Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs and buggies are simple to take on public transportation or even fit into the back of your car. They are also extremely light and compact, making them ideal for travel by plane.

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

Ease of Folding

When you're choosing a fold-up pushchair, you must take into consideration where and how you're going to be using it. If you're taking your child on planes, a compact and lightweight buggy will be a great choice. It can be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. Look out for a single-handed fold that is easy to operate while holding your child and a handle that is height-adjustable so parents and carers with different heights can use it comfortably. If you're going to be hiking with baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential to maneuver over uneven terrain. Look for features like a deep recline to allow the baby pushchair Tips to sleep comfortably while you're moving and an extendable sun canopy.

Many pushchairs claim to fold with one hand, but it's best to test this before you buy to ensure it's feasible while being able to hold your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was rated highly by our testers, thanks to its innovative mechanism that concertinas into a package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy compartment for keys and phone and a one-touch seat recline that's ideal for children who like to nap while on the move.

Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth and come with a lie-flat seat or the option of an additional carrycot, so they're ideal for young babies who need to sleep during the day. If you plan to use your travel system right from the beginning, a one click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is essential.

The tiniest of the group that's the Cybex Libelle, Rear Facing Pushchair is an outstanding option for jet-setting families, as it folds even more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller) and weighs 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 reclines for toddler naps. This model is a great option for hikers, since it has a large front swivel tire that can take on any terrain.

One-Handed folding

If you're taking an afternoon stroll in the park, or cruising around town on public transport or heading off to exotic shores with your baby it's important to have a stroller that folds easily. It's not ideal to fold a complicated travel system while trying to manage the child and all their necessities, including shopping bags, keys, and other items. This is the reason why one-handed strollers and pushchairs are the most sought-after choice for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be folded by pressing one or more buttons. Some models might require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this process makes them easy to handle and put away. They are also light and easy to transport or to store in small spaces.

The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is a good illustration. This model is one of the most simple to fold using one hand in our roundup. It's as simple as pulling a lever on the chassis. It can stand in its own way when folded,, which makes it ideal for stowing in the corner of a cafe or the foyer.

Another model that has a simple, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. This is one of the original compact-fold pushchairs and despite being larger than others it still features a simple, easy to use fold. It also has a range of great features, including an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to ensure your child is protected during sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are designed specifically for older babies and toddlers. However, there are more options to use from the time of the time of 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 traveled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is one of the original buggys of this type and still a favorite. It's a little less compact than some other buggys but it's still very easy to maneuver. It can be incorporated into the allowance for cabin baggage of the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds down is usually extremely compact and lightweight. This is especially true of umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh under 20 pounds. They are great for short walks on flat surfaces or pavements and for transporting between your car and others' houses. They're also a good option when you don't wish to purchase an all-terrain buggy and are happy with your pushchair on flat surfaces.

Consider getting air-filled tyres if you plan to use your compact folding pushchair in uneven terrain, on sand or on slippery surfaces. These tyres are more heavy however they offer greater grip and traction. The extra weight will add to the overall pushchair size though it's important to keep that in mind.

A variety of lightweight pushchairs were created for older toddlers and infants who can sit independently, but more are now suitable for babies from birth. These include models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, which has a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to form an entire travel system. Some compact-fold strollers can be transformed into double buggys by using the stroller board. This is ideal for Grandma and Grandad.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are simple to operate. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed by pressing one button. Some have more complicated mechanisms, yet they require little space. Some pushchairs feature wristbands that allow you to hold the pushchair even when folded. This makes it easier to maneuver.

While some lightweight pushchairs buggies are very stripped down and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a super-compact stroller can come with a wealth of features. It also has a large basket, plenty of padding and adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a massive canopy that protects. Plus, it's very lightweight and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

When selecting a stroller, you should think about the size of the stroller when folded. Some have a very small fold while others are more spacious dependent on their overall size and the features they come with.

Compactness is also important if you plan to travel with your baby. Some models can fold down to a smaller size, or even into a bag making them easy to store in the trunk of your car or carry on an airplane. This is a great option if you plan to travel often or live in an urban area where you won't be able to carry a stroller that is larger every day.

Some of the most desirable pushchairs are those that have an easy, effortless folding process that can be done using just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it stands out due to its innovative design and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is perfect for travel as it has a fold that is incredibly small and just a little larger than most hand luggage allowances. It can be carried to the airport and used during the time between the boarding process and getting your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that offers more space. The seat reclines completely, and there is plenty of padding to keep your child feel comfortable. It can be used as early as birth with the addition of a carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller that can be used for daily 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 cause your baby to wake up.