If you’re a new or expectant parent, you know how much time and research goes into buying the best stroller for your family. But even after all that planning and prepping, many families find themselves needing a second stroller for traveling or quick trips. That’s where an umbrella stroller comes in. Umbrella strollers get their name because they fold vertically and become quite compact when not in use. They are also lightweight, usually less than 20 lbs., and are great for taking along on trips or for carrying up and down stairs.
While umbrella strollers do give parents an added level of convenience, they don’t have many cool features you can find on a regular stroller or travel system. Also, it’s good to keep in mind that umbrella strollers are not suitable for children younger than 4 months old. Babies that young can simply not support the weight of their heads in these types of strollers. That said, it’s still a great purchase and will come in handy down the line.
But picking the best umbrella stroller also requires a bit of research. Whether you’re using an umbrella stroller for travel or just for convenience will determine which type of umbrella stroller is perfect for your family. Luckily, because they are lightweight, they don’t cost as much as standard strollers, meaning you can easily pick up an affordable umbrella stroller at favorite retailers like Walmart (link to walmart.com) or Target (link to target.com).
- Best Overall Umbrella Stroller: Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
- Best Double Umbrella Stroller: Kolcraft Cloud Side-By-Side Double Umbrella Stroller
- Best Umbrella Stroller For Travel: GB Pockit
- Best Budget Umbrella Stroller: Cosco Comfort Umbrella Stroller
- Best Luxe Umbrella stroller: UPPABaby G-Luxe
- Best Lightweight Umbrella Stroller: Maclaren Mark II Stroller
- Best Umbrella Stroller For Infants: Joovy Groove Ultralight
Why You Need an Umbrella Stroller
An umbrella stroller can be a lifesaver for parents who need to quickly pack up and get moving, whether they’re traveling with kids or taking trips around town. Carrying a folded (or even open) umbrella stroller in one hand and your child in another is much easier than doing so with a standard stroller. Navigating airports is also a breeze, as umbrella strollers are narrow in size. Also, if car trips are your thing, an umbrella stroller will not take up much room in the trunk and will really help you out once you’re at your destination.
What to Consider When Buying an Umbrella Stroller
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Weight
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Most umbrella strollers weigh less than 20 lbs., but some even weigh less than 15 lbs. Check out the specifications on each umbrella stroller if weight is a factor.
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Cost
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While an umbrella stroller will likely cost much less than a regular stroller or travel system, some can get quite pricey. If this is your second or backup stroller, look for one that fits your budget.
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Storage
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Because these are rather small strollers, keep in mind that they aren’t going to be the best for providing extra storage. However, many umbrella strollers do provide baskets for small items.
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Travel Capability
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If you’re buying an umbrella stroller for travel, there are certain ones that are better than others. Models that are truly lightweight and also fold easily are your best bet.
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Added Features
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Umbrella strollers are pretty bare in the accessory department, but certain models will have added features, such as extended canopies, cup holders and travel bags and/or straps.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Image Credits: Amazon
Best Overall Umbrella Stroller
Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
This umbrella stroller is small but mighty. It features anti-shock front wheels, so there’s need to worry about extra jostling when out and about with your kids. It also has a removable canopy, a 4-position reclining seat and a 5-point harness. The extra-large storage basket can accommodate up to 10 lbs., so feel free to throw a diaper bag down there. The Summer Infant 3D Lite stroller also has an easy fold and a carry strap, so just throw it over your shoulder when folded, and you’re good to go.
Specifications:
Stroller weighs 13 lbs
Can hold a child up to 50 lbs.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
We are heavy airplane travellers (about 10-20 flights per year) and we have used this stroller on just about every one of those trips. It’s one of the most light-weight strollers on the market. There's a strong and easy handle to pick it up when it's folded. The handle has indents for fingers
very comfortable to hold the stroller with one hand and carry it down a jetbridge.
“After LOTS of research, I purchased this stroller a few months ago to be able to transport my one year old daughter around on vacation to Lake Como, Italy. The streets and terrain in Lake Como are far from ideal for a stroller, but this held up amazingly well over cobblestone streets, up and down stone stairs, through grass and dirt roads. I could not be happier with its performance.
