Babies who have developed their required neck and back muscles would best benefit from the umbrella strollers that allow them to sit up instead of lying down. Typically, you can use your best judgment as all babies develop at different rates. However, you can use a minimum 4-6 months benchmark to gauge your own child’s readiness, but overall, don’t forget that the average weight limit of an umbrella stroller is 23 kilograms or 50 pounds.
Umbrella strollers are beloved by many parents for traveling and running errands because, unlike regular strollers, they fit neatly into small spaces and tightly packed car boots. They are slim, light, and easy to fold.
Though the streamlined design of an umbrella stroller certainly has numerous advantages, a few drawbacks like the correct age for use with it should be noted.
With all the convenience it brings, do you know that an umbrella stroller is not suitable for all babies? Yes, it isn’t. So it is essential to know when the stroller will suit your baby’s age.
What is an umbrella stroller?
An umbrella stroller is a lightweight baby stroller that can collapse into a much smaller size. Its lightweight and foldable design make the umbrella stroller suitable for families constantly on the go because it can be easily stored and reassembled.
This stroller gets its name originally from its umbrella-like J-shaped handles, its easily foldable structure, and the sun/rain shield it has, making it a popular parent’s choice for use on public transport and any other outdoor activities.
These days, the handles vary depending on the manufacturer, but the lightness and portability remain the same. Plus, they are great inexpensive alternatives for parents, with many using them as their second stroller.
An umbrella stroller is a perfect addition to your baby’s collection of necessities. However, ensuring that your little one is in the ideal age range to use one is paramount.
At what age is it safe for babies to ride in umbrella strollers?
For a newborn to be safe while riding in a stroller, they need to be lying flat.
That’s how your new baby obtains the most oxygen and breaths in the healthiest way, which is also the best position for encouraging their healthy hip and spinal development.
This means that a baggy or a pram where a baby can lay down flat safely could be the best picks until the baby reaches around 12 weeks old, when they can hold their heads up by themselves. At that age, it is safe to begin using an umbrella stroller.
When it comes to the high end of the stroller age range, most umbrella stroller manufacturers will advertise age and weight ranges, ultimately allowing parents to determine when a stroller is no longer suitable for their little ones.
Most models have a weight limit of between 40-50 pounds, which for the average child is approximately 5 years.
Features of a great and safe umbrella stroller
When purchasing any baby gear, knowing the qualities that make or break a product is essential.
Baby Strollers can be tricky because some models promise a lot more safety and convenience than they deliver.
Responsibly choosing gear for your kid’s means always making sure it’s safe before letting them lay eyes, well I mean, hands on them, especially with the new surprising stats on baby stroller accidents where at least 2 children are injured per hour in a stroller accident.
Here are features that make for a safe and great umbrella stroller that will help you narrow it down to the perfect buy.
- Quality restraints – A stroller needs to have a durable T-strap restraint formed with thick nylon straps to restrain your baby properly. Both a crouch and a waist strap are essential for your baby to be safe. Look for buckles that babies can’t unfasten when it comes to the harness, which should be comfortably snug and adjustable for their heights, but ones you can undo quickly if necessary.
- Lightweight and durable – The best umbrella strollers offer both. A good pick can weigh as little as 5lbs, but their solid metal construction can hold up to both baby’s weight and the baby’s accessories as you venture around town.
- Good breaks – Breaks are an essential safety feature on all strollers for obvious reasons. and picking out ones with parking brakes on both rear wheels doubles the amount of security offered when your stroller is stationary.
- One-handed or easy folding – How cool is it to pull a slick ‘James Bond’ action with your baby on your hip? Well, one of the biggest benefits of umbrella strollers is that they simplify travel by folding easily and quickly. If an umbrella stroller is hard to fold, it’s missing the mark. So light-camera-action/strollers.
- Functioning wheels – Though not starting that way, wheels on strollers can become misaligned and loose. This can stop the wheels from swiveling correctly, making navigation difficult, unstable, and less safe. Checking and fixing wheel alignment issues as well as loose wheels regularly will ensure a safe stroller ride for your baby.
- A reclining seat – A proper stroller reclining seat can help your baby sleep better if they end up napping in their stroller if you are out and about for long periods. The comfier they are, the less fussy they become.
- A canopy – Strollers without a canopy are great inside, as they allow the baby to take in the view. But when outside, it can be unsafe for your baby’s skin to be exposed to the degree of direct sunlight that strollers without canopies draw.
FAQ’s
Can babies sleep in their umbrella strollers?
Yes, babies can sleep safely in their umbrella strollers as long as they are old enough to be riding in them. Whether they’ll be able to get a truly comfortable nap is something that varies from model to model.
However, the seats in some models do offer a variety of reclining positions allowing babies to nap comfortably.
Are umbrella strollers allowed on planes?
Definitely yes. They are allowed on planes if your umbrella stroller meets the regulations of the respective airline of your choice. Note that most airlines have imposed regulations against carrying strollers on flights.
Take away
While these umbrella strollers are not the Mercedes of strollers, they are certainly a very reliable way to get you and your tiny human from point A to point B.
Besides, who wants to lug around with a fully loaded bulky stroller when you just need to pick up a pack of diapers at the store or just quickly get through the subway station?
Considering that their age recommendation ranges from newborn to infancy, all through to toddlerhood, it can’t hurt to have an umbrella stroller in your home.
Even those new moms who can’t fathom leaving the house without an arsenal of baby products, including a fully loaded stroller, trust us, that feeling will pass as soon as you have to make a quick emergency trip with your baby in tow.
And when it finally does, you’ll be glad to quickly unfold that umbrella stroller and be on your way. You just have to match it with the age and weight of your child.
