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

A small pushchair lets your child to travel sitting in a buggy. They're often used to hop in and out of public transport or to keep in the rear of your vehicle for trips on the road.

A lot of small pushchairs are used up to 6 months, but an increasing number of them are suitable for babies with a lie-flat chair or an optional carrycot. They all have a great canopy, as well as a handlebar that is adjusted to fit tall or short caregivers.

Size

Many parents opt for larger pushchairs from the get-go but for a growing toddler who doesn't want to be confined to a buggy and has space issues at home or in your car boot, a compact could be the best option. They're typically less expensive than a larger travel system and can keep your child safe until they do not require one anymore and you'll save in the long run too.

Some of the tiniest pushchairs have clever Z folds or concertinas for a neat, square-folded package. They're also lightweight for such big wheels. These pushchairs and strollers are also large for their dimensions and can be used on the majority of airlines. A lot of them also come with a lie-flat seating (although some are categorised as such because they have a slight recline) and the option to add a carrycot for newborns.

Folding

Some ultra-compact strollers fold to the size of handbags. This can be a major selling point, particularly for parents who don't have much space in their car's trunk or reside in a city and use public transport often. A few of the most well-known pushchair manufacturers are now putting their own spin on this type of category, offering small models that can quickly and easily get in and out of cafes, taxis trains, planes and trains. The Babyzen YOYO was among the first models to launch this kind of super-smart stroller but there are many more options from UPPAbaby, Joolz and Cybex. They are typically concertina or folded z-folded to form a neat, square folded package. They are surprisingly Amababy Lightweight Compact Travel Stroller Brown - Toddlers at 6-8kg and are often cabin approved.

However, it's important to note that a small-sized folding pushchair isn't always a stripped-back buggy even though it could be considerably less expensive than a larger model. Many compact models offer a good level of comfort. They have a comfortable seat that can be reclined for toddlers. They also come with extras such as a footmuff, sun canopy, and rain cover.

The Micralite by UPPAbaby For instance, it features a super-slick one-hand fold that comes in ginger, peppermint, black, or toffee. It's also light at less than 6kg, and comes with a fantastic basket, good-sized wheels (albeit with smaller ones) and a decent recline. The only issue is that there is no lock, which might annoy some parents, and the hood doesn't appear to be larger than other UPPAbaby products.

Mamas & Papas Airo is another compact model that comes with a clever 360-degree rotation system, as well as a great protective hood, plus a lie-flat seat that you can change to a parent-facing position from birth. You can add the newborn carrycot to give you the best in compact from-birth functionality, but the price tag is a bit steep at PS149.

Other options include the lighter UPPAbaby G-Luxe, which has a smart one-hand recline but doesn't have a completely flat position and doesn't have a car seat adapter. The Babyzen YoYO Lite, which has a simpler but less-smart fold, is a good option for parents wanting an easy-to-use and compact buggy for city-based use.

Weight

The newest ultra-compact pushchairs with their clever Z folds or concertinas to make a compact package they are surprisingly light at around the 6-8kg mark (and often have a shoulder strap to make them more comfortable to carry). The pushchairs are also cabin approved and allow you to take them onboard planes if you intend to travel often.

Even if you don't intend to fly a lot, a small buggy can be a great option if you have a small car boot or struggle with stairs, or if you regularly depend on trains, buses and the Underground. They're also designed to last from birth to school age, making them an excellent alternative to a larger budget second pushchair.

However, they are not made to handle rough terrain or grassy areas that are muddy. They're a great alternative for an all-terrain stroller or travel system which requires air-filled tires to provide extra grip and durability. And they'll be a lot cheaper than a larger model! You can even pick up an affordable Micralite second-hand at an affordable price. These are often in excellent condition, but check for stains or missing components like cups holder and sun hood prior to purchasing.

Safety

A small pushchair is likely to be among your most frequently used baby items It's important to think about the finer details that will ensure it is safe and comfortable for your little one. Look for an ergonomic seat cushion that is comfortable and soft for your child. Also, ensure the handlebar can be adjusted to your height. You may want to think about whether you prefer a single or linked handle, since this will affect how easy it is to push.

Wheels on your pushchair will also make a big difference. The smaller wheels are made for smooth pavements and roads, while larger ones be able to handle bumpy terrain like forest tracks or the beach. You may also see pushchairs marketed as 'all terrain', however, this is an overstatement because they aren't able to handle as well as a specialized buggy fitted with air-filled tyres.

The majority of small pushchairs shop come with the front- and rear-braking system for safety. This lets you determine the direction you travel in. Many have a foot-operated brake that is simple to access and a handbrake when not moving. Some of the more premium models have a brake lever that lets you lock both wheels, which is particularly beneficial for pushchairs with joggers or those who frequently stop and begin.

If you're buying a birth pushchair, look for one with a lie flat seating option or one that includes a carrycot. This will allow newborns to sleep flat, which is crucial for their development of their spine. A carrycot allows you to travel with your child from the start and is ideal for those who plan to use public transportation or flying regularly.

If the fabric of the pushchair is able to be cleaned by machine it will make cleaning easier. If you don't, it's possible to spot clean the fabric with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Some brands also offer replacement covers that come in a range of colors. You can also purchase a footmuff to keep your baby warm in colder weather.