10 Best Umbrella Strollers Reviewed in 2024
If no one’s let you in on the secret yet, here’s the scoop: most families don’t just own one stroller. Sure, they have their regular, heavy-duty stroller packed with baby’s accessories and stationed in the garage or by the door, ready to peel out and onto the sidewalk. But sometimes clunky, heavy strollers aren’t really a feasible option. Parents traveling long distances or constantly loading it in and out of the car aren’t going to be keen on builds that don’t fold up or travel easily. Lightweight umbrella strollers are usually the solution. Umbrella strollers are aptly named because they fold up compactly and travel light, just like your go-to umbrella on a rainy day. Here are our 10 best umbrella strollers, all rated for safety, efficiency, and functional design.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 15 hrs of research
Lightweight and portable… weighs only 13 pounds
Adjustable seat provides comfort for various sized children or different situations
Protective sun umbrella blocks out 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays
Carry strap makes it easy to carry when locked and folded
5-point safety harness provides security and stability
10 Best Umbrella Strollers Reviewed
1. Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience
Lightweight and portable… weighs only 13 pounds
Adjustable seat provides comfort for various sized children or different situations
Protective sun umbrella blocks out 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays
Carry strap makes it easy to carry when locked and folded
5-point safety harness provides security and stability
Isn’t super durable when it comes to tough terrain and other conditions
Not an easy transition to fold and unfold
With anti-shock front wheels and a durable build, the Summer Infant 3D Lite Stroller is a strong contender for any family. The storage basket can hold up to ten pounds and the cup holder and storage pocket can each hold up to two pounds. This stroller is light, compact, features an adjustable canopy, and can hold children up to 50 pounds.
Read moreDesign
It is safe and durable, made with a super lightweight and sleek aluminum frame. It is one of the lightest strollers available. It’s comfortable for both parent and child with its spacious, plush, adjustable seat and easy to operate design. This stroller provides a lot of storage space with its large basket and additional separate storage pocket. On top of all these amazing features, this stroller even comes in 8 different color options.
Safety
The sun canopy is adjustable and removable, and the pull-out sun visor safely protects your child from harmful sun exposure. The rear wheels can be locked with a foot mechanism to provide safety when the stroller will be stationary.
Ease of Use
The stroller can easily be folded up to carry, which is extra effortless with the included carry strap.
2. Baby Jogger 2016 City Mini
Simple one-handed fold
UV 50+ Sun Canopy with a small window to check on the child
Three durable wheels for all terrain
Handlebar height can be adjusted for comfort
Seat reclines for comfortable relaxation or napping
Upright seat position is still too reclined for some children
Storage basket under the stroller is small
Baby Jogger has a pretty extensive selection of strollers out there. The 2016 City Mini GT Stroller only has three wheels but don’t let that fool you: the stroller is designed to be compatible with all kinds of terrain. 8.5” non-flat tires can handle a variety of surfaces and front-wheel suspension helps to smooth out the ride. The seat can be removed and washed, is padded, and reclines easily. This stroller supports up to 65 pounds.
Read moreDesign
It can hold a child up to 65 pounds in its plush and safe seat. The handlebar can be adjusted to different heights to maximize comfort for parents pushing the stroller. The parking brake is hand-operated. This stroller is an ideal option for active families and city-dwellers. The three-wheel design is made to provide a smooth ride over all terrain such as cobblestones on old city streets or dirt paths on a hike.
Safety
The adjustable sun canopy provides full coverage and includes a function to peek in and check on the child through a small window without pulling up the entire umbrella. It protects with a strength 50 times what the skin would naturally provide with no protection.
Ease of Use
The stroller can be folded using one hand, and then easily carried or stored in its compact folded form. Ultimately, this option is a great stroller for its easy functionality, adaptability, and comfort for both parent and child.
3. Kolcraft Cloud Plus 5-Point
Three-tier canopy
Will hold up to 50 pounds in weight
Five-point harness and reclining positions
Storage space, cup holders, and removable tray
Self-standing when folded, and weighs just under 12 pounds
Suitable for children who can hold their own head/neck up; not meant for newborns
With the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller, you’re essentially wheeling Baby around in their own little studio! This umbrella stroller includes a five-point safety harness, a large three-tier canopy with a peekaboo window, a roomy storage basket, and two handy trays: one for you and one for your child! Both trays are removable and the stroller boasts two cup-holders so you can stay caffeinated and/or hydrated while you push. This stroller supports children up to 40 pounds.
Read moreDesign
A plentiful storage basket can house all of baby’s accessories, and a removable tray with dual cup and juice box holders makes snack time a cinch. Parents also get their own tray with two drink holders and an extra storage area for their goodies.
