Most moms are ready to switch to a reclining umbrella stroller after carrying their baby around in a heavy full-featured stroller for several months. Especially when there are other carrying items involved in your everyday life like car seats or carriers.
Once your baby reaches a certain weight, it just seems like there must be an easier option to travel with the baby than hurting your back muscles on a regular basiswith the addedpounds in your daily travel.
A reclining umbrella stroller folds up into a lightweight, transportable stroller just like an umbrella would. It helps make traveling with your baby much lighter and easier especially at a busy airport if you’re traveling by airplane.
Luckily, there is a reclining umbrella stroller that is a perfect fit for every type of mom. Whether you are an at-home mom or a working mom, I have the inside scoop on the best reclining umbrella strollers available on the market.
After extensive research and testing, we have everything you need to know to make an informed decision before purchasing a reclining umbrella stroller. Let’s review the key features of my hotlist so you can decide which model works best for you.
How to Choose the Best Reclining Umbrella Stroller
The new generation of lightweight strollers has emerged and now come equipped with useful features for parents to enjoy like large storage bins, umbrellas, reclining seats, and adjustable leg rests. After studying many different styles and brands I found that the most important components were:
Size &Versatility
This is one area where size does matter and is an essential factor in how the stroller performs. Lightweight strollers came about when consumers were looking for a smaller, lightweight, and compact solution for traveling with older babies and toddlers.
Having a lightweight stroller helps you carry, lift, and store your travel system. The standard-sized strollers become an inconvenience over time, especially as your baby gains weight.
Just because you purchase a reclining umbrella stroller for its light weight and convenience, it doesn’t necessarily mean that each model will give you quality performance. Each stroller I reviewed and tested had different key features, and not all were what I would look for when buying a lightweight stroller.
For example, some models have an umbrella or shades, but not all had an SPF rating to protect a baby from the sun. Some umbrellas attached to the back while others only provide side protection.
Then there were umbrellas that were so adjustable; your baby could easily use it as a toy to play with. You want to make sure that the stroller you choose has features that work and not features that just look nice on the packaging.
Performance
When looking for features that work best to make a solid decision on which reclining umbrella stroller to buy, it’s important that you choose one that not only works but works well.
Testing and researching the various styles helped shed some light on the different builds and options, and I was surprised at how specific features impacted performance. There were many consistencies and also many distinctions that made one model perform better than others.
Pricing
Reclining umbrella strollers are fairly priced, but this is surely an item where you shouldn’t expect that the most expensive picks mean that they are the “better” choices. Yes, you should factor pricing to fit your budget, but more importantly, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth. You can gauge what is worth your dollars you based on how often and how long you will use your new stroller.
Durability
One feature that makes lightweight strollers a popular alternative from the standard strollers is the cost as explained above. Yes it’s true, they are less expensive than a full-sizestroller, but pricing shouldn’t also mean lesser quality.
How often you plan to use your stroller will play a key role in how durable it is and that’s why it’s important to research and determine based on findings which stroller will work best for the amount of use you plan to put into it.
Other Things to Consider
- Comfort: Not all lightweight strollers recline, and if you plan to use the stroller often, you’re going to want to make sure your baby is comfortable. If you think you’ll use the stroller for long trips, chances are the baby will need to nap at some point so keep that in mind and make sure your lightweight umbrella stroller reclines.
- Location: Where will you be using your reclining umbrella stroller? It’s important to consider whether your stroller will mostly be used on busy city streets, grass-filled parks, airports, or mostly taking walks on the sidewalks of your neighborhood. Where you use your stroller will play a big role in choosing which model will work best for you.
- Brakes: Every stroller will come with some type of braking mechanism, but that doesn’t mean they are all good even when they look exactly like other models. It’s important to weed out which strollers have good brakes, especially if you plan to actively use it.
Recommended Product Reviews
Editor Rating:
This 7.4 lbs. stroller is truly a featherweight item. This lightweight umbrella stroller is one of the best on the market and has some remarkable features.
