Selecting the Right Product
Choosing the perfect umbrella stroller can be an education in decision making and priority setting. At first blush they may all seem very similar, some even look alike and many have similar features, but reality can't be farther from the truth as we discovered after lining up the top contenders and really assessing how they differed from one another.
The best way to avoid confusion, or becoming overwhelmed, is to sort out how you plan to use the product, what features you will need to obtain your goals, and how much you want to pay in order to get them. Once you know these things you can focus on which products offered the best of the best for what you want. While some may offer the same features, not all of them do it well. The selection is varied, not just in what they offer, but in what they cost. We feel there is a rig that is right for everyone, and our tests and review process is here to help you find yours.
For more information on buying the right product for you, please check out our companion article How to Pick the Best Umbrella Stroller.
You can find out more information on how we tested each product in the How We Testarticle. This can give you even deeper insight into how these products differ, and how we determined their ranks and scores.
Types of Lightweight Umbrella Strollers
There are two kinds of lightweight strollers, the basic umbrella product with very few additional features that is easy to fold and carry about, and products with all the bells and whistles that are so well-equipped they can almost do double duty as a primary rig. There are several of each type in this review, and as you will see, some of the products were better than others.
The photos above show the two UPPAbaby products in this review, the G-Lite (left) is a basic umbrella type with not many features, and the G-Luxe (right) has all the bells and whistles you could want in this kind of product.
Both types have characteristics in common; these are the primary features that make a product a member of this group:
Basic
The basic model type are free of most added features that can make longer trips easier, but they do have plenty to offer for the short haul. They are normally lightweight, easy to fold, compact packages that can be easily carried, stored, and transported. They usually don't have many additional features like significant storage space or accessory trays, but they are good for commuting and getting from point A to point B with a quickness. What these products lack in features, or extras for additional comfort, they usually make up for by being uber lightweight, small when folded, easier to carry, and are usually more maneuverable thanks to a smaller footprint and less weight. This is often the kind of product parents have in mind when they set out on a journey for an umbrella product. This is also the type people consider when they need a simple secondary stroller that will be use infrequently and for short durations.
All the Bells
The products with all the frills usually have larger under seat storage bins meant for carrying supplies for the day or shopping bags. They have reclining back seats for increased napping possibilities, large canopies for additional protection, adjustable leg rests for comfort, and handy cup holders or additional parent storage options for more places to stow important items. These products still manage to be fairly lightweight, and many of them are easy to carry and fold, but they have the added benefits of features that can make the trip easier, more comfortable, or significantly more convenient. If your plans for this kind of product include more than getting from point to point, and are centered around the journey as much as the destination, then a stroller with all the bells and whistles may be more the kind of thing you are looking for. Having the ability for children to take long rests/naps in comfort can be a major concern for longer trips on the go. being able to carry more items may be a necessity if trips to the store will happen frequently. Having more features means having more options when it comes to using the product. Having one with all the bells, may translate into using it more frequently.
Why Get an Umbrella Stroller?
Whether your product of choice is a basic stroller or full of frills an umbrella can be a handy product to have at your disposal. Choosing to purchase one can give you more freedom while traveling or visiting relatives, and they can be nice to have for day trips to town or fun activities. They can help you manage little ones and get where your going without the weight and size of a standard stroller. They are more compact and agile than both a standard style or jogger, which can be nice in the city, crowded space, or where walking spaces are at a premium. Buying an umbrella can be just what you need for a worry and stress free outing in town, without the hassle of a bigger stroller that can get in the way, or be difficult to transport. We feel a second option, or a lightweight primary stroller might be just the ticket for parents looking to minimize their load or travel in style.
Criteria for Evaluation
In testing the products in this review we focused on 6 key areas; with weight and folded size having the most influence over the final tally since finding a compact easy to carry stroller is the primary reason parents decide to purchase a product of this type. Our ratings are a combination of in-house lab testing and real world experience using the products in everyday life; each product was rated against the competition for comparison.
Ease of Use
Ease of use encompasses all the features that make using the product easier, or that add versatility. The higher a product ranks in this category, the more versatile it is, so parents might be able to use it for a variety of trip types. Having a larger sunshade or storage bin means a stroller might be able to go shopping for longer, or be better for outdoor trips to a farmers market.
