13 Best Umbrella Strollers

An umbrella stroller has always been a great, classic option for going on occasional trips to your grandparents’ homes or going on short road trips. While they’re being phased out in favor of the now-popular (and expensive) travel systems, they’ll always remain a classic choice for newborns who’ve outgrown the infant stroller stage and want to interact with the world and see what’s going on around. They’re not only more lightweight than standard strollers and fold up like an umbrella, but they’re also ultra-portable, compact, and budget-friendly. When we went looking for infant strollers, we put these classic ones to the test to find out which ones could withstand everything we threw at them — from one-handed folding emergencies and tiny car trunks to gravel paths and tantruming toddlers.  Here’s a definitive and comprehensive guide to the ones that came out on top – and then some.

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller

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We begin with the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller, an impressive mid-range travel stroller that had an above-average performance when it came to most features. First off, the kids loved the cozy seating with the padded leg rest, which allowed them to be comfortable for long hours in the stroller. That, along with the large canopy, ensured that we could be out and about with them even in the sun. Adding to this was the easy-to-access storage, which ensured that we could store both ours and the baby’s essentials. Finally, we really liked the quick fold and the fact that we could easily push the stroller on most city surfaces.

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 23 x 19.4 x 7.4 inches
• Weight: 14 lbs/6.3 kg
• Recommended age: Infancy to 5 years old
• Weight limit: 20 lbs/9 kg

Inglesina Quid Stroller

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The Inglesina Quid Stroller had no real standouts, but it works very well as a middle-of-the-road stroller option. That being said, it does have a bunch of delightful features that come together to make this an excellent lightweight option. Firstly, this stroller boasted a great canopy, which sheltered our babies when we were out and about. What’s more, it folded down quite small, ensuring that we were able to store it away in tight spaces, including the boot of our car. However, what we liked was that it had a large peek-a-boo window that allowed our tots to peek out when the world interested them. Rounding things up was the shoulder strap padding, which ensured that we could carry it over our shoulders easily.

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 18.3 x 6.8 x 22.8 inches
• Weight: 13 lbs/5.9 kg
• Recommended age: 3 months onwards
• Weight limit: 50 lbs/22.7 kg

Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller

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The Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller checked all our boxes for a good stroller. Not only was it easy to turn and push, but it also folded down small and featured extremely soft fabric. The stroller was well-constructed with a unique design, making it compact to fold and relatively lightweight. Besides being easy to maneuver and super small, the stroller also had two frame supports running down the middle. Overall, it’s a stroller that’s been designed for city and urban living, making it perfect for parents like us to run around town with our kids.

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches
• Recommended age: 6 months onwards
• Weight: 13.7 lbs/6.2 kg
• Weight limit: 50 lbs/22 kg

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Toddler

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The Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Toddler is one of the most basic classic stroller designs out there. Weighing 10.1 lbs, this stroller featured a longer folded design, making it one of the lightest options on this list. So, it was very easy enough to use. What’s more, it was reasonably priced at USD 80, making the rest of its features sweeter. Next, it had a storage basket capacity of 10 lbs that fit not only our large diaper bag backpacks but also a few other baby essentials. This might not be the niftiest option on the list, but if all you’re going to do with this stroller is rush through airports, it does the job well. That’s why it’s a great umbrella stroller.

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 17.6 x 29.9 x 41.7 inches
• Weight: 10.1 lbs/4.7 kg
• Recommended age: Newborns to toddlers
• Weight limit: 50 lbs/22.7 kg

gb Pockit+ All City Stroller

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The gb Pockit+ All City Stroller is a 13.1 lb stroller that was almost too good at being what it was designed to be. It folded and folded and folded down like an origami dollar bill, creating the smallest folded volume on this list! Not only was it easy to fold, but it was also easy to use and came with a carry strap. In fact, this version even came with a better canopy as compared to its previous versions, along with a small underseat storage bin. Rounding things up was the super-flexible frame, which made it the absolute smallest stroller that didn’t make us angry when we traveled frequently.

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 12.6 x 7.8 x 18.9 Inches
• Weight: 10.4 lbs/4.7 kg
• Recommended age: 6 months to 4 years old
• Weight limit: 55 lbs/25 kg

Britax B-Free Premium Stroller

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The Britax B-Free Premium Stroller is actually a full-size stroller that’s been masquerading as a travel stroller. Nevertheless, we loved this classic stroller, which would fold down flat and measure as little as 10.3 inches thick, making it an excellent option for a crossover that can double up if needed. Not only did this stroller have large wheels that made it very maneuverable, but it was also easy to carry, and we could fold it with a single hand and in one single pull. With an adequate canopy, a 10 lb capacity storage, and a comfy seat, we can see why it’s won awards for its features and non-nonsense nature.

