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 very compact and lightweight, making them perfect for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby model is among the most eye-catching compact folds we've seen. It does have some limitations, including a tiny canopy, and there is no storage.

Easy folding

Think about where and how you'll use the pushchair prior to deciding on one. If you're traveling with your infant on planes, a compact, lightweight buggy is a great option as it can be tucked into the overhead compartments for luggage, and is usually small enough to be carried on your shoulder when unfolded. You should look for an infant stroller that can fold with one hand while you hold your child. It must have a handle that is adjustable in height so that parents and caregivers of different heights are able to use it comfortably. A lock that can swivel is essential if are planning to hike with your baby. It will help you navigate through uneven terrain. Look for features like a deep recline to allow for a comfortable nap while you're moving and an extended sun canopy.

Many pushchairs claim to fold with one hand however, it's a good idea to test it before you buy to ensure it's possible while being able to hold your child. The UPPAbaby G Luxe was rated highly by our test participants, due to its clever mechanism which transforms into a compact unit that is smaller than an umbrella. It has a pocket to store phones and keys as well as a recliner seat that can be adjusted by a single touch.

Some of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used from birth and offer an easy-to-leap seat or the option for an additional carrycot, which means they're ideal for young babies who want to sleep during the daytime. If you intend to use your travel system from the beginning, a one click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is a must.

The smallest of the bunch is the Cybex Libelle, is an excellent choice for families with a tendency to travel and folds more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm thinner) and weighs at under 6kg so is extremely light to carry around. It is also simple to use with a one-hand fold, and the seat reclines for toddler naps. This model is a great option for hikers since it comes with a large front swivel tire which can be able to handle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

It's always recommended to have a foldable pushchair, whether you're going for a walk or using public transport or flying to a foreign destination with your infant. The pressure of managing children bags, keys, shopping bags and other everyday necessities while attempting to fold a complicated travel system isn't a good idea and hence pushchairs with one hand strollers are usually the most popular choice for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs from birth can be folded by pressing a button or buttons. Some models might require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this process makes them easy to use and put away. They also tend to be lightweight, making them easier to carry around and fit in small spaces.

The G-Luxe from UPPAbaby is a great illustration. This model has one of the simplest one-handed folds in our round up, with an easy and smooth operation that involves just pulling a lever at the base of the chassis. It also stands on its own, making it perfect to store in the corner of a café or a foyer.

Another model with simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the first compact-fold pushchairs, and despite being larger than other models it still features a simple, easy to use fold. It also comes with a variety of excellent features, such as an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an expandable UPF50+ canopy to keep your child covered on hot days.

Some of these pushchairs are not suitable for older babies or toddlers however, there is a growing number of options that are designed to be used as early as birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat, and could include the option of adding an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO which is one of the first buggys of this kind and remains a popular choice. It's smaller than some other buggys, but is still easy to handle. It can be incorporated into the allowance for cabin baggage of the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down, it takes up a tiny space, and is often very light as well. This is especially true for umbrella-fold pushchairs, which usually weigh less than 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on flat surfaces or pavements and for transporting between your vehicle and other' houses. They're also a good choice when you don't wish to purchase an all-terrain pushchair shop near me and are comfortable with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you're planning to use a compact folding pushchair on uneven ground, or on sand or muddy surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. These tyres are more heavy and provide greater grip and traction. It's important to remember that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair.

A variety of lightweight pushchairs were created for toddlers and older infants who can sit independently, but more are now suitable from the time of birth. These include models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, which has a lie-flat seat and the option of incorporating an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to make an entire travel system. Some compact-fold pushchairs are designed to be used in conjunction with a stroller board, transforming them into a double buggy - ideal for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

Many of the best lightweight strollers pushchairs are easy to use. Some are simply open or closed at the touch of a button, while others feature more complicated mechanisms, but they all take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs come with a wrist band that allows you to hold the chair even when it's folded. This makes it easier to maneuver.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller packed with features. It has a large basket, plenty of padding, adjustable height of the handlebar (for parents who are tall and short), a reclining seat and a huge canopy for protection. It's also very light and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

When selecting a stroller, you should think about the size of the stroller when folded. Some models are very compact to fold while others are more spacious, dependent on their overall dimensions and the features they include.

A pushchair's compactness may also be a factor to consider when you plan to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a compact size or even into bags making them a breeze to put in the boot of your car or to carry on a plane. If you are planning to travel frequently or in a place where you aren't able to use a large stroller it is the best option for you.

The most desirable pushchairs are those that have a smooth, fuss-free folding process that can be completed with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated however it stands out due to its clever details and its superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is a small fold that is slightly larger than the average hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect for travel. It can be utilized at the gate between boarding your flight and catching it.

For a more spacious compact pushchair, look at the Mamas and Papas Airo. The seat reclines fully, and it has plenty of padding to make your child feel comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition a newborn cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today lightweight stroller that folds into an extremely compact fold and can be set upright when it's not in use. However, it's not as easy to use as some models and it can create quite a bit of noise when you adjust the canopy, which can awake your baby.