Compact Pushchair Reviews

If you're taking public transportation or often traveling by car, a lightweight compact stroller is an excellent option. These strollers are easy to fold and store and less likely to be damaged by baggage handlers.

These strollers that are lightweight are convenient and easy to maneuver over cobblestones. They can also be easily stored in the overhead compartments of planes.

Lightweight

The best compact pushchairs fold easily and are easy to carry. They are usually easy to fold in one hand and take up less room when folded than full size buggies. They're a good option if you don't have much space in your home, or if you're concerned about space limitations when traveling.

Some have a small footprint when closed, which makes them perfect for spaces that are tight. These are the best option if you have an apartment, or want something lightweight and easy to walk around in. However, they can be uncomfortable for older children, especially if they require them to stretch their legs to get around.

There are a variety of different fold types on the market, with some being truly one-handed and others requiring an extra effort or two hands to complete. Some are designed to fit within the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on a variety of flights, or can be carried on your shoulder with straps or handles.

For a lightweight pushchair, our favourite is the Silver Cross Dune. The Silver Cross Dune is a compact pushchair that comes with all the features and thoughtful design that you would expect from this heritage brand. It features an easy-to-use fold, and like the Contours Itsy comes fully assembled inside the box. It's a good choice for parents who plan to travel a lot with their baby, and jogging pushchair fits into most car boots and small trunk spaces.

Another good alternative is another option is the Cybex Mios, which straddles both categories of pushchair as a fully-functioning travel system with mobility and a small fold. It can be used in parent-facing mode from birth and then switched to a world-facing position as your child gets older. It also has an adequate recline feature that's suitable for napping. It's not as compact as the Libelle however, it's a smaller package and is much easier to use on flat surfaces. It's not ideal for rough terrain, however. The other benefit is the low price tag and excellent tests of durability.

Easy to store

The Joie Pact Pro makes the perfect travel buggy. It folds up so compactly that it can fit into an overhead compartment and weighs such a small amount that you won't even feel it in your car. It's also a good day-to-day stroller and our test driver Hollie found it easy to steer even while juggling her one-year-old. She was impressed by the adjustable handle with lockable wheels, as well as the reclined seat. However, she noted that it was not very comfortable. However, she also appreciates the possibility to add additional features, such as an reversible, washable seat liner, rain cover, and a foot muff.

The Babyzen YOYO is another impressively compact fold pushchair. It's not as sleek as the Cybex Libelle, but it's nonetheless a great package when folded and it can easily be inserted into and out of trunks and boots. It offers more newborn options in comparison to other buggies for travel. You can also add a newborn cot or bassinet and a customized ride-on-board for older children and a tandem seat adapter.

It's not the most compact buggy to drive on rough or uneven terrain, and its tiny wheels don't work as well as other models we have tested. However, it is still an extremely maneuverable pushchair, and the YOYO does an excellent job of maneuvering narrow shopping aisles and muddy trails. It's a good option for a family city break or holiday.

The Cosatto Bee6 offers a remarkably streamlined list of features for its affordable price. It folds down to the size and weight of a large bag and is simple to transport on planes and trains. It's also a breeze to operate and our MFM reviewer Matt found it enjoyable to steer even with a heavy toddler in the. The hood is another plus, as it can be lowered to provide shade and protection from sun and rain. It's also great for napping. The only drawbacks are that it lacks storage under the seat and you'll have to carry or delicately drape a bag on the handlebar (against our advice!). You can also purchase a separate changing bag holder for this buggy to make it a fantastic holiday buggy.

Easy to manoeuvre

Wheels on compact pushchairs could appear small, but they're often quite adept at maneuvering narrow aisles and rough terrain. The Micralite is an excellent example, despite having small wheels it handles bumpy roads effortlessly, turns sharply on narrow streets, and can handle some light gravel without a lot of difficulty. It also has a slick steering system and is a breeze to steer with one hand. It folds down into an attractive and compact box that fits snugly inside its carrying case.

Most compact pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers however, an increasing number of them offer a lie-flat seat or the option to add an additional carrycot (or baby car seat) to ensure they are suitable from the time of birth. These clever concertina or Z fold buggies tend to be very light at 6-8kg and can be cabin approved on a variety of airlines, making them perfect for travel. MFM Editor Gemma says she has used it on numerous occasions and has found it easy to use and store.

If you're in search of a truly tiny fold, the YOYO is the ultimate model in the compact category and was one of the first buggy of this type. It is still a popular choice among parents who prefer it over its rivals due to its unique design and superior function. It's a great option for frequent travellers, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage checkpoints and instead bring your stroller onboard with you.

The YOYO is also available in an extremely compact size, which can be stuffed into its accompanying carrying bag with ease and even some space to spare. This makes it a great option for frequent travellers, especially those who need to carry a lot of stuff in their luggage. Plus it's incredibly adaptable - you can purchase a range of optional accessories to it like the bassinet for babies, a custom ride-on board and twin travel bundles that turn it into the form of a tandem. You can also buy a rain cover and hood to give you added security.

Confortable

Parents who want a light, compact pushchair that's easy to operate and fits into the trunk of their car, our reviewer, Hollie, recommends this Silver Cross model. Its maneuverability and reclining seats are among the best in our tests. It also comes with a tray for parents as well as a storage basket that fits small backpacks, and it has great sun cover options (including a one-piece hood) and straps that are cushioned to help your child be comfortable.

Some compact-fold pushchairs fold to a size that makes them cabin approved for air travel, making them ideal if you travel frequently or have a limited car boot space. They are usually lightweight so they're easy for you to carry. They are also able to be used in conjunction with a travel system, when you choose a model that has a lie-flat seating option or an infant '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. Certain brands claim that their compact-folding pushchairs are able to fold using just one hand. Others might require more effort or two hands to fold it. It's also worth determining if the buggy comes with a seat recline. Some are flat with a slight recline, while others have slight recline, which could be suitable for toddlers, but not for infants.

You should also check whether your chosen model is designed specifically for the kind of travel you're doing, for example, if you're going somewhere hot, look out for one with a mesh that is vented to keep your little one cool. If you're heading somewhere that's windy or rainy it is important to ensure that the pushchair is equipped with a cover designed for it. Covers that are generic won't fit and may let water in.