I bought it to mostly use with my 4 month old, but my 4 year old fits perfectly in it too and loves it. The seat is huge and very comfortably padded. It has a very deep recline and is SO easy to adjust up and down! The canopy is huge and provides a lot of sun protection. I love the buckles on the seat it's easy and adjustable and I like that it has nice padding around the straps and clasps.
Image Credits: Amazon
Best Double Umbrella Stroller
Kolcraft Cloud Side-by-Side Double Umbrella Stroller
This stroller provides a lot in the way of a double umbrella stroller, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The Kolcraft Side-by-Side offers two independently reclining seats, a padded 5-point harness and extendable canopies with visor extensions. It also has roll-up seat backs that provide kids with extra ventilation during hot days. It’s easily folded and can stand up on its own when closed. It also has a parent cup holder to keep yourself caffeinated when you’re exhausted.
Specifications:
Stroller weighs 21 lbs.
Can accommodate two kids up to 70 lbs.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I was looking for an alternative double stroller other than my big fancy bulky one. Hands down this one is the Best! All of the other cheap double umbrella strollers don't have shades that cover the entire back of the head as well as additional coverage/shade that extends in the front.
I wanted a side by side so neither child had to take a backseat to the other. The sunshade is a nice size and I love the mesh back seats - both super important living in a very hot location! Also, nice and small to fit in trunk of my compact car easily. Also lightweight and opens/closes easily. No air wheels, so never have to worry about a flat tire.
Excellent stroller! Bought this to take on a trip with our two year olds. It gate checked no problem. Adjustable and d expandable canopy is awesome. A cup holder for my coffee as well! Very easy to fold up and store as well as pull out and use. Assembly was a breeze.
Image Credits: Amazon
Best Umbrella Stroller for Travel
GB Pockit
The GB Pockit is the smallest stroller on the market once folded, and it can easily be stowed in an overhead bin or even under the seat of an airplane. How amazing is that? In fact, its small size actually earned it a spot in the 2014 Guinness World Records book. It includes a 5-point safety harness, a small storage basket and it’s quite sturdy. Despite its size, the GB Pockit also has a fully padded seat.
Specifications:
Stroller weighs 9.5 lbs.
Can hold a child up to 55 lbs.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I absolutely love how compact this stroller is. The fold is glorious. I live in a small Boston apartment and compact is a BIG deal. I generally don't buy a product unless it is either multi-purpose and/or incredibly compact. The fabrics are fantastic
they seem durable and soft at the same time.
For starters, this stroller is tiny, it's thin, and it's light. This is not a heavy item which is awesome for traveling! Secondly, it folds to the perfect size and yes, I took it on the plane as a carry-on. It slide right under the seat. Literally. Right underneath.
I'm so excited about this stroller! I was surprised that it was a lot sturdier than I expected after reading some unfavorable reviews. It is very well made for an "umbrella" stroller. It's obviously not as sturdy as a travel system stroller, but it is an umbrella stroller so you shouldn't even be comparing the two. I purchased this to have something smaller and easy to take with us to the library, children's museum, and mall.
Image Credits: Walmart
Best Budget Umbrella Stroller
Cosco Comfort Umbrella Stroller
For just about $15, you can purchase a Cosco Comfort Umbrella Stroller, which is great if you plan on only using it on vacation or for visiting relatives—why not buy one there and leave it? Many parents love this stroller not only for the cost but also the cute patterns. Even at a low price point, this stroller comes in a wide selection of fun colors and prints. It’s compact and easy to fold, and actually quite durable.
Specifications:
Stroller weighs 8 lbs
Can hold a child up to 40 lbs.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This Cosco Umbrella Stroller is great!! You have to attach 2 wheels to the frame when it arrives but that was simple. It is super lightweight. I'm able to pick it up with one hand put it in the car or take it out. It folds up to where it barely takes up any room in the trunk of my car or foyer of the house.
This Cosco umbrella stroller is so very nice. It is very well made and has a lovely circular bead design. My daughter loves getting in it and going for a stroll. We have fun outdoors with it and it's so easy to use as the wheels are easy to maneuver. I like the feel of the fabric as it is soft and silky to the touch and easy to clean.
If a lightweight stroller is what you are looking for, this Cosco stroller fits the bill. Although it is very easy to lift, the metal construction is solid and well-designed. The stroller is easy to open and close and it folds up tightly, making it a great portable stroller. The wheels are also well-designed, constructed to move in any direction with ease.
