Umbrella Strollers : Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org no longer dates its stroller reports, but editors have obviously updated the ratings within the past year because some of the top recommended models have changed. The umbrella stroller category has been significantly expanded, with 17 umbrella strollers ranked according to ease of use, safety and maneuverability (durability is no longer rated). Look closely at the categories: We found one highly rated umbrella stroller filed in the "traditional" stroller category. There's also a helpful buyer's guide that discusses choosing a stroller based on your lifestyle and budget. Still, the write-ups at "Baby Bargains" are far more detailed, cover a wider range of stroller brands and take consumer feedback into consideration.

Our AssessmentThe Joovy Kooper stroller is the Reviewers' Choice Winner in this user review portal. Buzzillions.com stands out for its clever consensus snapshots that summarize the most-mentioned pros and cons for each model. For instance, about almost all of the more than 200 owners report liking the Kooper's ease of setup, while approximately 25 are annoyed by the small basket. The Maclaren Triumph is the Reviewers' Choice Finalist, and the Chicco Liteway gets equally good reviews.

Our AssessmentAustralia's answer to ConsumerReports.org carefully tests 12 strollers for durability, ease of use and safety specifications. Six make Choice magazine's "what to buy" list, including two umbrella strollers that are available in the U.S.

Our AssessmentThe UppaBaby G-Lite is singled out as the best lightweight stroller overall in this test by Babble.com writer Nicole Feliciano. She tested 24 strollers with "a 16-month-old with a penchant for trendy wheels." Feliciano gives brief pros and cons for the other strollers in the test, including six picks in various categories (best under $100, best if money is no object, etc).

Our AssessmentPeople.com's Celebrity Baby Blog reviews 15 umbrella strollers including the Quinny Zapp, UppaBaby G-Luxe and Maclaren Quest. The detailed write-ups explore each stroller's strengths and weaknesses, but models aren't formally rated or compared to each other.

Our AssessmentThis U.K.-based website is part magazine, part online store. The handful of baby-gear tests found here are detailed and critical, but only six products are included in each comparison. In this test of lightweight strollers, the Maclaren Quest Mod comes out well ahead of the rest of the models tested including the Micralite Fastfold.

Our AssessmentIf you're considering a specific stroller and want to see it in action first, BabyGizmo.com is a great site to visit. Founder Hollie Schultz tests dozens of strollers (mostly from trendy brands) with her three children, ages 1, 3 and 5. In her lengthy video reviews, she demonstrates how each folder folds, adjusts, etc., and points out pros and cons. However, she doesn't pick any favorites.

Our AssessmentHalf of the Heather Corley's top 10 under-$250 strollers are umbrella models. She includes strollers from trendy brands such as Quinny and Maclaren, as well as the more widely available Graco Mosaic. Corley chooses strollers based on their features, with no mention of testing. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Our AssessmentThis article recommends products that you'll need for babies and toddlers. It lists several strollers, including the Maclaren Volo. However, there is no mention that the models were tested or even seen in person.

Our AssessmentMumsnet.com members are invited to rate strollers according to nine criteria. Results are averaged, and each stroller is given an overall rating along with a short editorial summary. The Maclaren Triumph, Maclaren Quest Sport and Maclaren Volo are rated among the best, each with more than 100 reviews.

Our AssessmentThis article recommends several strollers -- mostly umbrella versions -- but editors don't mention any testing. They do say they removed a Maclaren stroller from the list after it was recalled.

Our AssessmentThis is a user review site with ratings for a number of popular umbrella strollers. Unfortunately, most umbrella strollers do not receive very many reviews. However, the Maclaren Quest does have 35 reviews posted, and it maintains a high average rating of 4.69 stars (out of 5).

Our AssessmentThis is essentially just a giant list of strollers with retailer links. At the time of our visit, only the Graco Mosaic LX and the Britax Preview get what ConsumerGuide.com calls "expert reviews." The Britax gets the better rating, but it is an outdated model.