Are you a proud parent of an infant? Then you know how important it is to have a stroller to keep your little one safe and comfortable while you are out shopping, visiting friends or running errands. But which one is the best for your needs when it comes to umbrellas vs regular strollers?
In this article, we will compare the features, pros and cons of the two most popular types of strollers: the regular stroller and the umbrella stroller. Let’s start with a short buying guide to help you choose which one is right for you.
Contents
Things You Should Know Before Purchasing a Stroller
What to consider when purchasing a stroller is the main question on all parent’s minds. There are many things to consider and these include size, weight (how often it will be stored), budget, storage capacity, etc.
Don’t get overwhelmed by bells and whistles on standard models because they may confuse you. A stroller is something new parents should research so they understand what all of these features mean before making their final purchase decision.
Parent’s height
The height of both parents is important because you need to be able to push the stroller comfortably.
Special needs
If your child has special needs, consider choosing a stroller with extra features like reclining seats and adjustable leg rests.
Five point harness
The right stroller for you must have a secure harness, preferably a five point harness system that can hold your child in place when they need to sit or stand.
Kick room
It is important that the handle of the stroller has enough height to provide a sufficient kick room so that parents do not get too tired while pushing their baby around with it daily.
Differences Between Umbrella and Full Size Strollers
Both of the classes have their own benefits and uses with drawbacks. I’m going to explain the equation below to provide you with a proper guideline for the best match to your needs.
| Umbrella Stroller | Regular Stroller | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | These are smarter and compact. | These are bulky and wider strollers. |
| Weight | Umbrellas are lighter in weight. | Regular strollers are heavy-weight. |
| Versatility | These strollers are not versatile and offer limited use. | These are versatile strollers and have multipurpose uses. |
| Durability | These aren’t as sturdy as regular strollers. | These are durable strollers and can be used for years |
| Features | These strollers have limited features. | Regular strollers offer a feature-full deal. |
| Wheels | Umbrella strollers come with smaller wheels. | Regular strollers have bigger wheels. |
| Canopy | Umbrella strollers have a little or even no canopy. | Regular strollers provide a complete and proper sunshade. |
| Basket | These strollers don’t have huge storage baskets. | You’ll see bigger baskets with regular strollers. |
| Folding | Umbrella strollers fold down compactly. | Regular strollers have bulky folds. |
| Car trunk friendly | Umbrella strollers are easily storable in any type of car trunk. | Regular strollers require huge space in the car trunk. |
| Ride Experience | Don’t expect a soft ride from an umbrella stroller. | Regular strollers provide a smooth ride. |
| Price | Umbrella strollers are usually budget-friendly. | Regular strollers are expensive. |
Umbrella Strollers
An umbrella stroller is a small and lightweight type of stroller that folds up to be compact for travel. It’s like the one you would use for an infant, but smaller and lighter. Umbrella strollers come in many different styles, colors, and prices; there are more than enough options to choose from.
Umbrella strollers are a popular choice for parents due to their convenience and affordability.
The first thing you’ll want to do before deciding on any particular product is look at the specs and features. We will talk about some details you’ll want to keep in mind when it comes to your specific needs so that you can find a product that is perfect for you.
Features
Super lightweight & Compact
These are the lightest and super compact strollers. This unique specification makes them travel-friendly and enables them to provide smart travel companions that can help to quickly move around anywhere.
The carrying weight of the baby is already enough to deal with, especially when in transit. A lighter stroller makes it easier for you to pack and unpack from your car trunk or public transportation compartments. Some models weigh less than 20 lbs which would make them easy to transport anywhere within a short distance if needed by using only one hand.
This feature also helps save on storage space because they can easily fit inside small spaces without making much room available, either at home or during travel. Furthermore, this will allow ease while carrying your child around even after parking up at malls, beaches, parks, etc., where there may not be a place to store the stroller.
Best for secondary use
An umbrella stroller is a great option for secondary use. It can be used as a backup to your full-size stroller. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to take on trips and store when not in use. This stroller is best for parents who don’t have a lot of space in their car or want to keep their baby close at all times.
