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In addition to plenty of diapers, comfy postpartum pajamas, and maybe a nightly foot massage, new parents should also have a fabulous umbrella stroller.

We are not talking about a buggy that is in the center of the stage. We want something that is practical, affordable, and able to do a lot of things.

But with all of the options, it can get pretty overwhelming to know which one to choose. And unless you have hours to cruise the internet — we’re guessing you might not, with a new baby and all — researching the ins and outs of today’s top strollers is likely not at the top of your to-do list.

The good news? We searched for you and came up with some of the best umbrella strollers in every category, from budget to frequent use and summer days.

If you are new to this parenting thing, you might be wondering what the difference is between a traditional stroller and an umbrella stroller. If you already have a luxury travel system, you might be wondering if you need an umbrella stroller if you already have a car seat, and sometimes other components.

“A stroller that is portable and lightweight is known as an umbrella stroller, and it doesn’t come with a car seat or other components. These strollers are smaller and easier to carry. They are a lot easier to unfold when you are on the go or have limited hands.”

“When you don’t need the car seat, storage units, or other frills of a full-blown travel stroller system, umbrella strollers are the way to go.”

“They are a great option to have on hand for when the large travel system isn’t practical.”

They are meant for older babies and toddlers who can sit upright on their own.

The strollers were chosen based on recommendations from parents and reviews from Facebook groups. The strollers in these categories came out on top for various audiences.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = $50–$150
  • $$$ = over $150

Best budget umbrella stroller

Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 38.31 x 9.41 x 9 inches
  • Stroller weight: 9.5 lbs.

The best budget option is the Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller. It is a favorite of many families looking for a lightweight, durable stroller that is also very affordable.

The umbrella stroller has a harness system. The stroller collapses easily with a one-step fold, has an extended sun canopy, and still has a small storage pocket for essentials.

Pros

  • It has a sun canopy.
  • The stroller is easy to fold and assemble.
  • It has nice features and is a good quality.

Cons

  • Younger kids under 40 pounds may find their feet are too long and they need to rest.
  • The stroller does not have shoulder straps.
Shop now at Amazon

Best reclining umbrella stroller

Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 18 x 17 x 43 inches
  • Stroller weight: 13 lbs.

The Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller has a four-position recline with a five-point safety harness to keep your little one safe and comfy during naps. It can accommodate kids up to 50 pounds.

This fan-favorite gets the top pick for reclining since the lowest recline position goes almost flat, which is great for nap time. It also folds with a one-hand and one-foot system that allows for quick setup and takedown.

Plus, parents say the padding on the seat and straps are top-notch, and the foam handles feel nicer than the plastic on other strollers. It also has a wider seat than other strollers, which is a nice feature for older toddlers.

Pros

  • The stroller has a safety harness and a recline.
  • The maximum child weight is 50 pounds.
  • The storage basket can hold up to 10 pounds of items.

Cons

  • The seat is reclined so it is difficult to get into the storage basket.
  • “The stroller doesn’t provide a smooth ride.”
Shop now at Amazon

Best luxury umbrella stroller

Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches
  • Stroller weight: 13.6 lbs.

The umbrella stroller is luxurious and convenient. The Babyzen YOYO2 6+ Stroller is a great gift for friends or unlimited budget.

It has a fast one-handed fold that makes the stroller open and closed in a matter of seconds. One of the reasons this luxury stroller is popular with families that travel a lot is that it can be used as a backpack or as a shoulder sling.

The stroller has a five-point harness system that can hold up to 40 pounds.

Pros

  • The stroller is flexible and grows with your child.
  • It is easy to carry one shoulder when not in use.
  • Adults and children can enjoy a ride on four-wheel suspension.

Cons

  • It was very expensive compared to other umbrella strollers.
  • Not as lightweight as umbrella strollers.
  • The stroller needs some practice.
Shop now at Amazon

Best umbrella stroller for small spaces

gb Pockit

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 28 x 18 x 39.8 inches
  • Stroller weight: 9.5 lbs.

Many parents want a stroller that is small and fits in small spaces, and the umbrella stroller, like the GB Pockit Stroller, is one of the options.

The Pockit Stroller is light and compact. The stroller is 12 inches wide by 7 inches tall. The umbrella stroller has a harness system.

It is not not sturdy just because it is small. The Pockit can hold 55 pounds of your child, and you can stuff 11 pounds of gear into the storage basket. The seat has thick padding, which is useful for kids on the higher end of the weight limit.

