Every family needs an umbrella stroller. For the quick trips to the supermarket, to the grandparents’, or for the light travels with your little one.
The best umbrella stroller will be one that strikes the perfect balance between portability, convenience, and comfort. Lightweight and compactness are two essential aspects, but ease of manoeuvrability shouldn’t be compromised in the midst of all, too.
In this guide, we will explore the world of umbrella strollers to help you discover the best options available on the market. Be it for navigating busy city streets or travelling with your little one, or simply for a versatile and space-saving solution, our comprehensive selection of the best umbrella strollers will help you find just the perfect fit for your family’s needs.
What is the best umbrella stroller for most families? Our top pick is the Summer Infant 3Dlite – it strikes the perfect balance between performance and price but if you have a slightly bigger budget, you can’t go wrong with the Babyzen YOYO2. For the ultimate lightweight stroller for toddler, you would love the GB Pockit Air but fret not newborns – we have just the infant umbrella stroller for you in the form of the Diono Flexa Luxe.
Our Top 9 Best Umbrella Stroller Picks – A Quick Summary
What Is An Umbrella Stroller?
An umbrella stroller is a lightweight, compact and easy-to-fold type of baby stroller designed for portability and convenience. One defining feature is that it folds into a slender, thin vertical bundle with two separate handles that resemble an umbrella hook at one end, hence the name.
The most affordable lightweight option, many people actually often got them mistaken with another small lightweight stroller option – the travel strollers. Both have quite the distinctive differences in fact with the latter being more feature-laden in comparison, but we won’t go into too much detail here today.
While umbrella strollers typically do not have as many amenities and features as their other stroller counterparts, there are times when a classic umbrella stroller is probably the best tool for the job. Grocery runs, grandparents’ house, theme park fun… you get the gist. They are also a great alternative if you’re short on space – the compact fold means it won’t take up as much trunk space in the car, and you can just tuck it in a corner or closet at home.
In this article:
Best Umbrella Stroller Reviews
BEST UMBRELLA STROLLER OVERALL
Dimensions: 18 x 17 x 43 inches
Weight: 13 pounds
Age recommendation: 6 months to 5 years
Weight/Height Limit: up to 50 lbs. or 43 inches
Under-Carriage Storage: Yes (maximum 10 pounds)
- Anti-shock wheels
- 4-position recline
- Compact fold with carry strap and auto lock
- Adjustable and removable canopy with flip out sun visor
- Umbrella stroller with storage
- One of the most affordable small stroller
- Not self-standing when folded
- Canopy is a little small
Why We Love It
The award-winning Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller is exactly what you’d picture an umbrella stroller to be – lightweight, compact fold, and theme-park-approved. Weighing at just 13 pounds with a price tag of less than $100, it continues to be the stroller umbrella that parents of the Mommy Tea Room team would recommend.
One thing that really impresses us is how it comes with an under-carriage basket. If you know your umbrella strollers, you’d know this is not too common a thing – lightweight strollers have a higher chance of toppling over, so brands generally do not include a storage basket to prevent parents from accidentally overloading them. The 3Dlite gives you just that, plus a rear storage pocket and cup holder (be sure not to overload it though).
On the same note, you don’t often see an umbrella stroller that reclines but the summer infant umbrella stroller offers 4 positions. The anti-shock front wheels and lockable rear wheels make navigating a breeze, and the 43-inches height makes it an appropriate tall umbrella stroller for taller caregivers as well.
Things To Take Note Of
We may be just nit-picking here but the summer stroller, albeit boasting a compact fold, does not self-stand when folded. Good thing is it auto locks so storage is pretty secure, and there is a carry strap for portability.
Also, the adjustable/removable canopy with pop-out sun visor (that’s rated to block 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays) can be a little bigger. If this is something that would bother you too, know that there’s a Plus version that comes with a bigger canopy (and all the same great features, plus a little more like one-hand multi-position recline, peek-a-boo window, cell phone holder and premium fabrics).
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT UMBRELLA STROLLER
Dimensions: 28 x 17.5 x 39.8 inches
Weight: 10.4 pounds
Age recommendation: 6 months to 4 years
Weight/Height Limit: up to 55 lbs.
Under-Carriage Storage: Yes
- Super lightweight
- Ultra-compact fold
- Airplane hand luggage compliant
- Front swivel wheels
- One-handed fold
- High weight capacity
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Seat cannot recline
- Small canopy
Why We Love It
While umbrella strollers are known for their lightweight, the GB Pockit Air All Terrain Stroller really took things to a whole new level with a total weight of 10.4 pounds. That’s easily the lightest on the market, making it the best umbrella stroller for travel especially for globetrotting families.
