Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are a breeze to take on public transportation or even fit into the back of your car. They are also compact and lightweight, making them perfect for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby model is among the most attractive compact folds we’ve seen. However, it comes with a few limitations, like a small canopy and lack of storage.

Folding is easy

Consider where and how you’ll use the pushchair before choosing one. When you are travelling with your baby on planes or train, a lightweight and compact buggy is an ideal alternative. It will fit in the overhead compartments for luggage and is small enough to be carried on the shoulder. You should choose an infant stroller that can fold with one hand while you hold your child. It should have a handle that is adjustable in height to ensure that caregivers and parents of different heights can to use it comfortably. A lock wheel that swivels is a must if you intend to hike with your baby. It will help you navigate uneven terrain. Check for features such as the ability to recline deep enough for comfortable naps while you’re moving, and an extendable sun canopy.

It is important to test the pushchairs before buying to make sure that they can be folded with one hand while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be particularly good, with its clever mechanism that concertinas down into a slimline package smaller than an umbrella. It comes with a pocket to store keys and phones as well as a recliner seat which can be adjusted with just a single click.

A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used from birth, and include a lie-flat seat or the option of an additional carrycot, so they’re perfect for infants who want to rest during the daytime. If you’re planning to utilize your travel system from the beginning, a single click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is a must.

The tiniest of the bunch that’s the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families because it folds more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm less) and weighs than 6kg, making it extremely easy to carry. It is also easy to use, with a one-hand fold, and the seat reclines to allow for naps for toddlers. This model is a great choice for hikers, as it has a large front swivel tire that can take on any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

If you’re taking a stroll in the park, or cruising around town on public transport or jetting off to foreign shores with your baby it’s important to have a stroller that folds up easily. It’s not a good idea to fold a complex travel system while trying to manage a child as well as all of their necessities, including keys, shopping bags, and other items. This is why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most popular option for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing the button or buttons. Some models might require more effort, or even two hands. However, the convenience of this method makes them easy to use and store. They are also lightweight, making them easier to carry around and fit into small spaces.

The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is a good model. This model is one of the easiest to fold with one hand in our roundup. It’s as simple as pulling a lever on the chassis. It also stands on its own, which makes it ideal for storing in the corner of a café or foyer.

Another model that features an easy, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It is one of the first compact-fold pushchairs. While it’s larger than other options, this model still has an easy and neat fold. It’s got a variety of features, too with a recline that is deep and an expandable UPF 50+ canopy designed to keep your baby protected on sunny days.

Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are only suitable for toddlers or older children, but there are many options that are designed to be used from the time of birth. These pushchairs come with a seat that can be completely or partially lied-flat and some come with an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is one of the first buggys of this kind and is remains a popular choice. It’s a little less compact fold than some others, but it’s extremely easy to maneuver and fits in the cabin luggage allowance on most airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down, it takes up very little space, and is usually very light as well. This is particularly true of umbrella-fold pushchairs, which usually weigh less than 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and also for transporting between your car and other’ houses. They’re also a great option if you don’t want to buy an all-terrain pushchair and are comfortable with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you’re looking to use a compact folding forward facing 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 more grip and traction. It’s important to keep in mind that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair.

A lot of lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit up on their own, but there are a growing number that can be used from the time of birth. This includes models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, which has a lie-flat seat and the option of incorporating an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to form a travel system. Some compact-fold strollers can be converted into double buggys by using a stroller board. This is ideal for Grandma and Grandad.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed by pressing one button. Others feature more intricate mechanisms, yet they take up a small amount of space. Some come with a strap for your wrist that allows you to your grip on the pushchair even when it’s folded, and this can make a huge difference to the ease of move.

While some lightweight pushchairs can be extremely basic and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent illustration of how a small stroller can come with a wealth of features. There’s a decent-sized storage basket with plenty of padding, adjustable handlebar height (for tall and short parents) as well as a reclining seat and a large protective canopy. 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 the right pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Certain pushchairs come with a compact fold, while others are more spacious based on the overall dimensions and features.

The compactness is essential for those who plan to travel with your baby. There are models that fold down to the smallest size and even into a pouch, which means they can be tucked in the trunk of a car or taken on a plane as baggage for cabin use. This is ideal when you plan to travel often or live in an urban area where you can’t use a larger stroller daily.

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

The Babyzen YOYO is perfect for travel as it has folds that are incredibly tiny and is only slightly bigger than the majority of hand luggage allowances. It can also be taken to the airport and used in between taking off and catching your flight.

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

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller for everyday use. It has a compact fold that can be set upright when not in use. However, it’s not as easy to use as some models and can produce a lot of noise when you adjust the canopy, which may cause your baby to wake up.