Some of the features include ergonomic, anti-microbial handles, a large umbrella, a convenient peekaboo window, a linked braking system, a large basket, and a trustworthy rain cover. You also get the convenient, one-handed fold feature that Maclaren is known for along with a four-wheel suspension.
Now while the wheels are fairly small, the suspension on this umbrella stroller helps it provide an easy and sturdy ride for your baby.
Feature at a glance
- Basic Weight: 3.4kg/ 7.4lb
- 1 Seat Position appropriate from 6 months and up
- Waterproof Hood
- 4-wheel suspension.
- Includes Raincover and Carry Strap
2. Inglesina Net Stroller
Editor Rating:
This 11 lb stroller that typically runs for approximately $149 is quite awesome, and I’ll tell you why. The Inglesina Net (which replaced the Inglesina Swift) is in the same class as the Joovy Groove Ultra-light, as they both deliver similar features and are reasonably priced compared to other similar models.
This Italian-designed lightweight stroller delivers a smooth ride, has two recline points, and happens to be the most lightweight Inglesina stroller at 11.2 lbs. The seating pad is removable and washable, and it conveniently comes with a shoulder strap for easy carrying when closed.
This stroller also has a storage pocketyou’re your baby items and a cup holder. The maximum weight capacity is 55 lbs.
Feature at a glance
- Self-standing
- Removable and washable seat pad
- UPF 50+ canopy for maximum protection
- Large storage basket and cup holder included
3. Joovy Groove Travel Umbrella Stroller
Editor Rating:
The Joovy Groove Ultralight is 5 pounds less than the original Groove that we all grew to know and love in order to bring usthe Ultralight version.
Weighing 13.9 lbs., the Ultralight offers many key features such as a compact umbrella, lightweight aluminum frame, oversized canopy with sun visor, abundant space for storing items, cup holder, mesh pockets on the inside, sleekdesign, one-handed folding system, peekaboo window, smooth ride with all wheel suspension, and it can recline to a flat level.
Feature at a glance
- Lightweight graphite aluminum frame
- Compact umbrella fold
- convenient shoulder strap
- Generous canopy
- Adjustable footrest
4. Bumbleride Flite Lightweight Stroller
Editor Rating:
The nearly $200 Bumbleride Flite is a lightweight umbrella stroller that is known for its durability and all wheel suspension that provides a super smooth ride. The front and rear suspension help you tackle the busy city streets.
You won’t have to worry about being bumped off the sidewalk because although it is a lightweight model, the aluminum frame is built strong to safely carry your baby up to 50 pounds. The Bumble ride is made with 50 recycled plastic and 50% bamboo charcoal fiber interior that makes It look great and is soft and breathable for the baby.
Your baby can ride comfortably in style with the adjustable footrest and backrest so you won’t have to worry about where your baby can take a nap while you’re out and about.
Feature at a glance
- Dual front and rear wheel suspension
- Multi adjustable backrest and footrest
- Sun canopy with SPF 45 UV lining for maximum sun coverage
5. Maclaren Techno XT Stroller
Editor Rating:
Now here’s a stroller that is in a class of its own because you not only get the convenience of a lightweight umbrella stroller but it comes fully equipped with shock-absorbing suspension and you can adjust the eight on the handles for a more custom fit.
The extendable canopy comes with a UV visor to protect your baby from the sun and a rain cover for rainy days, along with a peekaboo panel in the rear.
The Techno has the ability to recline all the way to flat position so you can use it on infants and toddlers the same. Priced at approximately $300, your baby will not only be traveling in comfort but luxury as well.
Feature at a glance
- 6″ alloy-style wheels with self-aligning front swivel unit
- Front and rear suspension and rear foot brake
- Foot-operated linked parking brakes
- Removable washable seat
6. Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller
Editor Rating:
Now here’s a travel-friendly stroller that is not only built with a convenient one-hand folding system but also has the ability to self-stand when folded.
