Best umbrella strollers for small spaces and big days out

For parents seeking a practical, compact stroller that’s perfect for daily use, the Joie Nitro makes every outing simple and stress-free. Whether you’re going for a walk, running errands, or travelling, this stroller’s lightweight design and easy-fold functionality ensure you’ll always be ready to go.

The Joie Nitro has become a favourite for its ease of use and quality build. Parents love how quickly it folds down and pops back up, making it ideal for busy lifestyles. The five recline positions are perfect for a baby to nap on the go, and the SoftTouch harness keeps the little one secure and comfortable. 

A standout feature is the stroller's compact fold, which makes it easy to store in small spaces, perfect for families with limited storage. The adjustable sunshade and detachable rain cover offer great protection, and the stroller’s lightweight frame ensures you can manoeuvre it effortlessly, whether you’re on the sidewalk or in tight spaces.

Other practical features include the five adjustable strap positions as your baby grows, making it an investment that lasts longer. One grandma reviewer said, “Bought this for our grandson and our outings. Great price, super easy to set up, comes with an adjustable sun shade and detachable rain cover. 5 adjustable strap positions as they grow! Easy to put up and down and lightweight to push, our grandson was very happy and managed to fall asleep in it on his first outing.”

For parents on the go, the Graco TraveLite is a no-fuss, lightweight stroller that delivers both value and convenience. Perfect for quick trips, shopping, or travel, it’s designed to be easily folded and carried without taking up too much space.

Weighing just 7.07kg, the Graco TraveLite offers great portability without compromising comfort. The one-hand fold mechanism is especially popular among busy parents who need a stroller that’s quick to collapse and carry. Customers find the stroller lightweight and easy to assemble, taking about 2 minutes to set up, and appreciate its compact size that fits in car boots. The stroller is comfortable enough for long walks, folds easily, and offers good value for money.

One parent reviewer, PJ, said, “I took this to Morocco for a family trip. It survived two plane journeys without a dent. It's very good value for money and we'll definitely be using it for more trips. Light enough to lift up stairs with the baby in it, while it also feels sturdy at the same time. Folds away quite compactly and is quick to set up with the flick of your foot.”

At 6' 2'', PJ added, “I would have liked the handles to be a bit higher, but during use I'm not really thinking about it or finding it detrimental. My partner at 5' 4'' thought they were a tad high, but again, it wasn't an issue. Adjustable height handles are less sturdy, add bulk and weigh more anyway. I can't knock any stars (unusual for me), it did exactly what we needed, and even has cargo space underneath for shopping (it was needed!).”

If style is just as important to you as functionality, the Cosatto Supa 3 is the perfect choice. Shortlisted for the Mother&Baby 2022 Awards for Best Pushchair, this multi-functional stroller combines vibrant designs with practical features for families who want it all.

The Cosatto Supa 3 is perfect for any weather, with a UPF100+ extendable ventilated hood, rain cover, and reversible fleece-lined footmuff. A parent tester shared, "I love how it folds compactly and fits in the back of my car. The pattern is gorgeous, and the footmuff, cup holder, and rain cover make it great value for money."

Parents especially love its longevity, as it can support up to 25kg, making it suitable for toddlers. With one commenting, “It’s super easy to fold, and I was impressed with the quality of the materials. The liner washes beautifully, and the rain cover is a lifesaver on rainy days.”

Read our full Cosatto Supa 3 review here

For parents looking for a durable and long-lasting option, the Silver Cross Reflex combines high-quality materials with exceptional comfort. With its ergonomic backrest, this stroller provides a natural cradling position for your baby, helping to protect their back and spine.

Tested by mum Alex Pearce for the M&B Awards 2016, the Silver Cross Reflex stands out for its strong chassis and stylish design. Alex shared, "The chassis feels sturdy compared to cheaper strollers. The quality of the build is apparent from the first use, and the fold is very easy."

Parents love how easy it is to fold and store, making it a practical option for families on the go. Alex added, "The colour options are lovely, and it handles well on a variety of surfaces. It’s one of the most robust strollers I’ve used."

Read our full Silver Cross Reflex review here

For families on a budget, the Red Kite Baby Push Me offers great value without compromising on essential features. Suitable for babies from 6 months to 15kg, this compact stroller is perfect for everyday use and travel.

The Red Kite Baby Push Me is an affordable, no-frills stroller that is easy to fold and store. One grandparent reviewer said, "I bought this for my granddaughter. It’s so easy to use – it folds down quickly, and my granddaughter loves it. The seat reclines, so she can nap comfortably, and I love how simple it is to operate."

Ideal for families looking for a budget-friendly option, this stroller still offers comfort with its padded seat and reclining feature. She added, “It’s sturdy enough for quick park trips, and I can keep it in the back of the car for spontaneous outings.”

The Silver Cross Pop is perfect for parents looking for an adjustable and easy-to-use stroller that fits their growing child. Light and compact, it offers convenience without sacrificing quality.

Zoe, a parent tester, shared, “The Silver Cross Pop is beautiful, modern, and the perfect lightweight stroller. It’s easy to carry and push, and it handles various surfaces well. The deep basket is a bonus – I can fit all my groceries in it!”

Perfect for families who want a stroller that adjusts to their child’s needs, the Pop has a range of features that make it comfortable for long days out. Zoe continued, “It’s a great stroller that has enough room for my child to grow, and the handle height is just right for me."

Read our full Silver Cross Pop Lightweight Pushchair review here

For parents looking for a lightweight, travel-friendly stroller, the Maclaren Volo Dylan’s Candy Bar Stroller is a standout option. Weighing just 5.98kg, it combines style with portability, making it ideal for city life and public transport.

With a 5-point harness and under-pram storage, it offers both safety and convenience. One parent reviewer shared, “I like the pram — it’s very light and quite easy to manage. My son liked it from day one. It’s great for public transport and travel.”

It also comes with a wind-resistant rain cover and a water-resistant, extendable hood, a welcome bonus for unpredictable UK weather.

The only downside? The seat doesn’t recline, which some parents found limiting for longer outings or naps.

The Ickle Bubba Discovery Max Stroller combines comfort and convenience in a sleek, travel-ready design. Suitable from 6 months to 4 years, it features a five-point harness and lockable rear wheels for added safety.

Parents love the luxurious feel, thanks to the soft quilted seat liner, footmuff, and included rain cover, perfect for keeping little ones cosy and dry. Weighing just 7kg, it folds down compactly and includes a carry strap with a leather shoulder pad for easier transport.

Nikki, a mum tester, said, “This pram made life easier as a mum with a toddler who only falls asleep on the move! It’s so lightweight and simple to use, even my parents in their seventies find it stress-free. Plus, it fits beautifully in our small car, perfect for life on the go.”

Another parent agreed: “We’ve had this for two months and it’s really easy to use. The one-hand fold and recline are great, and it feels like a high-end buggy at a much more affordable price.”

However, some parents weren’t completely satisfied. Sara noted, “When you fold it down, it’s a nightmare to click in and it doesn’t stay folded. It feels bulky to store and hard to unfold, not ideal when ease and speed matter most.”

Read our full Ickle Bubba Discovery Max Pushchair review here