 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
The Best Umbrella Strollers Guide for 2012Umbrellas vs. Lightweights and Best Models ReviewedUmbrella strollers are different than lightweight strollers. They generally have fewer features, a lighter weight and fold vertically with separate handles. Discover the best umbrella stroller for 2012 here. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a lightweight stroller and an umbrella-style stroller? I sure did until I did the research and this is what I found out: while being lightweight, an umbrella-style stroller usually has fewer features than lightweight strollers and they generally weigh less than 15 pounds. They are called an umbrella stroller because they have two handles shaped like umbrella handles and they fold vertically just like an umbrella. This type of stroller is meant for short trips, and not necessarily for long distance trips or walking around all day. Errands like short trips to the store or going around the neighborhood for family walks are ideal. Popular for being lightweight and easy to fold, this type of stroller allows for easy storage and traveling via plane or public transportation. CLICK HERE to go straight to the best umbrella stroller models & reviews for 2012! How big does my child have to be to ride?While many brands and models can sell for very cheap, it is recommended for your child's safety and for sanity to invest a bit more money for a better quality product. Many of them can carry children up to 50 pounds and are sturdy and well built. Babies under six months of age are not recommended to sit in this type of stroller because most do not have seats that recline flat. Babies need to be able to recline since the muscles in their neck aren't developed enough to hold their heads upright yet. Quite a few models don't have reclining seats at all, and are more suited as a second stroller for toddlers as opposed to being the main family stroller.  Important FeaturesOne of the important features to look for is comfort because this type of stroller often lacks the plush cushion padding that regular strollers have. Therefore, even for short trips, make sure that the seat has sufficient padding for your kiddo. Remember that newborns are not meant to ride in this kind of stroller. Other important features are a comfortable seat and safety harness; most will come with either a 3 or 5-point harness. A seat that reclines is a feature that's nice to have, in case your baby needs a short nap while being pushed around. However, most umbrella-style strollers do not have reclining seats, but it will not be much of a problem, since they are not meant for newborn babies. A safety harness is crucial for the safety of your baby, and it prevents the baby from slipping off the seat. This type of stroller must also be easy to maneuver and easy to fold, that's a big deal for parents who want to buy one. It should also have proper balance so that it will not tip backward when you've hung shopping bags and your purse off the handles. Best Umbrella Strollers for 2012Based on consumer reviews, professional guides, blog reviewers and as well as personal experience, these are the top-rated umbrella strollers this year. Click on your price point for the top three in each. Note: Some of these models are for 2011 as some manufacturers do not release their 2012 strollers til a bit later in the year. I frequently check availability to give you the latest. Best Umbrella Strollers up to $100The First Years Ignite
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
 |
View/Buy Product |
$51-$60
The First Years brand created the Ignite, one of the more economical umbrella strollers that is also highly rated across web retailers.
The Ignite weighs in at only 14 pounds, yet it is sturdy enough to carry your child up to 50 pounds. Parents write in enthusiastically giving this little umbrella stroller high ratings for the 5-point safety harness and for the comfortable foam handles that are high enough so that taller parents don't have to stoop over or kick the back when pushing.
This little gem comes in seven different color schemes with designs that are excellent for both boys, girls and gender neutral. It is a favorite for parents to take on vacation and on flights because it's so compact and convenient.
Read the reviews
Top Reasons to Buy
- 50-pound weight limit
- Great travel stroller
- Comfortable handle height for parents
Chicco Capri 
 |
Read Review | View/Buy Product |
$65-$80
Weighing only 11 pounds, the Chicco Capri is a lightweight umbrella stroller with an all-wheel suspension that allows smooth rides. This model has been compared to the Maclaren Volo with the same basic features, but at just about half the price.
The Capri offers variety with its removable and adjustable rounded sun canopy to protect your child. The 2-position reclining seat is also a bonus feature, which parents love, and the seat has a footrest for the child, which is the most comfortable way to stretch out for a little nap.