It comes with an extended canopy to maximize UV coverage, a 5-point recline system, a tray for the baby, a tray for the parent, and ample storage space. It’s reasonably priced at approximately $110 and can easily carry children who weigh up to 50 pounds.
Feature at a glance
- Travel-friendly stroller – under 12 lbs.
- Convenient one-hand and self-standing fold
- 3-tier extended canopy for maximum UV coverage
7. Chicco Capri Lightweight Stroller
Editor Rating:
This lightweight umbrella stroller will cost you a little bit under the $100 mark and only weighs 11 pounds. It offers a 2 position reclining seat with a 5-point safety harness to secure your baby while you travel in comfort with this ultra-lightweight umbrella stroller.
You can store items in the built-in basket and start your smooth ride that’s supported with front wheel suspension for the rough parts of the road. Don’t let the price fool you because this Italian-designed stroller is convenient, comfortable, and pleasantly affordable.
Feature at a glance
- Ultra lightweight aluminum stroller
- Weighs only 11 pounds
- Comfort and security with a 2 position reclining seat
- 5 point safety harness
- Basket to keep necessities close
8. Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem Umbrella Stroller
Editor Rating:
Do not assume that it’s not possible to travel light when you have two to carry because this lightweight umbrella stroller is designed to carry two children, so it’s perfect for a mother of two or twins. It has a lightweight frame, so it’s still easy to carry and fold.
The compact umbrella also easily folds for storing and traveling. It has a 5-point harness with shoulder pads to secure your babies in comfort while you’re strolling with 360-degree shock absorbent wheels.
You can protect your children from the sun with the European-styled canopy during the warmer months, and guard them against the rain with the umbrella. This model is reasonably priced at under $100.
Feature at a glance
- Lightweight frame
- Multi position reclining feature for your little one
- Compact umbrella fold for easy storage and travel
- 5 point harness with soft shoulder pads
- 2 large hanging storage bag
9. Maclaren Volo Stroller
Editor Rating:
For a little over $100 you and your child can travel with style with this tailor-made lightweight stroller that was made for active children and on-the-go parents. It is very easy to carry, steer, and fold for quick storing.
It is made of high-strength aluminum that is very lightweight and is known to be extremely durable. This stroller is perfect for children who are 6 months and up and perfect for shopping parents because of its oversized basket.
It comes with a wind-resistant rain cover for gloomy days and a hood that has UPF-50 to block the UV rays on sunny days. All this and it’s affordably priced!
Feature at a glance
- Ultra lightweight aluminum stroller
- Compact umbrella fold for easy storage and travel
- 5 point harness with soft shoulder pads
10. Summer Infant 3D Zyre Convenience Stroller
Editor Rating:
Anti-shock front smooth glide wheels are a favorite with traveling parents, and this lightweight umbrella stroller is known for the even ride it provides on bumpy roads and cobblestone streets.It comes equipped with a fairly large storage basket and an oversized adjustable canopy with an extension that helps block UVA and UVB rays.
The handles have heat resistant foam to consider the parent’s comfort and is built with a 3-position recline so that baby is comfy too. The Summer Infant 3D will run you approximately $130. Not too shabby.’
Feature at a glance
- One hand, 3-position recline
- Padded 5 point safety harness
- Convenient carry strap and auto lock
- Easy access storage basket
- Peek-a-boo window
Final Verdict
Don’t be discouraged or confused with all of the details I listed because ultimately what you should zone in on are the features that will work best for you. If you’re an avid shopper, you may want to consider a lightweight umbrella stroller that comes with more storage space than others.
If you live in a busy city, then naturally you’ll want a stroller that has anti-shock. The bottom line is that only you can decide which one of my hotlist strollers will suit you best. What I can assure you is that all of these strollers are amongst the best reclining umbrella strollers on the market.
