Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to hop on and off public transportation or can be tucked away in the back of cars. They are also extremely compact and lightweight, making them perfect for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby model has one of the most appealing compact folds we've seen. It has a few limitations including a small canopy and no storage.

Ease of Folding

Consider where and how you'll use the pushchair prior to deciding on one. When you are travelling with your baby on a plane or train, a lightweight and compact buggy is a good option. It can fit into the overhead compartments for luggage 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 holding your child. It should have a handle that's adjustable in height to ensure that caregivers and parents of different heights can to use it comfortably. If you're planning on hiking with baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Other useful features to consider include a recline that is deep for comfortable naps on the go, and an extendable canopy which provides additional sun protection.

Many pushchairs claim to fold with one hand, but it's best to test it before purchasing to confirm it's actually possible while also holding your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was rated highly by our testers, thanks to its clever mechanism which concertinas into a package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy compartment for keys and phones, as well as the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is perfect for little travellers who like to nap in the middle of the road.

Some of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are made to be used right from birth and offer a flat seat that can be sat on or an option to add an additional carrycot, which means they're ideal for young babies who want to sleep during the day. If you intend to use your travel system right from the beginning, a simple click attachment system for your infant Car Seat is a must.

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

One-Handed Folding

It's always an ideal idea to have a foldable pushchair, whether you are out on a stroll, taking public transport, or flying to a distant destination with your infant. It's not ideal to have to fold a complicated travel system and manage the child and all their necessities, including keys, shopping bags and other items. This is why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most popular choice for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing one or more buttons. Some models require more effort or even two hands, but the ease of the process means that they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and store away. They are also lightweight and easy to transport or to store in small space.

A good 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, and features the speedy and smooth operation that requires only pulling on the lever on the bottom of the chassis. It also stands on its own, which makes it ideal for storing in the corner of a café or in a foyer.

Another model that features simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. This is one of the original compact-fold pushchairs and despite being bigger than others it has an elegant, simple to fold. It comes with a wide array of features, too such as a deep recline and an UPF 50+ canopy that can be expanded designed to keep your child safe on hot days.

Some of these compact-folded pushchairs are only designed for toddlers and older children. However there are many options to use from the time of the time of birth. They come with a full or partial lie-flat seat, and could include the option of 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 is still a firm favourite. It's a little smaller and less compact fold than others, but it's still very easy to handle and fits into the cabin luggage allowance on most airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down it takes up a tiny space, and it's often extremely light. This is particularly true of umbrella-folding pushchairs that typically weigh less than 20 pounds. These are ideal for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and also for transporting between your car and other' houses. They're also a good option if you don't want to purchase an all-terrain buggy but are content with your pushchair on flat surfaces.

Think about getting tyres that are air-filled for use with your compact folding pushchair in rough terrain, on sand or on rough surfaces. These are a bit heavier than standard tyres but they'll provide better traction and grip. The extra weight adds to the overall size of the pushchair though it's crucial to think about this.

A lot of lightweight pushchairs are made for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own, however there are a growing number that can be used from the time of birth. These include models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of incorporating an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to make an entire travel system. Some compact-fold pushchairs are designed to work with a stroller board, transforming them into a double buggy. ideal to take Grandma or Grandad along too.

A lot of the top lightweight pushchairs are simple to operate. Some can be opened or closed with the push of a button. others feature more complicated mechanisms but they still require very little space. Some even have a wrist strap that lets you your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded, and this can make a big difference in the ease of maneuver.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is an excellent example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. It also has a large basket, lots of padding and adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents), and a large canopy that protects. It's also light and comes in a handy bag.

Compact

When you are choosing a stroller you should think about the size of the stroller when folded. Some pushchairs have a very compact fold, whereas others are more spacious based on the overall dimensions and features.

The compactness of a pushchair; Www.pushchairsandprams.uk noted, can be an important factor if you intend to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a compact size or even bags, making them easy to store in the boot of your car or to carry on an airplane. This is ideal when you plan to travel frequently or reside in an urban area where you aren't able to carry a stroller that is larger every day.

The best pushchairs are those with 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 clever details and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively tiny fold and is only slightly bigger than the average hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect for travelling with. It can even be taken to the airport and used during the time between boarding and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that offers more space. This is a fantastic seat that reclines fully and has plenty of padding to keep your child comfy. It can be used as early as birth with an infant cocoon or carrycot pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller for use in the everyday. It has a compact fold that can be set upright when not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and it's able to make a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This could make your baby scream.