Safety
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus offers a three-tier, extensive canopy for maximum sun and UV protection, along with a peek-a-boo window so you and baby can keep an eye on each other. A reclining seat will safely hold a child up to 50 pounds and features a five-point safety harness to keep them snugly buckled in along their ride.
Ease of Use
You can fold up the set up with one hand, and it stands on its own even when in its most compact state.
4. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
Adjustable seating promotes years of use
The stroller can stand in the folded position
Includes a large, easy-access storage basket
Comes with the stroller, a car seat, and another seat for toddlers
Has both parent and child trays to assist each in their travels
Not as compact or lightweight as other stroller models
Some parents report paint rubbing off over time
Chicco’s Bravo Trio Travel System includes a stroller that also fits a car seat! No more waking up Baby to transfer them; unstrap the whole car seat and load it up for your commute. This Chicco stroller can be folded one-handed and features auto-positioning wheels. A tray for parents features storage and cup holders! This stroller supports up to 50 pounds.
Read moreDesign
The seats are removable, so this stroller will be able to grow with your child from infancy for a few years into toddlerhood. There is a tray for parents’ belongings located on the handlebar and a similar removable one for children. Overall, this stroller has a durable and adaptable design with multiple functions that make parenting on the go a smooth experience.
Safety
It comes with an adjustable sun canopy that can either partially or fully cover the seat depending on parent or child preference.
Ease of Use
The stroller can easily be folded into a self-standing folded shape by using one hand. It includes a large, easily accessed storage basket below the stroller’s seat.
5. Delta Children City Street LX
Holds two children
Each seat can be reclined uniquely
Can easily be folded up into a compact form for storage/travel
Fits through standard 30-inch door frames
Each stroller seat has its own umbrella canopy
Some parents think the sun canopies should be larger to provide more complete protection
Wheels don’t work great in water, mud, snow, etc
Isn’t it warm, isn’t it wonderful: side by side? The Delta Children City Street LX Stroller allows you to push two little ones at once! Each seat can support a child up to 35 pounds. There are two storage bags and parent cup holders, 5-point safety harnesses, and 360-degree swivel, shock-absorbing front wheels. The compact frame is lightweight and easy to fold.
Read moreDesign
It’s an excellent stroller for pushing two children with its lightweight and comfortable design. Both seats have the ability to recline to multiple positions and can be set at different positions so each child’s needs can be met regardless of the other child. Although it is wider than a single stroller, it is designed to fit through a standard doorway.
Safety
Children can be secured in their seats with a safe 5-point harness that includes comfortable soft padding. The large umbrella canopies over each seat can be outstretched to provide coverage from sun and other weather conditions. It is extremely functional, and also fashionable as it comes in 4 different color options.
Ease Of Use
The stroller can be parked by locking the rear wheel with a foot-operated mechanism. The stroller can be folded up into a compact shape with an umbrella-like fold, making storage or travel easy.
6. Delta Children City Street Orange
Weighs roughly 19 pounds
Folds easily
Two comfortable seats for kids
Two hefty storage bags and a cup holder
Large wheels, with 360-degree rotation and shock absorption in the front
The sunshade isn’t very covering, and the handles are a little low for some users
If you’re looking for a tandem stroller, this adorable setup is perfect for any dynamic duo. It meets all ASTM and CPSC Standards as well as having a JPMA Certification. A large European-style canopy protects little ones from the sun and multiple-position reclining capabilities mean your tot can take a much-needed nap while you stroll! Even with side-by-side seating, this stroller fits easily through standard doors to allow optimal exploration!
Read moreDesign
This Side by Side LX Umbrella Stroller features a lightweight frame, with multiple reclining positions for your little ones. Front and back wheels measure 6 inches and are sturdy, ensuring no one will tip over easily. With a cup holder for mom or dad’s coffee or water, and two large hanging storage bags, you can pack up the whole gang and all of their accessories in this double stroller.
Safety
This stroller safely carries two children up to 35 pounds in each seat. It fits through standard 30-inch doors, is JPMA-certified, and complies with all safety standards.
Ease of Use
Front wheels that spin 360 degrees also absorb shock to make rides as smooth as possible under the elegant European-style canopy. Comfort grips on the handles make it easy to spend extended periods of time enjoying the great outdoors (or running errands!) with this compact kit.
7. Baby Jogger City Select Single
Extremely customizable model
Sun canopy provides UV 50+ strength protection
One-hand stroller fold
All-terrain wheels provide a smooth ride
Can’t stand up vertically when in the folded position
Baby Jogger’s 2016 City Select Single Stroller is a sleek, versatile model that understands the trials and tribulations of growing families. This may be the only stroller you ever need! This design supports sixteen different combinations and setups, including being able to act as a double stroller if you choose to purchase the converter. This stroller supports up to 45 pounds per seat and has a UP 50+ sun canopy.
