price is not skyrocketing.
Why We Like It
- Sturdy, safe wheels
- Easy fold with one hand
- Adjustable safety harness straps
- Compact and comes with a shoulder bag
- Best value for its very affordable cost
Luxurious Canopy - Zoe Xl1 Single Stroller Review
The manufacturers of Zoe XL1 Single Stroller showed in-advance creative thinking because this single model can easily turn into a double umbrella stroller with a separately purchased tandem set. You can simply attach another Zoe stroller from the back and never worry about buying a new double model. But, before (and if) you get there, Zoe single has a couple of other perks to offer. It has a 165-degree recline mechanism and a luxurious 4-panel canopy to protect your baby from sun, wind, or rain. The seat is padded for extra comfort, and the whole stroller is very lightweight.
If you live in the city, this stroller is a good fit. It’s especially great for couples who think about having another baby in the nearest future because this model can grow with their families.
Why We Like It
- Total weight of just 11 pounds
- Suitable for children up to 50 pounds
- Can carry tall children
- Available in six different colors
- Great for travel
Good for Tall - Parents Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller Review
Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a good example of first years best umbrella stroller because it can accommodate children up to 40 pounds and 40 inches of height — as long as they have their own control of the neck. The canopy has three-tiers and a peek-a-boo window, and the storage area is spacious enough for most things you may need on a walk. The seat, as well as pushing handles, are padded for extra comfort of babies and their parents. It’s also the best umbrella stroller for tall parents because Kolcraft has a pretty long base.
On the whole, Kolcraft offers the best umbrella stroller at a reasonable price-quality ratio. This umbrella stroller is quite affordable, and even though it does not have a lot of fancy features, all the essentials are present.
Why We Like It
- Large, sturdy wheel
- Compact and lightweight
- Has a cup holder
- Has a safety harness
- Has a seat recline
Easily Foldable - Pockit Lightweight Stroller Review
Pockit Lightweight is one of the best lightweight umbrella strollers because it is ultimately the most lightweight one. It can carry babies up to 55 pounds, while the stroller itself weighs just 9.5 lbs. Even though you can find models that weigh even less, they will not offer the same durability and weight capacity as Pockit. This stroller has lockable front wheels, rear-wheel brakes, a quality suspension system, and a durable aluminum frame. The seat length is adjustable, and the overhead canopy is made of safe, quality materials.
According to umbrella stroller reviews from parents, Pockit is a perfect fit for big cities. It can accommodate the hassle of city life with its subways stations, taxies, and buses; however, it’s not entirely perfect for those living in the suburbs and smaller towns.
Pros
- Padded handlebars
- Two-step fold design
- Great for city life
- Suitable for children starting six months old
- One hand pushing and steering
Cons
- Wheels don’t work so good on rough terrains
Affordable Quality - Jeep North Star Stroller Review
Jeep North Star is another example of affordable baby umbrella strollers. However, no one can really call it cheap because this model offers quite a lot of useful perks and features a stylish European design. The canopy is especially beautiful and has a clear sun window. The front wheels swivel and are equipped with a suspension system. The handles are long, ergonomic, and are filled with foam. Safety harness has three-touch-control points and meets ASTM standards. Finally, there is a sturdy foot and calf rest for your baby’s comfort.
Jeep North is a budget but fully functional solution. It’s not suitable for infants because the seat does not recline, but it can accommodate older toddlers quite well.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact
- Maneuverable
- Durable frame
Cons
- No recline mechanism
Super Comfy - Joovy New Groove Ultralight Umbrella Stroller Review
JOOVY New Groove Ultralight is one of the best umbrella strollers for an infant or older toddlers. It has a near-flat recline mechanism that is suitable for children who do not yet have control over their necks. At the same time, the stroller can hold babies up to 55 pounds of weight and 44 inches of height. Quality UFP 50 canopy is enough to protect your baby from sun and rain. It has a couple of perks for parents, too: a tray with two cup holders and a highly compact size when folded.
Joovy is the best umbrella stroller if you do not mind the extra load and have enough storage space at home. In small apartments and large cities, though, it will have its limitations.
Pros
- Plenty of storage capacity
- Comfortable, padded seat
- Large, durable wheels
- A peek-a-boo window
Cons
- Weighs 16 pounds and needs a lot of storage space
Travel-perfect - Besrey Airplane Stroller Infant Convertible Review
Bersei Airplane Stroller is another solid example of the best umbrella stroller for newborn and early toddlers. It has a reliable recline mechanism and can support up to 33 pounds of weight. The stroller itself weighs almost 15 pounds and, as the name suggests, is excellent for air-travel. It easily converts into a small bundle with just one push of the button. This stroller, equipped with a removable handlebar, has an excellent ventilation system on the back, and a safe, ASTM-certified harness with five control points.
