Overview
Buying the right umbrella stroller is important not just for your child’s comfort and safety but also for yours. Pushing a stroller that’s too short or tall for your height can put a strain on your back and can lead to back pain.
It makes sense to get a tall stroller if you’re a tall parent. “Tall” is relevant, but here’s the average height in the US: 5 ft 9 in for men and 5 ft 4 in for women. (1)
While most strollers are designed for parents with average height, the good news is that many have adjustable handlebars.
You’ll know you got the right stroller if you don’t arch your back while pushing it.
There are different types of strollers for you to choose from, mama.
You can pick high-end travel systems (compatible with car seats) from luxury brands like UPPAbaby, Nuna, and Bugaboo. Still, you can opt for umbrella strollers, compact options that easily fold like an umbrella.
These lightweight strollers don’t have the bells and whistles of luxurious strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista, but many can still provide your little one with a comfortable, smooth ride.
Still, no matter which of these products you choose, it’s always good to monitor for stroller recalls. This can help reduce your children’s risk of injury from strollers or products with manufacturing or design defects.
You can learn more in our stroller review below.
Advantages Of Umbrella Strollers
All strollers aren’t created equal, with some made for specific purposes.
For example, a jogging stroller like BOB Revolution 3.0 only has three wheels (much larger than regular stroller wheels) because they’re meant to move faster while you jog or run. But they aren’t lightweight.
Many strollers are more expensive, heavier, and have better features, yet others (such as umbrella strollers) can still do the job while being cheaper, lighter, and having fewer features.
Here are some of the advantages of choosing umbrella strollers over other stroller types:
- Lightweight but can still be durable
- Usually cheaper than travel systems and traditional strollers (although prices can still vary, depending on the brand)
- Can be easier to fold and bring around
- Can be easy to put in and out of your car
- Lighter and can be easier to maneuver
- Many include a cup holder in the design
- Most have a rear-wheel brake system
Factors In Choosing The Best Umbrella Strollers For Taller Parents
How Tall Is An Umbrella Stroller?
Handle height can vary from 33 to 45 inches. But it should be at least 39.5 inches (from ground to handlebar) for the umbrella stroller to be considered tall.
Is UPPAbaby VISTA Good For Tall Parents?
It has a height of 39.5 inches, so this stroller can still be a good choice for tall parents.
Adjustable Handlebars
Many tall umbrella strollers have adjustable handles that can even go up to 42-45 inches from the ground.
The adjustment options can help you find the best fit so you wouldn’t hurt your back while pushing your little one’s stroller.
Weight
This isn’t really a big issue in umbrella strollers because they’re usually light. While travel systems can weigh over 25 lbs, many umbrella strollers are just around 10-15 lbs. Some are even lighter than 10 lbs.
Seating Positions
Typically, umbrella strollers only allow front-facing configurations, but you can still choose one with reclining seats.
Storage Options
Because they usually have thinner seats, umbrella strollers can have a large storage basket below. Be sure to check whether this storage space is sturdy before use.
Age Range
Umbrella strollers are typically ideal for babies over six months old or when your little one can sit up on their own. These baby strollers don’t usually support bassinets or infant car seats.
However, check the weight limit because some umbrella strollers have a low capacity of only around 35 lbs.
How Long Can You Use An Umbrella Stroller?
Because of their lightweight construction, most umbrella strollers also have a low capacity. Many can only carry babies up to around two years old. However, there are still sturdy options available for older kids.
What Age Is Too Big For An Umbrella Stroller?
It depends on the baby stroller you got. Check the limits set by the manufacturer.
Is Four Years Of Age Too Old For A Stroller?
There aren’t specific guidelines for the maximum age limit for stroller use. However, experts suggest using strollers only when necessary and limiting their use when your child is awake. (2)
The Top 12 Best Umbrella Strollers
UPPAbaby G-LITE Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 42.4 inches
- Weight: 11.2 lbs
- Reclining seats with zipper adjustment, pop-out UPF 50+ sunshade, and removable, washable fabrics; it’s among the lightest umbrella strollers on our list
Chicco Liteway Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 40 inches
- Weight: 17.2 lbs
- JPMA-certified, four-position reclining stroller with a compact fold with automatic storage latch and carry handle
Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 40.55 inches
- Weight: 13.23 lbs
- This JPMA-certified stroller is among the cheapest, most budget-friendly compact options on our list.
Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 43 inches
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Easy-fold four-position stroller with anti-shock front wheels; it has one of the tallest handlebars on our list
Britax B-Free Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 44 inches (adjustable)
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Travel system-ready, lightweight umbrella stroller with a three-wheel jogger design, an expandable canopy with UPF 50+ sunshade, and compatibility with Britax infant car seats
Maclaren Mark II Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 42.52 inches
- Weight: 7.94 lbs
- The brand claims that it’s the world’s lightest full-size reclining stroller with aircraft-grade aluminum hexagonal tubing, ultralight fabrics, antibacterial handles, and an expandable waterproof UPF 50+ hood.