Named the “most compact umbrella stroller” by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2014, the Pockit folds into the size of a handbag-shaped package (in seconds!) so you can easily bring it onboard your airplane travels. It fits even in a diaper bag, making it airplane hand luggage compliant so you don’t have to gate-check it in – one less hassle!
Adding to the travel umbrella stroller convenience are the all-terrain, front-swivelling wheels that make navigating on different surfaces and busy city streets a breeze, and there’s a storage basket underneath for all your purchases. Despite its size, this compact umbrella stroller has one of the highest weight limits on our list – 55 pounds to be exact – so you can expect a good few years of use with it.
Things To Take Note Of
BEST UMBRELLA STROLLER FOR NEWBORNS
Dimensions: 26.2 x 20.7 x 41.3 inches
Weight: 18.2 pounds
Age recommendation: from birth
Weight/Height Limit: up to 50 lbs.
Under-Carriage Storage: Yes
- Infant car seat compatible (adapters included)
- Freestanding fold
- All-round suspension and double back wheels
- Telescopic height-adjustable handles
- Rain cover included
- Premium fabrics and leatherette detailing
- Tons of accessories to customize (sold separately)
- Heavier than other options
- Slightly more expensive
Why We Love It
An infant umbrella stroller is not something you’d often seen – most can only be used from at least 6 months up and that is because they lack the features required to support an infant (think full recline, newborn cushioning and the likes). And while the Diono Flexa Luxe Umbrella Stroller is no exception in this regard, it makes for an appropriate umbrella stroller for infant by being infant-car-seat-compatible.
Yup, you can attach an infant car seat and convert it into a travel system for baby to use right from day one. It comes with the necessary adapters required for any Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex models which really, are among the best infant car seat in town. The standard umbrella stroller weight limit of 50 pounds means you can use it well into the toddler years, and the all-round suspension and double back wheels make it easy to navigate downtown sidewalks.
There are a few more things to like about the Flexa – a self-stand fold that minimizes footprint for easy storage, wheels that tucked away to prevent scuffing of the walls, and height-adjustable telescopic handles that can be minimized (to fit parents of different heights, and in the tightest of spaces, respectively).
Things To Take Note Of
It is not necessarily a lightweight infant stroller – at 18 pounds, it is actually one of the heaviest on our list but that’s unavoidable, given it needs to accommodate an infant car seat without toppling over. It is still much lighter than most travel systems though, so that’s ok.
Some may think it is on the higher end of the price spectrum but given the premium quality such as copper fibers and leatherette detailing as well as the included car seat adapter, we think the price is justifiable (it even comes with a rain cover!).
BEST UMBRELLA STROLLER TRAVEL SYSTEM
Dimensions: 35.5 x 20.3 x 41 inches
Weight: 16.9 pounds
Age recommendation: 3 months or from birth (with bassinet or infant car seat)
Weight/Height Limit: up to 50 lbs.
Under-Carriage Storage: Yes (maximum 20 pounds)
- One-hand, one-step compact fold
- Infant -appropriate (accessories not included)
- Zip out extendable canopy
- One-handed adjustable leg rest
- Deep, bigger-capacity storage basket
- 100% full-grain leather bumper bar included
- Expensive
- Heavier and wider seat than other options
Why We Love It
If you have a slightly bigger budget, the UPPAbaby MINU V2 Stroller is another great infant umbrella stroller to consider. It shares the same car seat brand-compatibility as the Flexa, with the addition of its own Mesa infant car seat line. It can even accommodate a bassinet on top of that, so it offers more flexibility as an umbrella stroller for infant.
It otherwise is an excellent toddler umbrella stroller accommodating 3 months up with a roomy seat (this one here is wider than most competitors’!) that reclines one-handedly into multiple positions, and there is an adjustable leg rest to add to the comfort of your little one. You’ll love the one-handed, one-step fold as you can carry baby with the other hand, while choosing to carry it either by the handle or shoulder strap for a hands-free experience.
Other features that’s worth mentioning include a shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension system, vented peekaboo window, large UPF50+ canopy, and 100% full-grain leather handlebar. In particular, the large basket underneath is a delight as you can fit up to 20 pounds of essentials in it, definitely one of the largest for an umbrella stroller!
Things To Take Note Of
The MINU V2 is no cheap umbrella stroller, in fact, it is possibly the most expensive model on our list so that may drive some people away. At this price, we’re also a little disappointed that car seat adapters are not included (likewise with the bassinet) so you’ll need to spend more if you wish to use it as an infant umbrella stroller.
