Compact Pushchair Reviews

A compact and lightweight stroller can be the ideal choice for you if you frequently travel via public transport or by car. These strollers are easy to fold and store and less likely to be damaged by baggage handlers.

These strollers are lightweight and offer modern convenience and are easy to navigate on cobblestones. They can also be easily stored in overhead compartments of planes.

Lightweight

The best compact pushchairs fold quickly and are easy to carry. Often they have a simple one-handed fold and occupy less space when folded than full-size buggies. This makes them a great option for those with limited storage space in your home or are worried about the space you have when traveling on planes, for example.

They also have a small footprint when closed, which helps you to navigate tight spaces. These are the best option when you live in an apartment, or want something lightweight and nimble for everyday walking. However, they could be less comfortable for older children if you need to extend their legs to move around.

There are a myriad of types of folds that are available. Some can be done with one hand while others require two hands or a bit more effort. Some are designed to fit into the cabin baggage allowance on many flights, or can be carried on your shoulder using a strap or handle.

Silver Cross Dune is our preferred lightweight pushchair. It has all the sophisticated design and innovative features you would expect from this renowned brand however in a smaller package. It comes with an easy-to-use fold, and like the Contours Itsy comes fully assembled inside the box. It's an excellent choice for parents who are traveling frequently with their child. It fits into most car trunks as well as smaller trunk spaces.

The Cybex Mios is another option. It is a bridge between the two types of pushchairs to provide a fully functional system that is nimble. It can be used in parent-facing mode from birth, and switched to world-facing mode when your child grows older. It also has an adequate recline feature that's nap-friendly. It's not as compact as the Libelle however, it does come in smaller dimensions and is more comfortable to use on flat surfaces. It's not suitable for rough terrain. The price is reasonable and the durability tests are very good.

Easy to store

The Joie Pact Pro is the ideal travel stroller, folding into a size that can be tucked away in an overhead luggage compartment and it weighs so little that you'll not even notice it in your car boot. It's also a great day-today stroller, and our test-driver Hollie found it easy to steer, even while carrying her toddler. She liked the adjustable handle, lockable wheels and the reclining seat. However, she did note that it was not particularly comfortable. It also has a feature where you can add extras like a reversible, washable seat cover, rain cover, and an ear muff for feet.

The Babyzen YOYO is a similarly compact foldable pushchair. It isn't as streamlined as the Cybex Libelle, but it's nonetheless a great package when folded and it can be easily slotted in and out of trunks and car boots. It provides more options for babies when compared to other buggies. You can add the bassinet or cot for newborns and an individual ride on board for older kids and a tandem seat adapter.

It's not the most compact buggy for driving on uneven or rough terrain, and its tinier wheels don't work as well as some other models we've tested. However, it's a very manoeuvrable pushchair and the YOYO is a great choice of navigating narrow aisles and muddy pathways. It's a good option for a holiday or city break.

The Cosatto Bee6 offers a remarkably streamlined list of features for its competitive price. It folds down to the size and weight of a huge bag and is easy to transport on planes and trains. It's also easy to steer and our MFM tester Matt found it to be an absolute joy to steer even when a heavy toddler was on board. He also liked the hood that slides low enough to shield from rain and sun and aid naps. The only downside is that it doesn't have under-seat storage, and you'll have to carry or delicately hang a bag over the handlebar (against our advice!). You can also purchase an additional changing bag holder to make it a great holiday buggy.

Easy to maneuver

The wheels on small pushchairs might look Small Pushchair, but they usually perform surprisingly well, navigating narrow aisles for shopping or rough terrain effortlessly. The Micralite is a great example. Although it has small wheels, it can handle bumpy pavements easily, turn sharply on narrow roads, and handle light gravel with ease. It features a smooth steering system that is easy to operate using just one hand. It folds down into a very neat and compact package which is easily fit into its carrying bag.

The majority of compact pushchairs pushchairs are designed for toddlers and older infants, but an increasing number offer a lie-flat seating or the option to add an additional carrycot (or baby car seat) to allow them to be used from the time of birth. These innovative concertina or Z-fold buggies are usually lightweight at around 6-8kg and are cabin-approved on a variety of airlines, making them ideal for travel. MFM Editor Gemma has used it on numerous occasions and says it's extremely easy to pack and use.

If you're looking for a truly small fold one, the YOYO is the top of the compact category and was one of the first strollers of this kind. It's still a very popular choice, with many parents choosing it over its competitors because of its unique features and its superior performance. It's the ideal choice for frequent travellers particularly if you want to get rid of the stress of waiting at baggage pickup and instead bring your stroller with you on the plane.

The YOYO is also extremely compact and can fit into the carrying bag with ease and with plenty of room. It's a great choice for frequent travelers, especially those who have to pack lots of things into their suitcase. Additionally, it's extremely versatile - you can buy a range of optional accessories for it including baby bassinets, a bespoke ride-on board and twin travel bundle to turn it into the form of a tandem. Additionally, you can purchase an umbrella and rain cover to give you extra security.

Comfortable

For parents wanting a lightweight compact pushchair that is easy to operate and fits into the trunk of their car, our review expert, Hollie, recommends this Silver Cross model. Its maneuverability and reclining seats are among the top in our tests. It also boasts a useful tray for parents and a storage basket that can accommodate small backpacks, and it comes with great sun-cover options (including a hood) and straps with padding that make your child be comfortable.

Some compact-folding pushchairs fold down so small pushchair that they're certified for use in air travel and are ideal for when you're travelling often or have a tight car boot space. They are usually lightweight so they're easy to carry. They can also be used with a travel system if you select a version with a lie-flat seat, or a baby "pod".

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a travel buggy is that not all models are created in the same way. Some brands claim their compact-fold pushchairs can be folded with one hand, but others require more involvement or two hands to work out how to get it into the folded position. Make sure the seat reclines. Some are completely flat, while others only have an occasional recline. This might be fine for toddlers, but not for younger children.

Check that the model you pick is suitable for your travel plans. For instance If you're going to a hot destination then you should choose a model with a mesh fabric that is vented to keep your child cool. Also, if you're planning to go somewhere that is windy or rainy ensure that the stroller you buy comes with an appropriate cover designed to fit it. generic covers will not fit and could let water in.