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 sit in a buggy. They're often used to hop in and out of public transport or keep in the back of your car for day trips.

Many small pushchairs are used until 6 months old but a growing number are suitable for use from birth with a lie-flat chair or an optional carrycot pack. Most have a good canopy and the handlebar can be adjusted to fit tall or short caregivers.

Size

The majority of parents choose larger pushchairs, but if have a child growing up who doesn't like to travel in a buggy all the time and there is little space in your car or at home boot and you're looking for something compact, an ultra-compact model could be the best choice. They're usually less expensive than a large travel system and will keep your child safe until they do not require one anymore, meaning you'll save in the long run too.

A few of the smaller pushchairs have clever Z folds or concertinas for a neat, square-folded package and are super light for such large wheels. They also come with surprisingly spacious seats for their overall dimensions and are cabin-approved on many airlines to make it easier to travel. A lot of them also come with a lie-flat seat (although some are categorised as such when they only have a slight recline) and the option to add the carrycot for infants.

Folding

Some ultra-compact pushchairs fold up so small that they're as small as a handbag. This is a huge selling point, especially 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 respected pushchair shops near me manufacturers are now making their own mark on this category, offering compact models that allow you to easily pop into and out of taxis, cafes, trains and planes. Babyzen YOYO, one of the pioneers of this super-smart Grey Melange Babyco Arc Stroller Pram Pushchair is now joined by UPPAbaby Joolz, and Cybex. They are typically concertina or folded z-folded to form a neat, square folded package. They are surprisingly lightweight at 6-8kg and are often are cabin-approved.

However, it's important to note that a tiny, folding pushchair does not necessarily mean an unadorned buggy, even though it will be much less expensive than a larger model. A lot of smaller models offer an acceptable degree of comfort, including large seats that are comfortable and has enough recline to accommodate toddlers, and many extras such as a sun canopy, footmuff and rain cover.

The Micralite from UPPAbaby is available in black, aqua, peppermint or toffee. It also comes with a super-slick, one-hand folding mechanism. It's also light at just 6 lbs, and comes with a large basket, and has wheels that are large compared to small ones. It also comes with a decent recline. The only downside is the absence of a lock, which may frustrate some parents, and the hood doesn't seem to be as big as other UPPAbaby products.

Mamas & Papas Airo is another compact model that features a clever 360-degree rotation system and a fantastic protective hood, plus an adjustable seat that can change to a parent-facing position from birth. You can also add an infant carrycot for the ultimate in compact newborn functionality however, the price is a bit steep at PS149.

The UPPAbaby's lightweight G-Luxe is another option. It features a one-hand smart recline, but does not have a flat position. Also, it lacks an adapter for cars. The Babyzen YoYO Lite, which is a less sophisticated but simpler fold, is a great option for parents wanting an easy-to-use and compact buggy that can be used for everyday city use.

Weight

The newest ultra-compact pushchairs with their clever Z folds or concertinas that give a tiny package, are impressively light, with a weight of around 6-8 kg mark (and typically come with an adjustable shoulder strap to make them easier to carry). They're also cabin approved for flying, which means you can carry them into planes easily which is ideal if you're planning to travel often.

Even if you don't intend to fly frequently the compact buggy could be a great option for those with a small car boot or struggle with stairs, or if you regularly rely on buses, trains and the Underground. These strollers are made to last from birth until your child is at school age and are an excellent alternative to a more expensive pushchair.

They're designed for smooth and smooth surfaces, however, so don't expect them well with rough terrain or dirt-saturated grass. They're a great alternative to an all-terrain Maxi-Cosi Lila Duo Kit: Double Stroller - Nomad Grey or travel system that needs air-filled tires for additional grip and durability. They'll also be cheaper than a full sized model! You can also find an inexpensive Micralite second-hand at an affordable price. They're usually in excellent condition, but do make sure to look for stains or missing features like sun hoods and cup holders before you purchase.

Safety

A small pushchair is likely to be one of your most frequently used baby items and it's worth looking at the finer points that will make it comfortable and safe for your baby. Look for the cushion to be soft and comfortable for your child. Also, ensure the handlebar can be adjusted to your height. You might also want to consider whether a single or linked handle is best for you, as this will affect how easy it is to push.

The wheels on your pushchair could also make a difference. The wheels on your pushchair can also have an impact. Smaller wheels are better for smooth surfaces and pavements and larger wheels can be able to handle bumpy terrains, forest tracks or beaches. You may also see pushchairs advertised as 'all terrain' however, this can be a bit of a misnomer because they aren't able to handle with the same terrain as a dedicated buggy with air-filled tyres.

The majority of small pushchairs have a front- and rear-braking system to ensure safety. This allows you to determine the direction you travel in. Most have a brake operated by a foot that is easy to reach and a handbrake for when you're not moving. Some of the more premium models have a brake lever that lets you lock both wheels. This is especially helpful for jogger style pushchairs or those who stop and begin.

When buying a pushchair for infants from birth choose one with a flat-seating feature or one that comes with a carrycot. This allows newborns to lay flat, which is crucial for their spinal development. A carrycot will also allow you to travel with your baby from the very beginning, which is ideal if you are planning to use public transport or flying frequently.

Verify that the fabric is machine washable as it will make cleaning much easier. If not, you may spot clean the fabric with an aqueous solution of mild detergent and water. Some brands also sell replacement covers in a variety of colours. It's also recommended to invest in a footmuff for colder weather as it will keep your baby dry and warm.