And although it is not as heavy as the Diono Flexa, it is on the heavier side of small umbrella strollers like these so that’s something to weigh upon, especially if you’re looking for an umbrella stroller for travel.
BEST DOUBLE UMBRELLA STROLLER
Dimensions: 28.5 x 27.5 x 42 inches
Weight: 22.3 pounds
Age recommendation: 3 months up
Weight/Height Limit: up to 55 lbs. per seat
Under-Carriage Storage: Yes (maximum 10 pounds)
- Independent reclining seats
- Extra-large multi-panelled canopies with pop out sunshades
- Lightweight and narrow design with 4 sets of wheels
- All-wheel suspension
- Quick, simple fold with carry handle
- Plenty of storage with removable cup holder
- Heavier and more expensive than other double umbrella strollers
Why We Love It
For those with two kids/twins, a double umbrella stroller is very much necessary as it is lighter and easier to push compared to standard double strollers. The UPPAbaby G-Link 2 Stroller is our best umbrella double stroller choice for many reasons, the first being it is a double umbrella stroller that reclines.
Independently at that. This means each child is able to sit comfortably (one laying down one sitting up etc.), and they can adjust their own extra-large, multi-panelled canopy individually (pop-out sunshades equipped). The two baskets underneath give plenty of storage space which if not enough, two rear pockets are on each seat for the smaller items.
Compared to others which typically have 6 wheels, the G-Link 2 has 4 sets only. Add that to a lightweight and narrow design, it is easy to manoeuvre despite it being a side-by-side double stroller (even through crowded streets and tight doorways). When not in use, just fold this reclining umbrella stroller in a snap and carry it by the handle provided.
Things To Take Note Of
Compared to other double umbrella strollers, the G-Link 2 is on the heavier and pricier side but the sturdy build and quality make it worth the money. One push at it and you can tell the difference with other umbrella strollers – this one here is not flimsy at all.
It is still cheaper than standard double strollers and with most features in place, it can stand in as your everyday double stroller for the quick trips and errand runs.
BEST LUXURY UMBRELLA STROLLER
Dimensions: 17.32 x 7.09 x 20.47 inches
Weight: 13 pounds
Age recommendation: 6 months or from birth (with newborn bassinet attachment)
Weight/Height Limit: up to 48.5 lbs.
Under-Carriage Storage: Yes
- Compact one-handed fold
- Fits in overhead compartment
- Car seat compatible
- Smooth manoeuvrability
- Has a newborn bassinet attachment
- Multi-position reclining backrest
- Canopy extension
- Expensive
- Smaller weight limit
Why We Love It
It is rated the best travel stroller by the Mommy Tea Room here, naturally, the Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller has to be on this list. At 13 pounds, this lightweight umbrella stroller is a full-feature stroller (very rare!) so you can substitute it as your everyday stroller anytime.
It accommodates a bassinet that comes with mattress, head support, and a removable sherpa-lined foot cover so you can use it right from birth. Not many (if any) light weight strollers can do that, although you’ll have to purchase the bassinet separately.
If you don’t wish to fork out extra money though, you can always use your infant car seat as an alternative – yup, you can convert it into a travel system with the addition of a car seat adapter. It works with a good variety of brands such as Cybex, Nuna Pipa, Clek Liing (our favourite!) or Maxi Cosi. In fact, there are plenty of accessories you can play around with to customize your YOYO2 such as footmuff, parasol, raincover etc.
But perhaps the biggest use parents get out of it is as a travel umbrella stroller. This compact umbrella stroller folds up so packed (and single-handedly), it fits in the overhead plane compartment and there’s a protective storage bag that comes with it. The shoulder strap, together with the fact that of being possibly the lightest umbrella stroller ever, add to the overall portability which is essentially what you need to look for in an umbrella travel stroller.
Things To Take Note Of
MOST AFFORDABLE UMBRELLA STROLLER
Dimensions: 17.6 x 29.9 x 41.7 inches
Weight: 12.87 pounds
Age recommendation: 6 months to 5 years
Weight/Height Limit: up to 50 lbs. or 40 inches
Under-Carriage Storage: Yes
- Cheap umbrella stroller
- One-hand, self-standing fold
- All-terrain wheels and front suspension
- Reclining seat
- Three-tier, extended canopy with peek-a-boo window
- Umbrella stroller with tray (child and parent with drink holders)
- Storage basket and parent tray
- Disney approved
- Not infant car seat compatible
Why We Love It
If you’re planning on purchasing an umbrella stroller just as a backup or travel-only option and you don’t plan to spend tons of money on one, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller is the best budget stroller for you. Cheap lightweight stroller it is, but one with all the features you need.
