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ARE LIGHTWEIGHT UMBRELLA STROLLERS
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Be aware that you would have to carry most baby toys or accessories as these strollers aren't built with storage in mind. You may need a better canopy for help with protecting your baby from the sun, too. Even the best umbrella stroller is lacking in at least one of these areas.
The question is, do lightweight strollers come close to living up to their reputation of being the best route to take for quick jaunts. There’s a virtual revolution underway for everyone to have a stroller inventory of at least one jogger, a marathon runner, a traditional stroller and a lightweight stroller. And the best reason I can see to include umbrella strollers at all is that they reputedly don't weigh as much as the others. If you travel much at all car seat, stroller and airplane use for baby means looking for lightweight and easy to handle!
Should most of these models even be called lightweight at all? That’s certainly a matter of much discussion and opinion. In 2007 Consumer Reports made comparisons and ran tests on 29 of the top rated strollers for performance. Very few of the group weighed under the sixteen pounds that I consider the best weight for a stroller.
In this test they combined traditional strollers and others. I assume the the lightweight strollers are ones that we can call the best umbrella strolelrs. According to their test results here are the best strollers in descending order:
- Zooper Salsa - 12 lbs.
- Mia Moda Cielo - 16 lbs
- Baby Trend Trendsport Lite 15
- Kolcraft Tour Sport Universal 15 lbs
- Cosco Deluxe Comfort Ride 10 lbs
- Combi Torino DX Spoleto LX - 16 lbs
- Silver Cross Micro V.2 - 12 lbs
- Maclaren Volo 10 lbs
- Combi Cosmo ST - 11 lbs
- Peg Perego Aria OH Classico - 14 lbs
In order to compete with other styles of strollers on the market manufacturers are loading our strollers with luxury features such as more storage, beverage holders and handlebar extensions so that tall people can enjoy the complete strolling experience in comfort. Many newer models are appropriate for newborns as they now have fully reclining seats. Strollers that do not recline should not be used with infants under a certain age. The reclining feature is absolutely necessary for use with a baby who can’t sit up without support. Another tip, please note that if you have need of a twin (double or duallie),triple or a quad stroller, umbrella strollers may not be the best option for you. By all means go to the baby outlet store and try them out, you can’t tell much about performance from pictures or photos.
When shopping for lightweight strollers, many proud parents shop for the cheapest strollers they can find. These moms and dads think that an almost disposable item at the lowest price they can find is the best deal. No Peg Perego Pliko P3s or Combi stroller for these bargain hunters! Even some of the least expensive models for 2007 are being manufactured in the same hot colors that Hollywood Movie Stars, Celebrity Moms and Rock Stars are choosing for their kids.
We are seeing more high fashion colors like turquoise blue, watermelon pink, salsa reds and designer inspired fabric patterns in discount stores these days! Many with coordinating diaper bags! And they are for the most part very cheap! Yes, there are many possibilities in this price range for the most techno savvy parent. And if retail price is your deal breaker, here’s my recommendation for the best stroller in this price range. At prices between $30 and $35 I think Kolcraft has the perfect stroller for these parents:
The Kolcraft Jeep Wrangler All-Weather - Sky Umbrella Stroller XLT(they also offer a double stroller The Kolcraft Jeep Wrangler All-Weather Twin Sport Umbrella Stroller)
- This stroller weighs an acceptable 12 pounds
- Easy one hand closure
- clean with a damp cloth
- Two side cargo bags
- Adjustable sunshade
For shoppers willing to pay more for a longer lasting umbrella stroller I suggest:
Peg Perego Pliko P3 MT Classico - Metallica Umbrella Stroller
- Just under my 16 lb. limit to be considered lightweight at 15.8 pounds
- strolls well on rough dirt paths and mall floors
- fully reclining seat suitable for infant
- Can use the infant seat from Peg Perego travel system
- Easily cleaned
- Well padded seat
- Ample storage beyond compare
Drawbacks: The lowest price I found was approximately $230 plus shipping. The assembly of this stroller requires that you use two hands to fold it. If you have problems juggling more than one child at a time, this may be a little bit of a problem until you get the process down. It’s also been reported on a few of the stroller blogs that I read that the cupholder could be a lot less flimsy.
Most of your common names in strollers have at least one model they call a lightweight stroller or umbrella stroller.
I don't want to be faced with having to go out and get a new umbrella stroller every season. On the other hand...I can't see paying upwards of $200 for a lightweight stroller with limited features! I hate to get hung with any particular piece of baby gear that is so pricey that I can’t get something new when the trends change in fabrics or design. By the time my baby became a toddler, I'd already swapped strollers three times! For my money, I'd split the difference and go with:
The Maclaren Triumph
- Weighs 12 lbs.
- 5 point harness
- Sturdy feel
- sunshade
- one finger push! REALLY the wheels roll that smoothly
Storage could be better. Cup holders must be purchased separately. How chinchy!
Oh well, the positives outweigh the negatives on this little jewel!
Here are some top rated umbrella strollers in the lightweight stroller category from recent years past that you may want to try!
- The Maclaren Volo
- The Inglesina Espresso
- The Silver Cross Mini
- The Peg Perego Aria MT
- And! Last but certainly not least The Bugaboo Line of Strollers - The Gecko
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON the best, top rated umbrella strollers GO TO THE MAIN STROLLER LISTINGS PAGE
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