Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to get on and off public transport or can be tucked away in the back of a car. They also tend to be very lightweight and compact, making them ideal for traveling by plane.
This UPPAbaby model is among the most attractive compact folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations including a small canopy, and there is no storage.
Easy folding
When selecting a fold-up pushchair, you must take into consideration where and how you'll use it. When you are travelling with your child on planes then a compact and light buggy will be a great option. It can be tucked away in the overhead compartments for luggage and is small enough to be carried on the shoulder. Find a one-handed fold that's easy to operate while holding your little one and a height-adjustable handle so parents and carers with different heights can enjoy it comfortably. If you're going to be hiking with baby the swivel lock wheel is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a deep recline for comfortable naps on the go and a canopy that can be extended which provides additional sun protection.
It's important to test the 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 GLUXE to be particularly good thanks to its innovative mechanism that concertinas down to a slimmer, sleeker package than an umbrella. It also has a handy pocket for stashing keys and phones, as well as an easy recline seat that's ideal for kids who prefer to nap while on the move.
Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs can be used as early as birth. They come with the option of a lying flat seat, or carrying cots. This is great for infants who prefer to sleep during the daytime. If you plan to use your travel system from the beginning, a simple click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is essential.
The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and most lightweight of the bunch. It folds down even smaller than its rival, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at only 6kg. It is also easy to use with a one-hand fold and the seat reclines to accommodate toddler napping. This model is a great choice for hikers since it has a large front swivel tire which can be able to handle any terrain.
One-Handed folding
If you're taking a stroll in the park, whizzing around the city on public transport, or heading off to exotic shores with baby in tow it's a good idea to have a pushchair that folds up easily. Having to manage children, shopping bags, keys and other necessities of daily life while attempting to fold a complicated travel system is not ideal therefore pushchairs that can be folded with one hand strollers are typically the most popular choice for parents.
Like the name suggests, a one-handed fold pushchair can be folded with the touch of one or two buttons. Some models may require more effort, or two hands. However, the ease of this method makes them easy to use and store. They are also lightweight, making it easier to carry or store in tight space.
An excellent example is the G-Luxe from UPPAbaby. It is one of the simplest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round up, with the speedy and smooth operation that requires only pulling on a lever at the base of the chassis. It stands up by itself when folded, and is ideal for storing in the corner of a cafe or the foyer.
Another model that features simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. This is one of the first compact fold pushchairs, and despite being larger than others, it still has a neat, easy to fold. It also has a range of great features, including the deep reclining seat as well as an expanded UPF50+ canopy to protect your child during sunny days.
Some of these pushchairs are designed specifically for toddlers and older infants. However, there are more options that can be used from the time of the time of birth. These pushchairs come with seats that can be fully or partially lied-flat, and some even come with a baby 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 remains a popular choice. It's a little less compact than some other buggys but it's still very easy to handle. It fits in the allowance for cabin baggage of most airlines.
Lightweight
A
pushchair sale that folds down is often extremely compact and lightweight. This is especially true for umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh less than 20 pounds. They're ideal for short strolls on pavements and flat surfaces, and for easy transport between your vehicle and other people's houses. They're also a good option if you don't want to invest in an all-terrain stroller and prefer to use your pushchair on flat surfaces.
You should consider buying tyres with air for use with your compact
folding pushchair in rough terrain, on sand, or on slippery surfaces. These tyres are more heavy, but they provide better grip and traction. It's important to keep in mind that the extra weight will increase the size of your pushchair.
A majority of pushchairs that are lightweight are made for older infants and toddlers that can sit on their own, but there are a growing number that can be used from the age of. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat or additional carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used in conjunction with the stroller board to turn them into a double-buggy - great for taking Grandma or Grandad along.
Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to use. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed by pressing one button. Others have more complex mechanisms, but they take up little space. Some pushchairs feature wrist bands that allow you to hold the chair even when it's folded. This can make it easier to maneuver.
While some lightweight pushchairs are quite basic, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a super-compact stroller can come with a wealth of features. It also has a large basket, plenty of padding and adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents), and a large canopy that protects. Additionally, it's extremely light and comes with a handy carrying bag.
Compact
One of the primary things you will need to consider when selecting a pushchair is the size of the
pushchair stroller when folded. Some models are very compact to fold, while others are more spacious according to their overall size and what features they include.
It is also essential to be compact if you plan to travel with your baby. There are models that fold to the smallest size and even into a pouch, so they can be tucked away in the boot of a car or taken on the plane as baggage in the cabin. This is a great option when you plan to travel often or live in an urban area where you can't carry a stroller that is larger every day.
The most effective pushchairs have an easy, simple fold process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its type and has been a model of imitation since then, but it is a standout due to its clever features and superior design.
The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively small fold that is slightly bigger than the average hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect for travelling with. It can also be taken to the gate and used in between the boarding process and getting your flight.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that offers more space. This is a fantastic seat that can recline fully and provides plenty of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used as early as birth with the carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).