While all the products had a sun canopy, the more basic products had smaller varieties, or did not attach to the back of the seat. The canopy on the Quinny Yezz is simple, easy to use, and attached to the fabric of the main stroller. But it is small, doesn't offer much coverage, and it isn't SPF rated. Similar with the Jeep Wrangler All-Weather, which has the smallest shade in our review, covers very little, but is fully tilt-able. The tilt offer some extra coverage, but it also can become a play toy for toddlers and potentially useless and more of a hassle than a help. Both of these strollers earned fairly low scores for ease of use with the Yezz scoring a 2 out of 10 and the Jeep only 1. The UPPAbaby products on the other hand, have giant canopies, are rated SPF 50, and have an additional kick out visor which makes them not only user-friendly, but super effective, even for a sleeping passenger fully reclined in the G-Luxe.This helped the G-Luxe tie for the high score in this metric with a 7 out of 10.
The photos above show the sun shades of the Quinny (left), Jeep (middle), and UPPA G-Lite (right). Most of the products we reviewed fell in between the Quinny and UPPAbaby products in size. Only a few had additional visors for added protection.
All of the products offered some kind of storage, how much and where were the primarily differences between them. Most have a under seat storage bin, but they vary in size, maximum weight capacity, and how easy they are to access. The Contours Lite has the largest bin in our review (which earned it a 10 out of 10 for storage), and the Quinny Yezz doesn't have a storage bin at all, just a back pocket. In addition to under seat bins, some had parent pockets located on the back of the sun shades, or between the handle bars, like the two First Years options with their handy parent storage trays. The Contours is the only product with a child accessory tray, but the Joovy Groove does have storage pockets inside the seat that are great for treasure stashing and snacks. Both features make the models more user-friendly than the products without them, and increase potential comfort or convenience. TheContours and Joovy both earned a high 7 out of 10 for ease of use.
The photos above show some additional storage features; cup holders on the Joovy Groove (left), the child accessory tray on the Contours (middle), and the parent tray located between the handle bars on the First Years Ignite (left).
A reclining back seat and adjustable leg rest are also nice convenience features that earned products higher scores. For little passengers on the go, napping and being comfortable can be the difference between a successful outing and a disaster of epic tantrum proportions. A comfortable child, is a happy child. Some of the products offered a reclining back, but no adjustable leg rest, others had both a recline and leg option, and some had neither. Many of the recline angles are not that deep and therefore not as user-friendly as others. Depending on the kind of trip you plan to take, a simple stroller with no comfort options might suffice, but if you are headed to the zoo and park for the entire day, life will just be easier with a product that lets passengers nap, or adjusts for comfort.
The photos above show two different reclining options, the Mountain Buggy Mini (left)lays almost flat, while the First Years Ignite (left) has less of a recline. A deeper recline can provide a better environment for napping than a shallow angle.
Maneuverability
Maneuverability can make or break whether or not a stroller goes well, or the user struggles under the burden. Depending on the journey and the terrain you plan to traverse, which product you choose will make a big difference in whether or not you can get where you want to go without a fight. Some of the products were easy to push and turned on a dime, while others felt clunky and adverse to turning on grass. The Quinny Yezz has unique inline skate wheels which make it easy to turn, and agile enough to negotiate even the most crowded city streets with ease and style. These features earned the Quinny a high 7 out of 10 for maneuverability. The First Years Jet on the other hand, is hard to push on most surfaces, and may have trouble dodging a slow moving tumbleweed, which earned it just a 2 out of 10, the worst in our review.
We put the products in this review through a series of on and off-road tests to determine which ones can handle the day to day challenges of a lightweight stroller and its regular uses. We pushed them on hardwood floors, concrete, tile, asphalt, grass, gravel, and even a dirt road. While we assumed some of them might struggle in the grass and gravel, we were a little surprised that some of them struggled on flat hard surfaces too. We also pushed, pulled, dragged, and carried them up stairs, down stairs, and over curbs. We rated them on how well they handled the different surfaces, how hard they were to push, and whether or not it was a pleasure to use them.
Most of the competitors we reviewed did about the same in this category with only theQuinny really standing out. The Mountain Buggy Mini also did well with a 3 wheel trike design and cushioned rubber wheels. The products that struggled in this test were those with smaller wheels, wheels with heavier tread, and double front wheel designs (2 wheels on each side that equaled 4 wheels in front). Products with single front wheels did better overall than most of the others, and the larger wheels stood out as well. Those with smaller wheels, or wheels without a swivel locking feature, had more trouble than larger wheels that could lock.
The photos above show the agile skate wheels on the Quinny (left), the cushioned wheels of the Mini (middle), and the dual front wheels of the First Years Jet(right).
Safety
Studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), organizations who both analyze hospital injury databases, identify falling injuries as the most prevalent safety issue related to using strollers; they represent more than half of the injuries between 2008-2011. Tipping related injuries are the second most common strolling related injuries. Experts feel that the use of a properly adjusted restraining harness could have prevented many of these injuries.
