Seeking Advice on an Umbrella or Light Weight Stroller

I have used a Maclaren with both my boys and it is great! Easy to open and close, is light and very durable!

I don't have any brand names...just suggestions. I preferred my umbrella stroller that had an awning that could flip forward or back as needed. So many times in this Texas sun you REALLY want an awning for your little one. Also, I preferred an umbrella stroller that was narrow enough to fit down the aisle on an airplane. This was really handy when I travelled w/o my husband to help. And lastly, I would test the stroller in the store. I had it down that I could collapse the thing by releasing the latch with a kick from my foot. It was really handy to be able to do this one-handed, as I held the handles and pushed forward and unlatched the lock with my foot. So convenient!

Hello Z.,

We had the graco double (umbrella) stroller and that one traveled very well (gate check). We took it to Europe and here in the US. ~C.~

I would highly recommend any Combi Stroller. I believe ours is the Combi Soho Stroller. I have numerous hand/arm issues and am very weak. I had to have a light stroller from the beginning with my child. I went to a speciality stroller/toy store that specialized in strollers/car seats and they recommend Combi for me. I've never had any problems with it. I love the way it folds, it actually tri-folds into 3 sections so it is doesn't take up all your room in your vehicle/home. I bought an added net bag to go with my stroller and that was much easier than using the storage down below the seat. There is some storage below the seat, however if you have heavy bags/big things, can get tricky to get in and out of there. I highly recommend the net bag, they probably would sell it at Babies R US or a speciality baby store or even online. I got ours at the Lone Star Baby USA. It hooks on to your stroller from the back, so it basically lays against your child's back/back of the stroller. It has a wide opening. The Combi is so light weight, the best part is the shoulder strap. I can actually carry my stroller long distances if I have to on my shoulder and it doesn't hurt! The only complaint is our drink holders that came with the stroller were made out of material and over the 3 1/2 years we've used it, it has torn some, however I can still put drinks in there. It is mainly for smaller cup drinks, it doesn't hold the large cups as well straight like it should. You can always add bigger drink holders if you want to. I'm sure I could replace it and buy a new one thru the company. It is easy to push/turn and get over curbs and the stairs also. They are very well made and I haven't had any problems with the wheels or any main components for the stroller. The seat cover is also easy to take off for cleaning.

I had a Maclaren for my dd when she was that age - she is now 6.5 years old and just barely weighs 40 pounds and is 44" - we just got rid of the stroller - though at 6 Flags last week she did ask for it...

I have recently run into the same delimma except I have a 3 1/2 year old and a 21 month old. She still needs a stroller and sometimes he does too, but looking for a lightweight single stroller. I have just looked into a Peg Perego Pliko 3. It is more expensive but seems like it will last. It holds up to 45 lbs. and is only about 15 lbs. in weight. Folds like an umbrella but has a tray and full canopy which I think is a must. The feature that I like the best is the foot board on the back for an older child to stand on and ride. It also reclines all the way down. I think this will be my last purchase, and I hope this helps you a little in deciding.

Last year we got a pair of Wendy Bellisimo from Babies R Us. We used them all the time and were really impressed with how good they worked. THey were a bit more expensive (about $115 a piece) but WELL worth it!

Try Uppa Baby G-Lite (it weighs 8.3 lbs!) or MacLaren Volo - one that supports 40 lbs is going to be your issue. You can't just carry them on a plane like the cheap ones, you will still have to gate check them but they fold like umbrella strollers and ours has survived about 5 round trip flights.

Hi Z.,

I love, love, love my Combi Savvy Z! It is very light but sturdy and the front wheels lock as well as swivel so it's great for zooming down the aisle on an airplane. Not much basket space at all though is the downside.

M.

P.S. I am building a team of 5 financially free champions over the next 2-5 years. Want to be one of them? Email me through Mamasource if you are ready for change!

Maclaren all the way. We lived abroad and road trains and the tube a lot. Our UK friends said Maclaren was the only way to go. I have to agree. Not much storage underneath but lightweight, compact, comfy (according to my son) and very durable. Ours survived multiple international flights and extensive daily use.

We used and loved the Jeep Wrangler umbrella stroller. It was very reasonably priced, durable, smooth, attractive and comfy. We even got their double umbrella after our 2nd child and loved it also--and my kids really gave it a good run for its money--lasted the whole time we needed it.

I wouldn't do an umbrella-most of them are so flimsy. We got a Combi travel stroller-it weighs 10 pounds and has lasted for 2 kids.

We bought a radio flyer wagon. It came with seats and seat belts and a canopy. A car seat will lock across the the wagon. The wheels are a little odd and its a little pricey but my daughter loves to play in her wagon even when it is just sitting there. Good Luck