Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are easy to hop on and Folding Pushchair off public transport or fit into the back of cars. They are also very compact and lightweight, making them perfect for traveling by plane.

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

Easy folding

When choosing a fold up pushchair, you need to take into consideration where and how you're going to be using it. If you're taking your child on a plane, a compact and lightweight buggy is a good alternative. It will fit in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. Look out for an easy-to-use fold that's simple to operate while holding your little one and a handle that is height-adjustable so that carers and parents of various heights can use it comfortably. A swivel lock wheel is essential if you intend to hike with your baby. It will help you navigate the terrain that is uneven. Check for features such as an extended recline that allows for a comfortable nap when you're on the move and an extendable sun canopy.

Many pushchairs claim to be able to be folded in one-hand but it's important to test this out before you buy to ensure it's possible while holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be particularly good with its clever mechanism that concertinas down to a slimmer, sleeker package than an umbrella. It also has a handy pocket to store keys and phones, as well as the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for children who like to nap in the middle of the road.

Some of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth and offer a flat seat that can be sat on or the option for an additional carrycot, which means they're perfect for infants who want to sleep throughout the day. If you're planning to utilize your travel system from the beginning, a simple click attachment system for an Infant Car Seat is a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and most lightweight of the bunch. It folds down even smaller than its YOYO2 counterpart the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry with only 6kg. It's also incredibly easy to use, with a simple one-hand fold and recline that is ideal for toddler napping. This model is also a great option for hikers since it comes with an extra-large front swivel wheel that can handle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

It is always an ideal idea to have a foldable pushchair, regardless of whether you're out on a stroll or taking public transport or flying to a different destination with your infant. It can be difficult to manage the child, shopping bags, keys and other everyday necessities while attempting to fold a complicated travel system is not ideal and hence pushchairs with one hand strollers are usually the most popular choice for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing the button or buttons. Some models may require more effort, or two hands. However, the ease of this process makes them easy to handle and store. They are also light, making them easier to carry around and fit in small spaces.

An excellent example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model features one of the most simple one-handed folds in our round-up. It has an easy and smooth operation that involves just pulling an incline at the base of the chassis. It stands by itself when folded, making it perfect to store in the corner of a cafe, or in 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 bigger than others it has an elegant, simple to use fold. It also comes with a variety of fantastic features, including an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an expanded UPF50+ canopy to ensure your child is protected on hot days.

Some of these pushchairs are not suitable for toddlers or older infants However, there are numerous models that are designed to be used from birth. They come with a full or partial lie-flat seat and can come with the option of adding an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO which is among the original buggys of this kind and is remains a popular choice. It's not as compact than other buggy types, but is still easy to carry. It is able to fit in the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds, it takes up very little space, and is often very light too. This is especially true of umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh under 20 pounds. They are ideal for short walks on pavements and flat surfaces as well as for a simple way to get between your vehicle and homes of other people. They're also a good option if you don't want to invest in an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your stroller only on flat surfaces.

Consider getting air-filled tyres If you intend to use your compact folding pushchair in uneven terrain, on sand or on rough surfaces. They're a little heavier than normal tyres, but they'll provide more grip and traction. It's important to remember that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair.

A variety of lightweight pushchairs were created for older infants and toddlers that can sit up independently, but more are now suitable 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 a carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to work with a stroller board to transform into a double-buggy - perfect for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed with one button. Others have more complex mechanisms, yet they take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs feature wristbands that allow users to hold the pushchair even when folded. This can make it easier to maneuver.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a fantastic example of a compact stroller packed with features. There's also a decently-sized basket, lots of padding and adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge protective canopy. Additionally, it's extremely light and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

One of the primary things you need to consider when selecting a pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Certain pushchairs come with a compact fold, whereas others are more spacious based on their overall size and features.

Compactness is also important if you plan to travel with your baby. There are models that fold down to an extremely compact size and can even be folded into a pouch, which means they can be easily tucked away in the boot of a car, or taken on the plane as baggage in the cabin. This is perfect if you plan to travel frequently or live in an urban area where you aren't able to carry a stroller that is larger all the time.

The most effective pushchairs to consider are those that feature easy, hassle-free folding pushchair process that can be done with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its kind and has been imitated since, but it is unique due to its clever features and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is a great choice for travel as it has folds that are incredibly tiny and is only slightly bigger than the majority of hand luggage allowances. It can even be taken to the gate and used during the time between boarding and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact pushchair walker that provides more space. This is a fantastic seat that can recline fully and offers a good amount of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition of a newborn cocoon bag or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller that can be used for daily use. It is compact in fold that can be positioned upright when not in use. It's not as easy-to-use as other models, and can produce a lot of noise when you adjust its canopy. This could make your baby scream.