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

A small pushchair is a buggy on wheels that allows your child to travel in a seated position. These are often used for hopping on and off public transport, or to keep in your car during day trips.

Many small pushchairs can be used from 6 months, but an increasing number are suitable from birth with a lie-flat chair or an optional carrycot pack. They also have a sturdy canopy and the handle bar can be adjusted to accommodate tall or short caregivers.

Size

Many parents gravitate towards larger pushchairs from the get-go but for a growing toddler who doesn't want to be confined to a buggy, and you're faced with space issues at home or in your car boot, an ultra-compact might be the answer. They're typically less expensive than a large travel system and will keep your child safe until they no longer need one, meaning you'll save in the long term too.

Some of the smallest pushchairs have clever concertina or Z folds for a neat, square folded package. They are also extremely light for such large wheels. They also offer surprisingly spacious seats for their size and are cabin-approved on many airlines to make it easier to travel. Some also have a lie-flat seat (although some are categorised as such if they only have a small recline) and the option to add a carrycot for newborns.

Folding

Some ultra-compact pushchairs fold up so small that they're as small as a handbag. This can be a big selling point, particularly for parents who don't have much space in their car's trunk or reside in a city and frequent public transport. A few of the most well-known pushchair brands are creating their own versions of this category, offering compact models that you can easily pop in and out of taxis, cafes, trains and planes. The Babyzen YOYO was among the first models to launch this kind of super-smart buggy, but there are now several other options from UPPAbaby, Joolz and Cybex. They are typically concertina or folded in a z-fold to create a neat, squared folded package. They are extremely light at 6-8 kg, and are usually are cabin-approved.

It's important to keep in mind that a tiny, folding pushchair does not necessarily mean a stripped-back buggy, even though it will be considerably less expensive than a larger model. Many compact models still offer an acceptable degree of comfort, including an ample seat that is comfortable and reclined enough for toddlers, and usually lots of additional features like the sun canopy, footmuff and rain cover.

The Micralite by UPPAbaby is a good example. It offers a very smooth one-hand fold, and comes in peppermint, ginger, black, toffee or aqua. It is also very light at just 6 lbs, and comes with a large basket and wheels that are big but with small ones. It also has an excellent recline. The only issue is that it doesn't have locks that some parents may be annoyed about and the hood doesn't seem quite as large as some other UPPAbaby models.

The Mamas & Papas Airo, another compact model, has 360-degree seat rotation as well as an excellent protective hood. It also has a lying-flat seat that can be converted to parent-facing starting at birth. You can also add a newborn pushchair carrycot pack for the ultimate in compact newborn functionality however, the price is a bit high at PS149.

The UPPAbaby's lightweight G-Luxe is another option. It has a one-hand smart recline, but does not offer an upright position. It also does not have a car adapter. The Babyzen YoYO Lite, which has a simpler but less-smart fold, is a good option for parents wanting an easy-to-use, super-compact buggy for city-based use.

Weight

The newest ultra-compact pushchairs, with their clever Z folds or concertinas that give a tiny package They're incredibly light at around the 6-8kg mark (and typically come with a strap for the shoulder to make them more comfortable to carry). They're also approved for cabin flying, which means you can carry them onboard planes with ease which is ideal if you're planning to travel often.

Even even if your plans don't include frequent flights, a small stroller is a great option if your car boot is small, you have trouble with stairs or you rely on public transportation such as buses, trains, Compact Pushchairs and the Underground. These strollers are made to last from the moment you get them until your child reaches school age, so they're a great option to a larger, more expensive pushchair.

However, they're not designed to deal with uneven terrain or grassy areas that are muddy. They're an excellent alternative to an all-terrain travel system or budget stroller that needs air-filled tires for additional grip and durability. They'll also be cheaper than a full-sized model too! You can also pick up an inexpensive Micralite second-hand at an affordable price. These are often in excellent condition, but make sure to look for stains or missing components like a cup holder and sun hood before you buy.

Safety

A small pushchair will likely be among your most used baby toys and it's worth looking at the finer details that make it comfortable and safe for your little one. Choose a seat with soft padding that's comfortable for your child and an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. You might also want to think about whether a single or linked handle is best for you, as this will affect how easy it is to push.

The wheels on your pushchair may also make a difference. The wheels on your pushchair could make a difference. Smaller wheels work better for smooth surfaces and pavements and larger wheels are able to be able to handle rough terrains such as forest tracks or beaches. You may see pushchairs advertised as 'all-terrain'. However, this is a false claim because they do not perform as well as a buggie designed specifically for air-filled tires.

Most small pushchairs have an braking front and rear system for security. This lets you regulate the direction you travel. A majority of them will have a foot brake pedal which is easily accessible, as well as an emergency handbrake in the event when you're not in motion. Some of the more premium models have a brake button that lets you lock both wheels, which is particularly useful for pushchairs with joggers or those who frequently stop and start.

When you're shopping for a pushchair to buy infants from birth Look for a model with a flat-seating option or one that comes with a carrycot. This will allow newborns to lay flat, which is vital for their spinal development. A carrycot also allows you to travel with your baby from the very beginning, which is a great option when you plan to use public transport or flying often.

Check if the pushchair fabric is machine washable as this will make cleaning it much simpler. If you don't, it's possible to spot clean the fabric using the combination of water and mild detergent. Some brands also sell replacement covers that come in a variety of colours. You can also purchase an infant foot warmer to keep your baby warm in the colder winter months.