Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are a breeze to carry on public transport or fit in the back of your car. They also tend to be extremely compact and lightweight which makes them ideal for plane travel.

This UPPAbaby model has one of the most appealing compact folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations, such as a small canopy, and no storage.

Folding is easy

Think about the location and how you'll use the pushchair before deciding one. When you are travelling with your baby on a plane then a compact and light buggy is a good choice. It can fit into the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be able to be carried over the shoulder. You should look for an infant stroller that can fold with one hand while you hold your child. It should also include a handle that is adjustable in height to ensure that caregivers and parents with different heights are able to use it comfortably. A lock wheel that swivels is essential if you intend to take your baby on a hike. It will assist you to navigate the terrain that is uneven. Check for features such as the ability to recline deep enough the baby to sleep comfortably while you're moving and an extended sun canopy.

It is important to test the pushchairs before buying to make sure they fold easily with one hand while holding your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was rated highly by our testers, thanks to its clever mechanism which creates a compact package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy pocket to store keys and phones and a one-touch seat recline that's ideal for kids who like to nap while on the move.

A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth, and include a flat seat that can be sat on or the option of an additional carrycot, which means they're great for babies who need to rest during the daytime. If you're planning to utilize your travel system from the beginning, a one click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is essential.

The smallest of the group is the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families because it folds smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm less) and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely easy to carry. It's also extremely easy to use, using a simple one-hand fold and recline which is perfect for naps with toddlers. This model is also a good choice for hikers, as it has an oversized front swivel that can handle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

If you're taking a stroll in the park, or cruising around the city on public transport, or jetting off to foreign shores with your baby it's important to have a stroller that folds easily. It's not ideal to have to fold a complex travel system and manage a child and all of their essentials, like keys, shopping bags and other items. This is the reason why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most preferred option for parents.

Like the name suggests it is a pushchair that folds one hand. can be collapsed with just the press of a button or two. Certain models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the convenience of this process makes them easy to handle and put away. They are also lightweight and easy to carry or store in small space.

An excellent example is the G-Luxe from UPPAbaby. It is one of the most simple one-handed folds that we have seen in our round-up. It has an easy and smooth operation that involves just pulling the lever on the bottom of the chassis. It can stand by itself when folded,, which makes it ideal for storing in the corner of a cafe or in a foyer.

Another model that has an easy, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It's among the first pushchairs that fold compactly. Despite being larger than other options it still features an easy-to-use, sleek fold. It also has a number of fantastic features, including a deep reclining seat and an expanded UPF50+ canopy to keep your child covered during sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are only suitable for toddlers or older children However, there are numerous models that can be used from birth. These pushchairs come with a seat that can be completely or partially lied-flat and some even include an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is one of the first buggys of this kind and remains a popular choice. It's slightly smaller fold than others, but it's still very easy to carry and fits in the allowance for cabin luggage on most airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down, it takes up very little space, and is often extremely light. This is especially true of umbrella-fold pushchairs, which usually weigh less than 20 pounds. They are great for short walks on flat surfaces or pavements and for transportation between your vehicle and other homes. They're also a good option if you don't 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 for use with your compact fold-up pushchair on rough terrain, on sand or on rough surfaces. They're a bit heavier than regular tyres however they'll provide more grip and traction. The extra weight adds to the overall pushchair size however, so it's important to think about this.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs are made for older children and toddlers that can sit on their own, however a growing number are suitable for babies from the age of. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be paired with an infant car seat or an additional carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-fold pushchairs are even designed to work with a stroller board to transform them into a double buggy - great to take Grandma or Grandad along.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some are simply open or closed at the touch of a button, while others feature more complicated mechanisms, but they all require very little space. Some come with a strap for your wrist that lets you the pushchair in place even when it's folded. This could make a significant difference in the ease of maneuver.

While some lightweight pushchairs are extremely basic and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a super-compact Red Kite Quatro Stroller in Black: Stylish and Functional can be loaded with of features. There's a decent-sized storage basket and plenty of padding adjustable handlebar height (for tall and short parents) and a reclining seating and a large protective canopy. It's also extremely light and comes with a convenient bag.

Compact

One of the primary things you need to be aware of when choosing the right pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some pushchairs have a very compact fold, whereas others are more spacious based on their overall size and features.

The compactness of a pushchair can be an important factor in the event that you are planning to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a compact size, or even into a bag which makes them easy to store in the boot of your car or to carry on a plane. This is ideal for those who travel frequently or live in an urban area where to buy pushchairs you won't be able to take a larger stroller with you all the time.

The best pushchairs have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first in its class and has been a model of imitation since then, but it is a standout due to its clever features and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is ideal for travel as it has an extremely small and only slightly larger than the majority of hand luggage allowances. It can be used at the gate between boarding your flight and catching it.

For a more spacious and compact pushchair, look at the Mamas and Papas Airo. The seat reclines fully, and it has plenty of padding to make your child comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition of a baby cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller that can be used for daily use. It has a compact fold that can be placed upright when not in use. It's not as easy-to-use as other models, and it's able to create a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This can make your baby scream.