At 12.87 pounds, this folding umbrella stroller can be done so single-handedly and it stands on its own for easy storage. The all-terrain wheels and front suspension give a smooth ride and we’ve tried – you can really manoeuvre it down a crowded street with just one hand. Theme park-approved, Disney fans will be able to bring it in for a whole day of fun without the strain.
The seat reclines into multiple positions and we’re pretty impressed that it comes with a child tray (with drink holder), a parent tray (with two drink holders!), and a roomy basket. In particular, the canopy is not the flimsy type but three-tier and can be extended for maximum sun coverage. There’s even a peek-a-boo window that tucks away when not needed, definitely exceeded our expectations of a basic stroller.
Things To Take Note Of
BEST UMBRELLA STROLLER FOR TALL PARENTS
Dimensions: 34.25 x 17.32 x 37.8 inches
Weight: 17 pounds
Age recommendation: from birth up to 4 years
Weight/Height Limit: up to 50 lbs.
Under-Carriage Storage: Yes
- Fits in airplane overhead storage compartment
- Car seat compatible
- Adjustable handlebar height
- Spring suspension & never-flat PU rubber tires
- Near-flat recline + adjustable leg rest
- Storage basket and back pocket
- Machine-washable soft ergonomic padding
- Quite expensive
Why We Love It
Many small strollers are equipped with just the basics. As such, you don’t get things like a telescopic handlebar which for caregivers of considerable height differences, can be pretty essential a feature to have. The Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Baby Stroller gives you just that – an adjustable handlebar so that parents of all statures can have the best ergonomic grip.
A lightweight stroller that reclines, it goes all the way down so it is ideal for bringing comfort to baby at all stages of growth. Speaking of which, you can use it right from newborn in the Newborn Nest setting that requires no extra accessories, or, you can purchase an adapter and attach your infant car seat onto it (compatible with Cybex, Nuna and Maxi Cosi).
It has the umbrella fold stroller that you like to the point that it can fit in most airplane overhead compartments when folded, and that’s without compromising the canopy size or storage space. For the latter, you get pockets at the back in addition to a rather roomy basket underneath the seat.
Also, the plush ergonomic padding is possibly the most padded we’ve ever come across!
Things To Take Note Of
BEST REVERSIBLE UMBRELLA STROLLER
Dimensions: 32 x 18 x 40 inches
Weight: 19 pounds
Age recommendation: from birth
Weight/Height Limit: up to 55 lbs.
Under-Carriage Storage: Yes
- 360-degree swivel seat
- Large expandable canopy
- Compatible with all Cybex infant car seats (adapters included)
- All-terrain wheels
- One-hand recline and leg adjustment
- Self-stand when folded
- Expensive
- Wider fold than an umbrella stroller
Why We Love It
If you have noticed, umbrella strollers only have forward-facing seats unlike their standard, full-sized counterparts which also offer the choice of parent-facing. If this is something you’d like, the Cybex Eezy S Twist +2 V2 Baby Stroller is a very good newborn umbrella stroller to consider.
Yup, you’ve read that right – newborns can use this reclining travel stroller right from the start thanks to its infant car seat compatibility. Only with their own Cybex car seats though which if you’ve read our review here, you’d know that they have one very special ‘360-rotating’ function that is its biggest highlight.
Not only does it allow you to have parent- or forward-facing modes, you can literally swivel it to any degree you want using just one hand, without taking the seat on or off. The all-terrain wheels make for a smooth ride on a variety of surfaces and both leg adjustment and reclining of the seat can be done single-handedly. This is an umbrella stroller with canopy you’ll love – it is of an XXL size and comes with a zippered section for the ultimate sun protection.
Things To Take Note Of
Despite being a foldable umbrella stroller, its size is a little wider when folded so that may take up a little more space if stored horizontally. Vertically will be a better stowage method – the self-stand feature makes it easier and more compact.
It is also one of the most expensive travel umbrella strollers on our list but when you take into consideration the bigger weight capacity (meaning, you can use it longer), it actually gives you good value for money.
How We Choose Our Best Umbrella Stroller (and the things you should look for)
Choosing the best umbrella stroller involves considering several important factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences. They are quite different from what you need to look for in other full-sized strollers, among which include:
1. Travel-Friendly Features
The purpose of getting an umbrella stroller lies predominantly in travel so we prioritize travel-friendly features such as overall portability, compact design and folding mechanism. We’ve included 2 options – the GB Pockit and Ergobaby Metro+ – that fit in airplanes’ overhead compartment for families on the go, as well as this Disney-approved stroller for theme park lovers.
