Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs are easy to take on public transportation or fit in the back of your car. They also tend to be extremely compact and lightweight which makes 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, including a small canopy and a lack of storage.
Folding is easy
Think about the location and how you'll use the pushchair prior to deciding on one. If you're traveling with your infant on planes an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is an excellent option as it can be tucked into the overhead compartments for luggage, and is usually small enough to be carried on your shoulder when unfolded. You should choose an infant stroller that folds easily using one hand while holding your child. It should have a handle that's adjustable in height so that parents and caregivers of different heights are able to use it comfortably. A lock wheel that swivels is a must if you are planning to hike with your child. It will help you navigate through uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a deep recline for relaxing naps while on the move, and an extendable canopy that provides extra sun protection.
It is essential to test pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be particularly impressive, with its clever mechanism that combines into a compact size that is smaller than an umbrella. It has a pocket to store keys and phones and a recliner for the seat that can be adjusted by a single touch.
Some of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are made to be used right from birth, and include a lie-flat seat or the option for an additional carrycot, which means they're ideal for young babies who need to sleep throughout the daytime. If you plan on using your travel system from the beginning, a one-click attachment system for a car seat for infants is also essential.
The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest 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 very easy to use with a one-hand fold and the seat reclines for toddler naps. This model is a great option for hikers, as it has a large front swivel tire that is able to take on any terrain.
One-Handed folding
It is always an ideal idea to have a foldable pushchair, whether you're out on a stroll or taking public transport or flying to a different land with your baby. It can be difficult to manage a child bags, keys, shopping bags and other everyday necessities while attempting to fold a complicated travel system isn't a good idea therefore pushchairs that can be folded 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 might require more effort, or two hands. However, the ease of this process makes them easy to handle and store. They are also light and easy to carry or to store in small spaces.
One of the best examples is the G-Luxe from UPPAbaby. This model has one of the most simple one-handed folds we've seen in our round up, with the speedy and smooth operation that requires just pulling on an incline at the base of the chassis. It can also stand up on its own, making it ideal to store in the corner of a cafe or a foyer.
The Bugaboo Bee is another model which folds easily by one hand. This is one of the original compact-fold pushchairs and despite being bigger than some other options it has a simple, easy to fold. It also has a range of excellent features, such as an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an expandable UPF50+ canopy to keep your child covered on hot days.
Some of these compact-folded pushchairs are designed specifically for toddlers and older infants. However, there are more options that can be used starting from the time of birth. These pushchairs have a seat that can be completely or partially lie-flat, and some even come with an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is among the first buggys of this kind and is remains a popular choice. It has a slightly smaller and less compact fold than others, but it's still very easy to handle and fits into the allowance for cabin luggage on a majority of airlines.
Lightweight
A pushchair that folds is often extremely compact and light. It's especially the case for umbrella-folded pushchairs which weigh less than 20 pounds. They are great for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and also for transporting between your vehicle and other homes. They're also a great option if you don't want to invest in an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your pushchair only on flat surfaces.
If you're planning to fold a compact pushchair - https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/products/silver-grey-ickle-bubba-disco... when you're walking on sand or muddy surfaces, think about getting an air-filled tyre. They're a little heavier than standard tyres but they'll offer better traction and grip. The extra weight does add to the overall size of the pushchair though it's crucial to keep that in mind.
A lot of lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit up on their own, however a growing number are suitable from birth. These include models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of incorporating an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to make a travel system. Some compact-fold strollers can be converted into double buggys with the help of an accompanying stroller board. This is a great option for Grandma and Grandad.
A majority of the best strollers that are lightweight are simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed with the press of one button. Some have more complicated mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs come with a wrist band that allows you to hold the pushchair even when it's folded. This makes it easier to move.
The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller packed with features. It also has a large basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge canopy that protects. It's also very light and comes with a handy carrying bag.
Compact
One of the main things you will need to be aware of when choosing the right pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some models have a tiny fold, while others are larger, depending on their overall dimensions and the features they come with.
The compactness is essential if you plan to travel with your baby. Some models can fold down to a compact size, or even into a bag, making them ideal for storage in the trunk of your car, or take on the plane. This is a great option when you plan to travel often or live in an urban area, where you can't take a larger stroller with you daily.
The most desirable pushchairs are those that feature an easy, effortless folding process that can be done using just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it stands out thanks to its clever details and superior functionality.
The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively compact fold and is slightly bigger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, which makes it My Babiie MB30 Stroller: Perfect for Birth to 4 Years - https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/products/my-babiie-mb30-stroller-for-b... for travelling with. It can be carried to the gate and used during the time between the boarding process and getting your flight.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that offers more space. This has a great seat that can recline fully and offers a good amount of padding to keep your child comfy. It can be used from birth with the addition of a carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ is another great option for a day-to-day lightweight stroller that folds into an extremely compact fold that can be positioned up when not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and it can create a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This could wake your baby.