Having traveled with a wide variety of strollers, I can tell you that there are many reasons why umbrella strollers make excellent travel strollers. Umbrella strollers tick many of the boxes I look for in baby travel gear – they are small, lightweight and inexpensive. In fact, many of the umbrella strollers I recommend in this post also appear on my list of the best affordable travel strollers.
I have used my first-hand knowledge of baby travel gear to come up with this list of the best umbrella strollers for travel. To try and meet everyone’s needs, I have presented umbrella travel strollers for every budget, and have also included some which are good for travel with infants.
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Best Umbrella Strollers for Travel
In my experience traveling with babies, the best umbrella stroller for travel is one that is highly rated, lightweight and has some additional features. Some of the travel umbrella strollers in my list will even work as a travel stroller for newborns.
Gone are the days where buying an umbrella stroller means your only options are the cheap ones from Walmart. Nowadays, parents can still get a lightweight umbrella stroller under 14 pounds that has room for baby travel essentials and even reclines for naps.
1. Summer 3Dlite+ Convenience Stroller
My pick for the best overall umbrella stroller, the Summer 3Dlite+ Convenience Stroller has an extra-large storage basket plus a side pocket, a parent cup holder and a cell phone holder. You’ll be able to carry everything you need using this compact travel stroller. This affordable umbrella stroller for travel weighs only 14 pounds and a has a carry strap.
With 4 recline positions to nearly flat, you’ll have no trouble getting your baby to sleep on vacation. This stroller is recommended for babies 6 months + and up to 50lbs.
For a lower price and equally high ratings, the Summer 3Dlite is lighter at 13 pounds and has many of the same great features. You’ll give up the premium fabrics and the cell phone holder.
- Recline – One hand multiple position recline to nearly flat.
- Storage – Extra Large storage basket.
- Sun Protection – Oversized canopy.
- Weight –14 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs.
- Recommended from Birth – No.
2. Jeep PowerGlyde Plus Umbrella Stroller
The Jeep PowerGlyde Plus stroller by Delta Children is a basic umbrella style travel stroller that’s easy to travel with. For one of the most affordable strollers on this list, the Jeep umbrella travel stroller has a much-improved canopy over many other umbrella strollers.
This travel stroller meets Disney size requirements and plenty of space in the basket to store what you need. It's recommended for babies 6 months+ and up to 50 lbs. If you are a tall parent, you'll love the extra-long handles.
- Recline – 4 recline positions.
- Storage – Large storage basket.
- Sun Protection – Extendable canopy with sun visor.
- Weight – 13.7 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs.
- Recommended from Birth – No.
3. Safety 1st Step Lite Compact Stroller
The Safety 1st Step Lite lightweight umbrella stroller comes at a budget friendly price and an easy one step fold. It has a large cup holder for parents and an extra pocket to store other items like your phone and wallet.
It does have a reclining seat, but it's not fully flat so it’s best used for babies who can sit up unassisted and up to 50 lbs. It also has an extended sun canopy that’s bigger than what you’ll find on most umbrella strollers.
- Recline – Multi-position recline.
- Storage – Large storage basket under seat plus parent pocket and cup holder.
- Sun Protection – Extended sun canopy.
- Weight – 15 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs.
- Recommended from Birth – No.
4. Summer Infant, 3D Mini Convenience Stroller
Umbrella strollers should be light and this one meets that mark! At only 11 pounds, this is the lightest umbrella stroller on my list, yet the Summer Infant 3D Mini still offers a multiple position recline, under seat basket and a rear storage pocket with cup holders.
It doesn’t have a full recline, so it’s recommended for babies who can sit up unassisted (around 6 months +) and up to 45 pounds.
- Recline – Multiple position recline.
- Storage – Large basket under seat plus rear storage pockets with cup holders.
- Sun Protection – Two-tier canopy with flip out sun visor.
- Weight – 11 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 45 lbs.
- Recommended from Birth – No.
5. Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller
The Baby Trend Rocket umbrella stroller is another budget option with just the basics. The canopy isn’t over large and not likely to offer a ton of protection. This is a good option for anyone looking for a cheap umbrella travel stroller when you don’t need all the bells and whistles.
It also has taller grip handles, a parent organizer with 2 cup holders and a storage basket under the seat.
This cheap umbrella stroller for travel is recommended for babies who can sit up unassisted and up to 50 pounds, but less than 40” tall. At a similar price the Summer 3D Mini is a better choice.
- Recline – Yes.
- Storage – Large storage basket.
- Sun Protection – Canopy is small but removable.
- Weight – 13.5 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 50 lbs.
- Recommended from Birth – No.
6. Dream On Me Vista Moonwalk Umbrella Stroller
The Dream On Me Vista umbrella stroller has a two panel canopy and a one-hand recline, providing a comfortable ride for your little one. It doesn't have a full recline, so it's recommended for babies 6 months+ and only up to 40 pounds. The mesh windows on the sides are nice for airflow, especially if you are traveling to a warm climate. Plus, I like that it has a peek-a-boo window so you can easily check in on your little one.
As one of the most affordable options on this list, you'll get plenty of use out of this umbrella stroller for travel. It's also a Disney approved stroller.
- Recline – Multiple position recline.
- Storage – Extra Large storage basket.
- Sun Protection – Full size canopy with sun visor.
- Weight –13.4 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 40 lbs.
- Recommended from Birth – No.
7. UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller
This UPPAbaby umbrella stroller for travel is a bit heavy at 16.3 pounds, but it can accommodate babies from 3 months and up to 55 pounds. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is still easy enough to carry with the convenient carry strap.
- Recline – 3 one-hand recline positions.
- Storage – Large under seat basket.
- Sun Protection – Three tier canopy with pop out sun visor.
- Weight – 16.3 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 55 lbs.
