Choosing a
Fold Up PushchairFold-up pushchairs are simple to carry on public transport or fit in the back of your car. They are also very lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travel by plane.
This UPPAbaby model is among the most appealing compact folds we've seen. But it comes with some limitations, such as a tiny canopy and lack of storage.
Easy folding
When selecting a fold-up pushchair, it's important to think about where and how you'll use it. When you are travelling with your baby on an airplane then a compact and light buggy is an ideal choice. It will fit in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried on the shoulder. You should look for a buggy that can be folded 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 are able to use it comfortably. A lock that can swivel is essential if you are planning to hike with your child. It will assist you to navigate uneven terrain. Look for features like an extended recline that allows for comfortable naps when you're on the move and an extended sun canopy.
Many pushchairs claim to be folded in one-hand however, it's a good idea to test this out prior to purchasing to make sure it's possible while being able to hold your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be particularly good thanks to its innovative mechanism that concertinas down into a compact size that is smaller than an umbrella. It has a pocket to store phones and keys, and a seat recliner which can be adjusted with a single touch.
A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used from birth, and include a lie-flat seat or the option for an additional carrycot, so they're great for babies who want to sleep throughout the day. If you intend to use your travel system from the beginning, a single click attachment system for an Infant Car Seat is a must.
The smallest of the group that's the Cybex Libelle, is an excellent choice for families with a tendency to travel because it folds more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller), and weighs less than 6kg, making it extremely light to carry. It is also easy 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 that can take on any terrain.
One-Handed folding
It is always an ideal idea to have a folding
pushchair cheap, whether you are out on a stroll or taking public transport or flying to a distant country with your child. It can be difficult to manage a child keys, shopping bags, keys and other necessities of daily life while trying to fold a complex travel system is not ideal therefore pushchairs that can be folded with one hand strollers are typically the most popular choices for parents.
As the name implies the pushchair that folds with one hand can be folded down with the press of one button or two. Some models require more effort or even two hands, but the ease of the process means they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and store away. They also tend to be lightweight, making them easier to transport around or fitting in tight spaces.
The G-Luxe from UPPAbaby is a great illustration. It is one of the simplest one-handed folds we've seen in our round-up, and features the speedy and smooth operation that requires just pulling on a lever at the base of the chassis. It can stand in its own way when folded, too and is ideal for stowing in the corner of a cafe or in the foyer.
The Bugaboo Bee is another model that can be folded using just one hand. It's one of the first compact-fold pushchairs. While it's bigger than other models it still features an easy and sleek fold. It also has a number of fantastic features, including the deep reclining seat as well as an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to protect your child on hot days.
Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are only suitable for toddlers or older children however, there is numerous options that are designed to be used as early as birth. These pushchairs have seats that can be fully or partially lied-flat, and some even come with an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO which is among the first buggys of this type and still a favorite. It has a slightly less compact fold than some other models, but it's very easy to carry and fits in the cabin luggage allowance on the majority of airlines.
Lightweight
A pushchair that folds is often very small and lightweight. It's especially true for umbrella-folded
cheap pushchairs for sale that weigh less than 20 pounds. They're great for short walks on pavements and flat surfaces, and for easy transport between your car and the homes of others. They're also a great option if you don't want to invest in an all-terrain stroller and prefer to use your pushchair only on flat surfaces.
If you're looking to use a compact fold-away pushchair on uneven ground, or on muddy or sand surfaces, think about getting an air-filled tyre. These are a bit heavier than regular tyres however they'll offer better grip and traction. The extra weight adds to the overall pushchair size though it's important to keep that in mind.
A majority of pushchairs that are lightweight are designed for older babies and toddlers that can sit up on their own, however there are a growing number that can be used for babies from the time of birth. They include models such as the Mamas & Papas Airo, that has a lie-flat seating and the option of incorporating an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to create a travel system. Some compact-fold pushchairs are designed to work with a stroller board, transforming them into a double buggy. perfect to take Grandma or Grandad along.
A lot of the top lightweight
pushchairs from birth are easy to use. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed with a single button. Others feature more intricate mechanisms, but they take up little space. Some have a wrist strap that lets you hold of the
pushchair shops while it's folded. This can make a big difference in how easy it is to move around.
While some lightweight pushchairs can be quite basic, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a tiny stroller can be loaded with of features. There's also a decently-sized basket, plenty of padding and adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents) and a huge canopy that protects. It's also light and comes with a handy bag.
Compact
One of the main things you will need to consider when selecting a pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some pushchairs have a very compact fold, whereas others are more spacious based on the overall size and features.
A
collapsible pushchair's compactness may also be a factor to consider when you plan to travel with it. There are models that fold to the smallest size and even into a pouch, so they can be easily stashed in the trunk of a car or carried on the plane as baggage in the cabin. This is perfect when you plan to travel often or live in an urban area where you won't be able to carry a stroller that is larger all the time.
The most effective pushchairs are those that have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its type and has been imitated since, but it is unique due to its clever features and superior performance.
The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively small fold that is slightly bigger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect for travelling with. It can also be taken to the airport and used during the time between boarding and catching your flight.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that offers more space.