Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are simple to carry on public transport or even fit into the back of your car. They also tend to be very lightweight and compact which makes them perfect for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby is one of the smallest folds that we've ever seen. But it comes with some limitations, such as a tiny canopy and no storage.

Easy folding

When choosing a fold up pushchair, it's important to consider how and where you're going to use it. If you're traveling with your baby on a plane or train, a lightweight and compact buggy is an ideal option. It can be tucked away in the overhead compartments for luggage and is small enough to be carried on the shoulder. Make sure you choose an easy-to-use fold that's simple to operate while holding your baby and a height-adjustable handle so that carers and parents with different heights can comfortably use it. If you're going to be walking with your baby the swivel lock wheel is essential for maneuvering over uneven terrain. Look for features like a deep recline to allow for comfortable naps while you're moving, and an extendable sun canopy.

Many pushchairs claim to be folded in one-hand however, it's a good idea to test this before you buy to ensure it's possible while being able to hold your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be particularly impressive thanks to its innovative mechanism that concertinas down to a slimmer, sleeker package than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy compartment for keys and phone and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is perfect for little travellers who prefer to nap on the move.

Some of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are made to be used from birth and offer a flat seat that can be sat on or an option to add an additional carrycot, which means they're great for babies who need to sleep throughout the day. If you're planning to use your travel system from the beginning, a one click attachment system for an Infant Car Seat is a must.

The smallest of the group that's the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families, as it folds even smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm less) and weighs less than 6kg, making it extremely light to carry around. It is also simple to use using a single hand fold and the seat can recline to allow for naps for toddlers. This model is also a good choice for hikers as it has an oversized front swivel which can be used on any terrain.

One-Handed folding

Whether you're out for a stroll in the park, or cruising around town on public transport or heading off to exotic shores with your baby it's a good idea to have a stroller that folds easily. It's not ideal to fold a complex travel system while trying to manage the child and all their necessities, including keys, shopping bags, and other items. This is why pushchairs and strollers (Gogumaweb said) that can be folded one hand are the most preferred option for parents.

As the name suggests the pushchair that folds with one hand can be folded down with the touch of one button or two. Some models require a bit more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process makes them still easy to handle and put away. They are also light and easy to transport or store in small spaces.

An excellent example is the G-Luxe from UPPAbaby. This model is among the most simple to fold using one hand in our roundup. It only requires pulling a lever on the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, pushchairs and strollers which makes it ideal to store in the corner of a café or in a foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model which folds easily by one hand. It's one of the original compact-fold pushchairs, and despite being larger than others it still features an elegant, simple to use fold. It also has a number of excellent features, such as an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to keep your child covered on sunny days.

Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older children However, there are numerous models that can be used from birth. These have a full or partial lie-flat seat, and may come with the option of an infant car seat. MFM's Gemma has traveled with her son in a Babyzen YoYO - one of the first buggys of its kind. It is still a favorite. It's smaller than other buggy types however it's still a breeze to handle. It fits in the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down, it occupies a small space, and is often very light as well. This is particularly the case for umbrella-folded pushchairs which weigh less than 20 pounds. They're great for short walks on flat surfaces and pavements, and for easy transport between your vehicle and other people's houses. They're also a great choice if you do not wish to purchase an all-terrain stroller, and prefer to use your pushchair only on flat surfaces.

Consider getting air-filled tyres If you intend to use your compact fold-up pushchair on uneven terrain, on sand, or on rough surfaces. These tyres are heavier however they offer better grip and traction. The extra weight does add to the overall size of the pushchair though it's crucial to be aware of that.

A lot of lightweight pushchairs are made for older infants and toddlers who can sit up on their own, but many are now suitable from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be combined with an infant car seat or additional carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-fold strollers are able to be converted into double buggys with the help of a stroller board. This is ideal for Grandma and Grandad.

Many of the best pushchair lightweight pushchairs are easy to use. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed with the press of one button. Others have more complex mechanisms, but still take up little space. Some have a strap on the wrist that allows you to hold of the pushchair while it's folded, and this could make a significant difference to the ease of move around.

While some lightweight pushchairs are extremely basic and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a super-compact stroller can be loaded with of features. It also has a large basket, plenty of padding and adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short), and a large canopy that protects. It's also light and comes with a handy bag.

Compact

One of the most important aspects you will need to take into consideration when choosing a pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some models have a tiny fold, while others are larger, dependent on their overall size and what features they come with.

The compactness is essential when you are planning to travel with your pushchair. There are models that fold down to an extremely compact size and even into a pouch, so they can be easily stashed away in the back of a car or carried on the plane as baggage in the cabin. If you are planning to travel often or live in a place where you can't use a large stroller, this is the perfect option for you.

The most effective pushchairs to consider are those that feature easy, hassle-free folding process that can be completed by using only one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first in its class and has been a model of imitation since then, but it is a standout due to its clever features and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO is perfect for travel due to its a fold that is incredibly small and only slightly larger than the average allowance for hand luggage. It can also be taken to the gate and used during the time between taking off and catching your flight.

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

The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today lightweight buggy that has an extremely compact fold and can be stood up when not in use. However it's not as simple to operate as some other models and can make lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which may awake your baby.