Pros

  • The lightest umbrella strollers on the market.
  • Accommodates kids up to 55 pounds.
  • Excellent for traveling.

Cons

  • The lower the handlebars are, the taller people are.
  • The sun visor is not as large as other strollers.
Shop now at Amazon

Best umbrella stroller for summer days

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Travel Stroller

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 31.25 x 18 x 39 inches
  • Stroller weight: 11.8 lbs.

“It’s important to keep your child protected from the sun. The best umbrella stroller for summer days was the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Travel Stroller.”

The umbrella stroller has a peek-a-boo window that lets you see what your child is doing, and it has an extended canopy that shields your baby from the sun. The seat is multi-positioning and reclines, which means your baby can be protected from the sun when they are sleeping.

The Cloud Plus has a 5-point harness and can hold children up to 50 pounds.

Pros

  • The canopy has three tiers for maximum protection.
  • The ride is smooth with all-terrain wheels and front suspension.
  • The extra-large storage basket holds all the essentials.

Cons

  • Does not recline completely.
  • The child tray can get in the way.
Shop now at Amazon

Best reversible umbrella stroller

Summer 3DFlip Convenience Stroller

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 31 x 25.5 x 39.5 inches
  • Stroller weight: 13.2 lbs.

The Summer 3Dflip Convenience Stroller is a great stroller for people who want a seat design that is also convenient.

The umbrella stroller is a great way to look out at the world at a young age, and as they get older, you can flip the seat around so they can look out at the world. It reclines in three positions for both front and rear facing. The forward-facing position is the best for your child until they reach 50 pounds and the rear-facing position is the best until they reach 25 pounds.

The Summer 3Dflip Convenience Stroller has a five-point harness.

Pros

  • The stroller allows you to easily position the baby to face you or away.
  • Comes with a sunshade with a window.
  • The frame and ride is durable.

Cons

  • It takes time and practice to get good at folding and unfolding a stroller.
  • The seat is not very durable and may be uncomfortable for more active babies.
Shop now at Amazon

Best umbrella stroller for travel

Jeep North Star Stroller

  • Price: $-$$
  • Dimensions: 31.5 x 18.1 x 42 inches
  • Stroller weight: 11.6 lbs.

The Jeep North Star Stroller is a lightweight stroller that is easy to carry. It is an easy-to-lug travel stroller and it is under 12 pounds.

The Jeep North Star has a large storage space and a parent organizer that hangs from the stroller, making it an excellent choice for parents who want to pack light for a day trip but also have a place to put their personal items.

The Jeep North Star Stroller has a 3-point harness style and can hold children up to 40 pounds.

Pros

  • It is easy to fold.
  • It has a carry-all organizer that hangs from the back of the stroller.
  • The suspension system and front wheels make the ride safe.

Cons

  • “It doesn’t have shoulder straps for carrying.”
  • It only accommodates kids over 40 pounds.
Shop now at Amazon

Best umbrella stroller for frequent use

Joovy Groove Ultralight Umbrella Stroller

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 20.5 x 42 x 32.5 inches
  • Stroller weight: 14.08 lbs.

The Joovy Groove Ultralight Umbrella Stroller is one of the few that can be used with a newborn. The Groove Ultralight is ideal for babies because it has a bassinet mode and a deeper recline.

You will get a lot of use out of this stroller since it is appropriate for kids up to 55 pounds. It comes with a large sun shade that will protect newborns and toddlers. The five-point harness system is on the Joovy Groove.

Pros

  • It has a carry strap.
  • It is safe for children up to 55 pounds.
  • The canopy has protection from the sun.

Cons

  • It is one of the heavier strollers.
  • It is sold out on online retailers.
Shop now at Amazon

Best double umbrella stroller

Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem Umbrella Stroller

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 29.9 x 37 x 23.4 inches
  • Stroller weight: 18.3 lbs.

Leaving the house with two kids under the age of 3 can be difficult. One takes off in one direction while the other splits and goes the other way. The Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem Umbrella Stroller is no longer available.

The double umbrella stroller is a must-have for any parent that needs to have two kids in a seated position at the same time. The umbrella stroller has a five point harness system and a sun visor, which is smaller than other strollers, but still provides protection from the sun.

The stroller is side-by-side and you can expect it to be heavier. This one is 18.3 pounds. Users say that it folds up easily and fits in smaller spaces. The stroller can hold up to 35 pounds.

