For new parents who are unfamiliar with the world of baby gear, the term “umbrella stroller” might sound new and confusing. Unlike regular strollers, which often have larger frames, multiple features, and bulky designs, umbrella strollers are typically lightweight, compact, and easy to fold. They are named after their umbrella-like fold, which makes them easy to store in small spaces or carry on the go. While umbrella strollers are popular among parents who prioritize portability and convenience, they may not offer the same level of comfort and features as regular strollers. In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between these two – umbrella stroller vs regular stroller to help you decide which stroller is best for your family.
Regular Stroller
Regular strollers come in various sizes and features, which offer a range of benefits and drawbacks for new parents. Here are some of the pros and cons of regular strollers:
Pros:
- Comfort: Regular strollers are designed to provide maximum comfort to babies with features such as adjustable reclining seats, shock-absorbing wheels, and suspension systems.
- Durability: Regular strollers are usually made with high-quality materials and are built to last for years, even with frequent use.
- Storage: Many regular strollers have ample storage space with large baskets and pockets, which can be useful for carrying baby essentials like diapers, bottles, and toys.
- Features: Regular strollers often come with additional features like cup holders, snack trays, and adjustable canopies, which can make the stroller more versatile and comfortable for both parents and babies.
Cons:
- Size: Regular strollers tend to be bulky and heavy, which can make them difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or crowded areas.
- Price: Regular strollers can be expensive, especially those with advanced features and high-end materials.
- Portability: Regular strollers are often difficult to fold and may not fit easily in a car trunk, which can be inconvenient for parents on the go.
- Longevity: Children who have learned to walk might not be willing to ride in a stroller anymore so a regular stroller might not get a lot of use after a child turns 1-2 years old
Umbrella Stroller
Umbrella strollers are a popular option among parents who prioritize portability, convenience, and ease of use. Here are some of the pros and cons of umbrella strollers:
Pros:
- Portability: Umbrella strollers are typically lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and store in small spaces or when traveling.
- Price: Umbrella strollers are often more affordable than regular strollers, making them a budget-friendly option for parents.
- Ease of use: Umbrella strollers are designed with simplicity in mind and often feature a one-handed folding mechanism, making them quick and easy to set up and put away.
- Maneuverability: Umbrella strollers are often designed with swivel wheels, which make them easy to maneuver through tight spaces or crowded areas.
- Longevity: Umbrella strollers can be used up to when a child is 3 to 4 years old, making it a practical choice for its budget
Cons:
- Comfort: Umbrella strollers may not offer the same level of comfort as regular strollers, as they often lack features like adjustable seats or suspension systems.
- Durability: Umbrella strollers may not be as durable as regular strollers, as they are typically made with lightweight materials and may not withstand frequent use or heavy loads.
- Storage: Umbrella strollers often have limited storage space, with small baskets or pockets, which may not be sufficient for carrying all of baby’s essentials.
- Features: Umbrella strollers may lack some of the features of regular strollers, such as cup holders, adjustable canopies, or snack trays.
Things To Consider And Tips For Buying A Stroller
Safety
Safety is a critical factor to consider when choosing a stroller for your child, regardless of whether it’s a regular or an umbrella stroller. Strollers are meant to keep your child safe and secure while you’re on the go, and choosing the wrong type of stroller can potentially put your child at risk.
When it comes to stroller safety, there are several factors to consider, such as the stroller’s stability, braking system, harness system, and overall build quality. While both regular and umbrella strollers can meet safety standards, it’s essential to ensure that the stroller you choose is safe and reliable for your child’s needs.
For example, regular strollers are often designed with more advanced features like adjustable suspension and larger wheels, which can make them more stable and comfortable for your child for a smoother ride. However, these features may also make regular strollers heavier and less maneuverable, which could pose safety risks in crowded areas.
On the other hand, umbrella strollers are typically lightweight and easy to maneuver, which can make them a safe option for parents who need to navigate through tight spaces or crowded areas. However, umbrella strollers may not offer the same level of stability or safety features as regular strollers, which could be a concern for parents who prioritize safety above all else.