Bersei Airplane umbrella stroller for infants and toddlers is a carefully designed, attention-worthy item. However, it targets a quite specific audience of air-traveling parents, so their product costs more than most similar models on the market.
Pros
- Double breaks for maximum protection
- Quality suspension
- Peek-a-boo window
- Travel bags as bonus accessories
Cons
- Not very affordable
Sturdy & Durable - Chicco Liteway Stroller Review
Chicco Liteway is a compact, durable umbrella stroller with cup holder and several other perks. It can hold children up to 40 pounds, and the stroller itself weighs over 18 pounds. Even though the Liteway is not exactly in the ultimately lightweight category, it does make your trips with the baby simple. The model is easy to maneuver and can fold to a compact size in just a few steps. Quality, adjustable, and the removable canopy has a peek-a-boo window, while an additional storage basket makes daily routine easier and more enjoyable.
Chicco is a quality fold umbrella stroller, and even though it’s a bit heavy, it does offer several essential features for an affordable price. On the other hand, you can get more impressive models for a couple of extra bucks.
Pros
- Four-position recline
- Rear-wheel suspension
- Front-wheel swivel
- Ergonomic handles
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Canopy fabric is hand-wash only
Minimalist - Disney Baby Winnie-the-pooh Umbrella Stroller Review
When looking for a good umbrella stroller that would cost nothing, Disney Baby Winnie-the-Pooh is your best shot. It is one of the cheapest items on this list, and even though it does not offer plenty of user-friendly features, the stroller does its job. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and it can hold children up to 40 pounds. Its pretty universal design will be suitable for boys and girls alike. This model is equipped with a 3-point safety harness that meets ASTM standards.
If you are looking for a cheap stroller, this is it. It does not have any special features, but many generations of children rode in such strollers, so why not your kid?
Pros
- Easy folding and unfolding
- Comfortable padded handles for pushing
- Lightweight at just 8.2 pounds
- Easy storage anywhere
Cons
- No recline mechanism
- No see-through window on a canopy
Old-fashioned - Basics Cosco Umbrella Stroller Review
Cosco Monster collection is another example of a very basic umbrella stroller that costs almost nothing. However, if you’re mostly interested in umbrella canopies and overall model portability, Cosco Umbrella Stroller (Monster Elliot) can ensure both. Besides, getting a quality stroller is not only about features you like; it’s also about what your baby likes. And, most of them seem to love the colorful monster collection from Cosco. As for its usability, the stroller can accommodate children up to 40 pounds, is easy to push and assemble, and has a three-point safety harness to prevent your child from slipping over.
All in all, your baby should love Cosco, and getting one should not be a problem because it’s a very cheap umbrella stroller. On the other hand, it has very basic, 1950s functionality, so parents are advised to think about their comfort as well.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Meets security standards
- Has a footrest
- Has a double-foot brake
Cons
- No recline or any additional features
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need To Know To Get The Best Umbrella Stroller
What Is An Umbrella Stroller For?
An umbrella stroller is one of the best lightweight strollers that can be used as your regular stroller, or as a supplementary one when you need to travel light. Its upper canopy (often detachable) helps to protect the baby from sun and rain, so you do not always have to carry a baby sun hat along.
Do You Need An Umbrella Stroller?
You probably do if you live in the city and run errands with your child. You should also consider getting one if you do not want to push heavy, bulky strollers or do not have a lot of storage space at home. Most top-rated umbrella strollers fold easily and barely take any space in your apartment.
Choosing The Best Umbrella Stroller: Things To Consider
Choosing the best umbrella stroller depends on what exactly you expect from it, how and where you are going to use it, and — of course — your child’s age, weight, and height. To make sure the stroller you buy fully meets your expectations, pay attention to the following criteria. The right combination of those results in the best purchase for you and your little one.
Seat Comfort & Reclining Mechanism
Your baby’s comfort should come first, so the seat should always be padded and comfy. Ideally, it should also be washable and detachable — because you can never neglect hygiene. Finally, a quality model — no matter if it’s a small umbrella stroller or a large one, should have a reclining seat (at least 150 degrees). This way, your child may have a nap directly in the stroller.
Material
The best lightweight stroller models are made of an aluminum frame, quality fabric cushions, and some plastic (optional, but quite common). Absolutely all materials should be durable, washable, and they should pass ASTM standards. Don’t forget that babies can develop allergies and go for materials that do not put your baby’s health at risk.
Durability & Foldability
The whole point of going with a lightweight model — even if it’s a large umbrella stroller — it to make use of the space you’ve got effectively. So, even spacious stroller should have a folding option for easy storage when not in use. The folding mechanism should be of quality, though — otherwise, the stroller will not last.