Pros

  • Twin or child close in age can use an umbrella stroller.
  • It is easy to maneuver through doorways.
  • There are two large hanging storage bags.

Cons

  • The weight limit for each child is 35 pounds.
  • It sold out online.
  • The sun canopy is small.
Shop now at Delta Children

Stroller Price Stoller weight Max child weight
Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller $ 9.5 lbs. 40 lbs.
Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller $$ 13 lbs. 50 lbs.
Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller $$$ 13.6 lbs. 40 lbs.
gb Pockit Stroller $$ 9.5 lbs. 55 lbs.
Kolcraft Cloud Plus Travel Stroller $$ 11.8 lbs. 50 lbs.
Summer 3Dflip Convenience Stroller $$ 13.2 lbs. 25/50 lbs.
Jeep North Star Stroller $-$$ 11.6 lbs. 40 lbs.
Joovy Groove Ultralight Umbrella Stroller $$ 14.08 lbs. 55 lbs.
Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem Umbrella Stroller $$ 18.3 lbs. 35 lbs. each seat

Each family has different criteria when shopping for an umbrella stroller. There are a few features to keep in mind before you sign the contract.

  • Price: Knowing your budget before you head to the store is key when shopping for an umbrella stroller. These baby gadgets will run you anywhere from $30 to $500, with the average being around $75 to $200.
  • Weight: The lighter, the better, especially if you’re using this stroller for travel or quick trips to the store. Most umbrella strollers weigh less than 20 pounds, with the majority under 15 pounds. Some of the top lightweight picks weigh in under 10 pounds though.
  • Push: Wheel design, handlebar height, and weight all factor into how easy it will be for you to navigate your stroller.
  • Foldability: You might not think the ease of folding and unfolding an umbrella stroller is something to be concerned with when considering your options. But ask any seasoned parent, and they’ll tell you that it’s a game-changer. Ideally, go with a one-handed fold that makes getting the job done a lot easier, especially since you’ll likely be holding at least one item, your baby, and possibly more in the other hand.
  • Safety: Check the stroller for safety ratings and recalls. You can also look for the JPMA seal on the box. This is the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certification for safety.
  • Features: Having an umbrella stroller with a reclining seat is a feature many parents want, and some prefer multiple-reclining options. Also, cup holders, storage bins, and removable seats for easy cleaning are all features to keep in mind when looking for the right umbrella stroller for you.

Who needs an umbrella stroller?

“The right stroller is a lifesaver. The type of stroller you choose depends on a number of factors, including your budget, your child’s age and weight, the stroller’s features, and how you plan on using it.”

Light use, travel, and short trips are what the umbrella strollers are designed for. They are ideal for times when packing a large stroller is not possible. The design of the stroller is better suited to infants over 6 months of age, and most umbrella strollers have a maximum weight of 55 pounds, so they are not ideal for larger children.

If cost is a consideration, make sure to shop around before choosing a brand.

Are umbrella strollers safe for infants?

An umbrella stroller is not safe for an infant if they are young. Younger infants are not safe in umbrella strollers. Babies are not capable of sitting up in most umbrella strollers until they develop enough strength in their back and neck muscles. Babies can sit up without support.

“Babies less than 12 months old can only be in strollers with infant car seats. Even with recline features, umbrella strollers may lack the support an infant needs to support their head. Before using a doctor for a younger baby, consult your child’s doctor.”

“Before using an umbrella stroller, you should check the manufacturer’s guidelines for age and minimum weight requirements. Minimum 4 to 6 months of age is recommended for using an umbrella stroller.”

Can I run with an umbrella stroller?

While you can run with an umbrella stroller, it’s not recommended. Umbrella strollers are designed for general use, not for off-roading or higher speeds.

“They don’t have the right suspension for absorbing the bounce and rough terrain that comes with running. This can make for a frightening ride for your child. The models that only have a three-point harness are not safe to use for running.”

A fixed front wheel is necessary for a quickened pace. Jogging strollers have three larger wheels in a triangular configuration, with two in the back and one in the front. If you want to run with your stroller, we recommend investigating that style of stroller.

You can find hundreds of umbrella strollers on the market. Take some notes and head to your nearest baby-goods store to try them out.

It is a good idea to test a stroller before buying one, so you can get a feel for how it feels with your baby strapped in.