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

A small pushchair is a small buggy on wheels that lets your child travel sitting down. They are typically used to get on and off public transport or to stay in your car during daytime travel.

The majority of small pushchairs can be used beginning at 6 months. However there are a growing number of them are suitable for use from birth if they have a lie-flat seat and/or an optional carrycot. They all have a great canopy and the handlebar can be adjusted to accommodate tall or short caregivers.

Size

Most parents opt for larger pushchairs. However, if you have a growing child who doesn't like to travel in a buggy each time, and you have limited space in your car or at home boot or car boot, then an ultra-compact might be the best choice. They're usually cheaper than full-size travel systems and will last until your child no longer requires one.

Some of the smallest strollers have clever concertina or z folds that make a neat, squared folded package. They are also incredibly light, considering their massive wheels. They also have surprisingly large seats considering their overall dimensions and are cabin-approved on many airlines to make it easier to travel. A lot of them also come with a lie-flat seat (although some are categorised as such because they have a small recline) and the option to add the carrycot for infants.

Folding

Some ultra-compact pushchairs fold so small that they're as small as the size of a handbag. This is a desirable feature, especially for parents with limited space in their car or live in cities and utilize public transportation regularly. Many of the most reputable brands of pushchairs are now offering compact models you can easily carry in and out of cafes and taxis. They also have models that can be used on planes, trains and even into public transportation. 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. These usually have clever concertina or Z folds to create an elegant, square folded package. They are also surprisingly light at 6-8 kilos and are often suitable for cabin use to make it easier for holiday travel.

But it's important to remember that a tiny, folding pushchair doesn't necessarily mean an unadorned buggy, even though it will be much less expensive than a full-size model. Many of the smaller models still provide an adequate degree of comfort, including an ample seat that is comfortable and reclined enough for toddlers, and usually plenty of extras like the sun canopy as well as a footmuff and rain cover.

The Micralite by UPPAbaby is a good example. It has a super-slick one-hand fold, and comes in peppermint, ginger black, or toffee. It is also very light at just under 6kg, comes with a large basket and good-sized wheels with small ones. It also comes with an excellent recline. The only slight disappointment is that it doesn't come with an lock, which some parents might be irritated about and the hood doesn't seem much bigger than other UPPAbaby models.

Mamas & Papas Airo is another compact model that features a smart 360-degree seat rotation system and a fantastic protective hood. It also has an adjustable seat that can transform into a parent-facing seat at birth. You can also add an infant carrycot for the best in compact from-birth functionality, but the price tag is a little steep at PS149.

Other options include the light UPPAbaby G-Luxe that has a clever one-hand recline feature, but doesn't have a completely flat position and lacks an adapter for carseats. The Babyzen YoYO Lite is a great option for parents looking for a super-compact, easy-to use buggy. It comes with an easy, but less sophisticated, fold.

Weight

The latest ultra-compact pushchairs, with their clever Z folds or concertinas to give a tiny package they are surprisingly light, with a weight of around 6-8 kg mark (and often have a strap for the shoulder to make them more comfortable to carry). They're also cabin approved for flying so you can pop them onboard planes with ease ideal if you plan to travel frequently.

Even if you don't intend to fly a lot the compact buggy could be a good option for those with a small car boot or have difficulty climbing stairs, or if you regularly depend on trains, buses and the Underground. They're also designed to last from birth to school age so are a great alternative to a more expensive second pushchair.

They're designed for smooth roads and pavements However, don't expect them brilliantly with uneven terrain or dirt-saturated grass. However, they're a great alternative to a budget stroller for all-terrain use or a travel system that may require air-filled tyres to provide extra strength and traction. They'll also be less expensive than a full-sized model! You can also pick up an inexpensive Micralite second-hand for a bargain price. They're usually in excellent condition, but make sure to check for stains and missing features such as sun hoods and cup holders prior to making a buy.

Safety

It's likely that your small pushchair will be one of the most used items for your infant So you must be aware of the small details that make it safe and comfortable for your child. Look for the cushion to be comfortable and soft for your child. Also, ensure the handlebar 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 impact the ease of pushing push.

The wheels on your pushchair can also make a huge difference. Smaller wheels are typically designed for smooth and pavement pathways, while larger ones cope better with bumpy terrain like beaches or forest tracks. You may also see pushchairs that advertise as "all terrain" but this could be an overstatement since they don't perform with the same terrain as a specialized buggy fitted with air-filled tyres.

For safety, the majority of small pushchairs will have the front and rear brake system that will allow you to determine the direction you travel. A lot of them have a foot-operated brake that is easy to reach and a handbrake when not moving. Some of the top models have a brake lever that lets you lock both wheels, which is particularly beneficial for pushchairs that are jogger-style or those who stop and begin.

If you're buying a birth pushchair, choose one with a lie-flat seating option or one that includes a carrycot. This will allow newborns to sleep flat which is important for their spinal development. Carrycots also allow you to travel with your baby from the very beginning, which is ideal for those who plan on taking public transport or flying often.

If the fabric of the pushchair can be machine washed, cleaning will be much easier. If not, you can spot clean the fabric with an aqueous solution of mild detergent and water. Some brands also sell covers that are replaced 3 in 1 Reversible Seat Newborn Pushchair a variety of colors. You can also purchase a footmuff to keep your baby warm during the colder winter months.