Read moreDesign
It is a single stroller but has the ability to convert into a double stroller if an additional compatible seat is purchased. The stroller’s seat can recline to multiple positions and can hold up to 45 pounds. The stroller is designed with a sleek all-black look. The wheels are durable, with the front swivel wheels smaller than the larger rear support wheels. They are designed to tackle all terrain while providing a smooth ride.
Safety
The canopy can be extended or retracted, and adjusted to different points based on the child’s height.
Ease Of Use
The quick-fold technology allows you to easily fold the stroller with one hand.
8. J is for Jeep Lunar Burgundy
Each stroller seat has its own adjustable canopy
Front swivel wheels
Provides storage with two large mesh bags behind each seat
Reflective material ensures safety and visibility at night
Fits through standard 30-inch doorways with ease
Seats don’t recline to a fully laying down position
Wheels may creak or squeak with use over time
Delta Children’s Jeep Scout Double Stroller is comfy, cushy, practical, and safe. Soft shoulder pads allow a luxurious way to spend the day while mom or dad pushes little ones around. The design incorporates reflective material to ensure your children can be seen, even at night. This model meets or exceeds ASTM and CPSC standards with its five-point safety harness system. The front wheels swivel for easy steering and a suspension system keeps the ride smoothe! This stroller supports children up to 35 pounds in each seat.
Read moreDesign
The seats recline individually to multiple positions, and children can be secured with a padded five-point safety harness. There are footrests for each seat for toddlers to rest their feet on. There is storage space in the form of two hanging mesh bags behind each seat.
Safety
This stroller has safety as a priority, even including reflective material in its design to ensure that the stroller can be seen at night. Each seat has its own weather canopy to protect against sun and other elements.
Ease Of Use
The stroller can fit through all standard 30-inch doorways easily, providing a convenient experience with the double side-by-side format. The stroller folds into a compact size for portable convenience or storage. The front wheels swivel which allows flexibility in movement and turning.
9. GB Pockit Lightweight
Lightweight and easy to travel with
Durable aluminum frame
Additional storage space
Folds up and packs away neatly
Not suitable for children too young to hold their heads up
Difficult to find compatible sun shade/parasol
GB’s Pockit Lightweight Stroller stands out as one of the more unique designs. This is a stroller well-acquainted with minimalism. Touted as the “world’s smallest stroller”, it’s a handy choice for parents that don't’ want to lug big frames around with them while traveling. The Pockit supports children up to 55 pounds and can also hold an extra 11 pounds of gear. A rear parking brake and easy one-handed pushing are also valuable selling points with this model.
Read moreDesign
Utilizing its simple two-step design, it folds down to 11.8” x 7” x 13.8” and a weight of just 9.5 pounds, making it a top pick if you travel frequently or if storage space and mobility are of concern to you. It can support children up to 6 months and 55 pounds, as well as holding eleven additional pounds of extra supplies in its storage bag.
Safety
Ad adjustable harness system secures baby inside while providing the flexibility to last as your child grows. The Pockit won a Gold Ward and Reddot Award in 2016 for its superior quality and safe design.
Ease of Use
Stowable in planes, trains, and automobiles, the Pockit is a great tool for a family on-the-go. Additional features include padded handle-bars, easy one-hand steering, locking and swiveling front wheels, back wheel brakes, overhead canopy, and adjustable torso length
10. Cosco Monster Elliot
Very light (7.3 pounds)
Will hold up to 40 pounds in weight
Cute monster design
Children’s leg rest included
Canopy to give child shade
Wheels are small and not built for shock absorption
If you’re looking for something that isn’t a big investment but can get the job done, consider Cosco’s Umbrella Stroller. This little guy cuts straight to the chase: it’s abandoned all the bells and whistles in favor of a simple, compact canopy design. It’s styled like a cute little monster and is a great travel stroller, given that it’s lightweight and super affordable, making it easy to lug around and not something worth grieving if it gets damaged or lost in transit.
Read moreDesign
All the fuzzy beasties in these designs are friendly, and downright huggable! The Cosco Umbrella Stroller features their Monster line, each canopy decorated with one of their signature characters. A built-in leg rest lets them kick back, and a double-foot brake provides a little-added stopping power on inclined surfaces.
Safety
The seat holds children up to 40 pounds, and a three-point safety harness keeps them buckled in safely.
