Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to hop on and off public transport, or can be tucked away in the back of a car. They also tend to be extremely light and compact which makes them perfect for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby model has one of the most eye-catching compact folds we've seen. However, it comes with a few limitations, such as a tiny canopy and no storage.

Folding is easy

When you're choosing a fold-up pushchair, you need to think about where and how you'll use it. If you're traveling with baby by plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is a great option as it can be tucked into the overhead compartments for luggage and is usually small enough to be carried on your shoulder when folded. Find an easy-to-use fold that's simple to operate while holding your little one and a height-adjustable handle to ensure that parents and caregivers of various heights can comfortably use it. If you're planning to go hiking with your baby the swivel lock wheel is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Be sure to look for features like the ability to recline deep enough the baby to sleep comfortably when you're on the move, and an extendable sun canopy.

It is essential to test pushchairs before purchasing to make sure that they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be particularly impressive thanks to its innovative mechanism that concertinas down into a slimline package smaller than an umbrella. It also has a convenient pocket to store keys and phone and a one-touch seat recline that's perfect for little travellers who like to nap on the move.

Some of the most compact fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth, Pushchairsandprams.Uk and include a lie-flat seat or the option of an additional carrycot, so they're great for babies who want to sleep throughout the day. If you plan to use your travel system from the beginning, a single click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is essential.

The smallest of the bunch is the Cybex Libelle, is an ideal choice for families who travel, as it folds even smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller) and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely easy to carry around. It is also simple to use using a single hand fold and the seat can recline for toddler naps. This model is also a great option for hikers as it has an oversized front swivel wheel which can be used on any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

If you're taking an afternoon stroll in the park, speeding around the City Mini GT2 Lightweight Stroller - All-Terrain Pushchair on public transport, or heading to distant shores with baby in tow it's a good idea to have a stroller that folds effortlessly. It's not a good idea to fold a complicated travel system and manage a child as well as all of their essentials, such as keys, shopping bags, and other items. This is the reason why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most sought-after option for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be folded by pressing one or more buttons. Some models require more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process means that they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and put away. They are also lightweight, making it easier to carry around or store in tight space.

The G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby is an excellent model. This model has one of the easiest one-handed folds we've seen in our round-up, and features an easy and smooth operation that involves just pulling on the lever on the bottom of the chassis. It can stand by itself when folded, too, which makes it ideal for stowing in the corner of a cafe, or in a foyer.

Another model that features an easy, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. This is one of the original compact-fold pushchairs and despite being larger than other models it has an elegant, simple to use fold. It also has a number of fantastic features, including an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to protect your child on hot days.

Some of these pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older infants However, there are numerous options that are designed to be used from the time of birth. These pushchairs come with a seat that can be fully or partially lied-flat and some even come with a baby car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is among the first buggys of this type and still a firm favourite. It's smaller than some other buggys however it's still a breeze to handle. It can be incorporated into the baggage allowances for cabin pushchair baggage on most airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down it takes up very little space, and is often very light as well. This is especially applicable to umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They're ideal for short strolls on flat surfaces and pavements as well as for a simple way to get between your car and homes of other people. They're also a great choice if you do not need an all-terrain stroller, and prefer to use your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you want to use a compact folding pushchair when you're walking on sand or muddy surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. They're a little heavier than standard tyres but they'll provide more grip and traction. It's important to note that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair.

A variety of lightweight pushchairs were created for toddlers and older infants that could sit up on their own however, more are suitable for babies from the age of. This includes models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to make a travel system. Some compact-fold strollers can be converted into double buggys with the help of an accompanying stroller board. This is ideal for Grandma and Grandad.

Many of the best strollers that are lightweight are simple to use. Some are open and closed with the push of a button, while others have more intricate mechanisms, but they all take up very little space. Some come with a strap for your wrist that lets you keep hold of the pushchair while it's folded. This can make a huge difference to the ease of maneuver.

While some lightweight pushchairs can be quite basic, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a super-compact stroller can come with a wealth of features. It also has a large basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge protective canopy. It's also very lightweight and comes with a convenient bag.

Compact

One of the most important aspects you need to be aware of when choosing the right pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Certain pushchairs come with a compact fold, while others are more spacious based on the overall size and features.

A pushchair's compactness may also be an important factor in the event that you are planning to travel with it. Some models fold down to a small size or even a bag making them easy to store in the boot of your car, or take on a plane. If you are planning to travel frequently or in a place where you don't have a stroller every day it is the best solution for you.

Some of the most desirable pushchairs are those that feature a smooth, fuss-free folding process that can be performed using just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its kind and has been copied since then, but it is unique due to its unique features and superior design.

The Babyzen YOYO is ideal for travel due to its folds that are incredibly tiny and is only slightly bigger than the average allowance for hand luggage. It can be carried to the gate and used in between boarding and catching your flight.

For a more spacious compact pushchair, look at the Mamas and Papas Airo. The seat reclines fully, and there's plenty of padding to make your child feel comfortable. It can be used at birth, if you want to, with the addition a baby cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller for everyday use. It features a compact fold that can be placed upright when not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and it's able to create a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This can cause your baby to wake up.