Umbrella Strollers

Years ago, the only lightweight strollers around were umbrella strollers. They didn’t have a lot of features, but they were easy to fold and take with you. Many of us used these as our only strollers for older babies just to avoid lugging around a 25 pound stroller.

But, today, you can find many lightweight strollers that have far more features than the umbrella stroller. While they may be a bit heavier than an umbrella stroller, there are many strollers with reclining seats, cushions and plenty of storage that weigh less than 20 pounds. So, is there really any reason to carry an umbrella stroller today?

Well, umbrella strollers definitely still have their place. The biggest reason there’s still a definite need and a consistent market for the umbrella stroller is their price. You can still find many umbrella strollers for around $20, which makes them affordable for any household.

Their price and convenience makes the umbrella stroller a great choice for grandmothers and caretakers to own. This extra stroller means mom doesn’t have to pack a stroller every time the kids go stay with grandma. At my house, we kept an umbrella stroller in the trunk of my husband’s vehicle. That way, if we were ever out in his car and found an unexpected need for the stroller, we were prepared.

And, today’s umbrella strollers are more feature rich than their predecessors. Manufacturers understand that they’re now competing with higher end lightweight strollers, so they have made umbrella strollers more competitive. Today, it’s easier to find umbrella strollers with canopies, cup holders and storage. Many umbrella strollers today also work with stroller clips. This is a great idea; you can actually clip two strollers together to make a double umbrella stroller! This idea is far more economical than having to go out and buy a tandem stroller when you have your second child. Just buy a second stroller and clip the two together!

You can find umbrella strollers at any store that sells baby equipment, including many discount department stores. Shop around a bit and you’re sure to find a bargain. Be certain to check the height of the stroller. Some umbrella strollers can be a bit short, and you might find yourself with sore shoulders from hunching over to push them. Be certain that a stroller fits you well before you buy.