Weight of Stroller
The weight of a stroller is an important consideration when deciding whether to buy a regular or umbrella stroller. The weight of the stroller can impact its portability, ease of use, and maneuverability, which can all affect your overall experience as a parent.
Regular strollers are typically larger and heavier than umbrella strollers, as they often come with more features and added stability. While these features can make regular strollers more comfortable and versatile for your child, they can also make the stroller heavier and harder to maneuver. This can be a concern for parents who need to lift the stroller into a car trunk or carry it up and down stairs.
Umbrella strollers, on the other hand, are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for parents who need a stroller that’s easy to transport or store. If you plan to use your stroller frequently and need to get the stroller in and out of the car often, an umbrella stroller might be a more practical choice.
Size of Stroller
When deciding whether to buy a regular or umbrella stroller, the size of the stroller is an important factor to consider. The size of the stroller can affect its maneuverability, ease of use, and storage and transportation options.
Regular strollers are typically larger and heavier than umbrella strollers, which can make them more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or narrow walkways. However, they may also provide more stability and durability, which can be important for outdoor activities like hiking or jogging.
On the other hand, umbrella strollers are generally more compact and lightweight than regular strollers, making them easier to maneuver and transport. This can be particularly useful if you live in a city or have limited storage space in your home or car.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is an important factor to consider when deciding whether to buy a regular or umbrella stroller. As a parent, you’ll be using your stroller frequently, so it’s essential to choose a stroller that’s easy to set up, fold down, and maneuver.
Regular strollers are often designed with more advanced features and added stability, which can make them bulkier and harder to set up and fold down. This can be a concern for parents who need a stroller that’s easy to use and transport, especially if they’re frequently on the go or have limited storage space.
Umbrella strollers, on the other hand, are designed with simplicity in mind, and often feature a one-handed folding mechanism, which makes them quick and easy to set up and put away. They are also generally more lightweight and easier to maneuver through tight spaces or crowded areas, making them a great option for parents who need a stroller that’s easy to use and transport.
Age of Child
The age of your child is an important consideration when deciding whether to buy a regular or umbrella stroller. Different strollers are designed to meet the needs of children of different ages, so it’s essential to choose a stroller that’s appropriate for your child’s size and developmental stage.
Regular strollers are often designed with added features and stability to provide a comfortable ride for infants and young children. They may include features like adjustable seats, reclining options, and built-in car seat adapters, which make them a great option for parents with young children who needs added stability and comfort.
Umbrella strollers, on the other hand, are typically designed for older children who are able to sit upright on their own. They are often more lightweight and compact than regular strollers, which makes them a great option for parents who need a stroller that’s easy to carry and transport. However, because they lack some of the features of regular strollers, they may not be as comfortable or versatile for infants or younger children.
Where You Live
Where you live can play a significant role in determining whether a regular or umbrella stroller is the best option for you. The environment and terrain in which you’ll be using your stroller can affect its performance, ease of use, and overall suitability.
For city dwellers who are often navigating narrow sidewalks, crowded streets, and public transportation, an umbrella stroller may be the better choice. These strollers are typically lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver in tight spaces, which makes them a great option for navigating city streets and using public transportation. They are also easy to carry up and down stairs and store in small apartments or tight spaces.
On the other hand, suburban parents who frequently use their stroller for outdoor activities or long walks may prefer a regular stroller. These strollers often have larger wheels and more advanced suspension systems, which makes them better suited for navigating uneven terrain and providing a smoother ride for your child.
Family Needs
When deciding whether to buy a regular or umbrella stroller, it’s important to consider your family’s intended uses for the stroller. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, different strollers may be better suited for different activities.
If you enjoy jogging or walking on rough terrain, a regular stroller with larger wheels and better suspension may be the better option. These strollers are often designed for more active use and are built to handle uneven terrain and provide a smoother ride for your child. Some regular strollers may even be specifically marketed as jogging strollers, with added features like hand brakes and adjustable seats for added stability and comfort.
