Umbrella Strollers

You can stand under my um-buh-rell-a [ella ella ella] AYE AYE AYE

Is baby getting too heavy to carry around in his car seat? Probably. It's time to simplify your life with an umbrella stroller.

3 m/o Alice in the UPPABaby G-Luxe

After many months of using your luxury, heavy-ass full-featured stroller, many moms are ready to ditch it for a lightweight umbrella stroller that can easily be thrown over the shoulder and tossed in the trunk. Being able to easily CARRY a stroller is key in places like Europe or other big cities where elevators aren't always an option. They're also essential for airline travel.

An umbrella stroller is called so because it folds up into a lightweight, stick-like umbrella-like carryable thingy thing (see below).

Umbrella strollers are generally cheaper than full-featured strollers -- just remember you are trading WEIGHT and SIZE for features. Don't plan on taking it jogging. Or to the beach (in fact, I laugh when I read reviews that say "this stroller isn't very good on hiking trails." No sh!t?). Don't expect a huge storage basket or a cell phone holder... you get the picture.

oh so small

Best Umbrella Strollers

$ - Economy 

First Years Ignite
Price: $60

Weighing in at 14 lbs, this beloved economy stroller is a best buy. Complete with a storage console and 6" wheels, he'll fold up nice and small to toss in the trunk. It also reclines a bit for the inevitable impromptu nap. This guy is ideal for tall people, but not so good for shorties.

First Years Ignite

Chicco Capri
Price: $68

Weighing in at only 11 lbs (very light!), the Capri is one of the lightest umbrellas on the market. This guy comes with a travel bag/cover and is ideal for air travel. He offers 2 recline positions, neither of which are totally flat. Oh yeah and he's nearly half the price of the UppaBaby G-Lite... just sayin.

Chicco Capri (c6)

$$ - Super Lightweight, Non-reclining 

UppaBaby G-Lite
Price: $150

The 2013 UPPABaby 2013 G series is out and it's FAB-u-lousss.

At only 8.3 lbs., the G-Lite is the lightest, full-size umbrella stroller on the market. It's the Macbook Air of strollers. It stands when folded, is easy to collapse, and has a superb sunshade (an inner shade that pulls down in addition to the regular shade). Note that this stroller does NOT recline [otherwise it wouldn't weigh 8.3 lbs, ya know?]

UPPABaby G-Lite

Price: $130

At $20 cheaper than the G-Lite, the Volo is also a sturdy, high-quality, super-lightweight (8.8lbs) umbrella stroller. It comes with a rain cover, but the sun shade is definitely inferior. *Also does not recline.

Maclaren Volo

$$ - $$$  Lighweight, Reclining

Price: $220

Weighing in at 11 lbs, the G-Luxe is the most popular umbrella stroller 'round these parts. Technically, it's the lightest and tallest full-size umbrella stroller that reclines. The 2013 model has amazing, high performance 5.5" wheels with shock absorbing suspension and new hand-level triggers for a quicker fold. This guy also stands up on his own and has the superior sunshade that UPPA is known for. This is the one I use on a daily basis [so you should definitely buy it, RIGHT?? Kidding].

UPPABaby G-Luxe

Ingelsina Swift
Price: $110

In the same weight-class as the G-Luxe (albeit 2 lbs heavier), the Ingelsia Swift delivers similar features and is a BARGAIN compared to the G-Luxe. And - ohhhh, Ingelsina is all sleek… Italian-ey. Me lovie, si, si!  It delivers a smooth ride, has 4-recline positions, and a good sunshade (although not as large as the G-Luxe's). Easy to fold, yada yada. 

Ingelsina Swift

** For about $200, also check out the Ingelsina Trip. At 14.5lbs, it includes a cup holder, a rain cover and a peek-a-boo window. It also has a lower recline position, so it can be used for newborns.

$$$$ - Pimpin'

Maclaren Techno
Price: $340

The Maclaren Techno is truly in a class of its own. At only 15 lbs, you get the convenience of an umbrella stroller with the features of a luxury stroller (well, almost).

The Techno has shock absorbing suspension, which makes it glide like butter [you know, for an umbrella stroller and all...]. For tall people, it has height-adjustable handles. With an extendable canopy (with flip-out UV visor), a rain cover, a peek-a-boo panel in the rear, and storage pockets... all your bases are covered. It also reclines nearly flat, so it can truly be used from birth. It comes with a Lifetime guarantee. 

If you're looking for a small, compact, easy to lift-and-carry stroller with luxury features, this is your dogg.

Maclaren Techno XT

** For a smaller version of this stroller with slightly fewer features, check out the almost-as-luxurious Maclaren Quest for $270.

You're probably also looking for a convertible car seat too, right? Come hither, my pretty -->> Top 5 Convertible Car Seats