Best for air-travel
Suppose you’ve to travel by air with your baby and you’ve a full-size stroller. The first thing that will give you stress is your bulky stroller. You’ll be worried about how to handle this big thing during travel. Here comes the umbrella stroller to solve your problem. Umbrella strollers are the best option for parents who want to travel with their children in an easy and hassle-free manner.
Handy and portable
Umbrella strollers are carry around. They are perfect for those who have no space to store a large stroller. They are Ideal for parents who need a stroller that can be easily carried around, so that they can quickly take their children anywhere they want. They are also very handy when traveling as discussed above because they fold up into a small space and can be easily stored in. Moreover, their portability allows you to go out for a picnic and store it in the trunk. It can also help you on short walks.
Budget-Friendly
You can get an umbrella stroller for a very affordable price, that can cost you as low as for just $30. Such a low-cost stroller isn’t available in the full-size category. These strollers become the first choice when someone wants a stroller on budget. You can buy an umbrella stroller that has all the features of a high-end one, but at a fraction of the price.
Smart Folding
This is a wonderful option that you can’t expect from a regular stroller. Umbrella strollers fold down compactly and require less space for storing. That’s why these strollers are travel-friendly.
Drawbacks of Umbrella Strollers
Umbrella strollers have several benefits, there are some drawbacks that you need to consider before going to purchase one.
Lacks versatility
You’ll not get versatility in umbrella strollers. Like regular strollers where you can attach an infant capsule or some full-size strollers are convertible to double and many more options you’ll get with them. Umbrella strollers don’t offer such options and they have limited functionality.
Not durable
These strollers are made to fulfill the occasional strolling needs so they are given a lightweight structure. That’s why they lack durability. These strollers wear out very soon when we compare them to full-size strollers.
Inferior ride experience
Expecting a super-soft ride from umbrella strollers is useless. These strollers are best for pavements and provide a good drive.
Lacks in specifications
These strollers don’t have a wide list of specifications as we get in full-size strollers. Umbrella strollers are made for occasional use so they lack important specifications to make them lighter and compact
Not suitable in the long run
Umbrella strollers don’t support extensive use. They aren’t suitable for the long run. These strollers can help you with quick tours and traveling.
Small basket
Umbrella strollers have small storage baskets which can help you in keeping little items. They aren’t suitable for grocery or shopping mall tours.
Smaller wheels
Umbrella strollers have smaller wheels as compared to regular strollers. These smaller wheels are good to roll over on plain surfaces.
Not for rough pathways
They are not as good at handling rough terrain and offroad activities, so they’re best kept to sidewalks and smooth surfaces.
When do You Need an Umbrella Stroller?
People often ask why to buy an umbrella stroller? Well, these strollers have a lot of beneficial uses that can make your life easy. You may consider several needs to buy an umbrella stroller. But here I’ll mention two important strolling requirements worth considering.
Do you travel frequently?
You will need this stroller if you travel frequently with your baby. As the regular stroller will be an extra burden on your luggage. So this lighter, compact and portable stroller is the best to fill the traveling need.
Do you want a backup stroller?
Sometimes a quick outdoor activity becomes a hassle with a regular stroller. Unfolding and assembling a full-size stroller is a time-consuming job. Here comes the umbrella stroller which is so handy that you can just unfold and go with the baby in just a few minutes.
Why should you buy an umbrella stroller?
An umbrella stroller is a good choice for parents who have little ones that they want to transport around the town. They are lightweight and easy to fold, making them very convenient when you’re traveling with your child. The wheels on an umbrella stroller can swivel or lock in place so it’s easier to control while going down inclines or over rough terrain.
Most of these models also come with storage baskets underneath where you can put little things, which makes them perfect for short tours and travel. All things considered, if you are looking for a lightweight stroller that ideally matches your lifestyle, then choose an umbrella stroller.
Regular strollers
Regular strollers are great for everyday use. They can be used as a primary mode of transportation for your child. If you’re looking to buy one, there’s a lot to consider.
