A Small Pushchair Is a Buggy on Wheels That Allows Your Child to Travel in a Sitting Position

A small pushchair is a small buggy on wheels that lets your child travel sitting down. These are often used to hop off and on public transport, or to keep in your car for daytime excursions.

Many small folding pushchair pushchairs from birth are used from 6 months but a growing number of them are suitable for babies with a lie-flat seat, or an optional carrycot. The majority of them have a sturdy canopy, and a handlebar that can be adjusted to fit tall or short caregivers.

Size

Many parents prefer larger pushchairs from the beginning but for a growing toddler who doesn't want to spend every trip in a buggy, and you're faced with limited space at home or in your car boot, an ultra-compact could be the best option. They're typically less expensive than a larger travel system and can last your child until they do not require one anymore, meaning you'll save in the long run too.

Some of the smallest pushchairs and strollers have clever Z folds or concertinas to create an elegant, square folded package. They're also light for such large wheels. They also come with surprisingly spacious seats for their overall dimensions and are cabin approved on many airlines to make it easier to travel. Many of them have a flat seating (although some are classified as such even though they only have one small recline) and the option of adding an infant carrycot.

Folding

Some ultra-compact strollers fold to the size of handbags. This is a huge selling point, particularly for parents who don't have much space in their car's trunk or reside in a city and frequently use public transport. Many of the most reputable brands of pushchairs are offering compact models that you can easily transport into and out of taxis and cafes. They also have models that can be used on planes, trains, and even on public transport. The Babyzen YOYO was the first to pioneer this kind of super-smart stroller, but there are now several other options from UPPAbaby, Joolz and Cybex. They are typically concertina or folded in a z-fold to create an attractive, square-shaped package. They are quite light at 6-8kg, and often certified for use in cabins.

It's important to remember that a small-sized folding pushchair isn't necessarily a stripped-back model, even if it's significantly cheaper than the full-size version. Many compact models still offer a decent degree of comfort, including a roomy seat that's comfortable and has enough recline for toddlers, and usually lots of additional features like an umbrella as well as a footmuff and rain cover.

The Micralite by UPPAbaby For instance, it features a super-slick one-hand fold and is available in peppermint, ginger, toffee, black or aqua. It's also extremely light at just 6kg and comes with a large basket, large wheels (albeit with smaller ones) and a decent recline. The only slight disappointment is that it doesn't come with locks which some parents may be irritated about, and the hood isn't quite as large as some other UPPAbaby models.

Mamas & Papas Airo is another compact model that comes with an innovative 360-degree seat rotation system and an excellent protective hood, plus a lie-flat seat that you can change to a parent facing pushchair-facing position from birth. The newborn carrycot pack is priced at PS149 but it's a bit pricey.

Other options include the lightweight UPPAbaby G-Luxe that has a clever one-hand recline feature, but doesn't have a completely flat position and doesn't have a car seat adapter. The Babyzen YoYO Lite is a great option for parents looking for the smallest, most user-friendly buggy. It has an easy, but less sophisticated fold.

Weight

The latest ultra-compact pushchairs, with their clever concertina or Z folds to make a compact package, are impressively lightweight, weighing around the 6-8kg mark (and typically come with a shoulder strap to make them easier to carry). They are also cabin approved, so you can easily use them on planes if you plan to travel frequently.

Even even if your plans don't include frequent flights, a small stroller is an ideal alternative if your car's boot isn't big enough, you struggle with stairs or depend on public transport, such as trains, buses, and the Underground. They're also designed to last your baby from birth until school, so they're an excellent alternative to a bigger budget second pushchair.

However, they're not designed to handle uneven terrain or muddy lawns. They're a great alternative to an all-terrain stroller or travel system that needs air-filled tires for more durability and traction. And they'll be a lot cheaper than a larger model too! Second-hand Micralites are available at a bargain price. They're often in immaculate condition, but make sure to look for stains and missing features like the sun hood and cup holders prior to making a purchase.

Safety

It's likely that the pushchair egg will be one of the most used things for your baby, so you should pay attention to the details that make it safe and comfortable for your child. Look for a soft seat padding that will be comfy for your child, as well as an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. You might also want to think about whether a single or linked handle is the best for you, as it will affect how easy it is to push.

The wheels on your pushchair could also affect the way you use your pushchair. The smaller wheels are designed for smooth and pavement roads, while larger ones better handle bumpy terrain like trails through forests or at the beach. You might also see pushchairs that advertise as 'all terrain', however, this can be an inaccurate description because they aren't able to handle with the same terrain as a dedicated buggy with air-filled tyres.

The majority of small pushchairs come with a front- and rear-braking system to ensure safety. This lets you regulate the direction you travel. Most have a brake operated by a foot that is easy to access and a handbrake when not moving. Some of the top models have a brake button which locks both wheels. This is especially useful for those who use the jogger style pushchair, or who frequently stop and start.

If you're buying a birth pushchair look for one with a lie-flat seat option or one that comes with a carrycot. This allows newborns to lie flat, which is vital for their development of their spine. Carrycots also allow you to travel with your baby from the very beginning, which is great when you plan on taking public transport or flying frequently.

Make sure the fabric for your pushchair is machine washable as this will make cleaning it much simpler. If it's not, it is possible to spot clean the fabric with water and mild detergent. Additionally, certain brands offer replacement covers in a variety of colors. You can also invest in an infant foot warmer to keep your baby warm in the colder months.