Kolcraft Cloud Plus Umbrella Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 41.7 inches
- Weight: 11.8 lbs
- It’s the lightest compact stroller at this price point on our list.
Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 42 inches
- Weight: 23.5 lbs
- 100% flame-retardant-free, lightweight tandem double strollerwith a rear bench and standing platform that also converts into a travel system (compatible with many car seat brands)
Graco Travelite Umbrella Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 41.5 inches
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Budget-friendly, multi-position seat with adjustable calf support and compact fold with storage latch and carrying strap
Delta Children Jeep Powerglyde Plus Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 43.2 inches
- Weight: 13.7 lbs
- Four-position reclining seat with several quality certifications and a large canopy with UPF 50+ sun visor
Nuna Pepp Next
- Handlebars (height): 42.5 inches
- Weight: 16.8 lbs
- Greenguard Gold Certified multi-position travel system with a removable UPF 50+ canopy and compatibility with Nuna PIPA infant car seats
Greenguard Gold Certification is granted to products with low emission of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. (3)
UPF 50+ (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a rating that means a fabric can block 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. (4)
Evezo Kalena Lightweight City Stroller
- Handlebars (height): 40 inches
- Weight: 9 lbs
- One of the cheapest strollers on our list, with an easy pull-and-fold sideways folding system that folds side by side, keeping all four wheels at the bottom
You can learn more about these umbrella strollers below.
UPPAbaby G-LITE Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: Reclining seats with zipper adjustment, pop-out UPF 50+ sunshade, and removable, washable fabrics
- Handlebars (height): 42.4 inches
- Weight: 11.2 lbs
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Six months to 55 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: None
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Mesh seats
- Safety: 5-point harness
- Brake: Two brakes
Key Features
- Wheels & tire: 4.8 inches
- Wheel suspension: All-wheel suspension
- Portability & storage: Two-step fold without foot action required; carry strap
- Storage basket or compartments: Up to 10 lbs
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 31.3 x 18.3 x 42.4 inches
- Warranty: Three years
- Quality/safety certifications: JPMA certified (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association); meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards
- Compatible car seats: None
Included with purchase:
- Sunshade
- Cup holder
Product Recall
- UPPAbaby G-LITE and UPPAbaby G-LUXE sold between March 2011 and July 2011 were recalled over a defective opening/closing mechanism in the rear of the strollers. (5)
- There weren’t any injuries reported, but the faulty mechanism might cause the stroller to fold while your child is still inside.
- Affected products have serial numbers beginning with DAC, DB4, or DB5.
Cons
- It had a recall.
Chicco Liteway Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: JPMA-certified, four-position reclining stroller with a compact fold with automatic storage latch and carry handle
- Handlebars (height): 40 inches
- Weight: 17.2 lbs
- Capabilities: Four-position reclining backrest
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Six months up to 40 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: None
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Aluminum
- Safety: Front locking swivels
- Brake: Toe-tap rear brakes
- Canopy: Adjustable, removable canopy with peek-a-boo window
Key Features
- Seats: Reclining seat
- Wheels & tire: 5.5 inches (front wheel) and 7 inches (rear wheels)
- Wheel suspension: Rear-wheel suspension
- Portability & storage: Compact fold with carrying strap
- Storage basket or compartments: Yes
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 35 x 19 x 40 inches
- Compatible car seats: None
Included with purchase:
- Cup holder
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- The sun canopy is narrow.
Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: This JPMA-certified stroller is among the cheapest, most budget-friendly compact options on our list.
- Handlebars (height): 40.55 inches
- Weight: 13.23 lbs
- Capabilities: Reclining seats
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Six months to 50 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: None
Materials & Safety Features:
- Safety: 5-point safety harness
- Brake: Foot-activated dual-rear brakes
- Canopy: Removable canopy
Key Features
- Seats: Reclining seats
- Portability & storage: Compact fold
- Storage basket or compartments: Yes
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions (inches): 29.5 x 40.55 x 18.3
- Warranty: One year
- Compatible car seats: No
Included with purchase:
- Two cup holders
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- The sun canopy is narrow.
Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: Easy-fold four-position stroller with anti-shock front wheels; it has one of the tallest handlebars on our list
- Handlebars (height): 43 inches
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Capabilities: Four-position reclining seats
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Six months to 50 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: None
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Stylish aluminum frame
- Safety: 5-point safety harness
- Brake: Lockable rear wheels
- Canopy: Adjustable, removable canopy with flip-out sun visor
Key Features
- Portability & storage: Compact fold with carrying strap
- Storage basket or compartments: Basket and rear storage pocket
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 18 x 17 x 43 inches
- Warranty: One year
- Compatible car seats: None
Included with purchase:
- Cup holder
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complained that the stroller they bought was uncomfortable.