These full-size strollers are the kind of baby gear that most parents use to take their kids for a stroll. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they typically have three features: an adjustable handlebar; a reclining seat; and locking front wheels. The average cost is anywhere from $150-$350 depending on design features.
Benefits of Regular Strollers
Full-size strollers have a lot of merits over umbrella strollers that make them worth the money spent.
Versatile
Regula strollers offer versatility and flexible functionality. You will get variations in models and wonderful options for comfortable strolling with a regular stroller. These strollers have suspension, infant car seat compatibility, single to double convertibility, and various other life easing options.
Multi-purpose use
The versatility of a regular stroller enables you to use it for multi-purpose strolling needs. For example, you’ll just have to attach the car seat to the stroller if you need to carry an infant.
Feature-rich
There are more features in a regular stroller when it comes to umbrella vs regular strollers, including safety harnesses, reclining seats with footrests and canopies.
Additionally, there is room for accessories like diaper bags or purses underneath the seat of many standard strollers.
Sturdy
Regular strollers provide a robust strolling companion that is sturdy enough to help you in your daily routine of sidewalks, grocery tours, and other outdoor activities.
Soft ride easy to maneuver
Regular strollers require less effort to move and they provide easy push with a smooth ride. This is the better ride experience when we compare it with the ride that umbrella strollers provide. Parents often find it easier to maneuver extended handlebars when shopping in stores.
Best in the long run
These strollers are the best for long-run use. They support extensive usage and help you for years with their durability. One good full-size stroller is enough for a growing family.
Huge basket
Regular strollers have huge baskets with ample storage space. These strollers become shopping mall friendly due to this option.
Bigger wheels
These strollers have comparatively bigger wheels when we compare them with umbrella strollers. They provide a comfortable ride with their bigger wheels.
Drawbacks of Regular Stroller
These strollers are best for regular use and beat umbrella strollers on various grounds but they have some disadvantages.
Bulky and heavy
You’ll have more weight and bulkiness, although it is something most parents expect when purchasing this type of product. They are given the best features and specs which make them bulky in size and heavy in weight. Options like suspension, bigger wheels, and a big basket contribute to making them large.
Not fit for traveling
These are full-size strollers that are made to cater to routine strolling needs. You can use a regular stroller as your primary stroller for daily outings, walks, and grocery tours. But it’ll not help you in traveling.
Expensive
Although pricier than umbrella-type products, you get what you pay for with these items. In addition, some parents may not want to deal with all the additional features available on standard models so they opt for an umbrella instead.
When do You Need a Regular Stroller?
Regular strollers are needed in every family. They provide a comfortable carriage for babies. Parents buy a full-size stroller to support their everyday strolling activities. A regular stroller will become your primary stroller that can be used for years.
Families often buy a full-size stroller for the first baby which later on helps them for the future family members. A full-size stroller may be a travel system, a bassinet stroller, or a stroller with a seat for a toddler.
All are variations of the regular stroller. Every variation helps with its specific utility. For example, the travel system and bassinet stroller are for newborns and regular seat strollers help to carry a toddler.
Why Should You Buy A Regular Stroller?
Regular strollers are a good choice if you’re looking for something simple and easy to use, but which is also high in quality and sturdy enough to last through several children.
They provide comfortable rides with reclining seats that can be adjusted up or down depending on your baby’s position, plus they come in all shapes and sizes so you’ll find one that fits both you and your child perfectly.
Even though regular-sized strollers don’t always include all the features, most parents agree that this type of standard baby gear gets the job done when it comes to providing safe transportation during walks around town, grocery tours and visiting a friend. The range of colors available makes these types of strollers appealing too.
Let’s Conclude
Both strollers have different classes and are useful in their specific fields. You can purchase an umbrella stroller as a backup to your regular stroller.
The full-size stroller is your primary stroller that supports your walking, daily outings, and other activities. You may need more than one stroller if you’re a regular traveler. It depends totally on your specific requirements. A regular stroller is enough for you if you don’t have to travel with the baby.
Happy Strolling!