Parents choose to purchase and use lightweight, or umbrella, strollers to transport their babies and toddlers for a number of reasons: they are more compact, easier to lift, push, and fold, and made to be carried on a bus, subway or be placed in the back of a car. Parents can buy low end lightweight strollers for under $20; however, they offer little durability and comfort. Several models of lightweight, or umbrella, strollers offer durability and comfort with a range of price points from which to choose.
Maclaren Volo
The Maclaren stroller company, which began producing baby buggies in the 1960s, caters to both the affordable and high end stroller markets. The Volo model is Maclaren's most lightweight, and wins the accolade of best overall umbrella, or lightweight, stroller from Consumer Search, which compiles reviews from Consumer Reports, Baby Bargains and users. It has one seat position and is designed to hold children six months old and older. Its good points include the facts that it's comfortable, durable and easy to clean and fold. Among its downsides, it does not have a lot of frills, does not recline, and it uses washable mesh fabric instead of padded upholstery. It is the lowest priced of all the Maclaren models, but still costs more than budget brands.
Maclaren Triumph
Its Triumph model is Maclaren's mid-priced and sized line of stroller that was rated best umbrella, or lightweight, stroller with a reclining position by Consumer Search. It has two seat positions, is safe for newborns and seats children up to 55 lbs. It also features a foam handle and can be folded using one hand. Users give it high marks for style, fold and maneuverability. It also get marks in professional reviews for its balance between weight and features. The Triumph, like other Maclaren strollers, has a one-year warranty, which reflects its overall durability, according to Consumer Search. Cheaper, lower quality strollers have shorter warranties and lower weight limits.
The Evenflo Sport
The Evenflo XSport received the best pick for budget umbrella stroller on Consumer Search. Users state its good overall durability (despite the short warranty of 90 days), storage and handling. However, it lacks features of a luxury stroller: the harness is a simple three-point lap belt, which some parents believe does not feel secure for young babies. The Evenflo XSport umbrella stroller also lacks a recline feature, so cannot be used babies under 6 months old and may not be a good choice for toddlers who nap in their strollers. Some parents find the handlebars on the Evenflo XSport to be short; the similar but slightly higher priced Evenflo XSport Plus has adjustable-height handlebars.
