skip to main content
Best Umbrella Strollers of 2024
January 4, 2024

Best Umbrella Strollers of 2024

By Babylist Team
Babylist editors love baby gear and independently curate their favorite products to share with you. If you buy something through links on our site, Babylist may earn a commission.
Pinterest logo.
Best Umbrella Strollers of 2024.
Photo by @simpleblyss

A full-size stroller can be clutch when you’re out and about with your little one. But sometimes you don’t want to lug around something bulky—even if it does hold everything. When your outing will be fast or you need to travel light, an umbrella stroller is a great alternative.

Do You Need an Umbrella Stroller?

The lightest of the stroller styles, the umbrella stroller quickly folds into a slender, vertical shape similar to its namesake. Umbrella strollers are often lightweight and lack some of the amenities you find in traditional strollers.

You definitely don’t need one, but many parents find an umbrella stroller convenient for travel, quick trips or any time they don’t feel like dealing with the hassles of a bulkier, full-size stroller. They also tend to be an inexpensive stroller choice, so you can have one in addition to your bigger stroller.

Not sold on the umbrella stroller? You may want to check out a travel stroller. Travel strollers, also called lightweight strollers, strike a balance between traditional and umbrella styles. They’re lighter than most full-size strollers and feature a compact, vertical fold in contrast to umbrella strollers’ slim, horizontal fold. Travel strollers often have many of the same amenities as full-size strollers, just in a more small-scale design.

How We Chose Our Best Umbrella Strollers

We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the baby products they love the most, then took the top products they shared with us and added our own research and insight to tell you about the best umbrella strollers.

Best Overall Umbrella Stroller

The Scoop
  • Great features, maneuverability + price
  • Near-flat recline
  • Lightweight—13 pounds
What Our Experts Say

It’s tough to find an umbrella stroller that checks all the boxes—but the 3D Lite comes pretty close. It combines some impressive features with a price point of under a hundred bucks, making it one of our all-time favorite and most-recommended umbrella strollers.

A few things stand out with this stroller. First, its light weight—only about 13 pounds thanks to the stroller’s aluminum frame. Then there’s the (long) list of great features: a simple, compact fold; a built-in carry strap; a reclining seat that lays nearly flat; comfy seat padding and a large, adjustable canopy; and an XL storage basket underneath that easily holds all of your stuff. At under $100, it’s an incredible value for a stroller with this many great features.

What’s Worth Considering

If your budget allows you to spend a bit more, check out the 3D Lite +. It has all the same great features as the 3D Lite plus a one-hand, multi-position recline option and some helpful add-ons like a peek-a-boo window, cell phone holder and premium fabrics.

What Babylist Parents Say

“I love this stroller. It’s light and compact yet sturdy. My baby likes to be front facing so she loves it. It’s a really good stroller for the price.” -Tiffany

Additional Specs
Stroller Weight 13 lbs
Age Range From six months up to 50 lbs

Best Umbrella Stroller for Tall Parents

The Scoop
  • Easy to steer and maneuver
  • Good pick for taller parents
  • Packed with high-end features
What Our Experts Say

It’s no secret that UPPAbaby makes some of the best strollers around, and their take on the umbrella stroller falls right in line with everything we love about this innovative brand.

Unlike most umbrella strollers, the G-Luxe features all-wheel suspension, so it’s a lot easier to steer and maneuver than many other similar strollers. This is especially important if you’ll frequently be using the stroller on uneven or bumpy terrain. There’s a one-handed reclining seat—a must-have for naps on the go—and an extendable sunshade that provides UPF 50+ protection. There’s also ample storage under the seat. And as for the fold, it’s quick and easy. The stroller stands on its own when folded and features a built-in carry strap.

One more thing to note here: the G-Luxe is great for taller parents. Umbrella strollers are notoriously tricky for taller parents thanks to their low frame height and lack of telescoping handles. (If you’re tall, you’ll keep inadvertently kicking the bar between the lower back wheels of the stroller with your feet while you walk—no fun at all.) Although the handles on the G-Luxe don’t adjust, the large, high frame and specific angle of the handles allow for plenty of space between you and the stroller, and you won’t kick into it while you push. Win!

What’s Worth Considering

The G-Luxe doesn’t come cheap; it’s one of the pricier picks on our list. It’s also one of the heavier.

Need a double umbrella stroller? Check out the G-Link 2.

Additional Specs
Stroller Weight 16.3 lbs
Age Range From three months up to 55 lbs

Most Affordable Umbrella Stroller

The Scoop
  • Ultra affordable
  • Mesh back great for warmer climates
  • Compact + lightweight (under 10 pounds)
  • No recline
What Our Experts Say

You don’t need to spend a fortune on an umbrella stroller. Although you won’t find a ton of bells and whistles here, the Kolcraft Cloud is a lightweight, compact stroller that’s a solid choice if you’re looking to keep your budget low. It’s also a great choice if you don’t plan on using your umbrella stroller on the regular or need an extra to keep at the grandparents’ house or for a quick daycare commute.

The Cloud has all the basic features of an umbrella stroller including a quick, simple fold, an extended sun canopy, a small storage basket and shock-absorbing front wheels. If you live in a warm climate (or are traveling somewhere that’s warm), this stroller offers a nice perk—the back fabric of the seat rolls up to expose mesh for better air circulation.

Due to the stroller’s compact size, it can only be used until your little one reaches 40 pounds, which is a significantly lower weight limit than most of the other strollers on our list. It’s also not ideal for taller parents to push. But since it’s also only going to cost you a fraction of what you’d pay for the other strollers on our list, so we don’t see these as huge negatives.

What’s Worth Considering

The Cloud will have a shorter lifespan when compared to many other umbrellas due to its lower weight limit and smaller frame, as mentioned above. There’s a three-point harness instead of a five-point, and the seat doesn’t recline at all so naps on-the-go can be tough. And the undercarriage basket doesn’t hold much.

The Cosco Umbrella Stroller with Canopy is also worth a look if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly umbrella stroller.

Additional Specs
Stroller Weight 9.5 lbs
Age Range Up to 40 lbs

Most Compact Umbrella Stroller

The Scoop
  • Fits in a diaper bag and under an airplane seat when folded
  • Weighs less than 10 pounds
  • No recline
What Our Experts Say

Umbrella strollers are generally lightweight and compact—but the GB Pockit takes things to a whole new level.

Named the World’s Smallest Folded Stroller by the Guiness Book of World Records (really), the Pockit fits in a diaper bag when folded. It also fits under an airplane seat, making this stroller a great choice if you’re a family who’s regularly on the go.

The stroller’s five-point harness is easy to adjust and, despite the stroller’s small size, the Pockit works for a little one up to 55 pounds. The stroller folds and unfolds in only a few seconds and can be steered one-handed. 

What’s Worth Considering

The design that makes this stroller so compact is also what causes a few of its drawbacks. There’s no recline at all, and the fold does take a bit of practice to master. And the canopy is tiny as is the under-the-seat storage. These aren’t deal breakers at all—you just need to be aware of them before you commit.

What Babylist Parents Say

“Fits in a large tote bag! So convenient for stashing while traveling, restaurants, at daycare etc. Light weight enough to pick up by myself and very easy to fold and unfold, once we got the hang of it.” -Olivia

Additional Specs
Stroller Weight 9.5 lbs
Age Range From six months up to 55 lbs
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and review products, as well as the Babylist Health Advisory Board.