It’s worth noting though that while compact, umbrella-fold strollers are still relatively long when folded. As such, you may need to bear in mind the width of your boot if you’re planning to store it in the car. What age is best for an umbrella stroller? This is a great travel system to use right from your front door, taking you from the school run to out and about on all terrains. It’s a little big for folding down frequently as a result of its large wheels, and you may find lugging it in and out of the car a little annoying. Likewise, if you need to pull it up stairs and fold it down in a hallway, there are more lightweight travel systems that may be better. But if comfort and style are your main needs, and you have the space for it in your car and your home, this is one of the best travel systems we’ve tested. The basket is deep and spans both seats, so there’s plenty of space for your shopping and essentials. It’s worth noting however that this may not be the best choice for busy city environments as its wider frame may struggle to fit through narrow doors and passageways. We’re in Spain now and I bought a Cuggl one. Umbrella fold so it was perfect for the plane” - Charlottejade89) Our verdict

With an affordable price tag, this John Lewis ANYDAY stroller is well rated by Mumsnet users and online reviewers, especially by those who have small cars. With a compact umbrella fold that measures just a metre lengthwise when folded, it’s small enough to fit easily into your car boot and features a handy carry strap to help transport it as required. Lucy has personal experience of researching, buying and using car seats with her own children, including the first car seats compatible with her travel system to 360-degree swivel seats and the multi-stage car seats that her children still use today. With a narrow frame and comfortable padded seats, it makes a convenient second stroller for travel. It has an easy-steer option that’s easy to manoeuvre around your local shops and features added suspension for a smoother ride. Key specs: Age range: Birth to 15kg (approx 4 years) | Weight: 7.52kg | Folded size: 30 x 30 x 109cm | Includes rain cover: Yes What we love

5. Best reclining umbrella stroller: Silver Cross Reflex Stroller

Featuring a luxury quilted liner and footmuff, a fully padded harness and variable calf support, you can easily adjust the seat to meet your baby’s needs as they grow. With the Venus Double Stroller, each seat is suitable from birth. The additional Newborn Cocoon creates a cosy space for a newborn baby and can be used in the forward and rearward-facing position. Add an extra Cocoon (sold separately) to create a cosy space for newborn twins. Cocoons are suitable from birth – 9kg (6 months, approx.*) When you buy something for bubba, you want to know that it will last. That’s why we believe in testing our products rigorously, to make sure they’re up to the challenge. And with our 4-Year Warranty, you never need to worry. Traditional pushchairs and travel systems are a great way to travel with your baby in tow, but due to their robust, all-terrain nature, they can often be heavy and bulky, making them somewhat challenging when travelling on public transport. There are some really great umbrella prams on the market, but if you're looking for a great all-rounder, the Joie Nitro gets our vote as the best umbrella stroller you can buy.

Key specs: Age range: Birth to 25kg | Weight: 7kg | Folded size: 27 x 36 x 100cm | Includes rain cover: Yes What we love Cosatto is well known for its bright, colourful and striking designs and this one is no exception with its fun dinosaur pattern. With the Venus Double Stroller, each seat is suitable from birth. The additional Newborn Cocoon creates a cosy space for a newborn baby and can be used in the forward and rearward-facing position. Add an extra Cocoon (sold separately) to create a cosy space for newborn twins. Cocoons are suitable from birth – 9kg (6 months, approx.*) The sun canopy can be adjusted to multiple positions and offers side ventilation and a peekaboo window that closes with a magnet. The complete travel bundle comes with a bassinet that can make the stroller suitable from birth onwards, and you’ll also get the Cabriofix i-Size car seat along with the base and adaptors.The travel bundle also comes with everything you need to navigate all four seasons, such as an adjustable forward- and rear-facing seat unit, a UPF50+ canopy, a spacious carry cot with a Kose Cool breathable lining, 2-in-1 rain cover and an Ubersnugg Footmuff. That’s a lot of kit for a very reasonable price. Featuring two comfortable seats with secure five-point safety harnesses, you can reverse the liners to switch between pink and blue as preferred. Each seat can be customised entirely to the child, with the ability to lie flat, recline or sit more upright to see the world around them - ideal if you've got a curious toddler and a younger baby who needs to nap on the go. Not necessarily. You could instead choose to buy a separate pushchair with a carrycot, a stroller, a third-party car seat – or any combination of products that works for you. The appeal of a travel system is integration and the convenience that it brings. The main pram in this travel system has an easy-to-fold design and a large storage basket underneath, while the spacious flip-fold seat features an adjustable leg rest that can easily accommodate a toddler up to the age of around three. Once your baby has outgrown the carrycot, you can switch it out for the seat unit, which has adjustable calf support and a lie-flat design. We also love the extra details such as the extendable hood with UPF50 protection, zip-out airflow panel and pull-out sunshade.