Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to get on and off public transportation or fit into the back of the car. They are also extremely compact and lightweight making them ideal for traveling by plane.
This UPPAbaby has one of the most compact folds we've seen. It does have some limitations, including a tiny canopy, and there's no storage.
Ease of Folding
Consider where and how you'll use the pushchair before choosing one. If you're planning to travel with baby by plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is a great option as it can be tucked into the overhead compartments for luggage and is typically small enough to be carried on the shoulder when unfolded. Make sure you choose a one-handed fold that's easy to operate while holding your child and a handle that is height-adjustable so parents and carers with different heights can comfortably use it. If you're planning on hiking with baby it is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Look for features like a deep recline to allow for a comfortable nap while on the move and an extended sun canopy.
It is important to test the pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure that they can be folded with one hand while holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be especially good with its clever mechanism that folds 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 that can be adjusted by just a single click.
Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs are made to be used from birth, and include an easy-to-leap seat or an option to add an additional carrycot, so they're perfect for infants who want to sleep during the daytime. If you plan on using your travel system from the start the one-click attachment system for a car seat for infants is also an essential feature.
The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the group. It folds even smaller than its counterpart, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at only 6kg. It's also super-easy to use, with a straightforward one-hand fold and recline which is perfect for naps with toddlers. This model is an excellent choice for hikers since it has a large front swivel tire that is able to be able to handle any terrain.
One-Handed Folding
If you're taking a stroll through the park, speeding around the city on public transport, or heading off to exotic shores with a baby it's a good idea to have a pushchair that folds easily. It's not ideal to have to fold a complicated travel system and manage the child and all their essentials, such as keys, shopping bags and other things. This is the reason why
pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most preferred option for parents.
One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing one or more buttons. Some models might require more effort, or two hands. However, the ease of this method makes them easy to handle and store. They are also lightweight and easy to carry around or to store in small space.
An excellent example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. It is one of the simplest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round-up, and features a quick and smooth operation that requires just pulling an incline at the base of the chassis. It stands in its own way when folded, too and is ideal for storing in the corner of a cafe, or in the foyer.
Another model with an easy, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It's among the first pushchairs that fold compactly. Despite being bigger than other models it still features an easy to use, compact fold. It has a great range of features, too such as a deep recline and an UPF 50+ canopy that is expandable designed to keep your child safe on hot days.
Some of these pushchairs are only suitable for toddlers or older infants However, there are numerous options that are designed to be used from birth. These pushchairs have a seat that can be fully or partially lied-flat, and some even include an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO which is one of the original buggys of this kind and remains a popular choice. It's a little less compact than other buggy models however it's still a breeze to maneuver. It fits in the allowance for cabin baggage of most airlines.
Lightweight
When a pushchair folds, it takes up a tiny space, and is usually very light too. This is especially true for umbrella-folding pushchairs that typically weigh less than 20 pounds. They are great for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transportation between your car and others' houses. They're also a good option when you don't wish to invest in a proper all-terrain buggy but are content with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.
If you want to fold a compact pushchair on uneven ground, or on muddy or sandy 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, so it's important to keep that in mind.
Many lightweight pushchairs were designed for toddlers and older infants that can sit up independently however, more are suitable for babies from the age of. These include models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, which has a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to make a travel system. Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used with the stroller board to turn into a double buggy - great to take Grandma or Grandad along.
Many of the best lightweight strollers are simple to use. Some can be opened or closed with the
push chair for sale of a button. others have more intricate mechanisms, but they all take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs come with wristbands that allow you to hold the pushchair even when it's folded. This makes it easier to move.
While some lightweight pushchairs are extremely basic and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a tiny
stroller pushchairs can be packed full of features. It also has a large basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents), and a large protective canopy. It's also extremely light and comes with a handy bag.
Compact
One of the most important aspects you should be aware of when choosing a pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some models have a tiny fold, while others are larger, according to their overall size and what features they include.
It is also essential to be compact when you are planning to travel with your baby. Some models fold down to a small size or even into bags making them a breeze to put in the trunk of your car or carry on a plane. If you plan to travel frequently or live in a city where you aren't able to use a large stroller This is the ideal solution for you.
The best
pushchairs and strollers are those with an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its type and has been a model of imitation since then, but it stands apart thanks to its innovative features and superior performance.
The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively tiny fold and is only slightly bigger than the average hand luggage allowances, making it perfect for travelling with. It can be carried to the gate and used in between the boarding process and getting your flight.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair which offers more space. This has a great seat that reclines fully and has plenty of padding to keep your child comfy. It can be used as early as birth, with the addition of an infant cocoon or carrycot pack (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ is another excellent option for a day-to-day lightweight buggy that has a very compact fold and can be stood upright when it's not in use.