The Basics: Umbrella Strollers

A travel stroller, also known as an umbrella stroller, is one of the most practical baby gear items a parent, caregiver or grandparent can own. In general, travel strollers are lightweight, relatively inexpensive to buy. And as the name suggests, travel strollers are easily portable.

Despite its straightforward purpose, buying a travel stroller that suits your needs can be difficult. Consumer Guide has sifted through the dozens of travel strollers on the market and selected the newest and most popular models for review.

If you need a backup travel stroller that won't take up much room when folded, stick with the basic models. They will cost less ($20 to $75) and still do the job. If you want a travel stroller to perform more like a full-sized model designed to tote older children longer and more often, plan to spend more (up to $400) for comfort and convenience features.

Regardless of how you will use your travel stroller, it should be lightweight, have large wheels that can navigate a variety of terrains, and fold compactly.

Currently, manufacturers seem to be paying more attention to convenience features. Many travel strollers now recline to at least two positions. Some even recline flat, which makes them ideal for toting infants. The vast majority of travel strollers, however, are designed for children who can sit unassisted, which usually occurs around four to six months of age.

As you shop, you will want to watch for comfort features, such as adjustable handles, larger canopies, cup holders and trays. These little luxuries can make a big difference and are cropping up on strollers at lower price points.

For more information on strollers, check out Consumer Guide's in-depth rating system that spells out, at a glance, which strollers best suit your lifestyle and spending limit.

How to Shop

Every travel stroller should have the safety basics covered. Stability is often an issue with lightweight strollers, so it is not a good idea to hang a purse or diaper bag from a travel stroller's handles. Instead, look for additional storage spaces under the stroller's seat. These underseat storage compartments can be of limited size, but are becoming increasingly larger in current travel stroller models. A parent tray and child tray with cup holders are nice additions, but only a few travel strollers have this option.

Travel strollers are sometimes known as umbrella or convenience strollers because of their characteristic fold-slim features. Most travel strollers weigh about 15 pounds and fit easily into a vehicle's backseat or trunk.

It's often convenient to have a travel stroller on hand, whether you're running errands or going on vacation. Keep in mind, however, that a travel stroller will probably be your secondary stroller, unless you opt for a model with comfort features. A basic travel stroller, while certainly optimal for short-term use, sometimes sacrifices comfort for convenience.

If you do spring for a travel stroller loaded with features and you have an infant, look for one that is compatible with infant car seats. Pricier and more durable travel strollers often are compatible with infant car seats. This creates an instant travel system.

As you select a travel stroller, be sure you understand the manufacturer's weight and height limits. These restrictions vary by manufacturer. Read the manufacturer's warranty, and save your receipt. If there is a manufacturer's registration card, return it. This way, you can be notified if there is a recall.