Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are easy to hop on and off public transportation or can be tucked away in the back of cars. They are also very lightweight and compact which makes them ideal for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby model is among the most attractive compact folds we've seen. It does have some limitations including a small canopy and no storage.

Ease of folding

Think about where and how you will use the pushchair before choosing one. When you are travelling with your baby on an airplane, a compact and lightweight buggy will be a great choice. It can fit into the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried on the shoulder. Make sure you choose an easy-to-use fold that's simple to operate while holding your baby and a handle that is height-adjustable so parents and carers of various heights can enjoy it comfortably. If you're going to be hiking with your baby it is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Be sure to look for features like an extended recline that allows for comfortable naps while on the move, and an extendable sun canopy.

Many pushchairs claim to be folded in one-hand, but it's best to test this prior to purchasing to make sure it's possible while also holding your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was reviewed highly by our reviewers, due to its clever mechanism which concertinas into a package that is smaller than an umbrella. It has a pocket that can store phones and keys, and a seat recliner that can be adjusted by one touch.

A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth, and include an easy-to-leap seat or the option for an additional carrycot, so they're perfect for infants who need to rest during the day. If you intend to use your travel system from the beginning the one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is also essential.

The smallest of the bunch, the Cybex Libelle, is an ideal choice for families who travel because it folds more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm thinner) and weighs than 6kg, making it extremely easy to carry. It is also very easy to use using a single hand fold, and the seat reclines for toddler naps. This model is also a good choice for hikers, as it has an extra-large front swivel wheel which can be used on any terrain.

One-Handed folding

It is always an ideal idea to have a foldable pushchair, whether you're out on a stroll or using public transport or flying to a different country with your child. It's not a good idea to fold a complicated travel system while trying to manage a child and all of their essentials, like keys, shopping bags and other things. This is the reason why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most popular choice for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing the button or buttons. Certain models may require more effort, or two hands. However, the ease of this method makes them easy to maneuver and to store. They are also light, making them easier to carry around or fit in small spaces.

The G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby is an excellent example. This model features one of the easiest one-handed folds we've seen in our round up, with a quick and smooth operation that involves just pulling an incline at the base of the chassis. It stands up in its own way when folded, too making it perfect to store in the corner of a cafe or in a foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that folds with one hand. It's one of the first pushchairs with a compact fold. Although it is larger than other options the Bugaboo Bee still has an easy and compact fold. It also comes with a variety of great features, including a deep reclining seat and an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to protect your child on hot days.

Some of these pushchairs are designed for older babies or toddlers However, there are a growing number of models that are designed to be used from the time of birth. These pushchairs have a seat that can be completely or partially lie-flat and some even come with an infant car seat. MFM's Gemma has traveled with her son in a Babyzen YOYO - one of the very first buggys of its kind. It is still a popular. It's a little less compact than other buggy types however it's still a breeze to carry. It fits in the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds is usually very small and lightweight. It's especially true for umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They are ideal for short walks on flat surfaces and pavements and for a quick transfer between your car and the homes of others. These are also a good choice if you do not want to invest in an all-terrain stroller, and prefer to use your stroller only on flat surfaces.

You should consider buying tyres with air if you plan to use your compact fold-up pushchair on uneven terrain, on sand, or on rough surfaces. These tyres are more heavy and provide greater grip and traction. It's important to note that the extra weight will increase the size of your pushchair.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs were made for older infants and toddlers that can sit up independently however, more are suitable for babies from birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be combined with an infant car seat or an additional carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-fold pushchairs are designed to be used in conjunction with a stroller board, transforming them into a double buggy - ideal for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are very simple to use. Some are open and closed with the push of a button. others have more intricate mechanisms but they still take up very little space. Some even have a wrist strap that lets you keep your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded, and this can make a huge difference in the ease of maneuver.

While some lightweight pushchairs are very stripped down, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a tiny stroller can come with a wealth of features. It also has a large basket, lots of padding and adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge canopy that protects. Additionally, it's extremely light and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

When selecting a stroller, you should think about the size of the stroller when folded. Some have a very small fold, while others are more spacious according to their overall dimensions and the features they have.

The compactness is essential if you plan to travel with your pushchair. Some models fold down to a small size or even into a bag which makes them a breeze to put in the boot of your car, or take on a plane. This is ideal when you plan to travel frequently or reside in an urban area where you aren't able to use a larger stroller all the time.

The most effective pushchairs have a simple, easy-to-fold process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it stands out thanks to its unique design and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO is perfect for travel because it has an extremely tiny and is only slightly bigger than most hand luggage allowances. It can even be taken to the gate and used during the time between boarding and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact pushchair up to 25kg that provides more space. This is a fantastic seat that can recline fully and has plenty of padding to keep your child comfy. It can be used from birth, with the addition a baby cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ is another great option for a day-to-day light buggy that folds down to a very compact fold and can be positioned up when not in use. However it's not as straightforward to operate as some other models and it can create a lot of noise when you adjust the canopy, which may awake your baby.