Britax B-Free Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: Travel system-ready, lightweight umbrella stroller with a 3-wheel jogger design, an expandable canopy with UPF 50+ sunshade, and compatibility with Britax infant car seats
- Handlebars (height): 44 inches (adjustable)
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Capabilities: Reclining seat
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Up to 55 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: None
Materials & Safety Features:
- Safety: 5-point harness
- Brake: Parking brakes
Key Features
- Seats: Reclining seats
- Wheels & tire: All-terrain rubber tires
- Portability & storage: One-hand, quick fold
- Storage basket or compartments: Large basket with seven storage pockets
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 44 x 24 x 42 inches
- Warranty: Two years
Included with purchase:
- Car seat adapters
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- It’s the most expensive umbrella stroller on our list.
Maclaren Mark II Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: The brand claims that it’s the world’s lightest full-size reclining stroller with aircraft-grade aluminum hexagonal tubing, ultralight fabrics, antibacterial handles, and an expandable waterproof UPF 50+ hood
- Handlebars (height): 42.52 inches
- Weight: 7.94 lbs
- Capabilities: Washable reclining seats
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Six months up to 55 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: None
Materials & Safety Features:
- Safety: 5-point harness
- Brake: Foot-operated linked parking brakes
Key Features
- Seats: Reclining seats
- Wheels & tire: Lockable front-swivel, flat-free wheels
- Wheel suspension: Shock-absorbing 4-wheel suspension
- Portability & storage: One-hand compact fold
- Storage basket or compartments: Yes
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions (inches): 31.1 x 18.7 x 42.52
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty (if you register within 60 days from purchase)
- Compatible car seats: None
Included with purchase:
- Raincover
- Seat liner
- Tether strap
- ID tag
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- It’s more expensive than most compact strollers on our list.
Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: 100% flame-retardant-free, lightweight tandem double stroller with a rear bench and standing platform that also converts into a travel system (compatible with many car seat brands)
- Handlebars (height): 42 inches
- Weight: 23.5 lbs
- Capabilities: Double stroller with reclining seats and piggyback ride option
- Maximum number of children: Two
- Age suitability: Birth (with an infant car seat) up to 90 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: Optional rear seat
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Ultra-strong aluminum
- Safety: 5-point harness
- Brake: One-step linked parking brakes
- Canopy: Extra-large sun canopy that covers both front and back riders
Key Features
- Seats: Three-way reclining seat
- Wheels & tire: 7 inches (front wheel) and 8 inches (rear wheels)
- Wheel suspension: Four-wheel suspension
- Portability & storage: Compact fold even if the optional rear seat is attached
- Storage basket or compartments: Storage basket and a washable parent organizer
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions (inches): 38 x 21.25 x 42
- Warranty: Two years
- Compatible car seats: Baby Jogger, Baby Trend, Britax, Century, Chicco, Clek Liing, Cosco, Cybex, Evenflo, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Peg Pereno, Safety 1st, Summer Affirm, and UPPAbaby Mesa
Included with purchase:
- Universal car seat adapter
- Snack storage with two built-in cup holders
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- It’s pricier and heavier than most of the compact strollers on our list, but it’s a double stroller.
- The storage basket is large but hangs low, with the bottom just around 2 inches off the ground.
Graco Travelite Umbrella Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: Budget-friendly, multi-position seat with adjustable calf support and compact fold with storage latch and carrying strap
- Handlebars (height): 41.5 inches
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Capabilities: Adjustable calf support
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Up to 40 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: None
Materials & Safety Features:
- Safety: Convertible 5-point harness
- Brake: Rear-wheel brakes
- Canopy: Folding canopy
Key Features
- Wheels & tire: Lockable front-swivel wheels
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.8 x 41.5 inches
- Warranty: One year
- Compatible car seats: None
Included with purchase:
- Cup holder
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Limited storage space
Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: It’s the lightest compact stroller at this price point on our list.
- Handlebars (height): 41.7 inches
- Weight: 11.8 lbs
- Capabilities: Reclining seat
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Six months up to 50 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: None
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Safety: 5-point harness
- Brake: Rear wheels
- Canopy: Three-tier, extended canopy with peek-a-boo window
Key Features
- Seats: Reclining seats
- Wheels & tire: All-terrain wheels
- Wheel suspension: Front suspension
- Portability & storage: Convenient one-hand, self-standing fold
- Storage basket or compartments: Large, easy-access basket
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 29.9 x 41.7 inches
- Warranty: One year
- Quality/safety certifications: JPMA certified
- Compatible car seats: None
Included with purchase:
- Removable child snack tray with dual cup and juice box holder
- Parent tray with two water bottle holders
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Many parents complained about the product quality, saying that the stroller broke down easily or the wheels got warped.