To review products for safety we started by examining basic safety features like the harness systems and brakes. We then considered possible tip-over issues including back and sideways tip-over in relation to angles and pounds of pressure, and weight hung off the back. In addition, we explored stability risks and performance issues with going up or down steep curbs, steps, or across angled and uneven surfaces. For this metric the Quinny once again had the highest score in our review with an 8 out of 10. Several other models earned 7s, and the lowest scoring models were the Jeep and Contours with 5 a piece.
Harness
All but one of the products we looked at has a 5-point harness. The Jeep Wrangler All-Weather only has a 3-point harness. Five points is considered safer because the two extra points coming from the shoulder restraint straps help keep children from slipping out, or falling out should the stroller accidentally tip over. We also considered how difficult the straps were to adjust for height and for a correct fit. We considered whether or not the product has an adjustable crotch strap, or just shoulder and waist straps.
The photos above show the easy to adjust 5-point harness of the Quinny (left) compared to the less safe 3-point harness of the Jeep Wrangler All-Weather (right).
We feel that parents are more likely to use a harness regularly if it is easy to use and adjust properly. So the products with harness that are more user-friendly, or adjusted tighter for a proper fit, scored higher. Some of the harnesses are fairly easy to adjust, but the height adjustment on the shoulder straps was so easy, the straps pulled right through the seat back with little to no effort exerted on the connection point. This indicated a possible problem with the harness.
The Jeep scored the lowest, given that it is only a 3-point system, and the straps were a little difficult to adjust on the waist. Both First Years models did well in this test, earning top marks out of the 16 products tested. Both use a similar or perhaps identical system, that is easy to use, easy to adjust, and didn't have any difficulty with the back pad height adjustment threading. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe and the Quinny Yezz were right on their heels, scoring just 1 point less for this test. The Chicco Liteway and Contours Lite both earned scores that were below average.
Side Tipping
Some of the products in this review tipped over fairly easily when put at an angle, others took more encouragement and needed more tilt before falling. The 3 wheels Mountain Buggyhad difficulty due to its trike design which caused instability problems. The Jeep also didn't do well in this metric, tipping at just 22 degrees, to the Mountain buggy 20 degrees. TheQuinny Yezz and the Joovy Groove really did the best for tipping, both required at least 30 degrees before succumbing to the pull of gravity. Most of the products scored fairly average in this test, with no real outlier in either direction.
Weighted Back Tipping
Putting any kind of weight on the back of any strolling product is never a good idea. Is it considered unsafe to hang diaper or shopping bags on the handle bars of any kind of strolling product. However, we recognize that it happens, and even the most safety conscious parent can potentially succumb to the temptation of using the handles to just hold a shopping bag or two, even just for a minute. Some of the products were pretty impressive in this test requiring a significant amount of weight to fall, the Chicco Capri C6 Lightweight required more than 75 pounds hanging off the back of the stroller before it tipped back. The Maxi-Cosi Kaia and the Mountain Buggy also did well requiring over 40 pounds hanging on the bars. The UPPAbaby G-Lite did the worst in this test, with just 18 pounds causing it to fall back. No matter which stroller required the most weight, we still encourage parents to avoid putting weight on the back of their strollers to begin with, just to be safe.
The lowest scoring products in the safety category were the Jeep Wrangler All-Weatherand Contours Lite. Both earned a 5 out of 10 in this category, which was below the average. The highest scoring product was the Quinny Yezz.
Quality
For quality we reviewed how well a product was put together, the materials that were used, and how the materials withstood daily use. Some of the materials are not as good of quality as others. Some of the fabrics were rough or had coarse weaves, some snagged when a pin was dragged across, others were not spill or water resistant, or they had stitching inconsistencies or lots of loose threads. The comfort factor of how all these materials came together was also considered.
For frames, we looked at the materials used, the tightness of the connection points, and whether or not the frame flexed under use. We also looked at the wheels and handle bars, and what they were made from and how well they were put together as part of the whole.
The photos above show the unique top quality wheels of the Quinny (left)and Mountain Buggy (right).
The highest ranking products for quality were the Quinny, Joovy Groove, and theMountain Buggy Mini with 9 out of 10 all around. They are all made using high quality parts, innovative design features, and attention to detail not found on every product. The Quinny has unique inline skate wheels that are high quality, puncture proof, and fairly maintenance free. The Buggy has a combination wheel that is also low maintenance, and puncture resistant. The fabric for all three is high quality, tight weave, and snag resistant. The fit to the frame is tight, and none had any frame flexing when pushing a weighted stroller.
The lowest ranking product was the *Jeep** which disappointed in many ways earning just 3 out of 10 for quality. It came broken, had significant flex in the frame, the canopy sat canted off to the side, and everything felt hastily put together. Overall, the stroller is full of vibration and rattle.
