Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to hop on and off public transportation or fit in the back of a car. They are also extremely compact and lightweight which makes them ideal to travel with planes.

This UPPAbaby model has one of the most attractive compact folds we've seen. But it comes with some limitations, including a small canopy and no storage.

Ease of Folding

Consider where and how you will use the pushchair before choosing one. If you're planning to travel with baby by plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is an excellent option since it can be placed into the overhead compartments for luggage and is typically small enough to be carried on the shoulder when unfolded. You should choose a buggy that can fold using one hand while holding your child. It should also have a handle that is adjustable in height, so that parents and caregivers with different heights are able to use it comfortably. A lock wheel that swivels is essential if plan to hike with your baby. It will assist you to navigate through uneven terrain. Be sure to look for features like a deep recline to allow for a comfortable nap while on the move and an extended sun canopy.

It is essential to test pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure that they fold easily with one hand while holding your child. Our testers 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 comes with a handy pocket for stashing keys and phones, as well as an easy recline seat that's ideal for kids who like to nap on the move.

The smallest fold-up pushchairs are able to be used as early as birth. They have an easy-to-leap seat, or carrying cots. This is ideal for babies who want to sleep during the daytime. If you intend to use your travel system right from the beginning, a one-click attachment system for a car seat for infants is essential.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the group. It folds even smaller than its YOYO2 counterpart the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry with only 6kg. It's also incredibly easy to use, with a simple one-hand fold and seat recline which is perfect for naps with toddlers. This model is a great choice for hikers, as it has a large front swivel tire that is able to handle any terrain.

One-Handed folding

Whether you're out for a stroll through the park, or cruising around the city on public transport, or heading off to exotic shores with a baby, it pays to have a stroller that folds easily. Having to manage children keys, shopping bags, keys and other essentials of everyday life while trying to fold a complicated travel system isn't ideal, so one-handed pushchairs and strollers are typically the most popular choices for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing a button or buttons. Some models require a bit more effort or even two hands, but the convenience of the process means they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and store away. They also tend to be lightweight, making them easier to carry around and fit in small spaces.

An excellent example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model features one of the most simple one-handed folds we've seen in our round up, with the speedy and smooth operation that requires just pulling the lever on the bottom of the chassis. It stands by itself when folded, too making it perfect to store in the corner of a cafe or a foyer.

Another model with simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. This is one of the original compact-fold pushchairs and despite being bigger than some other options it has a simple, easy to use fold. It also comes with a variety of fantastic features, including an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to ensure your child is protected during sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are not suitable for toddlers or older children However, there are numerous options that are designed to be used as early as birth. These pushchairs come with a seat that can be completely or partially lied-flat and some include an infant car seat. MFM's Gemma has traveled with her son in a Babyzen YOYO - one of the first strollers of its kind. It's still a popular. It has a slightly smaller and less compact fold than others, but it's extremely easy to maneuver and fits in the cabin luggage allowance on a majority of airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds is often extremely compact and light. This is especially true of umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh under 20 pounds. They're great for short walks on flat surfaces and pavements and for a quick transfer between your vehicle and other people's houses. These are also a good option if you don't need an all-terrain stroller, and prefer to use your pushchair on flat surfaces.

Consider getting air-filled tyres if you plan to use your compact folding pushchair in rough terrain, on sand or on slippery surfaces. They're a little heavier than standard tyres but they'll provide more grip and traction. The extra weight does add to the overall pushchair parent facing size however, so it's important to keep that in mind.

A variety of lightweight pushchairs were created for older toddlers and infants that could sit up on their own however, more are suitable from birth. These include models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat 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 ideal for Grandma and Grandad.

A lot of the top lightweight strollers are easy to use. Some can be opened or closed with the push of a button, while others have more complex mechanisms, but they take up very little space. Some pushchairs feature wrist bands that allow you to hold the pushchair even when folded. This can make it easier to move.

While some lightweight pushchairs are quite basic and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a tiny stroller can be loaded with of features. It has a large basket with plenty of padding, adjustable handlebar height (for parents who are tall and short) and a reclining seating and a huge canopy to protect. It's also very lightweight and comes with a convenient bag.

Compact

One of the most important aspects you will need to take into consideration when choosing a pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some have a very small fold while others are larger, depending on their overall size and what features they come with.

A pushchair's compactness may also be a factor to consider if you intend to travel with it. There are models that fold to the smallest size and even into a pouch, so they can be easily tucked away in the boot of a car or taken on an airplane as baggage in the cabin. If you're planning to travel frequently or live in a city that don't have a stroller it is the best option for you.

The most effective pushchairs are those that have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its kind and has been imitated since, but it stands apart thanks to its unique features and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is a great choice for travel because it has folds that are incredibly small and only slightly larger than the average allowance for hand luggage. It can be used at the gate between taking off and catching it.

For a more spacious compact pushchair, consider the Mamas and Papas Airo. This is a fantastic seat that reclines fully and has plenty of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used at birth, if you want to, with the addition a newborn cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller for everyday use. It has a compact fold that can be set upright when not in use. However it's not as straightforward to use as some models and can produce lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which can awake your baby.