Delta Children Jeep Powerglyde Plus Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: Four-position reclining seat with several quality certifications and a large canopy with UPF 50+ sun visor
- Handlebars (height): 43.2 inches
- Weight: 13.7 lbs
- Capabilities: Four reclining positions
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Six months up to 50 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: None
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Aluminum frame
- Safety: 5-point safety harness and reflective shoulder straps
- Brake: Locking back brakes
Key Features
- Wheels & tire: 6 inches, puncture-proof swivel front wheels for a smooth ride
- Portability & storage: Compact fold with a carrying handle
- Storage basket or compartments: Extra-large storage basket
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions (inches): 31.9 x 19.3 x 43.2
- Warranty: Two years
- Quality/safety certifications: JPMA certified; meets or exceeds ASTM and CPSC standards
- Compatible car seats: None
Included with purchase:
- Cup holder
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complained about the small seats.
Nuna Pepp Next
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: Greenguard Gold Certified multi-position travel system with a removable UPF 50+ canopy and compatibility with Nuna PIPA infant car seats
- Handlebars (height): 42.5 inches
- Weight: 16.8 lbs
- Capabilities: Reclining seats
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Birth (with infant car seat) to 50 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: Compatible with Nuna PIPA infant car seats
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Luxe leatherette
- Safety: Three or five-point no-rethread harness
- Brake: One-touch, rear-wheel braking system
- Canopy: Removable UPF 50+ canopy with a pull-down drape and flip-out eyeshade
Key Features
- Seats: Three-position reclining seat
- Wheels & tire: Front, swivel lock wheels
- Wheel suspension: Spring suspension technology
- Portability & storage: Flat, compact fold
- Storage basket or compartments: Basket with storage pockets
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 35.65 x 22 x 42.5 inches
- Warranty: Two years
- Compatible car seats: Nuna PIPA series car seats
Included with purchase:
- Stroller frame
- Infant car seat adapter
- Seat
- Child’s tray
- Canopy system
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complained that the basket is too small.
- It’s among the most expensive umbrella strollers on our list.
Evezo Kalena Lightweight City Stroller
What Makes It Special?
- Best feature: One of the cheapest options on our list, with an easy pull-and-fold sideways folding system that folds side by side, keeping all four wheels at the bottom
- Handlebars (height): 40 inches
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Maximum number of children: One
- Age suitability: Six months to 35 lbs
- Expansion options to grow: None
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Metal frame with nylon seat and fabric
- Safety: 5-point padded safety harness
- Brake: Lockable rear wheels with individual brake
- Canopy: Removable canopy
Key Features
- Seats: With leg support and a footrest
- Wheels & tire: Swivel front wheels
- Storage basket or compartments: None
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 23 x 13 x 40
- Warranty: 180 days
- Compatible car seats: None
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- It’s the only stroller on our list that doesn’t have a storage basket.
- Its warranty is less than a year.
- It also has the lowest capacity (35 lbs), while most umbrella strollers can carry up to 50 lbs.
- The seat doesn’t recline.
Summary & Recommendations
Getting the right stroller can make a huge difference, especially for tall people. It could help you avoid getting back pain because they don’t strain your back unnecessarily.
Each of the umbrella strollers above can be ideal for tall parents. They have their best features, but the following are our top picks:
Greenguard Gold Certified
- Nuna Pepp Next is among the most expensive on this list, but this travel system is Greenguard Gold Certified to be non-toxic (low chemical emissions).
Lightest Umbrella Stroller
- Weighing just 7.94 lbs, the Maclaren Mark II Stroller is the lightest stroller on our list, offering aircraft-grade tubing and a waterproof UPF 50+ canopy.
Best Value For Your Money
- Delta Children Jeep Powerglyde Plus Stroller is among the strollers with the most number of certifications, tallest handles (43.2 inches), lightest weights (13.7 lbs), and has UPF 50+ sun visors.
Cheapest Stroller With Quality Certification
- Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller is the cheapest stroller on our list with JPMA certification.
Double Stroller
- Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller is a double stroller with a rear bench and standing platform. It also converts into a travel system and is compatible with many car seat brands.
Stroller Recalls To Monitor
- Comprehensive list of stroller recalls (2020-2023)
- Baby Trend recalls
- Mockingbird recalls
- UPPAbaby recalls
REFERENCES
(1) https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/average-height-by-state
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4546049/
(3) https://www.ul.com/insights/what-does-greenguard-certified-mean
(4) https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/
(5) https://consumerinforeport.com/archives/707
