Maclaren Volo

*Est. $130

Reviewed July 2009

Best lightweight umbrella stroller

Comfortable
Easy to clean
Easy to fold

No recline
Mediocre weather protection
Lack of padding

Where to Buy

for $129.95
for $129.95
for $130.00

See All Stores

Reviewers admit that the Maclaren Volo doesn't have a lot of frills; its seat doesn't recline at all, and it uses washable mesh fabric instead of padded upholstery. Still, experts and owners are united in their praise of the comfortable, durable, easy-to-fold and light Maclaren Volo umbrella stroller. However, we did find some comments from parents saying their kids find this stroller (without a seat pad) uncomfortable if used for long periods, and the Volo offers minimal weather protection. Overall, reviews say the Maclaren Volo is just about the best simple umbrella stroller you can buy. If you're buying a stroller for a young baby, or if your child likes to nap on the road, the top-rated Maclaren Triumph (*Est. $190) has a reclining seat and plusher padding. If you just want an inexpensive umbrella stroller to throw in the car, the Evenflo XSport (*Est. $50) gets good marks in the budget category, but only has a 90-day warranty and can only accommodate kids up to 40 pounds (the Maclaren Volo's capacity is 55 pounds with a one-year warranty).

As strollers go, the Maclaren Volo receives a huge amount of coverage. We found expert reviews of this 9-pound umbrella stroller by ConsumerReports.org, Which? magazine, Baby-Gaga.com, About.com and in the popular baby-gear book "Baby Bargains." We also found numerous evaluations from owners posting to Amazon.com and Epinions.com.

Where To Buy

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
1651 store reviews	In Stock. Free Shipping on qualified orders	$129.95	See It
2458 store reviews	In Stock. FREE 2-day Shipping!	$129.95	See It
3175 store reviews	In Stock.	$130.00	See It
		See All Stores

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

The editors of ConsumerReports.org evaluate more than 30 traditional and other strollers after testing for safety, durability, ease of use and maneuverability. The Maclaren Volo is included in the ratings chart.

Review: Strollers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

2. Which? magazine

This highly credible British consumer publication acknowledges that the Maclaren Volo is a "very basic" stroller with a single seat position, but names it a Best Buy for its light weight, ease of folding and maneuverability.

Review: Pushchairs, Editors of Which? magazine

3. Baby BargainsDetails/Subscribe

In a section of their book devoted to second strollers, the Fields discuss the Maclaren Volo and other lightweight umbrella strollers. Ratings are based on hands-on testing, parent interviews and manufacturer reputation.

Review: Strollers, Denise and Alan Fields, Eighth edition, 2009

4. Baby-Gaga.com

Baby-Gaga.com reviews strollers according to safety, convenience and comfort, based on hands-on tests and parent interviews. The Maclaren Volo earns top grades for sturdiness, maneuverability, weight and ease of cleaning, but lower marks for seating and sun protection. Unfortunately, this site loses credibility as the reviews become increasingly outdated.

Review: Maclaren Volo, Editors of Baby-Gaga.com, Jan. 18, 2006

5. About.com

About.com's guide to pregnancy and childbirth takes the Maclaren Volo out for a spin and praises its "vibrant colors" and "great portability." Robin Elise Weiss especially likes its 9-pound weight and soft, padded handles, but notes that it's not appropriate for newborns because of its lack of a fully reclining seat. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Maclaren Volo Stroller, Robin Elise Weiss

6. Epinions.com

More than two dozen owners comment here on the Maclaren Volo, and they have overwhelmingly favorable things to say, citing this umbrella stroller's light weight and durability.

Review: Maclaren Volo Carbon Umbrella Stroller, Contributors to Epinions.com

7. Amazon.com

Parent reviews here for the Maclaren Volo are a little misleading. There are only a handful of reviews for the 2009 version of the Volo, but you can find dozens more if you look at last year's upholstery colors.

Review: Maclaren Volo Stroller, Contributors to Amazon.com