The photos above show the top rated quality products and the lowest; from left to right they are Quinny Yezz, Joovy Groove, Mountain Buggy, and Jeep Wrangler All-Weather.
Weight and Folded Size
How much a product weighs, or how compact it can fold, is what makes a great umbrella or lightweight stroller standout from the rest of the pack. The primary idea behind a product of this type is finding one that you can fold and transport with ease. You want one that folds up small, fits in tight places, and can be easily picked up, carried, or moved on public transport. Some of the products we reviewed were pretty heavy making them harder to carry or lift. Some of them were light, but folded into packages that are longer than average and hard to fit in a compact trunk. For parents looking for a traditional product of this type, this could be the make or break metric for which one to purchase.
For weight and folded size we did our own measurements instead of relying on the manufacturers specs. This way we could ensure that all the products were weighed and measured in the same manner and with the same instruments. This was the only way to truly do a one for one, side-by-side comparison.
The highest scoring product in this test was the Quinny with a 9 out of 10 score. There just is no better rig for commuting than this one. It is very light and ridiculously compact, at just near 12 pounds and 10.45x27.5x13. It isn't the smallest or even lightest for the products in our review, but it is the best of both worlds. The First years Jet is lighter and takes up less cubic inches (which earned it an 8 for this metric), but it is longer and takes up more space lengthwise than the Quinny, which made it harder to fit in a trunk and buses. The unique fold of the Quinny made it particularly good for carrying on your back hands free, and fitting in cars and on public transport.
The lowest scoring product in this category is the Mountain Buggy Mini with a 5 out of 10. The Mini is anything but a Mini compared to the others products we looked at. The Mini is over 18 pounds and takes up 13628 cubic inches. This made it the heaviest and biggest stroller in our review. It is harder for most parents to lug about, and the larger footprint means it is more difficult to store, use, and transport in tight space.
Ease of Setup
Most of the products we reviewed came assembled or almost assembled. The main items requiring assemble were the wheels, canopies, or possibly attaching the seat to the frame. None of the products required complete assembly.
The Chicco Capri C6 Lightweight took the least amount of time to get from box to strolling which helped it earn a 7 out of 10 for setup. The Mountain Buggy, Jeep, and Peg Perego Plinko Mini all took over 9 minutes to set up, losing points for the amount of time to assemble coming in at 4, 5, and 6 respectfully.
The Quinny has the best score for this metric with a 9 out of 10, because assembly is somewhat intuitive and the instructions are clear and easy to understand. The manual is small, but what it contains more than does the job for getting the rig ready to roll.
The Mountain Buggy Mini scored the lowest with a 4. The illustrations in the setup manual didn't show all of the parts; assembly of the front wheels was troublesome because of this. In addition, the wheel hubs had parts that were not shown in the illustration or talked about in the text, and we almost threw them away.
Editors' Choice Award: UPPAbaby G-Luxe
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is beautiful with lots of great features that are both pleasing to the eye, and highly functional at the same time. The combination of the giant SPF 50 sun shade, larger than average under seat storage bin, and a cup holder create a stroller that offers so many conveniences you might even consider using it as your only stroller. For the passenger it has a reclining seat back that goes flat enough for cozy napping, and an adjustable leg rest that can shift up or down to offer more comfortable strolling, or better options for smaller riders. It is a simple 1 hand fold that auto-locks, and self-stands. This product scored well in most metrics, came in second place out of the 16 products we reviewed, and managed it all with great style and functionality. We really like the G-Luxe for everything it offers and its exceptional presentation. We think most people will be pleased with its smooth stroller, thoughtful nods to comfort, and overall parent convenience.
Best Value Award: Chicco Liteway
The Chicco Liteway has so much to offer at such a reasonable price you might just find yourself double checking the tag. It earned one of our Best Value awards because it really stood out against the competition for being a product that gives all the modern bells and whistles you will be looking for in a lightweight model, in a very reasonably priced package. It has a large under seat storage bin, a nice sized canopy with a tinted peek-a-boo window, and a cup holder for parents. The seat back reclines and the leg rest is adjustable, offering little ones a cozier stroll than many of the others. The fit and finish quality of this product will make you wonder why the price is so low. Not many of the products in our review had as many features at the Liteway, and those that did had significantly higher prices or the features weren't done as well. For parents on a budget, or even those who just love a great value, the Liteway is sure to please.
