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 the car. They are also very compact and lightweight Pushchair making them ideal for traveling by plane.

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

Ease of Folding

Think about the location and how you'll use the pushchair prior to deciding on one. If you're traveling with your baby on a plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is a good option since it can be placed in the overhead luggage compartments and is usually small enough to be carried on your shoulder when unfolded. You should choose an infant stroller that can be folded using one hand while holding your child. It should have a handle that is adjustable in height, so that caregivers and parents with different heights are able to use it comfortably. A lock wheel that swivels is essential if intend to take your baby on a hike. It will help you navigate through uneven terrain. Other features worth a look include a recline that is deep for relaxing naps while on the move and an extendable canopy that offers sun protection.

Many pushchairs claim to be able 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 also holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be particularly impressive with its clever mechanism that concertinas down into a compact size that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy pocket to store keys and phones, as well as the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for children who prefer to nap in the middle of the road.

Some of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are designed to be used from birth and offer a flat seat that can be sat on or an option to add an additional carrycot, which means they're ideal for young babies who prefer to sleep throughout the day. If you plan on using your travel system from the start, a one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is also a must.

The smallest of the bunch, the Cybex Libelle, is an excellent choice for families with a tendency to travel because it folds smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm thinner) and weighs than 6kg, making it extremely easy to carry. It is also simple to use, with a one-hand fold and the seat reclines to allow for naps for toddlers. This model is also a great option for hikers as it has an oversized front swivel which can be used on any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

It is always an ideal idea to have a foldable pushchair, whether you are going for a walk, taking public transport, or flying to a different land with your baby. It's not ideal to have to fold a complicated travel system and manage a child as well as all of their essentials, such as keys, shopping bags and other things. This is the reason why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most popular option for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing the button or buttons. Some models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this process makes them easy to maneuver and put away. They are also lightweight which makes them easier to transport or store in tight spaces.

One of the best examples is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. This model is among the easiest to fold using one hand in our roundup. It's as simple as pulling a lever on the chassis. It stands up on its own when folded, too, which makes it ideal to store in the corner of a cafe, or in the foyer.

Another model that features a simple, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the original compact-fold pushchairs, and despite being bigger than others it still features a simple, easy to use fold. It also comes with a variety of excellent features, such as a deep reclining seat and an expanded UPF50+ canopy to keep your child covered on hot days.

Some of these pushchairs are only suitable for toddlers or older infants, but there are many models that can be used from birth. These have a full or partial lie-flat seat and can come with the option of adding an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO which is among the first buggys of this kind and still a firm favourite. It has a slightly less compact fold than some other models, but it's very easy to carry and fits into the cabin luggage allowance on a majority of airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds down is usually very compact and lightweight. This is 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 car and the homes of others. They're also a good option when you don't wish to buy an all-terrain pushchair and are comfortable with your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you want to use a compact folding pushchair on uneven ground or on muddy or sand surfaces, you should consider an air-filled tyre. These tyres are more heavy, but they provide better grip and traction. It's important to keep in mind that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.

A lot of lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers that can sit up on their own, but a growing number are suitable for babies from the time of birth. They include models such as 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 a travel system. Some compact-fold strollers are able to be converted into Chicco OHlalà Twin Double Stroller: Lightweight Compact Versatile buggys by using the stroller board. This is great for Grandma and Grandad.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are simple to operate. Some are open and closed at the touch of a button, whereas others feature more complicated mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs have a wrist band that allows you to hold the pushchair even when it's folded. This makes it easier to move.

While some lightweight pushchairs can be extremely basic however, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a super-compact stroller can come with a wealth of features. It has a large basket with plenty of padding, adjustable height of the handlebar (for tall and short parents) and a reclining seating and a huge canopy to protect. Additionally, it's extremely light and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

One of the most important aspects you should be aware of when choosing the right pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some models have a tiny fold, while others are more spacious, depending on their overall dimensions and the features they come with.

A pushchair's compactness may also be a factor to consider when you plan to travel with it. There are models that fold to an extremely compact size, and even into a pouch, which means they can be easily tucked away in the back of a car or taken on an airplane as baggage in the cabin. If you plan to travel often or live in a place where you aren't able to use a large stroller on a daily basis it is the best option for you.

Some of the best pushchairs to consider are those that feature a smooth, fuss-free folding process that can be performed using just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied, but it still stands out due to its innovative design and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is a tiny fold and is only slightly larger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect for travel. It can be carried to the gate and used in between boarding and catching your flight.

For a more spacious and compact pushchair, look at the Mamas and Papas Airo. The seat reclines fully and it has plenty of padding to make your child comfortable. It can be used as early as birth with an infant cocoon or carrycot pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller for everyday use. It is compact in fold that can be placed upright when not in use. It's not as easy-to-use as other models, and it can produce a lot of noise when you adjust its canopy. This can wake your baby.