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 24 x 10.3 x 27 inches
• Weight: 22.5 lbs/10.2 kg
• Recommended age: Newborns to toddlers
• Weight limit: 65 lbs/29.5 kg

UPPAbaby Minu V2 Travel Stroller

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The UPPAbaby Minu V2 Travel Stroller was a high-quality option that offered more versatility than the usual travel fare and works with both UPPAbaby bassinets and infant car seats. or the UPPAbaby Bassinet. This also meant that this stroller had multiple uses and could increase the lifespan for parents looking for a one-and-done product. What’s more, this stroller also had the highest maximum storage basket weight capacity at 20 lbs and could be folded in thirds to make a smaller package to stow and carry. It was also easy to maneuver, thanks to the larger wheels. Finally, we loved that this stroller could be used for everyone from newborns to toddlers.

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 23 x 20.3 x 18 inches
• Weight: 17 lbs/7.7 kg
• Recommended age: From birth to 5-7 years old
• Weight limit: 50 lbs/22.7 kg

Bugaboo Butterfly 1 Second Fold Ultra-Compact Stroller

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The Bugaboo Butterfly 1 Second Fold Ultra-Compact Stroller is the coolest little stroller we’ve ever used. This lovely compact stroller featured quality components and a sleek, thoughtful design and boasted many useful and functional features. For one, it had a 7-position reclining seatback, allowing our babies to be comfortable, as well as a removable pad. However, what we were most impressed by was the unique harness that stayed propped open when waiting for a passenger. If that wasn’t enough, it also had one of the highest maximum capacity storage of 18 lbs! Finally, the stroller was easy to turn and push, with the best maneuverability on flat surfaces.

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 9 x 17.7 x 21 inches
• Weight: 16 lbs/7.2 kg
• Recommended age: 6 months to 4 years
• Weight limit: 50 lbs/22.7 kg

Summer Infant 3Dlite Stroller

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The Summer Infant 3Dlite Stroller is definitely one of the less expensive options on our list, but that doesn’t mean that it cuts corners. Firstly, its aluminum frame made it one of the most lightweight options we tested at just 13 lbs, while having a weight capacity the same as its peers – 50 lbs. What’s more, the foot folding mechanism was easy to operate, allowing us to store and carry the stroller easily. If that wasn’t enough, it came with a canopy that also included a sun visor and even four recline positions. We appreciated the roomy storage basket under the seat and the onboard cup holder. Rounding up the features was the in-built carry handle so we could sling it over our arms and be on our way. 

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 11 x 42.75 x 12 inches
• Weight: 13 lbs/5.9 kg
• Recommended age: 6 months onwards
• Weight limit: 50 lbs/22.7 kg

Chicco Liteway Stroller

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Best maneuverability. The Chicco Liteway Stroller offered one-handed maneuverability, making this the most maneuverable classic stroller on this list. This stroller boasts a lightweight, quick-folding frame and is yet a workhorse that has withstood years of near-daily use.  It can handle a variety of pavements with panache, whether it’s dirt paths, gravel, pavement, or cobblestoned streets. We, and our kids especially, loved the extensive recline for on-the-go naps. Since it would fold quickly, it even fit easily in tiny hall closets and small sedans. Costing less than USD 110, it even came with an extensive canopy, an adult cup holder, and a window. Wrapping things up was the rear-wheel suspension, which made it very easy for us to push the stroller around.

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 46 x 10 x 11.75 inches
• Weight: 17.2 lbs/7.8 kg
• Recommended age: 6 months onwards
• Weight limit: 40 lbs/18.1 kg

BabyGap Classic Stroller

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Most classic. With easy maneuverability, an excellent recline function, and simple installation, the BabyGap Classic Stroller is an excellent classic stroller. This great everyday option is nice-looking, too, as it comes in multiple colors, including the lovely baby pink below. Costing just USD 80, this modestly priced stroller was very easy to assemble. Since it boasted a weight capacity of 50 lbs, we could easily use this well into our kids’ preschool years. Finally, this classic stroller earned high marks for maneuverability, as it didn’t rattle too much and was great on all terrains, working well even over obstacles and in turns. That’s why it’s a great umbrella stroller.

