Best Umbrella Strollers of 2023

Jan 03, 2024

Nimble and compact, these collapsible strollers are both safe and a cinch to deploy when you're on the go

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Some days with your baby are literally a walk in the park, and a traditional stroller, with a comfy seat and oodles of storage to stash snacks, balls, and sandbox toys, is exactly what you need. But some days require driving, making multiple stops, and weaving through crowded store aisles. That’s where umbrella strollers come in. Besides being safe to use, these compact contraptions need to be both nimble and sturdy to help you accomplish your tasks—and our rigorous lab tests zero in on how well each model manages this not-so-easy balancing act.

Umbrella strollers are named for what they look like when you collapse them. “They fold into a long, narrow package—though not as narrow as an actual umbrella,” says Joan Muratore, the engineer who oversees stroller testing for Consumer Reports. With fabric seats and two separate handles, they’re easy to maneuver and, when folded up, they’re easy to carry and store. That’s why they’re also great for traveling. (In fact, umbrella strollers were invented in 1965 by an aviation engineer looking to replace his heavy pram with something more lightweight for an international flight.)

Most umbrella strollers are designed to carry babies 6 months or older, when they typically can sit up on their own. So while an umbrella stroller won’t be the first stroller you buy for a new baby, it makes a great second stroller for whenever ease and portability take priority over bells and whistles.

You’ll find umbrella strollers in our ratings that weigh as little as 12 pounds and as much as 18 pounds—but that’s still considerably lighter than other strollers, which can weigh as much as 38 pounds. The trade-offs? Many umbrella strollers have limited storage and small wheels that may not handle uneven terrain well. And some have a fixed (non-reclining) seat back or a limited recline.

CR’s engineers test umbrella strollers in the lab at our Yonkers, N.Y., headquarters, just as they test all strollers: Each model is assessed for safety, maneuverability, and user-friendliness. We evaluate strollers for safety, using tests patterned after the Consumer Product Safety Commission and American Society for Testing and Materials standards; these tests assess the integrity of the stroller’s frame when impacted, the security of the harness and brakes on an incline, and more. Using weights to simulate a child, we navigate strollers along our indoor test course, steering around S-curves, between cones, up and down a curb, and over obstructions that mimic grass, mulch, and tree roots.

To see how umbrella models measure up to other types of strollers, explore our comprehensive stroller ratings, which include brands like Chicco, Summer Infant, UPPAbaby, and more. Not sure which type is right for you? Check our stroller buying guide. For the top-performing umbrella strollers in our tests, read on.

Keith Flamer

Keith Flamer has been a multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports since 2021, covering laundry, cleaning, small appliances, and home trends. Fascinated by interior design, architecture, technology, and all things mechanical, he translates CR’s testing engineers’ work into content that helps readers live better, smarter lives. Prior to CR, Keith covered luxury accessories and real estate, most recently at Forbes, with a focus on residential homes, interior design, home security, and pop culture trends.

Molly Bradley

Molly Bradley is a home and appliance writer at Consumer Reports. Before joining CR in 2023, she managed the editorial team at Digg, and has devoted her career to helping readers navigate the world and make their lives a little easier, elucidating topics in technology and culture. Molly earned a master’s degree in writing from Bennington College and lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her cat, Saltine. Follow her on Twitter @mollyguinn.