- Recommended from Birth – No.
8. Chicco Liteway Stroller
The Chicco Liteway umbrella stroller has adjustable backrest and canopy with visor. It's heavier than most at 17 lbs, but I like the mesh sides for airflow. This would be a great option for a vacation with your toddler in a warm climate.
It doesn’t recline flat, but it does have a 4 position recline and adjustable leg rest. It’s best used for babies who can sit up unassisted and up to 40 lbs.
This is a pretty typical affordable umbrella stroller for travel.
- Recline – 4 position recline.
- Storage – Storage under seat plus cup holder.
- Sun Protection – Adjustable, removable canopy.
- Weight – 17 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 40 lbs.
- Recommended from Birth – No.
9. Pamo Babe Umbrella Stroller
The Pamo Babe umbrella stroller has an adjustable backrest, canopy and footrest. It has a cup holder for parents and plenty of space underneath to store your extra travel essentials. It also has padded straps for some extra comfort.
It doesn’t recline flat, so it’s best used for babies who can sit up unassisted and up to 33 lbs.
This stroller doesn’t have a very high max weight capacity and weighs more than most umbrella strollers, but it has some added bells & whistles with the recline, extended canopy and adjustable footrest at a very affordable price!
- Recline – Multi position recline.
- Storage – Large storage basket.
- Sun Protection – Adjustable canopy.
- Weight – 14 lbs.
- Max Weight Capacity – 33 lbs.
- Recommended from Birth – No.
My Picks for the Best Umbrella Travel Strollers:
I know you don’t always have time to read, especially when you are chasing a busy toddler! So here are my top picks for the best umbrella stroller for travel:
Best Overall Umbrella Stroller:
Summer 3Dlite+ Convenience Umbrella Stroller – I love all the great features on this umbrella stroller, including an extra-large storage basket and recline options.
Best Value Umbrella Stroller for Travel:
Jeep PowerGlyde Plus – I really like the combination of price and features on the Jeep PowerGlyde Plus stroller.
Most Lightweight Umbrella Stroller:
Summer 3Dmini Umbrella Stroller – it’s also one of the most affordable travel strollers on my list!
We only include single umbrella travel strollers in this list. This is where you can find the best double umbrella stroller for travel.
What is an Umbrella Stroller?
If you are a new parent, some of the stroller terminology can get confusing. So what is an umbrella stroller and what makes it great for travel?
An umbrella stroller is a stroller that has a unique fold that ends up resembling a large umbrella (think long and narrow). Typically an umbrella stroller will collapse down in the middle to bring the sides together.
What Makes an Umbrella Stroller Good for Travel?
I can speak from experience that traveling with a big, heavy, full-sized stroller can be a challenge. Umbrella strollers, conversely, make some of the best travel strollers as they are small and lightweight. These travel-friendly features make them easy to gate check for your flight, or to throw in the trunk of a car without taking too much room (read more on flying with strollers).
In addition, they often have a carry strap, making them easy to lug around while also holding a toddlers hand or carrying a baby. A lightweight umbrella stroller is different than a pocket stroller which has a tri-fold, making it ultra compact and fits in the overhead bin on the airplane. Lightweight umbrella strollers and pocket strollers make the best strollers for airplane travel.
Optional Umbrella Stroller Accessories
Umbrella strollers are great for travel as they are lightweight and compact, but the flipside to that is they are usually light on features, like snack trays, drink cups, etc. The great news is that there are plenty of great add-on accessories for travel umbrella strollers that may meet your needs. For example, if you wish to purchase one of these umbrellas strollers, but still want a specific feature such as a sunshade, rain cover, cup holder, etc., then check out my post on the best accessories for travel strollers.
- Sunshade for Travel Strollers
Many of the affordable umbrella strollers above don’t have the greatest sunshade, but that’s an easy fix with a stroller sunshade like this SnoozeShade Plus.
I also recommend a CoziGo stroller cover, which can be used as a bassinet for flying with a baby and as a sunshade for strollers.
To Purchase the CoziGo, click here. If you purchase the SnoozeShade direct, use code BABYCANTRAVEL10 for a discount.
You can also buy the SnoozeShade on Amazon. - Backpack Diaper Bag
You won’t need to worry about how much storage your umbrella stroller has with this highly rated and popular backpack diaper bag. You can see all of my recommended backpack diaper bags, but the Ruvalino is a very highly rated, multi-function backpack diaper bag at a great price! - Cup Holders for Travel Strollers
Universal cup holders are a great add-on for any travel stroller. I particularly like this one with a phone pocket. - Universal Organizers for Travel Strollers
As traveling parents we always have plenty to carry, so a universal stroller organizer is a great purchase! Keep everything organized using a universal organizer like this one or this one. - Stroller Hooks
If a backpack diaper bag isn’t your style, stroller hooks will help attach your diaper bag to the stroller. - Gate Check Bag
Protect your stroller when you flying with a stroller gate check bag like this one for umbrella strollers. - Universal Rain Cover
One stroller accessory I ALWAYS recommend is a rain cover. It’s not only for rain but will help keep your little one warm in wind and cold weather.
Travel Umbrella Strollers FAQ
Does an umbrella stroller count as a carry on?
An umbrella stroller does not count as carry on. Parents can travel with a stroller as checked baggage or gate check it free of charge.
Do umbrella strollers recline?
Yes, there are several umbrella strollers that recline.
When can I start using an umbrella stroller?
While many umbrella strollers are better suited to babies who can sit up unassisted (around 6 months old), there are umbrella strollers that recline to a near-flat position allowing them to be used with an infant.
What is the weight limit for an umbrella stroller?
It’s very common to find an umbrella stroller that has a weight limit in the range of 40 to 55 pounds
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This post was written & edited by:
Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.