Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are a breeze to transport on public transportation or even fit into the back of your car. They are also very lightweight and compact which makes them ideal for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby model has one of the most appealing compact folds we've seen. However, it comes with a few limitations, such as a tiny canopy and lack of storage.

Folding is easy

Consider the location and how you'll use the pushchair prior to deciding on one. If you'll be travelling with your infant on planes an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is a great option since it can be placed in the overhead luggage compartments 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 child and a handle that can be adjusted to height so that carers and parents with different heights can enjoy it comfortably. A swivel lock wheel is a must if you intend to take your baby on a hike. It will assist you to navigate through uneven terrain. Other useful features to consider include a deep recline for relaxing naps while on the move, and an extendable canopy that provides extra sun protection.

It is essential to test pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure they fold easily with one hand while holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be especially good, with its clever mechanism that folds down into a compact size that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a convenient compartment for keys and phone and a one-touch seat recline that's ideal for children who like to nap in the middle of the road.

Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs buggies are made to be used right from birth, and include a lie-flat seat or an option to add an additional carrycot, so they're perfect for infants who want to rest during the daytime. If you plan to use your travel system right from the beginning, a single click attachment system for an Infant Car Seat is a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the group. It folds smaller than its YOYO2 counterpart the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at just 6kg. It is also simple to use, with a one-hand fold and the seat can recline for toddler naps. This model is also a good choice for hikers, as it has an oversized front swivel that can handle any terrain.

One-Handed folding

It's always a good idea to have a foldable pushchair, whether you are out on a stroll or taking public transport or flying to a different country with your child. It's not a good idea to fold a complicated travel system and manage the child and all their necessities, including shopping bags, keys, and other things. This is why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most preferred option for parents.

As the name implies the pushchair that folds with one hand can be collapsed with just the touch of one button or two. Some models require more effort or even two hands, but the ease of the process means that they are still easy to handle and put away. They are also light which makes them easier to carry around or store in small spaces.

One of the best examples is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. It is one of the easiest one-handed folds we've seen in our round up, with a quick and smooth operation that involves just pulling a lever at the base of the chassis. It stands up in its own way when folded, making it perfect for stowing in the corner of a cafe, or in the foyer.

Another model with simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the first compact-fold pushchairs and despite being larger than other models it still features a simple, easy to use fold. It also has a range of fantastic features, including a deep reclining seat and an expanded UPF50+ canopy to protect your child on hot days.

Some of these pushchairs are only suitable for toddlers or older children however, there is a growing number of models that can be used as early as birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat and may come with the option of incorporating an infant car seat. MFM's Gemma has traveled with her son in a Babyzen YOYO, one of the very first buggys of its kind. It is still a favorite. It's smaller than some other buggys but it's still very easy to maneuver. It is able to fit in the allowance for cabin baggage of many airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down, it takes up very little space, and is usually extremely light. This is particularly true of umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh less than 20 pounds. They're ideal for short strolls on flat surfaces and pavements, and for easy transport between your car and homes of other people. They're also a great option if you don't want to purchase an all-terrain buggy and are happy with your pushchair on flat surfaces.

Think about getting tyres that are air-filled for use with your compact folding pushchair in difficult terrain, on sand, or on rough surfaces. They're a little heavier than standard tyres but they'll provide better grip and traction. It's important to note that the extra weight will increase the size of your pushchair.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs were made for older infants and toddlers who can sit independently However, there are more that are suitable for babies from the age of. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a lie-flat seating area and can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat or additional carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-fold strollers are able to be converted into double buggys using a stroller board. This is great for Grandma and Grandad.

A majority of the best strollers that are lightweight are simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed with the press of one button. Others feature more intricate mechanisms, yet they take up little space. Some even have a strap on the wrist that lets you your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded, and this can make a huge difference to the ease of maneuver.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. There's also a substantial basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents) and a huge canopy that protects. It's also extremely light and comes in a handy bag.

Compact

One of the primary things you will need to take into consideration when choosing the right pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some models have a tiny fold, while others are more spacious according to their overall size and the features they include.

Compactness is also important if you plan to travel with your baby. There are models that fold to an extremely compact size and even into a pouch, so they can be easily stashed away in the boot of a car or taken on a plane as baggage in the cabin. This is perfect for those who travel frequently or reside in a city area where you can't take a larger stroller with you all the time.

The best pushchairs are those with an easy, simple fold process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its type and has been a model of imitation since then, but it is a standout due to its clever features and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively small fold that is slightly larger than the average hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect for travel. It can even be taken to the gate and used in between the boarding process and getting your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact pushchair that provides more space. The seat reclines fully and there is plenty of padding to keep your child comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition of the carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (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. However, it's not as easy to use as other models and it can create lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could wake up your baby.