There’s no denying the love you have for your child, but the abundance of child care items, toys, strollers, and bags you need to bring with you every time you leave the house is exhausting.
Trying to compact your regular large stroller to put into the trunk after grocery shopping whilst having a baby screaming in their car seat is no fun. Maybe you’re even putting off traveling with you due to the ordeal of having to bring along your massive baby stroller with you everywhere.
This doesn’t mean you have to start canceling plans or staying at home with the baby whilst your partner runs errands because thankfully there is such a thing called an umbrella stroller.
An umbrella stroller is a lightweight stroller, mainly used as an alternative for your full-size stroller for when you’re on the go or traveling. It’ll allow you to go about your day so much easier whilst your baby remains happy and comfortable in the seat.
We know you don’t have a minute spare to hunt around, so we’ve tried and tested them to bring you the best umbrella stroller around.
Best Umbrella Stroller Reviews
BEST OVERALL
Our best pick for umbrella stroller is the Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller as it’s the perfect combination of comfort and safety for your child whilst still being lightweight and compact for easy usability for the parents.
The stroller only weighs 13lbs but still has a large seating area for comfort and to accommodate your child as they grow older. It comes with anti-shock front wheels for smooth riding and lockable rear wheels for good control when pushing the stroller.
The seat has a 4-position recline to keep your little one comfortable at all times and comes with a 5-point safety harness to keep them secure whilst you’re on the move.
Parents will have no problems folding down the stroller and thanks to the auto-lock function there won’t be any chance of the stroller suddenly coming apart. Parents can carry the compact stroller around with the help of the carry strap.
It has a moderate-sized storage basket on the rear where you can keep your essentials at arms reach at all times.
The Summer 3Dlite also has a retractable sunshade that can be pulled out to protect your child’s from the sun’s strong rays. You’ll even be able to store your child’s sippy cup in the cup holder on the day’s when they’re being extra fussy.
The maximum weight capacity of the stroller is 50lbs and is recommended for infants 6 months and above.
Pros:
- 5-point safety harness - Ultimate safety for your child when in the seat
- 4-position recline - Allows your baby to stay comfortable throughout the day
- Auto-lock function - Keeps your stroller compact when folded down
- Good weight capacity - Will be able to last you a good few years
Cons:
- Leg rest is not adjustable - May is not most comfortable for older or taller children
EDITORS CHOICE
For those days where you’re looking after your baby on your own whilst you’re on the go, this Uppababy G-luxe stroller will allow you to get around smoothly and efficiently without having to struggle.
The stroller weighs only 16lbs and can be easily carried around thanks to the handy carry strap.
It comes with a large stretch canopy with an extendable sunshade for high protection from the sun and wind.
The padded seat provides the ultimate comfort for your child when you’re pushing them around all day and you’ll even be able to remove the internal fabrics to wash them if an accident occurs.
The stroller will be able to accommodate children from 3 months up until they are 55lbs, benefited by the adjustable footrest and reclining seat to ensure maximum comfort as they grow.
The G-Luxe stroller is simple to fold down with just your hands and can stand on its own once folded, great for pit stops during your busy days. It also comes with a one-step brake to safely keep your stroller in place when on the train or subway.
As well as a handy removable cup holder to stay hydrated on the go, the Uppababy G-luxe also comes with a spacious storage compartment to keep up to 10lbs of essentials.
Pros:
- Removable fabrics - Easy to wash and keep clean
- Adjustable footrest - Accommodates your child as they grow
- One-step brake - Stays in place on public transport
- Lightweight - Easily carried over the shoulder with the carry strap
Cons:
- The seat is quite tall - Better suited for slightly older/bigger kids
MOST COMPACT
If you’re yet to upgrade to a more child-friendly car, then this gb Pockit+ All-Terrain stroller will be the solution to your problems.
The collapsible and compact design ensures it will fit in all overhead compartments on planes, trains allowing you to keep your stroller with you at all times.
The stroller is also designed to be self-standing when collapsed, ideal for keeping neatly under a table at restaurants whilst your baby is in a high chair.
The gb Pocket+ comes with a step-less recline function that can recline the seat to a customizable position for ultra comfort and allowing your child to catch some zzzs.
It comes with a UPF50+ sun canopy to keep the sun’s rays at bay whilst your baby rests in the seat.
It only weighs a mere 9 ½ lbs making it much easier to steer or push with just one hand whilst still having a high weight capacity limit to accommodate your child as they grow older.
The stroller is also a 2-in-1 travel system ready allowing you to use the included adapters to click onto a CYBEX infant car seat for extra convenience.
Pros:
- Super compact - Allows for easy portability and storage
- UPF50+ sun canopy - Good protection for your child whilst on the go
- Lightweight - Easy steering and portability
- Large weight capacity - This will last you as your child gets older
Cons:
- Stroller arms are not extendable - Not suited for taller parents
RUNNER UP
Another reliable choice for an umbrella stroller is the Graco Breaze Click Connect Stroller. It can hold up to 50lbs which will accommodate years of comfortable strolling as your child gets older.
It comes with an ultra-easy one-hand fold functioning making it easier to get out and about with your baby when you’re flying solo. The stroller can also be carried to and from the car with one hand when folded down.
The stroller has a lightweight but sturdy frame for maximum portability whilst running errands. For long days whilst you’re on the go, you’ll be able to make sure of the multi-position reclining seat to ensure your child manages to get some nap time during the day and prevent meltdowns.
It has lockable front-swivel wheels with suspension to give you stability and maneuverability when you’re on the move. The pop-out sun visor is also handy to keep your child comfortably shaded during the middle of the day.
The stroller is also compatible with all Graco Click Connect infant car seats for extra convenience and has adjustable 3 to 5-point harnesses that can be changed as your child grows.