Ease of Use
This stroller weighs just 7.3 pounds. It’s the lightest and least frilly of the bunch, but still stands out thanks to its cute monster design.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
When looking at the overall design of each stroller, we paid attention to it's level of comfort and storage features. There are many different features that make each stroller slightly different from the next. We did our best to review the strollers we selected to help give parents a clear picture of these features so they can be informed in making a decision that will best benefit their child. A stroller for a newborn or young baby is going to need to recline because they won’t be able to sit up, for example. A toddler will most likely benefit from a stroller with a footrest and adjustable harness so they can ride comfortably. Many of the strollers we selected have reclining seats and adjustable features so that a wide range of sizes and dispositions can be happy riding in them. We think it is important to have a comfortable stroller so your child can be content and feel supported no matter where you bring them. Strollers often have a storage basket or other way to store parents' and child's' belongings in a safe way. Nearly all of the strollers on our list have a basket that hangs below the stroller seat which can easily be accessed from the rear of the stroller. We find this an important point to consider in choosing a stroller for convenience. After all, parents often must bring a diaper bag and other supplies in addition to a purse or backpack for belongings. Considering parents' hands are generally busy with pushing the stroller, it’s quite convenient to have storage space for these necessary belongings. Many strollers also feature a beverage cup holder for parents so they can use two hands for pushing, save those moments when they actually take a sip of their water, coffee, or tea.
Safety
When it comes to anything we write about on our site, we always prioritize safety as the most important concern to consider when selecting products to feature. Your child’s safety is precious, so we embark on extensive research in order to make sure we feel confident in recommending our selected products for parents. Safe strollers should absolutely have brakes that work well and are easy to operate. Some strollers even have parking brakes that will lock two wheels, providing additional safety. All of the strollers we selected have no issues with tipping over. We consider strollers to be safe if they have a secure seat belt and harness to keep a child in the seat safely. Although some strollers have a step for an older child to sit or stand in the rear while another child sits in the stroller, it is always important to consider weight guidelines for the particular stroller in question. All of the strollers on this list have canopies meant to protect the little rider from sun exposure and other elements, which is especially important for young children with highly sensitive skin. Ultimately, all 10 strollers we featured are safe for your child as long as your child falls into the weight or age recommendations.
Ease of Use
Functionality and ease of use go hand in hand when it comes to strollers. The primary goal with strollers is to be able to push a child around wherever you choose to go. Many strollers have different functions and purposes depending on what you want to primarily use your stroller for. Many of the strollers we featured are lightweight strollers, making them excellent options for city-dwellers or families that use stairs often. Double strollers are obviously an ideal choice for families with two children small enough to use a stroller. Some strollers won’t last a family long if used regularly, others will last years such as peg perego booklet. Some of the strollers on our list are great for tackling all terrain, while others are more suited to smooth sidewalks and indoor use. Some strollers don’t have any suspension, making them better-suited for smooth surfaces. However, the suspension on some or all wheels makes it so strollers can handle a variety of terrain with more ease.
You should never leave your child in their stroller unattended.
If you purchase a stroller with removable fabric, you should wash the fabric every couple of weeks.
Other Factors to Consider
Durability
We believe strollers should be durable such that they can withstand time holding a growing baby or toddler, and can handle different weather conditions or situations if need be. There’s no reason a family should have to buy three strollers before their child turns 4 years old. We made sure to research strollers that are durable and can hold up with regular use. Some families will use their stroller on a daily basis, others might not use it as much, but we still think it’s important to buy a high-quality product…especially when it comes to your child. Like many things, durability is closely related to safety when it comes to strollers.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are strollers safe for newborns?
Some strollers are safe for newborns, whereas other strollers recommend infants 6 months old and above for use. It is important to check the specific stroller to properly decide whether it is safe for newborn use.
q: Can my 5-year-old stand behind the stroller and in front of me as I push it?
It totally depends on the stroller. There are many models that can accommodate a standing older child, but others will caution against it. Again, this is an important thing to double check when considering allowing your child to stand up on the back of your moving stroller.
q: Will my stroller be able to handle a dirt path such as on a hike?
Some strollers can handle dirt paths without any issues. Other strollers are better-suited for indoor use. If you want a stroller that can function with various terrain, there are many options available for you.
q: Is my 5-year-old too old to use a stroller?
Most strollers set weight capacities rather than age capacities. If your child falls into the recommended weight range, they can technically ride safely.
q: My toddler spilled orange juice all over the stroller seat. How can I clean it?
Some stroller seats have a lining or pad that can be removed and machine washed. Otherwise, it’s best to use natural cleaning products, vinegar, or wipes to remove the juice.
q: Should I get a side-by-side or front-and-behind double stroller?
There are pros and cons associated with both. We included side-by-side double strollers on our list, and thankfully they can fit through standard 30-inch doorways.
q: Is it ok for me to hang my purse on the stroller handle?
We highly recommend against hanging anything from the stroller handles as it can be a tripping/tipping hazard.
Sources
- How to Buy a Safe Stroller, Informative Article ,
- How to Choose a Stroller, How to Guide ,
- Stroller Frames Vs. Travel Systems, Informative Article ,
- Stroller safety: Tips for parents, Informative Article ,
- What Type of Stroller Should I Get? Strollers and Infant Development - Part 2, Buying Guide ,