On the other hand, if you primarily use your stroller for indoor activities like going to the mall or running errands, an umbrella stroller may be the better option. These strollers are often more lightweight and compact, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces and store in your car or at home.
Compatibility with Car Seats
Another important factor to consider when deciding whether to buy a regular or umbrella stroller is compatibility with car seats. Many parents prefer to use a car seat with their stroller, especially when traveling with a young infant. This can make it easier to transition your child from the car to the stroller without having to disturb them from their sleep or comfort.
If you plan on using your stroller with a car seat, it’d be beneficial to choose a stroller that’s compatible with your specific car seat brand and model. Many regular strollers are designed to be compatible with a wide range of car seat models, making them a great option if you plan on using a car seat with your stroller.
However, not all umbrella strollers are designed to be compatible with car seats. If this is a priority for you, it’s important to look for an umbrella stroller that specifically advertises compatibility with car seats. Some umbrella strollers may also have adapters available that allow you to use your car seat with the stroller, but these may come at an additional cost.
Storage Space
When deciding whether to buy a regular or umbrella stroller, storage space is an important factor to consider. Depending on your lifestyle and intended uses for the stroller, you may need more or less storage space to accommodate your needs.
Regular strollers often have larger storage baskets located underneath the seat, which can be useful for carrying large items like your diaper backpack, snacks and jackets. These strollers may also have additional storage compartments or pockets located on the stroller frame, providing even more space for your belongings.
On the other hand, umbrella strollers may have more limited storage space due to their more compact design. Some umbrella strollers may have small storage baskets or pockets located on the back of the seat, but these may not be large enough to hold larger items like diaper bags or groceries.
If you plan on using your stroller frequently for errands or day trips, it’d be wise to choose a stroller with adequate storage space to accommodate your needs. A regular stroller with a large storage basket may be the better option in this case, as it can provide ample space for your belongings. However, if you primarily use your stroller for quick outings or indoor activities like going to the mall, an umbrella stroller with a smaller storage basket may be sufficient.
Accessories
When deciding whether to buy a regular or umbrella stroller, stroller accessories like cup holders and organizers can also be important factors to consider. These accessories can add convenience and functionality to your stroller, making it easier to carry drinks, snacks, and other items while you’re on the go.
Regular strollers often offer more sturdy accessories like built-in cup holders and storage compartments, which can be useful for carrying items like bottles, sippy cups, and snacks. Some models may also have additional accessories like parent trays or snack trays, providing even more storage and convenience.
Umbrella strollers, on the other hand, may not offer as many built-in accessories. However, there are some stroller organizers and accessories available that can be attached to the stroller handles, providing additional storage and convenience. These accessories may also include cup holders, diaper organizers, and snack trays, among others.
Budget
Your budget is an important factor to consider when deciding whether to buy a regular or umbrella stroller. Generally, regular strollers are more expensive than umbrella strollers due to their larger size, additional features, and greater durability. However, there are also many affordable options available for both types of strollers.
Umbrella strollers are generally more budget-friendly than regular strollers, as they are designed for shorter trips and indoor use. They also tend to have fewer features and may be less durable than regular strollers. However, there are still high-quality umbrella strollers available that offer many of the same features as regular strollers at a lower price point.
Regular strollers, on the other hand, can range in price depending on their size, features, and quality. High-end models can be quite expensive, while more budget-friendly options are also available. If you plan to use your stroller frequently or for more strenuous activities like jogging, investing in a higher-quality regular stroller may be worth the extra cost.
FAQ
Do You Really Need Umbrella Stroller?
Whether or not you need an umbrella stroller depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Umbrella strollers can be a great option for parents and caregivers who are looking for a lightweight and compact stroller that is easy to use for short trips or quick errands. Normally, you will need an umbrella stroller once your child is older and can start walking. Many parents transition to an umbrella stroller when their child is walking since they are a lot more active and want to walk instead of sitting all the time when out of the house. Since an umbrella stroller is lightweight and can be conveniently folded back up, it works well for parents of older mobile children.