Top Pick for Travel: Quinny Yezz
The Quinny Yezz is a remarkable, innovative, lightweight product that takes travel or commuting with your child to a whole new level. Whatever the Quinny lacks in convenience, like great storage or a cup holder, it more than makes up for in the style and functionality departments. This stroller has unique inline skate wheels with smooth rolling ball bearings that make it the most agile stroller in our review. It has a strong composite plastic frame that uses advanced technology to create a high performing frame that offers intentional flexing for a comfortable stroller, and a great skeleton for stretching the hammock seat type fabric tight. Placing one hand on this stroller is like feeling the pull of a strong magnetic forcefield and we feel certain you will be as reluctant to let it go as we were. It folds compactly, is super lightweight, has a hands free shoulder carry strap, and maneuvers city life like an indigenous species. There is much to love in the Quinny. If travel, commuting, or just getting from point A to Point B across mostly smooth surfaces is your main objective, then the Quinny can get you there in style with one of a kind engineering.
Honorable Mention: Joovy Groove
The Joovy Groove Umbrella is worth a look as a potential stroller that could serve the dual-purposes of a lightweight stroller suitable for travel, and a full-size stroller that can handle your every day needs. It has features that make it not only a great lightweight umbrella type product, but they also enable it to be used as a primary stroller. Finding one product to meet two different needs means possibly saving money, storage space, and effort by avoiding researching, buying, and storing two different products.
The Joovy is lightweight, folds compact with one hand, and comes with a nice carry handle for easier transport. Despite its slightly longer frame when folded, it can fit in most trunk spaces, and it is still small enough to fit in most smaller stores and cafes without bumping others or items in the aisles. Plus, it also has enough additional features that most parents could get away with making this stroller their only one. It offers more storage options than the other lightweight products we reviewed, including an extra parent pocket and child stow pockets. It has a reclining back rest and adjustable leg rest for added comfort and possible long term napping options. It comes with a full-sized canopy that allows for added protection from the elements, and two cup holders for extra hydration, or access to convenience items like a phone or wallet.
The Joovy might not be as big as some standard models or have as many features for newborns, but if you use a baby carrier during infancy you probably won't need or miss these features. It may not be as light or small as the more compact umbrella products, but if you aren't using a lot of public transport or doing repeated folding and unfolding in a day, you may not miss these features either. All of this, plus a 3rd place rank, and a reasonable price tag, make the Groove a product that might be able to pull a double shift as both a primary stroller, and a lightweight travel option.
Conclusion
In the end, it is difficult to say that there is one best product for everyone. The needs of parents and their passengers vary depending on how often the stroller will be used, and for what kind of activities. Some of the products are better for quick trips around the city, while others are going to be better for longer trips to the park or shopping. Some have so many features, they could be considered for double duty as a primary stroller, while others are so minimal they make great commuting products, but not much else.
Either way there are definitely good options for everyone no matter what your specific need or budget. It is our goal in this review to provide the information you need in order to make the best decision for your family. Between the award winners and the high ranking models, there really is something for everyone, and once you narrow down your needs and desires, we feel confident you can find the right stroller for your passenger. Take a look at our How to Pick the Best Umbrella Stroller for help on narrowing the field and figuring out what is important.
Choosing the perfect umbrella stroller can be an education in decision making and priority setting. At first blush they may all seem very similar, some even look alike and many have similar features, but reality can't be farther from the truth as we discovered after lining up the top contenders and really assessing how they differed from one another.
The best way to avoid confusion, or becoming overwhelmed, is to sort out how you plan to use the product, what features you will need to obtain your goals, and how much you want to pay in order to get them. Once you know these things you can focus on which products offered the best of the best for what you want. While some may offer the same features, not all of them do it well. The selection is varied, not just in what they offer, but in what they cost. We feel there is a rig that is right for everyone, and our tests and review process is here to help you find yours.
For more information on buying the right product for you, please check out our companion article How to Pick the Best Umbrella Stroller.
You can find out more information on how we tested each product in the How We Testarticle. This can give you even deeper insight into how these products differ, and how we determined their ranks and scores.
Types of Lightweight Umbrella Strollers
There are two kinds of lightweight strollers, the basic umbrella product with very few additional features that is easy to fold and carry about, and products with all the bells and whistles that are so well-equipped they can almost do double duty as a primary rig. There are several of each type in this review, and as you will see, some of the products were better than others.
