Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to get on and off public transport or fit in the back of the car. They also tend to be extremely compact and lightweight which makes them ideal for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby has one of the smallest folds that we've ever seen. However, it comes with a few limitations, like a small canopy and lack of storage.

Easy folding

Think about where and how you will use the pushchair before deciding one. When you are travelling with your baby on planes, a compact and lightweight buggy will be a great choice. It can fit into the overhead compartments for luggage and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. Make sure you choose an easy-to-use fold that's simple to operate while holding your baby and a handle that is height-adjustable so that carers and parents with different heights can comfortably use it. If you're going to be hiking with baby the swivel lock wheel is essential for maneuvering over uneven terrain. Other features worth a look include a deep recline for comfortable naps on the go and an extendable canopy that provides extra sun protection.

Many pushchairs claim to fold with one hand however, it's a good idea to test it prior to purchasing to make sure it's actually possible while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be especially good thanks to its innovative mechanism that concertinas down into a slimline package smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy compartment for keys and phone and 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 most compact fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth, and include a lie-flat seat or the option for an additional carrycot, so they're perfect for infants who prefer to rest during the daytime. If you're planning to use your travel system from the beginning using a one-click attachment method for a car seat for infants is also essential.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the group. It folds down even smaller than its rival, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry with just 6kg. It is also very easy to use, with a one-hand fold and the seat reclines for toddler naps. This model is a great choice for hikers, since it comes with a huge front swivel tire which can handle any terrain.

One-Handed folding

It is always recommended to have a folding pushchair, whether you're out on a stroll or using public transport or flying to a distant destination with your infant. Having to manage the child, shopping bags, keys and other everyday necessities while trying to fold a complicated travel system is not ideal, so one-handed pushchairs and strollers are typically the most popular choices for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can collapse by pressing one or more buttons. Certain models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this process makes them easy to use and to store. They also tend to be lightweight, making them easier to transport around or fitting into small spaces.

One of the best examples is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. 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 can stand in its own way when folded, too making it perfect for storing in the corner of a cafe, or in the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model which folds easily by one hand. It's one of the first pushchairs that fold compactly. Although it is larger than other options the Bugaboo Bee still has an easy to use, sleek fold. It's got a variety of features, too with a recline that is deep and an expandable UPF 50+ canopy that is designed to keep your little one safe on hot days.

Some of these compact-folded pushchairs are only designed for toddlers and Push Chair For Sale older children. However, there are more options that can be used from the time of the time of birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat, and may come with the option of an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO which is among the first buggys of this type and still a favorite. It's smaller than some other buggys, but is still easy to carry. It is able to fit in the cabin baggage allowance of most airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds is usually very compact and light. It's especially true for umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They're ideal for short strolls on flat surfaces and pavements and for a quick transfer between your vehicle and the homes of others. They're also a good option if you don't want to invest in an all-terrain stroller, and prefer to use your stroller only on flat surfaces.

Think about getting tyres that are air-filled for use with your compact fold-up pushchair on uneven terrain, on sand, or on slippery surfaces. They're a little heavier than standard tyres but they'll provide better traction and grip. The extra weight will add to the overall size of the pushchair though it's important to think about this.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs were made for older toddlers and infants that could sit up on their own however, more are suitable for babies from the time of birth. These include models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, that has a lie-flat seating and the option of incorporating an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to make an entire travel system. Some compact-fold strollers are able to be converted into double buggys by using an accompanying stroller board. This is a great option for Grandma and Grandad.

A lot of the top lightweight strollers are easy to use. Some are open and closed at the touch of a button, whereas others have more intricate mechanisms, but they require very little space. Some come with a strap for your wrist that lets you keep your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded, and this can make a huge difference in how easy it is to move around.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a fantastic example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. There's a decent-sized storage basket, plenty of padding, adjustable height of the handlebar (for parents who are tall and short), a reclining seat and a huge canopy to protect. Plus, it's very lightweight and comes with a handy carry bag.

Compact

One of the primary things you should take into consideration when choosing the right pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some models have a tiny fold, while others are more spacious, dependent on their overall dimensions and the features they include.

A pushchair's compactness may also be a factor to consider in the event that you are planning to travel with it. There are models that fold down to an extremely compact size and can even be folded into a bag, so they can be easily tucked in the trunk of a car, or taken on an airplane as cabin baggage. This is ideal if you plan to travel frequently or reside in an urban area, where you won't be able to use a larger stroller daily.

Some of the most effective pushchairs to consider are those that have a smooth, fuss-free folding process that can be completed by using only one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated however it stands out due to its clever details and its superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively compact fold and is slightly larger than the average hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect to travel with. It can even be taken to the airport and used between taking off and catching your flight.

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

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller for use in the everyday. It is compact in fold that can be positioned upright when not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and can make a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This can wake your baby.