Although the price difference between the umbrella and travel stroller is minimum, in-depth analysis is vital, so you pick the right option.
So, today we are here with an article on umbrella stroller vs. travel stroller.
In this edit, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences between both strollers.
We’ll tell you why you should choose one, considering the price, built, traveling convenience, and everything in between.
Let’s dive in. However, if you are in a rush, check out the quick table to ease your decision.
Table of Contents
Umbrella Stroller VS Travel Stroller
Umbrella Stroller | Travel Stroller |
Appearance | |
Average | Exclusive |
Stroller Weight and Weight Limit | |
Under 16 pounds | Under 16 pounds |
Car Seat Adaptability | |
No | Yes |
Seat Recline | |
3 position | Infinite |
Number of Wheels | |
8 wheels | 4 wheels |
Canopy | |
Large size | Large size with mesh panel |
Storage Capacity | |
10 pounds maximum | 10 pounds maximum |
Comes with Snack Trays and Cup Holder | |
No | Yes |
Best for Traveling by | |
Bus, car, and train | Bus, car, train, and plane |
Folding | |
Easy | Easy |
Price | |
Under $150 | More than $150 |
Umbrella Stroller
Umbrella strollers are mostly used for babies more than 6 months. Parents buy them as secondary strollers to run daily errands, walk in the neighborhood, or visit a doctor. Of the 6 basic types of strollers, it’s the breeziest stroller you can ever have.
Pros
Lightweight Version
In our observation, umbrella strollers don’t exceed 16 pounds. They are easy on the shoulders, so you can manage to trade them here and there along with a baby on your hip.
This lightweight stroller is a dream come true for mums having a walk-up apartment since climbing a stroller is challenging. Additionally, they are considered the best stroller for grandparents who have no energy to push hefty strollers.
Smooth Maneuver
Commonly found at Disneyland or theme parks, umbrella strollers help you cross large crowds. It keeps you ahead of the audience with its slim profile and helps you reach the destination quicker than most parents with full-size strollers.
You also get smooth maneuvers with umbrella strollers. However, they aren’t made for uneven terrain, and the 8 wheels design (in most umbrella strollers) makes it challenging to get them off the cobbles.
Compact Fold
Umbrella strollers fold easily and in less than a minute. They facilitate parents living in small apartments by occupying less space. You can keep them in a small wardrobe or any corner of your home.
Not only this, but they also leave space in the trunk of your car. So, you can store an inflator, basket, and everything in between when heading for long road trips. Their umbrella shape fold also gives you convenience when traveling in public transport.
Integrated Carry Strap
The carry strap is where the umbrella stroller turns out to be a win-win. It comes with a shoulder strap or handle you can clutch while commuting. Due to this handle, it becomes easier to transport the stroller with a baby you cannot leave on his own.
Although it’s a small feature, we find it rare in some full-size strollers as well. But, the difference and ease it makes to your traveling are beyond your expectation.
Large Sun Shade
We’ve heard a buzz that an umbrella stroller fell short on covering your baby from the sun. Here we’d clarify that it’s rare. Sun shade on umbrella stroller is extended just like other types of strollers – except for a few.
You get a full-size sun canopy with umbrella strollers that shields your baby from UV rays. In fact, there is a mesh panel on the top to keep your baby well-ventilated and give you his live report.
Cost Effective
Compared to other types of strollers available out there, umbrella strollers are the cheapest ones. They range somewhere between $60 and $150.
However, we’d suggest you go for one for more than $100 since they are sturdy, durable, and safe.
Cheap umbrella strollers, for instance, from Cosco, have a short lifetime. Additionally, they have a mighty weight that threatens your baby’s safety and sometimes results in pieces falling apart.
Also Read: Best Affordable Umbrella Stroller in 2022
Cons
Doesn’t Attach Car Seat
One reason parents don’t use an umbrella stroller right after the birth of their baby is that it doesn’t attach to a car seat. While car seat strollers are what’s only allowed until your baby hits 6 months or is able to hold his back and neck.
Doesn’t Recline Flat
Along with car seat adaptability, umbrella strollers also lack infinite recline. Reclining in the stroller is essential for newborns and toddlers who demand sleep during their nap times, no matter where they are.
Travel Stroller
Travel and lightweight stroller are two terms intermingled. You’ll see most travel strollers are also named lightweight strollers due to their little weight and similarity in features.
Pros
Looks Chic
You’d see some parents picking a travel stroller rather than an umbrella stroller. One good reason they have is the looks of the travel stroller. Most travel strollers have an attractive build and the power to turn heads.
This quality is rare in umbrella strollers, and the price could be one factor. So, a travel stroller should be your go-to option if you give equal importance to the looks of a stroller as other features.
Car Seat Adaptable
Travel strollers are car seat adaptable. Some will demand adaptors to snap in the car seat, while others will directly attach your baby’s car seat. The best part is you can use them right after your baby is born to keep your pace up.
However, the umbrella stroller doesn’t attach to car seats.
Infinite Reclining
What you lose in an umbrella stroller, you gain with a travel stroller. Travel strollers are ready-to-go travel systems with a car seats, making them a perfect option for newborns. While they transition to a toddler stroller without one.
You can recline the seat of these strollers infinitely, allowing your baby to nap whenever he wants. Reclining these strollers requires one hand, so the process is effortless.
Plethora of Storage
We won’t say that an umbrella stroller doesn’t give you enough space you need for daily commutes. In comparison, we found an umbrella and travel stroller with a maximum basket limit of 10 pounds.
However, you get cup holders and a snack tray with a large number of travel strollers. These snack trays are useful when you are out and about, for instance, on zoo trips. Thanks to them, you can put the snack on these trays and feed your baby on time.
Fits in Overhead Compartment of Plane
Although umbrella strollers are compact and lightweight for transportation, fitting them into the overhead bin of the plane is challenging. On the contrary, travel strollers are built with the overhead bin size in mind.
They fold small and are the right stroller for air travel.
Cons
Falls on the Expensive Side
Compared to umbrella strollers, travel strollers are expensive. Rest assured, they won’t break your bank but cost you fair for the features they have to offer. We believe it’s worth it investment. However, the option is unaffordable to a few parents out there.
Lacks Carry Strap
Most probably, you will not get a carry strap with your travel stroller. You need to hold them through the frame to load them into your car.
Also Read: Best Double Stroller for Travel to Europe
Conclusion
Hope you were satisfied with this umbrella stroller vs. travel stroller edit.
Let us rewind that umbrella stroller are made for babies more than 6 months, are compact and lightweight for quick commutes, and offer you smooth rides and easy dodge from large crowds.
A travel stroller most likely weighs equal to an umbrella stroller. They are car seat adaptable and recline flat, making them a good investment for newborns and toddlers. You can store tons of gears in this stroller while leveraging the complimentary cup holder and snack tray.
Travel strollers cost a little more than an umbrella stroller. In return, they promise you safety, comfort, and durability. Due to this, we crown travel strollers as the winner.