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 12 x 44 x 11 inches
• Weight: 14.5 lbs/6.6 kg
• Recommended age: 9 months onwards
• Weight limit: 50 lbs/22.7 kg

Uppababy G-Link V2 Stroller

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Best double stroller. It says something about the brand when its products occupy the top two spots, doesn’t it? Behold the Uppababy G-Link V2 Stroller, which is perfect for peeps who have two kids. This double stroller was a lifesaver for our twins, and unlike what we thought, they weren’t unwieldy or bulky. Not only was it an easy, lightweight ride across a variety of surfaces, but also the four wheels meant that there weren’t any center wheels which we could accidentally trip over or kick when we pushed the stroller. The three-position recline and the complete coverage UPF 50+ canopy for both chairs ensured that our tots were protected from the elements. We also ended up getting a storage basket with a capacity of 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and a pocket at the back of each canopy. 

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 40 x 20 x 14.5 inches
• Weight: 22.3 lbs/10.1 kg
• Recommended age: 3 months onwards
• Weight limit:  55 lbs/25 kg (per stroller)

Uppababy G-Luxe Stroller

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Best overall. Sitting at the top of the list is the Uppababy G-Luxe Stroller, whose agility is top-notch. At 16 lbs (7.25 kg), the stroller managed to be both easy to carry as well as sturdy, and that too with a total weight capacity of 55 lbs (25 kg). So, this stroller worked for us right from the time our baby could sit up unassisted to when they were toddlers. Thanks to the handy strap, we were able to comfortably sling it over our shoulders and carry it. Plus, it was able to stand on its own when it was folded. We loved the generous UPF 50+ protection canopy, which kept our tots covered and protected. Its adult cup holders were a blessing as they could even fit travel mugs. Rounding things up is the substantial but non-bulky padding, with the seat reclining quite far for such strollers.  

“We loved the easy with which we could use this classic stroller. That, along with the fact that the umbrella feature was excellent.”

Keedoz

Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 19.2 x 12 x 41.8 inches
• Weight: 16 lbs/7.25 kg
• Recommended age: 3 months onwards
• Weight limit: 55 lbs/25 kg

Our Verdict!

While we loved all classic stroller options on this list, here’s a specialized list to help you choose.

• Best overall: Uppababy G-Luxe Stroller
• Best double stroller: Uppababy G-Link V2 Stroller
• Most classic: BabyGap Classic Stroller
• Best maneuverability: Chicco Liteway Stroller

How To Choose The Best Umbrella Strollers?

Age and Weight Limits

The very first thing to consider (and not ignore) is the age and weight limits on the strollers. We always consider the manufacturer’s weight and age guidelines. As a thumb rule, before they can use this classic stroller, babies need to be able to sit up on their own. Also, most could accommodate kids up to 40-55 lbs. 

Maneuverability and Portability

Another thing we looked for in classic strollers is their maneuverability and portability. You also need to be aware that manufacturers often tend to reduce cushioning, shock absorption, and storage space to make such strollers lighter. So, ensure that these corners haven’t been cut. Secondly, look for straps that make it very easy to lift and carry the stroller. We also paid attention to the presence or absence of mechanisms that allowed us to hold our babies while folding the stroller one-handed, which happens often. The best idea? Choose strollers with front swivel wheels, which make it easier to navigate and turn through tight spaces.”

Comfort

In the end, strollers are seats for your babies, so you need to ensure that they’re comfortable. The best of the lot have reclining and nicely padded seats, good airflow, a good-sized sun canopy, and even a footrest for babies to rest their feet. Additionally, and we say this for the sake of caregivers and parents, look for strollers that allow you to maintain a proper posture. That means the size of the stroller and the presence of adjustable handles.

Assembly and Durability

When it comes to assembly, most models we looked at either needed minimal work to get them ready for the road or came fully assembled. Do you lack the patience for a big project? Then we’d advise you to look for assembly-free options or those that can be completed in less than 15 minutes. Additionally, strollers need to be durable, while also not being pricey. Those with a durable frame tend to last longer, so don’t go for ones made entirely of plastic, as plastic wheels are the worst thing to happen to strollers.

Storage Space

Finally, storage expectations need to be adjusted with umbrella strollers since they’re designed to be compact and light. So, storage baskets will be smaller too, but then again, you won’t be able to fold and carry the stroller.

When can I start using an umbrella stroller?

Umbrella strollers are usually used by kids who are between 6 months and 5 years old, as they’re meant for kids who can sit up on their own.

Are umbrella strollers good for travel?

While travel systems are the in-thing, umbrella strollers are compact, lightweight, and foldable, making them ideal for travel.

Can you jog with an umbrella stroller?

No, for jogging, we recommend the best rear-facing jogging strollers.