UMBRELLA STROLLERS

BASIC FEATURES
basic features for the parent

My achy breaky back: Most parents searching for an umbrella stroller rarely consider their own comfort until after the stroller is purchased and they feel a growing pain in their lower backs. One common complaint against many of the lower-end umbrella strollers is that the handles are too low for longer stints of pushing for taller parents as the continual hunching over the handles can result in lower back pain. What's more, taller people tend to have a longer stride and may find themselves kicking the base of the stroller. The only way to avoid this is to make sure you consider it BEFORE you purchase. Fortunately, the stroller industry is listening and there are a growing number of umbrella strollers with higher handles.

Everything but the kitchen sink: It's an umbrella stroller, which basically means small and compact and barely any storage space. Your best storage-optimizing strategy: be prepared to carry and sling bags over the handle(s). Also frustrating but virtually inevitable: most reclining seat umbrella strollers prevent you from accessing the under-seat basket when the seat is reclined.

The quickie happy-stroller-pusher checklist:

1. Difficulty steering: Don't buy it!
2. Uncomfortable handles for your wrists & hands: Don't buy it!
3. Hunch over the stroller: Don't buy it!
4. The stroller frame intrudes on your natural stride: Don't buy it!