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Both types have characteristics in common; these are the primary features that make a product a member of this group:
- Lightweight size that is easy to fold, pick up, carry, and stow
- Compact fold that creates a small package for convenient storage and carrying
- Smaller footprint for easier maneuvering in tight spaces or city streets
- Agile maneuvering that allows for tight space escapes and use in crowded locations
- Fewer features of convenience than a standard stroller and less rugged than a jogging ride
Jeep Wrangler All-Weather is bare bones and basic
Credit: Amazon
Basic
The basic model type are free of most added features that can make longer trips easier, but they do have plenty to offer for the short haul. They are normally lightweight, easy to fold, compact packages that can be easily carried, stored, and transported. They usually don't have many additional features like significant storage space or accessory trays, but they are good for commuting and getting from point A to point B with a quickness. What these products lack in features, or extras for additional comfort, they usually make up for by being uber lightweight, small when folded, easier to carry, and are usually more maneuverable thanks to a smaller footprint and less weight. This is often the kind of product parents have in mind when they set out on a journey for an umbrella product. This is also the type people consider when they need a simple secondary stroller that will be use infrequently and for short durations.
All the Bells
Joovy Groove Umbrella has all the bells and whistles
Credit: Joovy
Why Get an Umbrella Stroller?
Even when the lightweight Quinny is fully-loaded, pushing is responsive and easy. It shines particularly with quick trips where agility trumps extra storage.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Criteria for Evaluation
In testing the products in this review we focused on 6 key areas; with weight and folded size having the most influence over the final tally since finding a compact easy to carry stroller is the primary reason parents decide to purchase a product of this type. Our ratings are a combination of in-house lab testing and real world experience using the products in everyday life; each product was rated against the competition for comparison.
Ease of Use
Ease of use encompasses all the features that make using the product easier, or that add versatility. The higher a product ranks in this category, the more versatile it is, so parents might be able to use it for a variety of trip types. Having a larger sunshade or storage bin means a stroller might be able to go shopping for longer, or be better for outdoor trips to a farmers market.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
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All of the products offered some kind of storage, how much and where were the primarily differences between them. Most have a under seat storage bin, but they vary in size, maximum weight capacity, and how easy they are to access. The Contours Lite has the largest bin in our review (which earned it a 10 out of 10 for storage), and the Quinny Yezz doesn't have a storage bin at all, just a back pocket. In addition to under seat bins, some had parent pockets located on the back of the sun shades, or between the handle bars, like the two First Years options with their handy parent storage trays. The Contours is the only product with a child accessory tray, but the Joovy Groove does have storage pockets inside the seat that are great for treasure stashing and snacks. Both features make the models more user-friendly than the products without them, and increase potential comfort or convenience. TheContours and Joovy both earned a high 7 out of 10 for ease of use.
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A reclining back seat and adjustable leg rest are also nice convenience features that earned products higher scores. For little passengers on the go, napping and being comfortable can be the difference between a successful outing and a disaster of epic tantrum proportions. A comfortable child, is a happy child. Some of the products offered a reclining back, but no adjustable leg rest, others had both a recline and leg option, and some had neither. Many of the recline angles are not that deep and therefore not as user-friendly as others. Depending on the kind of trip you plan to take, a simple stroller with no comfort options might suffice, but if you are headed to the zoo and park for the entire day, life will just be easier with a product that lets passengers nap, or adjusts for comfort.
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Maneuverability
Maneuverability can make or break whether or not a stroller goes well, or the user struggles under the burden. Depending on the journey and the terrain you plan to traverse, which product you choose will make a big difference in whether or not you can get where you want to go without a fight. Some of the products were easy to push and turned on a dime, while others felt clunky and adverse to turning on grass. The Quinny Yezz has unique inline skate wheels which make it easy to turn, and agile enough to negotiate even the most crowded city streets with ease and style. These features earned the Quinny a high 7 out of 10 for maneuverability. The First Years Jet on the other hand, is hard to push on most surfaces, and may have trouble dodging a slow moving tumbleweed, which earned it just a 2 out of 10, the worst in our review.
We put the products in this review through a series of on and off-road tests to determine which ones can handle the day to day challenges of a lightweight stroller and its regular uses. We pushed them on hardwood floors, concrete, tile, asphalt, grass, gravel, and even a dirt road. While we assumed some of them might struggle in the grass and gravel, we were a little surprised that some of them struggled on flat hard surfaces too. We also pushed, pulled, dragged, and carried them up stairs, down stairs, and over curbs. We rated them on how well they handled the different surfaces, how hard they were to push, and whether or not it was a pleasure to use them.
Most of the competitors we reviewed did about the same in this category with only theQuinny really standing out. The Mountain Buggy Mini also did well with a 3 wheel trike design and cushioned rubber wheels. The products that struggled in this test were those with smaller wheels, wheels with heavier tread, and double front wheel designs (2 wheels on each side that equaled 4 wheels in front). Products with single front wheels did better overall than most of the others, and the larger wheels stood out as well. Those with smaller wheels, or wheels without a swivel locking feature, had more trouble than larger wheels that could lock.