The Capri also comes with a carrying strap and travel bag, making transport extremely easy, and 5-point harness for extra safety. Parents have also given positive reviews on the Capri, mentioning that it is comfortable and roomy for the child to nap in. It is also a very sturdy and stable stroller, and does not tip forward.
There are hundreds of reviews online
Want a Chicco umbrella stroller with a few more amenities? Then you might want to take a look at the Chicco Liteway, a well-designed 4-star rated model for about $40 more.
Top Reasons to Buy
- Roomy seat for comfort
- 2-position reclining seat
- Comes with carry strap and travel bag
Graco Ipo
 |
View/Buy Product |
$82-$89
Weighing in at only 17 pounds, this umbrella stroller is ready to go anywhere at anytime. It's your "on-the-go doing errands" stroller. The ergonomic handles on the Graco Ipo make pushing a breeze and you can see your little one anytime with the peek-a-boo window in the canopy. It also has a reclining seat and a storage basket, features that are not that common on umbrella strollers, especially for the price.
Parents like that it is easy to fold and carry around and it is a popular stroller to take with you on vacation to places like Disneyland. And while this is not the lightest umbrella stroller around, it is sturdy and can hold a child up to 50 pounds.
The Ipo has excellent marks from Consumer Reports for ease of use and maneuverability and a very good mark for safety. With ratings like that and 4-star reviews from parents just like you, you can't go wrong with the Graco Ipo. Check out those fab reviews here.
Top Reasons to Buy
- Sturdy with 50-pound weight capacity
- Ergonomic handles for parents' comfort
- Decent-sized storage basket
Best Umbrella Strollers between $100 - $150
UPPABaby G-Lite 
 |
Read Review | View/Buy Product |
$120
"Lite" is the perfect description as the smallest of the UPPAbaby strollers. Weighing a mere 8.8 pounds, the G-Lite can still hold up to 50 pounds, making this your stroller of choice to take with you on all those everyday errands.
While similar models like the Maclaren Volo have sling seats, the G-Lite has a soft, cushy seat pad that you can remove and wash. The pad also has StainDefend, to keep it looking pretty. Other features include tall ergonomic handles for your comfort and hand-operated opening triggers; no need to unfold with your foot. An elevated rear frame reduces toe stubs while walking.
How do customers feel about their G-Lite UPPAbaby strollers? Recent reviews
Top Reasons to Buy
- Feather light, yet holds 50 pounds
- Soft, washable seat pad
- Easy to maneuver
Inglesina Swift
 |
Read Review | View/Buy Product |
$129
If you want a lightweight stroller known for durability, quality and function, then you need to take a look at the Inglesina Swift. This stroller weighs 13 pounds and can carry a maximum weight of 55 pounds. While the Swift doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the pricier umbrella strollers, it does have features that parents rave about.
The Inglesina Swift has a spacious basket beneath the seat that can hold almost 7 pounds, which is quite big for an umbrella stroller. Parents, you also enjoy tall ergonomic handles and superb maneuverability. The seat reclines in 4 positions and owners give a thumbs up for their child's comfort. Oh, you also get to choose from four colors in the 2012 collection.
Overall ratings are between 4 & 4½ stars for the larger wheels and better maneuverability. Parents like to take this stroller traveling with them so their child can have a comfortable place to nap. I tested this stroller, and have discovered even more benefits, but you'll have to read my Inglesina Swift review. This is certainly a "best umbrella stroller"!
Top Reasons to Buy
- Larger wheels = better maneuverability
- Big storage basket
- Durable with 55-pound weight capacity
Chicco Liteway
 |
Read Review | View/Buy Product |
$120 - $125
The Liteway is Chicco's compact stroller with more features and amenities than the Capri.
Your baby is comfortable and safe with a padded five-point safety harness and a five-position reclining cushioned seat, including flat for newborns. For infants, the Chicco Liteway has a hideaway "boot" that folds into an enclosure when your babe is reclining, keeping your little one cocooned and safe while sleeping.
