Umbrella Stroller Advice Needed

Updated on July 09, 2008
P.P. asks from Chesapeake, VA
17 answers

We're interested in purchasing a "light" stroller for travel/shopping purposes for a 20 month old. Do any mom's out there have any advice on current brands or types to look for? Interested in the Maclaren Volo, Combi Helio or Uppa G-Lite - but options are open. Ideal price range between $60-120 give or take a little.

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone for your advice. You've confirmed everything I've been able to read about the Maclaren strollers - there must be a reason they are so popular. I appreciate your help and will most likely go with that one. Thanks again.

Featured Answers

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K.F.

answers from Washington DC on

I have a Chicco C5 umbrella stroller. I've been using since my daughter was 7-8 months old. Its not too bulky & very easy to collapse when flying as I've made several trips to the West Coast. It was around $75.

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M.G.

answers from Washington DC on

I had a friend of mine who is moving out of the country drop off two umbrella strollers (and I already have one of my own). One is in excellent condition. It has a jungle theme. I'm located in Abingdon, MD if you are interested in a free one. If not I'll probably freecycle or donate them both.

M.
PS mother of 6 month old and a 3 year old boys--we understand the active part. Don't you wish you could have a tenth of their energy?

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S.L.

answers from Norfolk on

I have a Maclaren and love it. My husband is also in the military and we fly several times a year. I have had the stroller for 3 years and it has held up great. It is light, easy to open. I take it with me every time I travel. I love it. I hope that helps.

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F.B.

answers from Charlottesville on

P., we got one nice one for my shower then I tried another one, don't remember the brands, but I just had problems with them. Then one day I was a Toy/Babies R Us getting diapers, they had free umbrella strollers if you spent X amount, or they were $10-15 (I don't remember exactly). Well I was getting diapers, so I bought an extra box and got the free one, since I really wasn't happy with either of the ones I had. I LOVE it, yeah it was the free one, we still use it and my son is 3, it held up, wipes down nicely, is easy to fold, doesn't take up much space and he rides the best in it. Just a thought...

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K.C.

answers from Washington DC on

If you are looking for just a regular umbrella stroller, no frills or fluff, I got my Kolkraft from Walmart for less than $15 and it has been used through 3 kids.

D.S.

answers from Allentown on

Hi P.,

Go to Wal-Mart or Toys r Us. See what it is you need and Voila, buy what you like and can afford.

Good luck. D.

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M.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi P.,

Just to add my two cents - I'm glad you're choosing the MacLaren - my husband and I bought ours in England 12 years ago when our first son was just 4 months old. All five of our children have been around the world in it and it's still going strong - we've traveled from the US to Manila to England and back again and back and forth and back again at least 7 times. Not to mention the general every day use from long walks, etc., etc. It's the best made umbrella stroller out there and worth every penny - light, compact durable, and fantastic back support with rain hoods, warm covers, umbrellas/parasols, baskets, etc!

Happy traveling!
--M.

Happy traveling!

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

We bought a Macleren 4 years ago and love it. I dont' remeber the model, but it was a simple one - and oen of the least expensive. We jus twanted durable and safe, and it has worked for us. I know we considered the Combi as a second choice, I think maybe it felt cheaper less well made, but not sure right now.

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E.T.

answers from Washington DC on

I love my MacLaren. I didn't buy the Volo. My husband thought our daughter deserved the "pink one," so we spent a bit more and got it. I love it.

When I bought it, I used a 15% off coupon at Babies R Us. They currently have a bunch of coupons out for this week.

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J.L.

answers from Roanoke on

Hi P.,
We have the Maclaren Quest. I got it about 2 months ago and love it. It's the only umbrella stroller we've ever had, so I can't compare with others. This stroller is so easy to handle and to push. I'm 5' 1 and my husband is 5'11 and we don't have a problem pushing it. I also heard this stroller is great for tall people. Collapsing it in the beginning was a little weird, but after 2 or 3 times of practice, I got it down. I do wish the canopy came down more, it's stationary so you can't push it down depending on the location of the sun, so I usually have my dd wear a little hat. I like that the seat has little extenders that pull out so that my 7.5 mo old dd doesn't have her little legs dangling. I actually got a new older model, a 2006 model, which was A LOT cheaper than the 2008 model. I got it for about $120 w/ free shipping and actually found one that was $10 cheaper on another web site, but I had already ordered it. Good Luck!

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S.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Get the Maclaren you will love it! I have two. I bought the first when my oldest was 9 mos old (and walking already!). He is now 7 and it is still going strong! We bought a second when my now 4yo was around 6mos old. They both are still in great condition and we take them everywhere (airplanes, disney world, busch gardens, etc). If you can splurge on the accessory package (sun shade, rain cover, and pad). They are compact but can take a lot of weight and you can fold/unfold them with one hand! Good luck!

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A.F.

answers from Richmond on

Gor for the MacLaren. It is worth the money!!! Check on e-bay, we got ours new and saved about $75 by getting it here.

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H.G.

answers from New York on

I love the Maclaren Volo! We use it as our primary stroller now, because it's so light and easy to use.

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A.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I love my Mclaren Volo and would recommend it to anyone. It is so light and easy to use plus it is very comfortable for my little girl. I would suggest you just go to the store and try out all the ones you are interested in. My husband and I just pushed various strollers around the store till we settled on the one that fit us best.

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C.I.

answers from Washington DC on

I really like my Chicco. My husband complains that he feels like he's kicking the wheels as he's walking but that's gonna be a problem with any umbrella stoller I believer. This one is great b/c it locks into a small size and has it's own travel bag!

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T.C.

answers from Washington DC on

HI, dont waste your money on those expensive strollers. I bought the best umbrella stroller from wal-mart its made by evenflow, mine is black and gray it has an underneath basket, cup holders, smoother ride and is a little taller than average umbrellas so you dont have to hunch over to push it. It still folds up as small as any other umbrella stroller. It is $29 and comes in several colors. Look for the orange and blue box. They also sell it online. Good luck!

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C.Q.

answers from Washington DC on

We have a red Maclaren (don't know exact model) but it's excellent. Easy to use, great movability, comfortable, and light-weight.
And it has one level for sitting and one for reclining.
The best stroller we ever bought!

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