Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to hop on and off public transport or fit into the back of a car. They are also very lightweight and compact which makes them ideal for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby has one of the smallest folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations, including a tiny canopy, and there is no storage.

Folding is easy

When you're choosing a fold-up pushchair, you need to think about where and how you'll be using it. If you're planning to travel with your infant on planes an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is an excellent choice as it can fit in the overhead luggage compartments, and is usually small enough to be carried on the shoulder when folded. You should look for a buggy that can fold with one hand while holding your child. It should also have a handle that is adjustable in height so that caregivers and parents of different heights are able to use it comfortably. If you're going to be walking with your baby the swivel lock wheel is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Check for features such as the ability to recline deep enough for comfortable naps while on the move, and an extendable sun canopy.

Many pushchairs claim to be able to fold in one hand, but it's best to test this before you buy to ensure it really is feasible while holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be particularly impressive, with its clever mechanism that concertinas down into a compact size that is smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy pocket to store keys and phones and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for children who like to nap on the move.

Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs are designed 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 perfect for infants who want to sleep during the daytime. If you plan on using your travel system right from the beginning using a one-click attachment method for a car seat for infants is an essential feature.

The tiniest of the bunch, the Cybex Libelle, is an ideal choice for families who travel, as it folds even smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm thinner), and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely light to carry around. It is also very easy to use, with a one-hand fold and the seat can recline to accommodate toddler napping. This model is a great choice for hikers, as it comes with a huge front swivel tire which can be able to handle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

If you're taking a stroll through the park, or cruising around town on public transport or heading to distant shores with a baby it's important to have a stroller that folds effortlessly. Having to manage the child keys, shopping bags, keys and other essentials of everyday life while attempting to fold a complex travel system is not ideal, so one-handed pushchairs and strollers are usually the most preferred choices for parents.

As the name implies, a one-handed fold holiday pushchair can be folded down with the push of a button or two. Some models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this process makes them easy to handle and to store. They are also lightweight, making them easier to carry around and fit into small spaces.

A good example is the G-Luxe from UPPAbaby. This model is among the easiest to fold with one hand in our roundup. It's as simple as pulling a lever on the chassis. It stands up on its own when folded, and is ideal for storing in the corner of a cafe, or in a foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that folds using just one hand. It's one of the first pushchairs that fold compactly. Despite being larger than the other models the Bugaboo Bee still has an easy and neat fold. It also has a number of excellent features, such as the deep reclining seat as well as an expandable UPF50+ canopy to ensure your child is protected on sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are only designed for toddlers and older infants. However there are other options that can be used from the time of the time of birth. They come with a full or partial lie-flat seat and may come with 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 remains a popular choice. It has a slightly smaller and less compact fold than others, but it's very easy to carry and fits into the allowance for cabin pushchair luggage on most airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair parent facing that folds is often extremely compact and light. This is especially true of umbrella-folding pushchairs that typically weigh less than 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on flat surfaces or pavements and also for transporting between your vehicle and other houses. They're also a good option if you don't need an all-terrain stroller, and prefer to use your stroller only on flat surfaces.

Think about getting tyres that are air-filled if you plan to use your compact pushchair on difficult terrain, on sand or on muddy surfaces. These are a bit heavier than regular tyres however they'll offer better traction and grip. 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 who can sit independently however, more are suitable for babies from the time of birth. These include models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to make a travel system. Some compact-fold strollers are able to be converted into double buggys using the stroller board. This is a great option for Grandma and Grandad.

A lot of the top lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some can be opened or closed with the push of a button. others have more complex mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some even have a strap on the wrist that lets you the pushchair in place even when it's folded, and this can make a huge difference to how easy it is to move around.

While some lightweight pushchairs are extremely basic, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent illustration of how a small stroller can come with a wealth of features. There's also a decently-sized basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge canopy that protects. It's also light and comes with a handy bag.

Compact

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

A pushchair cheap's compactness may also be a consideration if you intend to travel with it. There are models that fold to an extremely compact size and can even be folded into a bag, so they can be easily stashed away in the back of a car or taken on an airplane as baggage in the cabin. This is perfect if you plan to travel often or live in an urban area where you aren't able to use a larger stroller every day.

Some of the most effective pushchairs to consider are those that feature easy, hassle-free folding process that can be done with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it stands out due to its unique design and its superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively small fold that is slightly bigger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect for travelling with. It can be used at the gate between taking off and catching it.

For a more spacious and compact Egg Pushchair Sale, consider the Mamas and Papas Airo. The seat reclines fully, and there is plenty of padding to keep your child feel comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition of the carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller for everyday use. It features a compact fold that can be positioned upright when not in use. However it's not as simple to use as some models and can make a lot of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could awake your baby.