Mom gets some perks, too, and you're going to love this unique feature: the storage basket is detachable and converts to sling tote for carrying baby's things! Parents also have a cup holder, something missed dearly on many umbrella stroller models.
The Liteway Chicco stroller folds up ultra-compact and has a carrying handle for easy transport. Reviews for this stroller have been outstanding with an average rating at 4 stars. It is a clear favorite in the best umbrella strollers category; discover exactly why when you read the Chicco Liteway review.
Top Reasons to Buy
- 5-position reclining seat, including flat for newborns
- Hideaway boot for an infant enclosure
- Loaded with features but less expensive
Best Umbrella Strollers over $150
Maclaren Quest Sport
 |
Read Review | View/Buy Product |
$230
For active parents on the go, the Maclaren Quest Sport provides a lightweight solution, yet provides the comfort your child needs such as adjustable leg support. These extra features are a notch up from the Maclaren Triumph, and parents feel it is well worth the price for these comforts for their child.
While a newborn cannot ride in the Quest Sport, a baby as young as 3 months old can because the seat reclines nearly flat. It also has several more features worth checking out.
Discover the detailed differences between this stroller and the popular Maclaren Triumph, and why customers give this stroller a 4½-star rating. This is a Stroller Envy review exclusive where I show you the funky denim model, so you don't want to miss the Maclaren Quest Sport review!
Top Reasons to Buy
- Pull-out leg support for your child's comfort
- Superb maneuverability and sturdiness
- Near-flat seat recline
UPPAbaby G-Luxe
 |
Read Review | View/Buy Product |
$190
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is very popular for several reasons. First it is "lightest full-size reclining umbrella stroller in the US" because it weighs only 11 pounds and reclines to a 120° angle. Even more impressive is that this feather-light umbrella stroller can hold your child up to 50 pounds!
The G-Luxe has gotten 4 and 4½-star ratings across many different web retailers for such features as the compact stand-alone fold and the enormous SPF50 sun canopy. It's an amazing little stroller with Consumer Reports giving it an excellent mark for maneuverability.
Parents use the UPPAbaby G-Luxe for going on family vacations, taking it on aiplanes for trips abroad, and keeping it in the car trunk to run everyday errands. It's earned quite a reputation for being one of the absolute best umbrella strollers you can buy today. You'll be surprised at what else this fantastic stroller can offer you as you read the UPPAbaby G-Luxe review.
Want something a bit more basic? Check out the UPPAbaby G-Lite if you'd like to have a very simple, yet outstanding UPPAbaby umbrella stroller.
Top Reasons to Buy
- Enormous sun canopy with visor
- Standing fold for easy storage and cleanliness
- Excellent maneuvering
Peg Perego Pliko Mini
 |
Read Review | View/Buy Product |
$199-$249
Let us welcome the newest member of the Peg Perego family - the Mini. Weighing only 13 pounds and very compact, this little umbrella stroller still has all the superb qualities that Peg Perego has built its reputation on.
This new Peg Perego baby stroller boasts features like a one-handed umbrella fold using a centrally placed handle for convenience. Yep, you can fold it while holding your baby! Transport is easy with another carrying handle on the side.
Your child has a three-position reclining seat as well as an adjustable leg rest for optimum comfort at naptime. To add in some fun, this stroller has a loop on the sun canopy to attach favorite toys.
Like the other Peg Perego strollers, the Pliko Mini has tons of style; choose from several colors with matching accents on the wheels. The front wheels swivel or lock and have shock absorbers for a smooth ride. Owners rate the Pliko Mini at 4 stars for several features. Find out which ones in Stroller Envy's Peg Perego Pliko Mini review.
Top Reasons to Buy
- Luxurious fabric in fashionable colors
- 1-handed fold for quick transport
- Sun shade provides ample coverage
You might also like:
 |
 |
Search Stroller Envy:
Stroller Types
Stroller Brands
Site Info
Add Stroller-Envy to your favorite bookmarking service!