With a beautiful colour palette ideal for spring, the Mamas and Papas Cruise buggy is a lightweight easy-fold umbrella stroller suitable from birth to 15kg (approximately three years). I second the Joie Nitro. I was using the Mothercare travel system and needed something more lightweight and compact and it's brilliant. Very reasonably priced and easy to manoeuvre'' - HakunaMatataa) Our verdict Due to their lightweight design, most umbrella strollers and prams are suitable from 6 months to around 15kg, after which, the additional weight could cause the pushchair to topple or make it harder to move around.

Key specs: Age range: 6 months to 15kg | Weight: 6.3kg | Folded size: 26 x 25 x 110cm | Includes rain cover: Yes What we love With a detachable hood and rain cover, the Red Kite Push Me 2U stroller is ready for whatever the weather may bring, with a small mesh basket providing space for a coat or blanket beneath the seat.

What's the foot brake like?

The Joie Nitro buggy can be used with newborns, so if you're after something very lightweight from the very start of your baby's life, this could be a good option for you. However, given it's such a small stroller, it's definitely not as snug or smooth as a pushchair or travel system designed solely for newborns. There's no parent facing option with the Joie Nitro and you won't be able to clip a baby car seat onto the frame. Not deal breakers exactly, but there are other pushchairs , designed with more functionality for newborns, albeit at a higher price tag. 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. 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: 6 months to 15kg | Weight: 4.9kg | Folded size: 20 x 16 x 120cm | Includes rain cover: No What we loveEnrich your baby’s accessory collection with carrycot rain covers which are crafted from long-lasting 250 micron PVC. These covers are super easy to install and need minimum upkeep. The rain covers provide sufficient space for the baby to move comfortably. Enough breathable space is created so that the kid does not feel suffocated inside the carrycot.

With a large extendable SPF50 sun hood and a rain cover included, it’s as well suited to everyday use as a convenient and compact stroller for travel. 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

2. Best budget umbrella stroller: Cuggl Laurel Stroller

Key specs: Age range: Birth to 15kg | Weight: 8.3kg | Folded size: 23 x 30 x 111cm | Includes rain cover: No What we love We’re in Spain now and I bought a Cuggl one. Umbrella fold so it was perfect for the plane” - Charlottejade89) Our verdict If you’re looking for a basic lightweight stroller suitable for travel, they don’t come much more affordable than the Cuggl Laurel stroller.

The Joie Nitro boasts a one-handed recline in four positions including a lie-flat position perfect for napping on the go. How easy is the umbrella fold?

What age is best for an umbrella stroller?

As parents of twins and multiples know only too well, travelling with two children can be challenging, especially with toddlers who seek their independence but aren’t quite confident yet on foot. I bought a Red Kite one (called Push Me 2 U) for this exact purpose. It’s great. I even used it a few times in London before coming away cos I could carry it folded in one hand and hold daughter’s hand with the other on Underground staircases” - Rainatnight 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. It's worth bearing in mind that in most cases, umbrella strollers are world-facing and parents with newborns may feel more comfortable with a parent-facing pushchair initially with a very young child. What’s the best umbrella pram to buy? Key specs: Age range: Birth to 22kg (approx 4 years) | Weight: 7.1kg | Folded size: 35 x 33 x 100cm | Includes rain cover: Yes What we love