Having a stroller is essential when you have a baby. But sometimes your full-size stroller can be bulky, heavy, and just all-around hard to maneuver. That’s where an umbrella stroller comes in. Umbrella strollers are a great second stroller for parents as they’re compact, lightweight, portable, and easy-to-fold, making them a great travel stroller. You can use them for quick errands, trips, or vacations (as many fit in the overhead bin on a plane.) If you live in a city, they may just be your preferred option to navigate busy streets.
Of course, some umbrella strollers are better than others, and certain stroller types might be worth your time and money. We thoroughly researched and reviewed the the top-rated umbrella strollers on the market narrowed our list down to the best nine strollers that meet the mark and are parent-approved. In our research we found that the best umbrella strollers have features including: shoulder straps, one-handed fold capabilities, sun canopy, room to store things, seat back or seat recline positions, and a peek-a-boo window that lets you watch your child from above.
When selecting your second stroller, you should now that jogging stroller are sought after by active parents. This is a great option but are not ideal for travel and busy city streets. For parents looking for a lightweight stroller that is easy to move around or fit into an aircraft’s overhead compartment, an umbrella stroller is still the best option.
Umbrella vs. Jogging Stroller
Good umbrella strollers are made for everyday situation. They are meant to be lightweight so they can be easily carried, they have space to store things so you can carry essentials like diapers, bibs and food. Typical umbrella strollers should be to fold (hence the name umbrella) and easy to travel because they fit comfortably in your car trunk and overhead bins on planes.
Strollers that are specifically built with large air-filled wheels and additional suspension called jogging strollers. The main purpose of these stroller is to give you the ability to run safely with your child in all terrains. They are great option for active parents, but not so much for those looking for a stroller that can fit basically anywhere. That’s when umbrella strollers come in handy.
The Best Umbrella Strollers of 2024
- Best Overall: Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe Compact Baby Stroller
- Best for Sun Protection: UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller
- Best Budget: Summer 3Dmini Convenience Stroller
- Best Splurge: Thule Urban Glide 3
- Best for Travelling: Kolcraft Cloud Plus
- Best Double Stroller: Dream On Me Volgo Twin Umbrella Stroller
- Best for Maneuverability: Jeep PowerGlyde Plus Stroller by Delta Children
- Best Compact: BABY JOY Lightweight Baby Stroller
- Best Collapsible: Chicco Liteway® Stroller, Compact Fold Baby Stroller With Canopy
Best Overall: Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe Compact Baby Stroller
- Dimensions: 34.3″L x 17.3″W x 38.8″H
- Weight: 18.1 pounds
- Capacity: 50 pounds
Pros:
- Smooth ride and is easy to maneuver
- Compact fold and is easy to carry
- Full-size reclinable seat
Cons:
- Can be challenging to open and fold (need two hands)
- Have to manually adjust the seat back
Why We Chose it
The Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe Compact Baby Stroller is one of the best umbrella strollers overall, largely because of its quality and versatility. There’s a lot to like about this baby stroller. Even though it has a relatively high price tag, it’s a top pick, offering functionality regardless of the outing.
It’s easy to store and weighs less than 20 pounds. It’s also highly comfortable and ergonomic, with a near-flat recline control and the most padded seat for your baby of any ultra-compact stroller. The adjustable leg rest is also excellent for kids as they ride along, too.
Are you taller or shorter than average? You’ll appreciate the adjustable handlebar, which is ergonomically designed to boost your posture as you push the stroller down the street.
This excellent, high-quality stroller also includes a variety of accessories, including a cup holder, a leatherette support bar, and a weather shield. The weather shield or umbrella is ideal for protecting your baby from sun, wind, rain, and anything else you might encounter.
Best for Sun Protection: UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller
- Dimensions: 28.75″L x 18.75″W x 43″H
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Capacity: 55 pounds
Pros:
- Convenient shoulder carry strap
- One-handed recline and adjustable leg rests
- Extra-large multi-paneled canopy with UPF 50+
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a snack tray
- Can be tricky to fold and unfold
Why We Chose it
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller is arguably the best umbrella stroller overall if your priority is protecting your little one from the sun–specially if you live in Miami.
This phenomenal stroller has an extendable and pop-out sunshade rated at UPF 50+, comparable to the most powerful sunscreen you can get. This sunshade protects your baby from sunburns and other issues, even if you are walking in bright sunlight.
The rest of the stroller is similarly well-designed. It stands up when you fold it up and comes with a removable cup holder. The stroller is made of easy-to-remove and washable fabrics, which help clean up any messes your little one might make.
Meanwhile, it’s also a very comfortable umbrella stroller featuring a one-handed actuated recline plus an adjustable leg rest. These features make it great to walk around with and to stroll around: perfect for parents who are always on the go and are tired of strollers ruining their posture.
