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

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

Many small pushchairs can be used up to 6 months however, a growing number of them are suitable for babies with a lie-flat chair or an optional carrycot pack. Many also come with a great canopy and the handle bar can be adjusted to accommodate tall and short caregivers.

Size

Many parents opt for larger pushchairs from the beginning but for a growing toddler who doesn't want spend every trip in a buggy and you have limited space at home or in your car boot, an ultra-compact could be the best option. They're usually cheaper than larger travel systems and will last until your child no longer requires one.

Some of the smallest strollers feature clever concertinas or z folds that make an attractive, squared folded package. They are also extremely light for their wheels. They are also large for their dimensions and can be used on board the majority of airlines. Some also come with a lie-flat seat (although some are classified as such when they only have a slight recline) and the option of adding an infant carrycot.

Folding

Some ultra-compact pushchairs fold down so small that they're about the size of an average handbag. This is an appealing feature, especially for parents with limited space in their car or who live in cities and utilize public transportation frequently. A few of the most well-known brands of pushchairs are offering compact models you can easily transport into and out of taxis and cafes. They also offer models that can be used on planes, Pushchairsandprams.Uk trains and even on public transportation. The Babyzen YOYO was among the first models to launch this kind of super-smart buggy but there are many more options from UPPAbaby, Joolz and Cybex. They are typically concertina or folded z-folded to form an attractive, square-shaped package. They are quite light at 6-8kg, and often certified for use in cabins.

It's important to keep in mind that a small-sized folding pushchair is not necessarily a stripped-back model even if it's considerably cheaper than the full-size version. Many of the smaller models still provide an acceptable level of comfort, with a large seats that are comfortable and has enough recline to accommodate toddlers, and plenty of extras like the sun canopy as well as a footmuff and rain cover.

The Micralite by UPPAbaby For instance, it has a super-slick one-hand fold and is available in peppermint, ginger, toffee, black or aqua. It's also light at less than 6kg and comes with a large basket, large wheels (albeit with smaller ones) and a decent recline. It's only slight downside is the absence of a lock, which might annoy some parents. The hood isn't as large as other UPPAbaby products.

Mamas & Papas Airo is another compact model with a clever 360-degree rotation system and an excellent protective hood. It also has an adjustable seat that can transform into a parent-facing seat at birth. The infant carrycot is priced at PS149, however it's a bit expensive.

The lightweight UPPAbaby G-Luxe is another option. It features a one-hand recline that is smart, but it doesn't have an upright position. It also does not have an adapter for cars. The Babyzen YoYO Lite, which has a simpler but less-smart fold, is a good option for parents looking for an easy-to-use and Graco TraveLite Compact Stroller - Lightweight Birth Ready buggy for city-based use.

Weight

The newest ultra-compact pushchairs with their clever concertina or Z folds to create a tiny space, are impressively lightweight, weighing around the 6-8kg mark (and often have a shoulder strap to make them more comfortable to carry). The pushchairs are also certified for cabin use and allow you to use them on planes, especially if you plan to travel frequently.

Even if your plans do not include frequent flights, a compact stroller can be an excellent option if your car boot is small, you struggle with stairs or depend on public transportation such as trains, buses and the Underground. These compact strollers are designed to last from birth until your child is in school, so they're a great option to a more expensive pushchair.

They're made for pavements and smooth paths but don't expect them to perform superbly with uneven terrain or grass that is muddy. But they're a good alternative to a budget stroller for all-terrain use or a travel system that will need air-filled tyres for the added strength and traction. They'll also cost less than a full-sized model! You can also pick up an affordable Micralite second-hand at a bargain price. They are typically in great condition, but check for stains or missing features like cups holder and sun hood prior to purchasing.

Safety

It's likely that your small pushchair will be among the most frequently used items for your infant, so you should be attentive to the features that ensure it is safe and comfortable for them. Find a seat with soft padding that is comfortable for your child, and an adjustable handlebar to fit your height. You might want to think about whether you prefer a single or linked handle, since this will impact how easy it is to push.

The wheels on your pushchair buggy may also make a difference. The wheels on your pushchair could also have an impact. Smaller wheels work better for smooth surfaces and pavements, while larger wheels will be able to handle bumpy terrains such as forest tracks or beaches. You may also see pushchairs that advertise as 'all terrain' however, this is a bit of a misnomer as they won't cope with the same terrain as a specialized buggy fitted with air-filled tyres.

The majority of small pushchairs come with a front- and rear-braking system to ensure security. This lets you regulate the direction you travel. A majority of them will have an accelerator pedal for the foot that is easily accessible and a handbrake to use when you're not in motion. Some of the premium models have brakes that lock both wheels. This is particularly useful for those who have jogger-style pushchairs, or stop and start frequently.

When buying a pushchair for a child from birth choose an option with a flat-seating option or one that includes the carrycot. This allows newborns to lay flat, which is crucial for their spinal development. A carrycot lets you travel with your child from the beginning, which is great when you plan to use public transportation or flying frequently.

If the fabric of the pushchair is able to be washed by machine, cleaning will be much easier. If not, you can spot clean the fabric using an aqueous solution of mild detergent and water. Some brands also sell replacement covers in a range of colors. It's also a good idea to invest in a footmuff for colder weather as it will keep your baby warm and dry.