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Safety
Studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), organizations who both analyze hospital injury databases, identify falling injuries as the most prevalent safety issue related to using strollers; they represent more than half of the injuries between 2008-2011. Tipping related injuries are the second most common strolling related injuries. Experts feel that the use of a properly adjusted restraining harness could have prevented many of these injuries.
To review products for safety we started by examining basic safety features like the harness systems and brakes. We then considered possible tip-over issues including back and sideways tip-over in relation to angles and pounds of pressure, and weight hung off the back. In addition, we explored stability risks and performance issues with going up or down steep curbs, steps, or across angled and uneven surfaces. For this metric the Quinny once again had the highest score in our review with an 8 out of 10. Several other models earned 7s, and the lowest scoring models were the Jeep and Contours with 5 a piece.
Harness
All but one of the products we looked at has a 5-point harness. The Jeep Wrangler All-Weather only has a 3-point harness. Five points is considered safer because the two extra points coming from the shoulder restraint straps help keep children from slipping out, or falling out should the stroller accidentally tip over. We also considered how difficult the straps were to adjust for height and for a correct fit. We considered whether or not the product has an adjustable crotch strap, or just shoulder and waist straps.
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We feel that parents are more likely to use a harness regularly if it is easy to use and adjust properly. So the products with harness that are more user-friendly, or adjusted tighter for a proper fit, scored higher. Some of the harnesses are fairly easy to adjust, but the height adjustment on the shoulder straps was so easy, the straps pulled right through the seat back with little to no effort exerted on the connection point. This indicated a possible problem with the harness.
The Jeep scored the lowest, given that it is only a 3-point system, and the straps were a little difficult to adjust on the waist. Both First Years models did well in this test, earning top marks out of the 16 products tested. Both use a similar or perhaps identical system, that is easy to use, easy to adjust, and didn't have any difficulty with the back pad height adjustment threading. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe and the Quinny Yezz were right on their heels, scoring just 1 point less for this test. The Chicco Liteway and Contours Lite both earned scores that were below average.
Side Tipping
The tip test is done to determine at what side angle a product can sit before tipping over
Credit: Shellay Glatz
Weighted Back Tipping
Putting any kind of weight on the back of any strolling product is never a good idea. Is it considered unsafe to hang diaper or shopping bags on the handle bars of any kind of strolling product. However, we recognize that it happens, and even the most safety conscious parent can potentially succumb to the temptation of using the handles to just hold a shopping bag or two, even just for a minute. Some of the products were pretty impressive in this test requiring a significant amount of weight to fall, the Chicco Capri C6 Lightweight required more than 75 pounds hanging off the back of the stroller before it tipped back. The Maxi-Cosi Kaia and the Mountain Buggy also did well requiring over 40 pounds hanging on the bars. The UPPAbaby G-Lite did the worst in this test, with just 18 pounds causing it to fall back. No matter which stroller required the most weight, we still encourage parents to avoid putting weight on the back of their strollers to begin with, just to be safe.
The lowest scoring products in the safety category were the Jeep Wrangler All-Weatherand Contours Lite. Both earned a 5 out of 10 in this category, which was below the average. The highest scoring product was the Quinny Yezz.
Quality
For quality we reviewed how well a product was put together, the materials that were used, and how the materials withstood daily use. Some of the materials are not as good of quality as others. Some of the fabrics were rough or had coarse weaves, some snagged when a pin was dragged across, others were not spill or water resistant, or they had stitching inconsistencies or lots of loose threads. The comfort factor of how all these materials came together was also considered.
For frames, we looked at the materials used, the tightness of the connection points, and whether or not the frame flexed under use. We also looked at the wheels and handle bars, and what they were made from and how well they were put together as part of the whole.
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The highest ranking products for quality were the Quinny, Joovy Groove, and theMountain Buggy Mini with 9 out of 10 all around. They are all made using high quality parts, innovative design features, and attention to detail not found on every product. The Quinny has unique inline skate wheels that are high quality, puncture proof, and fairly maintenance free. The Buggy has a combination wheel that is also low maintenance, and puncture resistant. The fabric for all three is high quality, tight weave, and snag resistant. The fit to the frame is tight, and none had any frame flexing when pushing a weighted stroller.
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Weight and Folded Size
How much a product weighs, or how compact it can fold, is what makes a great umbrella or lightweight stroller standout from the rest of the pack. The primary idea behind a product of this type is finding one that you can fold and transport with ease. You want one that folds up small, fits in tight places, and can be easily picked up, carried, or moved on public transport. Some of the products we reviewed were pretty heavy making them harder to carry or lift. Some of them were light, but folded into packages that are longer than average and hard to fit in a compact trunk. For parents looking for a traditional product of this type, this could be the make or break metric for which one to purchase.