Pros:
- Adjustable 3 to 5-point harness - Ultra safe whatever your child’s age
- One-handed fold-down functioning - Ideal for parents who are flying solo and on the go
- Multi-positioning seat - Good comfortability for your child
Cons:
- The footrest isn’t the largest - Taller children may find it uncomfortable
BEST BUDGET
If you’re looking for a budget second stroller to use as an alternative to your main bulky stroller then this Disney Mickey Mouse stroller will be ideal.
Not recommended for super long days, but ideal for parents who need to pop to the grocery store or run errands and don’t want to go through the effort of preparing the main stroller.
It’s easy to fold but isn’t the most compact compared to other strollers, but will still be able to fit inside an average-sized trunk and be stored nicely in the closet when not in use.
The stroller comes with a handy storage basket underneath to keep your baby’s toys and essentials when you’re on the go.
It has a fun Disney canopy design that provides a welcome shade for your child when you’re strolling on sunny days and is highly appreciated by big Disney fans.
It comes with a 3-point safety harness and can accommodate children of up to 40lbs safely. The stroller is recommended for infants who can sit unassisted so primarily for children who are 6 months and older.
As we said, this is not recommended for long days out with your baby or infant as there is no adjustable reclining seat and there is no additional cushioning in the seat.
However, for quick trips to the grocery store where you just need your child safely in their stroller, this will be more than sufficient.
Pros:
- Cute Disney design - Will be a big hit with children
- Accommodates children up to 40lbs - Will last until the child is around 4 or 5 years old
- Sun canopy function - Keep your child shaded from the sun rays
Cons:
- No adjustable reclining seat - Only suitable for short trips
Buyer’s Guide
Reclining Seat
A reclining seat will allow your child to be comfier for longer and also encourage them to rest and fall asleep when you’re on the move. Look for a recycling seat if you’re going to be using your umbrella stroller for long days out as your baby will be more inclined to sleep instead of focussing on what is going on around them.
Safety
As well as comfort, your child’s safety is an integral thing you should be thinking about when buying an umbrella stroller. Look for safety features such as five-point safety harnesses to keep your baby secured in the seat
Sunshade
Look for an umbrella stroller with a sunshade to protect them from the harmful rays of the heat. Babies' skin is so much more sensitive to sun exposure than adults’, so you’ll want to keep them out of the sun as much as possible.
Ease of Use
You don’t want to be spending 10 minutes each time trying to unfold and refold the stroller, so try to look for something that’s marketed as simple or easy to use. Looking at reviews is an easy way to find this out as it’s the main thing parents look for in a stroller.
Storage
Similar to the factor below, you’ll want to know how easy the stroller you’re buying will be to store. Most umbrella strollers are super compact and can be easily tucked into the trunk or the back of the car without taking up too much room. Some may even come with a carry bag to make it easier when transport to and from locations.
Size
Make sure that the umbrella stroller you’re buying is a suitable size for the age of your child. Generally, umbrella strollers are only suitable for those 4 months and older, or babies who can hold their head and neck up on their own.
Weight
Most umbrella strollers are lightweight, however, some will be more lightweight than others. If you’re going to be using your stroller for on-the-go activities or maybe whilst you’re looking after your baby on your own, then you may want to try and find one that’s super lightweight to make it easier for you to handle.
Extra Features
If you are going to use the stroller when you’re on the go, then you may want to seek out one that has a storage space on the back or under the stroller to keep your baby essentials on you at all times, instead of carrying them in a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an umbrella stroller used for?
Umbrella strollers are a smaller version of regular strollers and are primarily used for traveling around in a car, bus, or on an airplane due to it’s lighter weight and ability to compact to the size of an umbrella. They are made to be easy to carry around and best used as a second stroller, when you are on your own or if you don’t need to bring your bulky regular stroller out of the house.
Why is it called an umbrella stroller?
It’s called an umbrella stroller because it is folded up and resembles a large umbrella, which is easy to carry around in your hand or with a strap over the shoulder.
The term umbrella stroller is coined because the strollers are not too inconvenient to take around with you all day and don’t weigh too much more than a regular large umbrella.
How old should a baby be for an umbrella stroller?
Most umbrella strollers are designed for babies who are six months or older or a baby that can sit up comfortably on its own. Once you begin to see your infant raising their head or if they roll onto their bellies on their own, then you can think about moving them over to an umbrella stroller.
However, some umbrella strollers may only be suitable for older or bigger babies so it’s important to read the production description to find out the recommended age.
Can you jog with an umbrella stroller?
No umbrella strollers are not recommended for parents who want to run with their babies. It’ll be uncomfortable for your baby, especially on rough terrain, and as the material of an umbrella stroller is not as thick or stable as a normal stroller, the baby will be bouncing up and down,
Jogging with a baby in the stroller is not recommended until the baby is at least 6 months old, but some people even wait till they are 12 months old so that their back and neck muscles are fully developed and will stay stable when they’re in the stroller. However, strollers with a car seat adapter may be able to jog with their stroller as it will mean the baby’s head and neck will stay stable.
Jogging strollers are recommended for parents who want to run or jog with their babies, as they are built for this purpose.
How much weight can an umbrella stroller hold?
The weight limit for most average umbrella strollers is around 30 to 60lbs, although it may change from stroller to stroller so you’ll need to check with your specific umbrella stroller about what the weight capacity is.
Can you take an umbrella stroller on a plane?
Yes, strollers can be taken on a plane into the cabin as long as they will fit in the overhead compartment or underneath the seat. These strollers are made to be lightweight and compact enough to make it easy for parents traveling with young children.
Although this rule may change across airlines, you'll need to check with your airline provider before flying to make sure. Normally, if your stroller won’t fit in the overhead compartment or underneath the seat, they’ll put it in the hold at no extra cost.