Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs are simple to carry on public transport or fit in the back of your car. They are also very light and compact making them ideal for travel by plane.
This UPPAbaby model has one of the most eye-catching compact folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations, such as a
small pushchair canopy, and no storage.
Ease of Folding
Consider the location and how you'll use the
forward facing pushchair before deciding one. If you're planning to travel with your infant on planes an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is an excellent choice as it can fit in the overhead luggage compartments and is typically small enough to be carried on your shoulder when folded. You should look for an infant stroller that folds easily with one hand while holding your child. It must also have a handle that's adjustable in height so that parents and caregivers of different heights can to use it comfortably. If you're going to be hiking with baby it is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Other useful features to consider include a deep recline for relaxing naps while on the move and an extendable canopy that provides extra sun protection.
Many pushchairs claim to fold in one hand but it's important to test this out before purchasing to confirm it really is possible while also holding your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was rated highly by our testers, thanks to its clever mechanism that creates a compact package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy compartment for keys and phones and a one-touch seat recline that's ideal for kids who like to sleep while on the move.
A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth and offer an easy-to-leap seat or the option of an additional carrycot, which means they're ideal for young babies who need to sleep throughout the daytime. If you're planning to use your travel system right from the beginning the one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is an essential feature.
The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and most lightweight of the bunch. It folds smaller than its YOYO2 counterpart the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry with just 6kg. It is also easy to use with a one-hand fold and the seat reclines to accommodate toddler napping. This model is an excellent choice for hikers, since it has a large front swivel tire that can be able to handle any terrain.
One-Handed Folding
It's always a good idea to have a folding pushchair, whether you are walking around, taking public transport, or flying to a distant land with your baby. It can be difficult to manage the child keys, shopping bags, keys and other essentials of everyday life while attempting to fold a complicated travel system is not ideal and hence pushchairs with one hand strollers are typically the most popular choice for parents.
One-handed fold pushchairs can collapse by pressing one or more buttons. Some models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the convenience of this process makes them easy to maneuver and put away. They are also lighter, making them simpler to carry around and fit into small spaces.
One of the best examples is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. It is one of the most simple one-handed folds in our round up, with a quick and smooth operation that involves just pulling on the lever on the bottom of the chassis. It stands in its own way when folded,, which makes it ideal to store in the corner of a cafe or a foyer.
The Bugaboo Bee is another model that can be folded with one hand. It is one of the first pushchairs that fold compactly. Although it is bigger than other models it still features an easy to use, sleek fold. It also comes with a variety of excellent features, such as the deep reclining seat as well as an expandable UPF50+ canopy to protect your child during sunny days.
Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are not suitable for older babies or toddlers, but there are a growing number of models that are designed to be used as early as birth. These pushchairs have seats that can be completely or partially lie-flat and some even come with a baby car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is among the original buggys of this kind and still a firm favourite. It's a little less compact than other buggy models but it's still very easy to carry. It can be incorporated into the allowance for cabin baggage of the majority of airlines.
Lightweight
When a pushchair folds down it occupies a small space, and it's often very light too. This is particularly true of umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh under 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transportation between your vehicle and other' houses. They're also a good choice for those who don't want to invest in a proper all-terrain buggy and are happy with using your
forward facing pushchair on flat surfaces.
You should consider buying tyres with air for use with your compact
folding pushchair in uneven terrain, on sand or on rough surfaces. They're a bit heavier than normal tyres, but they'll provide better grip and traction. The extra weight does add to the overall size of the pushchair however it's important to keep that in mind.
Many of the lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers that can sit on their own, however many are now suitable for babies from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be paired with an infant car seat or additional carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used in conjunction with a stroller board, transforming them into a double buggy - ideal to take Grandma or Grandad along too.
Many of the best strollers that are lightweight are simple to use. Some are open and closed with the
newborn push chair of a button. others have more intricate mechanisms, but they all take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs feature wristbands that allow users to hold the pushchair even when it's folded. This can make it easier to maneuver.
While some lightweight pushchairs are extremely basic, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a tiny stroller can come with a wealth of features. It has a large basket and plenty of padding adjustable handlebar height (for tall and short parents) and a reclining seating and a huge canopy for protection. Additionally, it's extremely light and comes with a handy carrying bag.
Compact
One of the main things you should take into consideration when choosing the right pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some pushchairs are very compact fold, while others are larger depending on the overall size and features.
The compactness of a pushchair could be an important factor when you plan to travel with it. There are models that fold to the smallest size and can even be folded into a pouch, which means they can be easily stashed away in the boot of a car, or taken on a plane as baggage in the cabin. This is ideal for those who travel often or live in an urban area where you won't be able to take a larger stroller with you every day.
The best pushchairs to consider are those that feature a smooth, fuss-free folding process that can be done using just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated however it stands out thanks to its unique design and its superior performance.
The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively small fold that is slightly bigger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, making it perfect for travel. It can be used at the airport between taking off and catching it.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair which offers more space.
