Compact Pushchair Reviews
If you're taking public transportation or are frequently traveling via car, a light compact stroller is a good choice. They are easy to fold and store and less likely to be damaged by baggage handlers.
These strollers are light and comfortable and easy to maneuver over cobblestones. Plus, they can be easily stored in the overhead compartments of planes.
Lightweight
The best compact pushchairs fold up easily and are easy to carry. Often they have a simple one-handed fold, and take up less space when folded than larger buggies. They're a great option for those who don't have a lot of space in your home, or you're worried about space restrictions when traveling.
Some have a tiny footprint when they are closed, which makes them perfect for tight spaces. They are the ideal choice for those who live in apartments,
Small folding Pushchair or want something lightweight and nimble for everyday walking. They can be uncomfortable for older children who have to extend their legs to move around.
There are a range of different fold types available on the market and some are truly one-handed and others needing an extra effort or two hands to complete. Some are designed to be as small as possible, meaning they can be tucked away in the cabin baggage allowance of a variety of flights, or be carried on your back with a handle or strap.
Silver Cross Dune is our favorite lightweight
pushchair suitable from birth. It comes with all the innovative design and innovative features you would expect from this heritage brand however in a smaller size. It features an easy-to-use fold, and like the Contours Itsy comes fully assembled in the box. It's a great choice for parents who are planning to do lots of travelling with their infant and can be tucked away in the majority of car boot spaces and trunk spaces.
Another good option is the Cybex Mios, which straddles the two categories of pushchairs as a fully-functional travel system with agility and a compact fold. It can be used from birth in parent-facing mode, and then changed to a world-facing mode as your child gets older. It also has a decent recline that's suitable for napping. It's not as compact as the Libelle however it's a bit smaller and easier to use on flat surfaces. It is not suitable for rough terrain. The price is affordable and the durability tests are top-notch.
Easy to store
The Joie Pact Pro is the ideal travel buggy, folding up so small that it fits into an overhead luggage compartment and is so light that you'll barely feel it in your car boot. It's also a great stroller for daily use. Our test-driver Hollie discovered that it was easy to steer, even when trying to manage a toddler. She loved the adjustable handle with lockable wheels, as well as the reclining seat. However, she noted that it was not very comfortable. But she also appreciates the ability to add additional features, such as the washable, reversible seat liner, rain cover, and the foot muff.
The Babyzen Fold pushchair from YOYO is another compact folding stroller. It isn't as streamlined as the Cybex Libelle, but it's nonetheless a great package when folded and it can be easily slotted in and out of trunks and car boots. It also offers more newborn options than some other travel buggies, with the option of adding an infant cot or bassinet and a custom ride-on board designed for older children and a tandem double-seat adapter.
It's not the most compact buggy for driving on rough or uneven terrain, and its
Small Folding Pushchair wheels don't perform as well as the other models we've tried. It's still a easily maneuverable pushchair, and YOYO does a great job of navigating narrow aisles and muddy pathways. It's an excellent choice for a holiday or city break.
The Cosatto Bee6 is a compact travel buggy that comes with a host of features for a very low price. It folds down to the size and weight of a huge bag and is easy to carry on trains and planes. It's also very easy to operate and our MFM reviewer Matt was a joy to steer, even with a heavy toddler in the. The hood is another benefit, since it can be adjusted to provide shade and protection from rain and sun. It's perfect for nap time. The only drawback is that there's no under-seat storage and you must carry or hang your bag over the handlebars (against the advice of a professional!). You can also purchase an additional changing bag holder for this buggy to make it a perfect holiday buggy.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The wheels on small pushchairs might look small, but they typically do surprisingly well, and can navigate narrow aisles for shopping or rough terrain effortlessly. The Micralite is a perfect example, despite having small wheels it handles bumpy pavements with ease and turns swiftly on narrow roads and is able to handle lightly sand without much difficulty. It has an easy-to-use steering system that is simple to operate with just one hand. It folds into a sleek and compact box that fits snugly into its accompanying carrying bag.
The majority of compact pushchairs are made for older babies and toddlers, but an increasing number offer a lie-flat seating or the option to add an extra carrycot (or baby car seat) to allow them to be used from birth. These innovative concertina or Z-fold buggies are typically light at 6-8 kg and are able to be cabin-approved by a wide range of airlines, making them perfect for travel. MFM Editor Gemma says she has used it on numerous occasions and finds it easy to use and store.
If you're looking for a small fold one, the YOYO is the top of the compact category and was one of the first buggy models of this type. It's still a preferred choice among parents who prefer it to its rivals due to its innovative design and superior functionality. It's the ideal option for frequent travelers particularly if you wish to avoid the stress of waiting for baggage checkpoints and instead bring your stroller onboard with you.
The YOYO is also available in a very compact size, fitting into its carry bag with ease, and even enough space. This makes it a great option for frequent travelers particularly those who have to pack a lot in their luggage. It's also extremely versatile. You can purchase a variety of optional accessories, including a newborn bassinet for your baby, a custom riding board, and twin travel bundles to turn it into tandem. You can also buy a rain cover and hood to give you added security.
Comfortable
If you're a parent looking for a light compact pushchair that is easy to use and fits in the trunk of their car, our review expert, Hollie, recommends this Silver Cross model. Its maneuverability and reclining seat are among the top in our tests. It comes with a tray for parents as well as an storage basket that can fit small backpacks, and excellent sun cover options.
Some compact-fold pushchairs fold down to a size that makes them cabin approved for air travel which is ideal if you're travelling often or have a small car boot space. They are usually lightweight so they're easy to carry. They can also be used with a travel system, when you choose a model with a lie-flat seat, or an infant pod.
When you are looking for a good travel stroll, it is important to remember that not all models of buggy are all created equal. Certain brands claim that their compact-fold pushchairs are able to fold in one hand, whereas others require more of an involvement or two hands to figure out how to get it folded. Examine if the seat reclines. Some are flat, while others only have a slight recline. This might be fine for toddlers, but not suitable for younger babies.
Make sure the model you select is appropriate for your travel plans. For instance If you're going to a hot destination, you should look for one with mesh fabric vented to keep your child cool.