Best Budget: Summer 3Dmini Convenience Stroller
- Dimensions: 18″L x 31″W x 40″H
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Capacity: 45 pounds
Pros:
- Easy to fold and unfold
- Lightweight and easy to travel with
- Good sun coverage
Cons:
- Storage basket can be hard to access
- Sunshade tends to pop off when folding the stroller up
Why We Chose it
Summer’s 3Dmini Convenience Stroller is the best umbrella stroller if you need something affordable and effective in equal measure. This lightweight infant stroller is made with alloy steel and 100% polyester fabric. It weighs only 11 pounds and has a full-sized seat with anti-shock front wheels and lockable rear wheels.
In addition, the stroller will keep your little one comfortable thanks to multiposition recline options. The padded five-point safety harness will keep your child safe and secure while strolling around, and it can hold up to 45 pounds at once.
The storage basket, twin cup holders, and compact foldability also make it relatively hassle-free when putting the stroller away. The canopy is also pretty well-designed, featuring a flip-out sun visor useful for shading your child during scorching, sunny days.
Best Splurge: Thule Urban Glide 3
- Dimensions: 48.8″L x 31.1″W x 44.5″H
- Weight: 26.2 pounds
- Capacity: 49 pounds
Pros:
- Ideal for newborns and toddlers
- Very smooth ride
- On-hand fold
- Adjustable handlebar
Cons:
- On the more expensive side
- Seat back is still slightly reclined in upright position
Why We Chose it
No matter if you jog regularly or just need a trusty stroller that’ll keep your child comfy and safe, you’ll love the Thule Urban Glide 3. One of the things we love most about this stroller is the large 16″ air-filled tires that give it great suspension through city streets and through rougher terrain. The front wheel swivels 360 degrees, making it easy to maneuver through crowded areas, but it also locks into place when you want to kick it up a notch and go for a run.
The extra features are what makes this stroller worth the higher price point. The one-handed, compact fold makes it easy to transport wherever you need to take it. There’s also a cargo basket with a zip-top cover, designed to keep your belonging safe. It can hold up to 25 pounds. The handle bar can also be adjusted to five different positions, depending on the height of the person pushing the stroller. The reflective trim on the canopy ensures you’re always seen, and the peak-a-boo window lets you check on your sleeping child without disrupting them.
Best for Travelling: Kolcraft Cloud Plus
- Dimensions: 29.9″L x 17.6″W x 41.7″H
- Weight: 11.8 pounds
- Capacity: 50 pounds
Pros:
- Easy to fold and unfold with one hand
- Lightweight and can maneuver easily on smooth surfaces
- Sunshade blocks the sun well
Cons:
- Doesn’t fully recline
- Cup holders are small
Why We Chose it
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Easy Fold Compact Travel Toddler Stroller is another of the best umbrella strollers. It’s an excellent pick if you like to travel frequently. It features a five-point harness that can fit infants and toddlers, keeping them safe and secure in the seat at all times.
It’s also a lightweight stroller perfect for traveling and day trips. You can fold it in half using just one hand, so it’s easy to load into your car or a bus storage compartment. The reclining seat can accommodate children up to 50 pounds, and the stroller benefits from solid wheels and a front suspension to guarantee a smooth ride.
Meanwhile, this is an umbrella stroller because it comes with an extended, three-tier canopy that provides good sun coverage. When you want to check on your little one, you can do so through a small window. It’s a great choice if you need to take your kid on vacation to a theme park or travel with your child to see family members frequently.
Best Double Stroller: Dream On Me Volgo Twin Umbrella Stroller
- Dimensions: 29.5″L x 28.5″W x 40″H
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Capacity: 80 pounds
Pros:
- Super lightweight and easy to fold
- Lots of storage space
- Each side reclines individually
Cons:
- Could be higher quality
- Handle is on the lower side, which isn’t ideal for taller people
Why We Chose it
Dream On Me’s Volgo Twin Umbrella Stroller is the only real choice if you have twins. With two seats side by side and two matching umbrellas to boot, it’s a fantastic stroller solution if you want to simultaneously protect both of your kids without having to move around two separate strollers.
Despite having two different seats, it’s compact and less than 30 inches wide. The lightweight, durable iron frame can fold inward with one hand, making it easy to store. The seats have very generous recline footrests and a removable front bar, allowing you to install additional protection for your kids.
The netted storage pockets on the back of each seat give you plenty of storage space, and each seat can support kids from up to six months old or up to 40 pounds. It is also a very smooth stroller, thanks to the soft ride wheels, which facilitate less pushing effort on your part. That’s a significant benefit when you push two kids around instead of one!
