Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are simple to carry on public transport or even fit into the back of your car. They also tend to be extremely compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby is one of the most compact folds we've ever seen. But it comes with some limitations, such as a tiny canopy and no storage.

Folding Ease

When selecting a fold-up pushchair, it's important to take into consideration where and how you're going to be using it. If you'll be travelling with baby by plane, a compact, Maxi-Cosi Lara2 Pushchair: Lightweight And Compact Stroller buggy is a good option since it can be placed in the overhead luggage compartments and is typically small enough to be carried on your shoulder when unfolded. You should choose a buggy that folds easily with one hand while holding your child. It should also have a handle that's adjustable in height, so that caregivers and parents of different heights are able to use it comfortably. A swivel lock wheel is a must if you are planning to hike with your child. It will assist you to navigate through uneven terrain. Other features worth a look include a deep recline for relaxing naps while on the move and an extendable canopy that offers sun protection.

Many pushchairs pushchairs claim to be able to fold with one hand however, it's a good idea to test this out before purchasing to confirm it's actually possible while also being able to hold your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be especially good, with its clever mechanism that combines into a slimline package smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy pocket to store keys and phone and a one-touch seat recline that's ideal for children who like to nap in the middle of the road.

Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs are made to be used starting at birth and come with a flat seat that can be sat on or the option for an additional carrycot, which means they're ideal for young babies who prefer to rest during the daytime. If you plan on using your travel system from the start, a one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is an essential feature.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the group. It folds smaller than its counterpart, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at only 6kg. It is also easy to use using a single hand fold and the seat can recline to allow for naps for toddlers. This model is a great choice for hikers, since it has a large front swivel tire which can take on any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

It's always an ideal idea to have a foldable pushchair, regardless of whether you're going for a walk or using public transport or flying to a different land with your baby. Having to manage the child keys, shopping bags, keys and other everyday necessities while trying to fold a complex travel system isn't a good idea, so one-handed pushchairs and strollers are usually the most preferred choices for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be folded by pressing one or more buttons. Some models require a bit more effort, or even two hands, but the convenience of the process means that they are still a breeze to carry and put away. They also tend to be lighter, making them simpler to carry around and fit in small spaces.

The G-Luxe from UPPAbaby is a great model. This model has one of the simplest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round up, with a quick and smooth operation that involves just pulling an incline at the base of the chassis. It also stands on its own, making it ideal for storing in a corner of a café or in a foyer.

Another model with a simple, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. This is one of the first compact fold pushchairs, and despite being bigger than others, it still has an elegant, simple to fold. It has a great range of features, with a recline that is deep and an UPF 50+ canopy that is expandable that is designed to keep your child protected on sunny days.

Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are only suitable for older babies or toddlers however, there is a growing number of models that are designed to be used as early as birth. These pushchairs have a seat that can be completely or partially lied-flat and some even come with 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 favorite. It's not as compact than other buggy types however it's still a breeze to maneuver. It is able to fit in the allowance for cabin baggage of many airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down, it takes up very little space, and is usually very light too. This is especially applicable to umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transportation between your vehicle and other homes. They're also a great option for those who don't want to invest in a proper all-terrain buggy and are happy with your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you want to use a compact folding pushchair when you're walking on muddy or sand surfaces, you should consider an air-filled tyre. These tyres are heavier and provide better grip and traction. The extra weight adds to the overall size of the pushchair however, so it's important to be aware of that.

A lot of lightweight pushchairs are made for older children and toddlers that can sit up on their own, but there are a growing number that can be used from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a lie-flat seating area and can be combined with an infant car seat or additional carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used in conjunction with a stroller board to transform them into a double buggy. perfect to take Grandma or Grandad along.

A majority of the best strollers that are lightweight are simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed with the press of a single button. Some have more complicated mechanisms, but they take up little space. Some pushchairs come with a wrist band that allows you to hold the chair even when it's folded. This can make it easier to move.

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

Compact

One of the main things you should take into consideration when choosing the right pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some have a very small fold while others are larger, depending on their overall size and the features they come with.

Compactness is also important for those who plan to travel with your pushchair. There are models that fold down to a very small size and even into a pouch, so they can be easily stashed in the trunk of a car or taken on a plane as baggage in the cabin. If you're planning to travel frequently or live in a city where you can't use a large stroller every day it is the best option for you.

Some of the most desirable pushchairs are those that have an easy, effortless folding process that can be done with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first in its class and has been copied since then, but it is unique due to its clever features and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively small fold that is slightly larger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, making it perfect for travel. It can also be taken to the gate and used between taking off and catching your flight.

If you are looking for a larger, 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 pushchairs that can be used for daily use. It has a compact fold that can be positioned upright when not in use. It's not as easy-to-use as other models, and can produce a lot of noise when you adjust its canopy. This could cause your baby to wake up.