For weight and folded size we did our own measurements instead of relying on the manufacturers specs. This way we could ensure that all the products were weighed and measured in the same manner and with the same instruments. This was the only way to truly do a one for one, side-by-side comparison.
The highest scoring product in this test was the Quinny with a 9 out of 10 score. There just is no better rig for commuting than this one. It is very light and ridiculously compact, at just near 12 pounds and 10.45x27.5x13. It isn't the smallest or even lightest for the products in our review, but it is the best of both worlds. The First years Jet is lighter and takes up less cubic inches (which earned it an 8 for this metric), but it is longer and takes up more space lengthwise than the Quinny, which made it harder to fit in a trunk and buses. The unique fold of the Quinny made it particularly good for carrying on your back hands free, and fitting in cars and on public transport.
The lowest scoring product in this category is the Mountain Buggy Mini with a 5 out of 10. The Mini is anything but a Mini compared to the others products we looked at. The Mini is over 18 pounds and takes up 13628 cubic inches. This made it the heaviest and biggest stroller in our review. It is harder for most parents to lug about, and the larger footprint means it is more difficult to store, use, and transport in tight space.
Ease of Setup
Most of the products we reviewed came assembled or almost assembled. The main items requiring assemble were the wheels, canopies, or possibly attaching the seat to the frame. None of the products required complete assembly.
The Chicco Capri C6 Lightweight took the least amount of time to get from box to strolling which helped it earn a 7 out of 10 for setup. The Mountain Buggy, Jeep, and Peg Perego Plinko Mini all took over 9 minutes to set up, losing points for the amount of time to assemble coming in at 4, 5, and 6 respectfully.
The Quinny has the best score for this metric with a 9 out of 10, because assembly is somewhat intuitive and the instructions are clear and easy to understand. The manual is small, but what it contains more than does the job for getting the rig ready to roll.
The Mountain Buggy Mini scored the lowest with a 4. The illustrations in the setup manual didn't show all of the parts; assembly of the front wheels was troublesome because of this. In addition, the wheel hubs had parts that were not shown in the illustration or talked about in the text, and we almost threw them away.
Editors' Choice Award: UPPAbaby G-Luxe
With so many useable features, the G-Luxe can function easily as standard full-size stroller. Once your baby is 6 months, it quite possibly could be the only stroller you would need to buy.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Best Value Award: Chicco Liteway
The Liteway has the features that keep little passengers and big operators happy: an adjustable leg rest, reclining back, foot rest, deep seat, padded 5-point harness, large sunshade with peek-a-boo window, adult cup holder, comfortable padded, ergonomic handles, and a removable storage basket that converts into a bag.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Top Pick for Travel: Quinny Yezz
Traveling through town is a breeze with this stroller
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Honorable Mention: Joovy Groove
Joovy Groove Umbrella has all the bells and whistles
Credit: Joovy
The Joovy is lightweight, folds compact with one hand, and comes with a nice carry handle for easier transport. Despite its slightly longer frame when folded, it can fit in most trunk spaces, and it is still small enough to fit in most smaller stores and cafes without bumping others or items in the aisles. Plus, it also has enough additional features that most parents could get away with making this stroller their only one. It offers more storage options than the other lightweight products we reviewed, including an extra parent pocket and child stow pockets. It has a reclining back rest and adjustable leg rest for added comfort and possible long term napping options. It comes with a full-sized canopy that allows for added protection from the elements, and two cup holders for extra hydration, or access to convenience items like a phone or wallet.
The Joovy might not be as big as some standard models or have as many features for newborns, but if you use a baby carrier during infancy you probably won't need or miss these features. It may not be as light or small as the more compact umbrella products, but if you aren't using a lot of public transport or doing repeated folding and unfolding in a day, you may not miss these features either. All of this, plus a 3rd place rank, and a reasonable price tag, make the Groove a product that might be able to pull a double shift as both a primary stroller, and a lightweight travel option.
Conclusion
In the end, it is difficult to say that there is one best product for everyone. The needs of parents and their passengers vary depending on how often the stroller will be used, and for what kind of activities. Some of the products are better for quick trips around the city, while others are going to be better for longer trips to the park or shopping. Some have so many features, they could be considered for double duty as a primary stroller, while others are so minimal they make great commuting products, but not much else.
Either way there are definitely good options for everyone no matter what your specific need or budget. It is our goal in this review to provide the information you need in order to make the best decision for your family. Between the award winners and the high ranking models, there really is something for everyone, and once you narrow down your needs and desires, we feel confident you can find the right stroller for your passenger. Take a look at our How to Pick the Best Umbrella Stroller for help on narrowing the field and figuring out what is important.
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