Canopy Size
Umbrella stroller rain cover and canopy should be spacious enough to protect your kid from sun and rain. Some lower quality models have really small canopies that make little sense in use. We suggest avoiding those and sticking to larger (preferably, detachable) canopies that really cover the child. If you want to know what’s going on the stroller, opt for a peek-a-boo window.
Bells & Whistles
Modern manufacturers go out of their way to stand out from the competition. Today, you can find the best umbrella stroller with tray, cup holders, bassinets, storage baskets, car seats, and many other useful features. Still, the more features the model has, the pricier it is going to be. So, we suggest going with more or less basic functionalities. Having a couple of extra perks can be super great, but you first have to consider how many of those bells and whistles you’re actually going to need.
Your Child’s Height & Weight & Age
Obviously, your baby should fit in the stroller you are buying. So, instead of looking for the best umbrella stroller for five years old (or toddler, or infant), focus on your child’s weight and height. Most compact models can accommodate children up to 50 pounds, even though some bulkier models feature up to 75 pounds capacity. The same goes for the child’s height — all manufacturers specify maximum limits for their models.
How Important Stroller Design Is?
Modern designs are plenty, and parents can easily find a gorgeous girl umbrella stroller, or the one designed specifically for boys, or a model with a unisex design. While looks are definitely important, we suggest you focus on the functionality first. When you have shortlisted several models that meet your quality and budget expectations, you can choose the one you find most attractive.
Brakes and Wheels
Wheels should be quite large to ensure comfortable, smooth rides. The best umbrella stroller for travel around the city will also come with auto-lock on wheels and brakes to make your trips safe and enjoyable. Both brakes and auto-lock ensure that the stroller does not roll away when the parent is not pushing it.
Versatility
Versatile models can be pricier, but in some cases, the extra cost is well worth it. Sure, when you have twins, you know that you need double strollers. But sometimes, you may think of having another child in the future. In this case, getting a tandem umbrella stroller that turns into a double makes more sense.
Storage
A standard umbrella stroller with storage has a couple of compact pockets. However, those are not going to be enough for some parents. As an option, you can look for umbrella strollers with baskets or additional pocket compartments. Usually, such models will be bulkier, but if you have to carry a lot go things along, or if you go shopping with your kid, such a choice is well justified.
Adjustable Handle And Footrest
Umbrella stroller with adjustable handles is not a default option, but you should consider it if both and your partner are taking a baby on walks. Most of the time, parents are of different height, and a chance to adjust handles ensures more comfort for the person pushing the stroller. An adjustable footrest, on the other hand, makes the little ones more comfortable and gives them a chance to recline in any position they like.
Safety Harness
Any quality model, no matter if it’s the best umbrella stroller for a big kid or a model designed for toddler, must have a safety harness that meets ASTM regulations. More affordable models will have three control points, while pricier, more sophisticated strollers come with a five-point-control harness. The latter ones may also be padded, and some even have reflective lights for walking in the dusk. However, a cheaper, 3-point harness is also secure enough, so sometimes, there is no real need to pay extra for similar functionality.
Best Umbrella Stroller Types For Different Purposes
When shopping for the right model, it’s not always enough to know if you need a boy umbrella stroller or a pink one for a girl. Any umbrella stroller will have at least a small canopy, but the functionality of each type will vary. Pay attention to the following models most parents favor.
Compact Models
The best umbrella stroller will be compact and easily foldable. It may have only basic functionality, but it will be lightweight, affordable, and easy-to-store. If you need a simple stroller, with not too many bells and whistles, going with a classic, compact looking umbrella model is the best choice.
Models Made For Travel
When you travel a lot, it makes sense to invest in a complete travel system with a detachable car seat, several multi-season canopies, compact folding dimensions that meet airplane carry-on regulations, etc. Such a system will take into account every possible case scenario — in fact, a model like this will usually be a reversible umbrella stroller that rotates in every direction. Sure, such systems are pricey, but they offer plenty of items you and your baby will need in years to come.
Jogging Stroller
The best jogging stroller is designed for jogging with your baby — as the name kindly suggests. These umbrella strollers have a single non-swivel front wheel to minimize any chances of an accident as you run and simultaneously push the stroller. It’s an excellent purchase for jogging parents, but usually — such models can only be used as supplementary strollers, not as regular ones. They are not so easy to maneuver around the city, and they do not fold so easily as most compact strollers do.
Verdict And Our Recommendation For 2020
Given the number of great models on this list, it was not easy to name the ultimate best umbrella stroller 2020 has to offer. Still, after carefully considering the price-quality ratio of all the reviewed strollers, we, at top-mom.com, believe Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience is the top choice. This model is suitable both for infants and toddlers, and it can hold babies up to 50 pounds. So, it can serve your family since your baby’s first days up until they grow older. Besides, it’s an incredibly lightweight and compact model that places a huge emphasis on wheels and frame durability. Another critical point is a safety harness with five control points and carefully designed UFP canopy.
