Best Umbrella Strollers

Is baby getting too heavy to carry around in his car seat? Probably. This guide will help you find the best umbrella stroller in each price category so you can simplify your life.

After many months of using a heavy, full-featured stroller, many moms are ready to ditch it for a lightweight umbrella stroller that can easily be thrown over the shoulder and tossed in the trunk.

Yes, being able to easily carry a stroller is key in places like Europe and other big cities where elevators aren’t always an option. They’re also essential for airline travel. See also: Travel Gear Guide

An umbrella stroller is called so because it folds up into a lightweight, stick-like thing that resembles a large golf umbrella (see below).

Basics

Umbrella strollers are generally cheaper than full-featured strollers. Just remember you are trading features for size and weight. Don’t expect a huge storage basket or a fancy parent tray… you get the picture. And please don’t plan on taking it jogging or to the beach (in fact, I laugh when I read reviews that say, “This stroller isn’t very good on hiking trails.” No sh!t?).

Remember, people, when comparing umbrella strollers — every pound/kilo counts!! There’s a huge difference between an 8 lb and a 15 lb umbrella stroller. Anything above 15 lbs is a disgrace — Chicco (Liteway, my ass) and Graco, I’m looking at you.

Note that there are many other lightweight travel strollers out there that have a larger “square” fold (vs. the long, stick-like umbrella fold) that may suit your needs as well. The tradeoff is that the continuous handlebar of a non-umbrella stroller (example, below) allows you to steer it with one hand (in theory), but the fold is larger because the handlebar doesn’t collapse.

Whereas an umbrella stroller always requires two hands to push and steer, but folds more compactly. When people ask me why the Zoe XL1 isn’t on here, I tell them it’s because it’s not an umbrella stroller – capiche?

Europeans will readily pay $350 for the Maclaren Techno, for example, because at the end of the day, they want a full-featured stroller but need that small, umbrella fold to fit into their tiny spaces.

Best Umbrella Strollers – Summary

Keep reading below (or click on a link) for more details ~

Best Umbrella Strollers: Bare Bones

Summer Infant 3D Mini ~ $44, 11 lbs

Say you don’t necessarily need another stroller in your life, but you understand the importance of having an umbrella stroller for travel or for keeping in your car. Ahhhnd…. you really don’t want to spend upwards of $100 for a stroller you’ll only use a few times a year.

The Summer Infant 3D Mini is lightweight, easy to fold, and actually has many features parents want; like a parent console with dual cupholders, a basket and a canopy. This stroller is the best deal around for those just looking for a cheap backup stroller.

Watch our quickie preview video below ~

Best Umbrella Strollers: Lightweight, Reclining

Summer Infant 3D Lite ~ $99

We discussed the 3D Mini (bare bones stroller), but we really love the Summer Infant 3D Lite. It has all the major “wants” for a great price and with decent build quality.

The anti-shock front wheels are more robust than on similar strollers and work well on light terrain like cobblestone and dirt (don’t use on gravel or rough terrain). It has a MUCH larger storage basket than most (for an umbrella, at least) and a nice cup holder (w00t!) because going without coffee is not an option, people.

If storage is of the utmost importance, check out the sister product, the Summer Infant 3DTote (17 lbs — currently out of stock). The “Tote” is unique in the world of umbrellas because of its giant storage basket (shown below).

For your napping kiddo, the seat has four recline positions, a canopy and a pop-out visor; though like many umbrellas, the canopy/visor doesn’t provide the greatest coverage. One of the best features of this stroller is the one-handed fold — perfect for when your hands are full of… child.

Bottom line: the 3D Lite is a solid economy umbrella stroller that’s easy to fold and carry, has 4 recline positions, a cupholder, a storage pocket, and a larger-than-most storage basket. Build-wise, it feels a bit cheap, especially compared to more expensive models on this list. It’s a bit heavier than others on this list and the sun canopy leaves something to be desired. But, when you compare features vs. price, the Summer Infant 3D Lite is a solid value, and our top choice in the economy category.

UPPAbaby G-Luxe ~ $199, 16.3 lbs

Weighing in at 16 lbs, the G-Luxe is perhaps the most popular full-featured umbrella stroller.

This stroller stands up on its own when folded, reclines almost flat (use from 3 months+), has a cup holder, and has the superior sunshade that UPPA is known for. Yeah, I mean, it’s a great stroller! Nobody’s saying it isn’t. In fact, I used my G-Luxe for years and it still holds up.

Complaints include a fussy, 2-handed fold (you must push a button and pull up two rings at the same time – eek) and the seat — in it’s most upright position — is too reclined for many kids to feel comfortable.

Bottom line: At the end of the day, the G-Luxe is a wonderful umbrella stroller for everyday/heavy use. If sun coverage is your main concern, this is the stroller for you. It looks great and steers very well for an umbrella and stands on its own when folded. It’s also a good pick for tall parents. However, I don’t love the price.

Well there you have it — thats everything we know about umbrella strollers. Hope you found something you like! Leave a comment below if we missed something – Cheers!

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