However, if your child is still willing to sit in a regular stroller, I’d recommend sticking with the regular stroller as it is the safer and more durable option. It also provides a smoother ride for your child and you skip having to spend money on an additional umbrella stroller.
What Age Is Appropriate For Umbrella Stroller?
Umbrella strollers are generally recommended for children who are at least six months or older and can sit up on their own. This is because umbrella strollers tend to have less support and cushioning than full-sized strollers, which can make them less comfortable for infants or younger babies who need more support for their head and neck.
However, it’s important to note that every child develops at their own pace, and some may be ready to use an umbrella stroller earlier or later than others. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications before purchasing a stroller to ensure that it is appropriate for your child’s age and development level.
How Long Can A Child Use An Umbrella Stroller?
The length of time that a child can use an umbrella stroller can vary depending on the specific stroller and the size and weight of the child. Generally, umbrella strollers are designed for use with children who weigh up to around 50 pounds, which is typically around the age of four or five years old.
However, it’s important to note that every child develops at their own pace, and some children may outgrow an umbrella stroller sooner or later than others. Additionally, some umbrella strollers may have weight or height limits that are lower than 50 pounds, so it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications before purchasing a stroller.
Do You Need Both A Regular Stroller and An Umbrella Stroller?
A regular stroller is absolutely necessary if you plan on taking your newborn on walks, errands and general outdoor events. However, an umbrella stroller is optional if you don’t feel like it’s needed for your family needs and lifestyle. Generally, parents would opt for a regular stroller for a baby’s first year of life or before a baby can sit upright as it provides more stability, comfort and safety in the rides. Once a child can start sitting upright or walking, they become more curious and mobile and want to get in and out of a stroller frequently. This is when a parent might transition a baby to an umbrella stroller as it’s lightweight and easily foldable for mobile walking children. However, some kids still don’t mind sitting in a stroller even though they have begun walking. In that case, a regular stroller can continue to be used.
Our Family’s Strollers
For our family, we went a little overboard and bought 3 strollers! We live in the suburbs and in a very walkable neighborhood so we wanted a stroller that has big wheels with a comfortable smooth ride for our baby. For this purpose, we have the UPPAbaby Vista V2 and it pretty much covers everything we need in a comprehensive stroller with ample storage space, big wheels, UPF 50+ canopies and a safety bar for when we take our newborn son out for long walks around the neighborhood. We love how sturdy and durable it is as we can go over bumpy sidewalks with little impact to the ride.
However, we also live in the Bay Area where it’s easy to get out of the suburbs and drive to other big cities for outings. So we used the Doona Car Seat & Stroller Travel System that doubles as a car seat and a stroller for when we’re doing quick outings with minimal walking such as restaurants and errands. We absolutely LOVE the Doona and recommend it to every family who lives in the city.
Once my son turned 1, he started walking and loves being on the move any chance he gets. He doesn’t stay still much now and honestly, we prefer him walking to tire him out for nap time! We also wanted to start traveling with him and we needed a stroller that’s light and can be folded down easily to fit in a plane’s overhead compartment. We figured an umbrella stroller at this time would be a good purchase as he has outgrown the UPPAbaby Vista. We purchased the Contours Itsy Lightweight Stroller and we’re liking it so far! It folds easily to a super compact size and it still has some storage for jackets and water bottles.
Final Thoughts On Umbrella Stroller Vs Regular Stroller
Choosing between an umbrella stroller and a regular stroller can be a hard decision for new parents. While both types of strollers have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, ultimately the decision comes down to your family needs and lifestyle. If you are looking for a lightweight, compact stroller that is easy to store and transport, an umbrella stroller can be a great option. On the other hand, if you plan on using your stroller frequently for longer outings, a regular stroller may be a better choice. Other factors to consider include your child’s age, the type of activities you plan on using your stroller for, and your budget. By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose the stroller that is right for you and your family.
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Sources
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/WellnessNews/big-stroller-carting-big-kids-bad/story?id=13597874