2. Weight
It goes without saying that lightweight is the biggest appeal of an umbrella stroller – that’s the reason you forego the full-sized counterparts after all – but even then, know that there can be quite the variation for different models. For example, we have something as light as 10.4 pounds with the GB Pockit, and then there is the 18.2-pound Diono Flexa Luxe.
3. Age and Weight Range
This is something many parents fail to recognize. Most models start with 6 months as the age for umbrella stroller but there are newborn-suitable options that you can use right from birth with their travel system-compatibility (such as the Pockit, MINU V2, and YOYO2) or straight-out bassinet-ready with no attachments required. If you plan to be using yours for as long as possible, look also at the weight limit on umbrella stroller – this one here has one of the biggest capacities we’ve seen to date.
4. Recline Options
A lot of umbrella strollers actually cannot recline but you’d notice most of our selections above do (with the Diono Flexa even allowing a full recline), with models like this and this that allow a one-handed operation for convenience.
5. Storage Space
A lot of lightweight umbrella strollers do not come with storage baskets due to the risk of toppling it over as a result of overloading. We’ve picked those that come with at least a small under-carriage basket though (with some even with back pockets) because well, it’s pretty impractical not to have one. We make sure they’re of a steady built to minimize the risk, but do adhere to the weight limit at all times to ensure you don’t overload them.
6. Extra Features
Umbrella strollers are going to be more basic than your standard, full-sized ones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some of their features. Umbrella strollers with canopies are the bare minimum we looked for, but we also try to include things like cup holders, child/parent trays, and even parent-facing seats in our selections.
7. Price and Budget
While most lightweight strollers like that of an umbrella stroller are generally cheaper and more affordable, their price range can be pretty wide. You have those that are below $100 such as everyone’s favourite Summer stroller and the Kolcraft, and then there are models that come in the mid-hundreds like the MINU V2 or YOYO2.
The pricier ones generally come with more features with many being good enough to be an everyday-stroller substitution so yeah, determine your budget and find one that offers the features you need within your price range.
Do You Need An Umbrella Stroller?
It may not have all the bells and whistles like a full-size stroller but many families would have an umbrella stroller as a secondary stroller because well, they are just so convenient!
That said, whether or not you need an umbrella stroller depends on your specific lifestyle, the age of your child, and your personal preferences. For those that are not sure, here are some situations and factors to consider when determining if you need one, at all:
Do you travel a lot? If you are, there’s really nothing that can beat the convenience and portability brought about by a lightweight umbrella stroller. The compact fold, in particular, is what’s most enticing especially when you’re travelling overseas because many can be done so single-handedly, with some even fitting in airplanes’ overhead compartment to save you the trouble of gate-checking it in.
Do you live in the city? A small stroller like that of the umbrella type is probably more ideal if you live in an apartment or the city where space is usually tight and crowded. Imagine having to carry your stroller up and down the apartment steps, onto a bus, or the narrow streets and small stores, a lightweight umbrella stroller is certainly the more viable option.
Is your baby 6 months or older? If yes, you’ll probably appreciate having a secondary umbrella stroller for the quick trips and short errand-runnings. Your child will only get heavier and heavier so having a stroller that keep the weigh as minimal as possible is most welcomed. That said, there are options that let you transport your newborn right from day one with features like bassinet – or infant car seat-compatibility.
You just prefer a small and lightweight stroller. To be honest, when they weigh as little as 10 pounds, who can really resist an umbrella stroller? There are a million of other things you’ll need to carry so anything that minimizes the load, is welcomed. Made to be easy to carry around, many have a shoulder strap for that purpose and the compact size made it easy to store especially for those with limited space. And although they are probably not meant for such, some models can replace that as a primary stroller.
Other FAQs
Most will allow you to use one when your child turns 6 months old, but there are umbrella strollers that can accommodate a newborn bassinet or are infant car seat compatible nowadays so your little one can use it right from day one.
For the former, the Babyzen YOYO2 already comes with a bassinet attachment so you don’t have to buy one separately as is the case with the UPPAbaby MINU V2. Both are car seat compatible as well but again, you’ll need to buy the adapters on the side (as is with the Ergobaby). Otherwise, save the trouble and get either the Diono Flexa or Cybex Eezy S Twist +2 V2, both of which come ready with infant car seat adapters already.