Image Credits: Amazon
Best Luxe Umbrella Stroller
UPPABaby G-Luxe
This stroller is jam-packed with features such as a one-handed seat recline and adjustable foot rest. It also has an extendable UPF 50+ canopy and a storage basket that can hold up to 10 lbs. of stuff. No foot action is required to fold the stroller, and it conveniently stands on its own in the folded position. The UPPABaby G-Luxe also has a carry strap, a one-foot break and a fully padded, washable seat.
Specifications:
Stroller weighs 9.68 lbs.
Can hold a child up to 55 lbs.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
I love this stroller! It’s just perfect for our 6m old daughter. The most reclined position is almost flat and she loves it so much and it gives you enough space to even hang some toys.
We bought this because we are going on a trip, and needed a lightweight stroller to travel with. Once I figured out how to fold it up, it was so easy, and I love that it stands up folded. The seat cushion is nice and padded, love that it reclines, and has an extended leg rest.
We retired our Vista and moved on to the G-Luxe and are so happy! Our daughter usually walks, so it’s nice that this has a shoulder strap. It’s light enough for me or my husband to carry, not heavy at all. When she can’t keep up anymore this stroller is a comfy shaded spot for her to relax-plus, it reclines! Naps on the go are no problem!
Image Credits: Amazon
Best Lightweight Umbrella Stroller
Maclaren Mark II Stroller
Maclaren is a trusted brand when it comes to strollers — especially umbrella strollers, as that’s all that it makes. This stroller is exceptional because of its weight: less than 10 lbs.! Even with its light weight, the stroller reclines and has a storage basket. With a 5-point safety harness and shock-absorbing, four-wheel suspension, this stroller is also very safe. The Maclaren Mark II also features a carry strap and removable, washable seats, perfect for getting rid of all those airport germs.
Specifications:
Stroller weighs 7 lbs.
Can hold a child up to 55 lbs.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
Very easy to fold and open and you can just sling it over your shoulder. What a difference! Wheels rotate and steer surprisingly well. The front wheels pivot all around as well. My toddler loves it. He climbed right into it within minutes of opening the box.
Extremely lightweight: you can't get any lighter than this. Just on weight alone, the Mark II wins huge points. I can literally lift it by a finger. You don't even need to take your baby out to be able to carry the whole thing easily up or down a flight of stairs. This is crucial in NYC. Trust me, it's SO convenient not to even need to fold the stroller in the first place.
I purchased this stroller primarily because it's the lightest umbrella stroller around. This stroller maneuvers way better than I expected and feels surprisingly nice to push. It's easy to fold and unfold with one hand while holding a child and easily slings over the shoulder for navigating stairs while holding a child.
Image Credits: Amazon
Best Umbrella Stroller for Infants
Joovy Groove Ultralight
This stroller can be used from baby’s birth because it reclines to a fully flat position. It also has an adjustable leg rest with a built-in foot enclosure to ensure that baby is comfortable and safe at all times. It also features mesh pockets on the inside of the seat, so it’s perfect for storing a bottle, rattle or teether. The Joovy Groove Ultralight also has a 5-point harness and an extra-long canopy, and with two cup holders on the handlebars, this stroller is perfect for cruising around town with your newborn babe!
Specifications:
Stroller weighs 15 lbs.
Can hold a child up to 55 lbs.
What Reviewers Are Saying:
This is my second purchase of this stroller. I have used one for 6 months and loved it so much. I left that one at the grandparents house and purchased this one for our home. I fly a lot worth my son who is very heavy and tall. We started flying with this stroller when he was 5 months old, and it worked great because of the full reclining feature. We fly to Florida so the size of the canopy was an important feature. This is probably the largest canopy I have seen on an umbrella stroller.
This stroller has the most storage space of any lightweight stroller I have seen. We recently used it at Disney World. I was checking out other parents' lightweight strollers, and it definitely has so much more space on the bottom. I also love that you can lie the seat back almost perfectly flat. Great for naps!
I tried to do a lot of research to find the best umbrella stroller without breaking the bank - and I found it!!!! This stroller is awesome. Lightweight, comfortable for baby, cool color, easy to assemble, perfect handle material and height, etc...super excited about this stroller. I'd recommend it to anyone.