Best for Maneuverability: Jeep PowerGlyde Plus Stroller by Delta Children
- Dimensions: 10″L x 8″W x 46″H
- Weight: 16.7 pounds
- Capacity: 50 pounds
Pros:
- Convenient for travel
- Height makes it ideal for taller people
- Rolls smoothly, even on rough terrain
- Plenty of storage space
Cons:
- Does not fully recline
- On the heavier side
Why We Chose it
The Jeep PowerGlyde Plus Stroller by Delta Children should also be considered, especially if you are looking for an umbrella stroller that provides a smooth experience for your little one.
This lightweight travel stroller has swivel front wheels that leverage precision technology to give you top-tier control and effortless pushing power. It’s easy to maneuver this stroller in any way you need to.
On top of that, it comes with locking back brakes and puncture-proof 6-inch tires that are durable and shock-absorbent. The stroller has a durable aluminum frame, weighing only around 13 pounds.
Furthermore, you can fold this up and use an automatic latch lock when traveling or storing the stroller in a closet.
Add to that an oversized canopy with a sun visor with UPF 50+ sun protection, and it’s clear that this is a stellar choice for any outdoor adventures you might want to take your baby on. Pick this if you take your child to a national park, the ground in the summer, or any other place where you might have to take the stroller off paved roads.
Best Compact: BABY JOY Lightweight Baby Stroller
- Dimensions: 28.5″L x 20.5″W x 38″H
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Capacity: 33 pounds
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Mesh net included to protect against bugs
- Reclines to 175 degrees
Cons:
- Storage area could be bigger
- Seat back is still slightly reclined in upright position
Why We Chose it
Baby Joy’s Lightweight Baby Stroller is adjustable and, above all else, folds up super compact. It can be folded and unfolded only using one hand. This stroller is also one of the most comfortable on the market, featuring a padded seat with skin-friendly fabric. The phone comfort handlebar is perfect for parents, and it comes with a safety tether strap that can attach to your wrist as you are out and about.
Furthermore, this is a highly smooth stroller with many adjustable controls and four-wheel suspensions, guaranteeing good shock absorption and steady walking as you stroll down the street or even on grass or gravel at the park. The storage basket at the bottom of the stroller rounds out its convenient range of benefits.
It also comes with a full, ventilating shield that goes down the front of the stroller, allowing you to protect your baby from mosquitoes and other insects while also being able to look in on them and ensure proper airflow.
Best Collapsible: Chicco Liteway® Stroller, Compact Fold Baby Stroller With Canopy
- Dimensions: 34.5″L x 18.5″W x 41″H
- Weight: 17.2 pounds
- Capacity: 40 pounds
Pros:
- Easy to fold
- Ideal for babies and toddlers
- Four-position backrest with one-hand adjustments
- Convenient for travel
Cons:
- Does not fit in the overhead bin
- Sun shade pops off easily
Why We Chose it
Chicco’s Liteway Stroller is a phenomenal choice if you are primarily concerned about folding and storing the stroller. As an umbrella stroller, it has good shade and a visor to protect your little one from excessive sunshine. But this travel-friendly stroller is also relatively lightweight at just 17 pounds.
The aluminum frame is light and durable and can fold up quite easily with just one hand. The automatic storage latch and carry handle make it trivial to lift the stroller and put it in your car, a bus storage compartment, a closet, or anywhere else.
The stroller also has plenty of extra added features, like padded handles, a cup holder, and a storage basket. The adjustable leg rest is also pretty nice, giving extra calf support for growing children. Mesh side panels let you peek in on your child from above while they snooze.
The Bottom Line
With so many different umbrella strollers to pick from, you might not know which one you should stick with. Consider what you want to protect your child from, then go from there. The Ergobaby Mertro+ Deluxe stroller is our top overall pick because of the quality and versatility you get for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are umbrella strollers worth it?
Yes, umbrella strollers are the worth it if you’re looking for a sturdy stroller that is lightweight, foldable and easy to travel with. The umbrella strollers we recommend are all good options and some are around $100.
What are umbrella strollers used for?
Umbrella strollers are used for long days out with your baby and are great to take with you on vacation, or even take when you’re just running a quick errand. Often they are more budget-friendly options than traditional strollers and portable, making them an ideal travel companion.
Do you have to gate-check umbrella strollers?
Gate checking your umbrella stroller will depend on the airline. But if the stroller fits in the overhead bin compartment of the aircraft you are boarding, you will not have to gate-check an umbrella stroller.
What age are umbrella strollers for?
Most umbrella stroller don’t include a bassinet or infant insert, the recommended age for umbrella strollers is for children who are at least six month, or when they hit the weight limit. Babies should use an umbrella stroller when they can sit up on their own and don’t need a recline to be comfortable
When are umbrella strollers safe?
Umbrella strollers are usually safe for babies who are at least six months old and who can sit up independently. They should be able to control their head and neck without needing assistance. Your pediatrician might have a more specific recommendations of when your baby is ready to use an umbrella stroller.
