Wonderful umbrella stroller, but not as my only stroller

The Kolcraft reclining umbrella stroller is a very nice umbrella stroller -- but that's all it is.

This stroller has two major features that make it stand out above other umbrella strollers. First, it reclines, making it easier for your baby to nap during a stroll. Second, it has a canopy to shield the baby from the sun. The Kolcraft's seat is also more padded than other umbrella strollers, which is a nice touch. And it stands taller than other umbrella strollers, which makes it much more comfortable for taller parents to push (and even I, at 5' 2", felt the $10 umbrella stroller we used previously was too short to comfortably push) and also lets the baby sit up just a bit higher. It comes in a cheerful green and blue plaid, which is a nice change from navy, navy, and, um... navy.

However, none of these amenities make the Kolcraft a replacement for a regular stroller. While the seat does recline, it doesn't recline 180 degrees (it looks like it reclines about 45 degrees). The small size of the canopy makes it ineffective at blocking anything other than high-noon, directly overhead sunlight (unfortunately, even full-size strollers can have this problem). The seat is padded, but it's not as padded as a regular stroller. And the taller height will still not be comfortable enough for parents over 6'.

Like other umbrella strollers, the Kolcraft does not have a bar or tray. And like most others, it does not have a basket. Snap-on trays and bars and baskets that hang on the stroller handles are available.

I am still very happy with this stroller because I purchased it as a replacement for a different umbrella stroller. I would not consider it a replacement for a regular stroller. I am also happy with it because, while the retail price is $25-30, I only paid $9. If I had paid full price and then paid $10 more to add a hanging bag, I might want more for my money. However, it's still the nicest umbrella stroller I've seen.