Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to get on and off public transportation or fit in the back of the car. They are also extremely compact and lightweight which makes them perfect for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby model is among the most attractive compact folds we've seen. But it comes with some limitations, such as a tiny canopy and lack of storage.

Ease of Folding

Consider where and how you will use the pushchair before choosing one. If you're traveling with your baby on a plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is a great option since it can be placed in the overhead luggage compartments and is usually small enough to be carried on your shoulder when folded. Look out for a single-handed fold that is easy to operate while holding your baby and a height-adjustable handle to ensure that parents and caregivers with different heights can use it comfortably. A lock that can swivel is essential if intend to hike with your child. It will assist you to navigate uneven terrain. Look for features like a deep recline to allow the baby to sleep comfortably while you're moving, and an extendable sun canopy.

It is important to test the pushchairs before buying to make sure that they fold easily with one hand while holding your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was reviewed highly by our testers, thanks to its clever mechanism which concertinas into a package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a convenient compartment for keys and phones and an easy recline seat that's perfect for little travellers who like to sleep while on the move.

A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used from birth and offer a lie-flat seat or the option of an additional carrycot, which means they're perfect for infants who want to sleep throughout the day. If you intend to use your travel system right from the beginning the one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the group. It folds down even smaller than its counterpart, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at just 6kg. It's also super-easy to use, using a simple one-hand fold and recline that is ideal for toddler napping. This model is also a great option for hikers as it has an extra-large front swivel wheel that can tackle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

It is always an ideal idea to have a foldable pushchair, regardless of whether you're walking around or taking public transport or flying to a foreign land with your baby. It's not ideal to have to fold a complicated travel system while trying to manage a child and all of their essentials, such as keys, shopping bags, and other things. This is the reason why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most popular choice for parents.

As the name suggests it is a pushchair that folds one hand. can be folded with the touch of a button or two. Certain models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the convenience of this method makes them easy to handle and store. They are also light, making them easier to transport around or fitting in small spaces.

The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is a good example. It is one of the simplest one-handed folds in our round-up. It has the speedy and smooth operation that involves just pulling a lever at the base of the chassis. It also stands on its own, making it ideal to store in the corner of a cafe or a foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that folds with one hand. It's among the first pushchairs that fold compactly. Despite being larger than other options it still features an easy and sleek fold. It also comes with a variety of fantastic features, including the deep reclining seat as well as an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to ensure your child is protected on sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are designed specifically for toddlers and older infants. However, there are more options to use starting from the time of birth. These have a full or partial lie-flat seat and may come with the option of incorporating an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO which is among the first buggys of this type and still a firm favourite. It's not as compact than other buggy types, but is still easy to handle. It is able to fit in the cabin baggage allowance of the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds, it takes up a tiny space, and it's often very light as well. This is particularly true of umbrella-fold pushchairs, which usually weigh under 20 pounds. They're great for short walks on flat surfaces and pavements and for a quick transfer between your car and homes of other people. They're also a good option when you don't wish to invest in a proper all-terrain jogging pushchair and are comfortable with your pushchair on flat surfaces.

You should consider buying tyres with air for use with your compact fold-up collapsible pushchair on rough terrain, on sand, or on muddy surfaces. These tyres are more heavy and provide better grip and traction. It's important to note that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.

Many lightweight pushchairs were designed for older toddlers and infants that could sit up on their own however, more are suitable for babies from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have an area that can be laid flat and can be paired with an infant car seat or additional carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-fold strollers can be transformed into double buggys by using an accompanying stroller board. This is a great option for Grandma and Grandad.

A majority of the best lightweight strollers are easy to use. Some are simply open or closed with the push of a button. others have more intricate mechanisms but they still require very little space. Some even have a wrist strap that allows you to your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded. This could make a significant difference to how easy it is to move around.

While some lightweight pushchairs can be very stripped down however, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic illustration of how a small stroller can be packed full of features. It has a large basket with plenty of padding, adjustable handlebar height (for tall and short parents) as well as a reclining seat and a huge canopy to protect. It's also very lightweight and comes with a handy bag.

Compact

One of the primary things you need to be aware of when choosing the right pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some pushchairs are very compact fold, while others are bigger based on the overall dimensions and features.

The compactness of a pushchair shops could be a factor to consider when you plan to travel with it. There are models that fold to the smallest size, and even into a pouch, which means they can be easily stashed in the trunk of a car or carried on the plane as baggage in the cabin. This is a great option when you plan to travel frequently or live in a city area where you won't be able to take a larger stroller with you all the time.

The best pushchairs have an easy, simple fold process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it is unique due to its unique design and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively small fold that is slightly larger than the average hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for travelling with. It can be carried to the gate and used during the time between boarding and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact pushchair that provides more space. The seat reclines fully, and there's plenty of padding to keep your child comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition of a newborn cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

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