Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are easy to get on and off public transport, or can be tucked away in the back of a car. They are also extremely compact and lightweight which makes them ideal for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby model has one of the most eye-catching compact folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations including a small canopy and no storage.

Ease of Folding

Think about the location and how you'll use the pushchair prior to deciding on one. If you're taking your baby on a plane or train, a lightweight and compact buggy is a good alternative. It can be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be able to be carried over the shoulder. Make sure you choose a one-handed fold that's easy to operate while holding your child and a height-adjustable handle so that carers and parents of different heights can comfortably use it. A lock that can swivel is essential if intend to hike with your child. It will assist you to navigate 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 can be folded using one hand while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be especially good, with its clever mechanism that concertinas down into a slimline package smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy pocket for stashing keys and phones and an easy recline seat that's perfect for little travellers who prefer to nap in the middle of the road.

A few of the smallest fold-up pushchairs can be used from birth. They come with a lie flat seat or an option for carrying cots. This is ideal for babies who want to sleep throughout the daytime. If you intend to use your travel system from the beginning, a one-click attachment system for a car seat for infants is a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the bunch. It folds even smaller than its rival, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at just 6kg. It's also incredibly easy to use, with a simple one-hand fold and recline that is ideal for toddler napping. This model is a great choice for hikers, since it has a large front swivel tire that is able to handle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

It's always recommended to have a foldable pushchair, whether you are going for a walk or using public transport or flying to a distant country with your child. Having to manage the child, shopping bags, keys and other essentials of everyday life while attempting to fold a complex travel system is not ideal, so one-handed pushchairs and strollers are typically the most popular choice for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can collapse by pressing one or more buttons. Certain models may require more effort, or two hands. However, the convenience of this method makes them easy to handle and store. They are also lightweight, making it easier to carry or store in tight spaces.

The G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby is an excellent example. This model has one of the easiest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round-up. It has a quick and smooth operation that involves just pulling a lever at the base of the chassis. It stands by itself when folded,, which makes it ideal for storing in the corner of a cafe, or in the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model which folds easily by one hand. This is one of the original compact fold pushchairs, and despite being bigger than others it still features an elegant, simple to fold. It has a great range of features, too such as a deep recline and an UPF 50+ canopy that is expandable designed to keep your baby safe on hot days.

Some of these compact-folded pushchairs are specifically designed for older babies and toddlers. However, there are more options that can be used right from birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat, and can come with the option of an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is one of the first buggys of this kind and is still a firm favourite. It's smaller than other buggy types but it's still very easy to maneuver. It fits in the cabin baggage allowance of the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds, it takes up a tiny space, and is often extremely light. This is especially true of umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh less than 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 want to invest in an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your black pushchair only on flat surfaces.

Consider getting air-filled tyres for use with your compact folding pushchair in uneven terrain, on sand or on rough surfaces. These are a bit heavier than standard tyres but they'll provide better grip and traction. The extra weight does add to the overall size of the pushchair though, so it's important to keep that in mind.

Many lightweight pushchairs were designed for older infants and toddlers who can sit independently, but more are now suitable for babies from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a lie-flat seating area and can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat or additional carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to work with a stroller board, transforming them into a double buggy - great for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

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

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. It also has a large basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents), and a large canopy that protects. Plus, it's very lightweight and comes with a handy carry bag.

Compact

One of the main things you should be aware of when choosing a pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some pushchairs have a very compact fold, whereas others are more spacious based on the overall dimensions and features.

Compactness is also important when you are planning to travel with your stroller. There are models that fold down to the smallest size and even into a bag, so they can be easily tucked in the trunk of a car or taken on the plane as baggage in the cabin. If you are planning to travel often or live in a city that can't use a large stroller on a daily basis, this is the perfect option for you.

Some of the best pushchairs to consider are those that have an easy, effortless folding process that can be completed using just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated but is unique due to its clever details and its superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is a great choice for travel as it has folds that are incredibly small and just a little larger than the majority of hand luggage allowances. It can also be taken to the airport and used between taking off and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair which offers more space. The seat reclines fully and there is plenty of padding to make your child feel comfortable. It can be used as early as birth, with the addition of an infant cocoon or carrycot pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ is another great option for a day-to-day lightweight stroller that folds into a very compact fold and can be stood upright when it's not in use. However it's not as straightforward to operate as some other models and can produce a lot of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could cause your baby to wake up.