Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to get on and off public transport, or can be tucked away in the back of the car. They are also compact and lightweight making them ideal to travel with planes.
This UPPAbaby is one of the most compact folds that we've ever seen. But it comes with some limitations, like a small canopy and lack of storage.
Folding is easy
When selecting a fold-up pushchair, it's important to consider how and where you're going to use it. If you'll be travelling with your infant on planes an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is a great option since it can be placed in the overhead luggage compartments, and is usually small enough to be carried on the shoulder when unfolded. Make sure you choose an easy-to-use fold that's simple to operate while holding your child and a handle that can be adjusted to height so parents and carers of various heights can enjoy it comfortably. If you're planning to go walking with your baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential to maneuver over uneven terrain. Look for features like a deep recline to allow the baby to sleep comfortably when you're on the move and an extended sun canopy.
Many pushchairs claim to be able to fold in one hand, but it's best to test this out prior to purchasing to make sure it's actually possible while being able to hold your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was rated highly by our reviewers, due to its innovative mechanism that creates a compact package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy pocket for stashing keys and phones and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for kids who like to sleep on the move.
Some of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are made to be used starting at birth and come with a lie-flat seat or the option for an additional carrycot, which means they're perfect for infants who want to sleep during the day. If you intend to use your travel system from the beginning, a simple click attachment system for an Infant Car Seat is a must.
The smallest of the bunch is the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families and folds smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm thinner), and weighs less than 6kg, making it extremely easy to carry around. It's also incredibly easy to use, with a simple one-hand fold and seat recline that's perfect for toddler naps. This model is also a good choice for hikers as it has an oversized front swivel wheel which can be used on any terrain.
One-Handed Folding
Whether you're out for a stroll through the park, speeding around the city on public transport, or jetting off to foreign shores with baby in tow, it pays to have a stroller that folds effortlessly. It's not ideal to have to fold a complicated travel system and manage a child as well as all of 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 popular choice for parents.
Like the name suggests, a one-handed fold pushchair can be collapsed with just the push of one button or two. Some models might require more effort, or two hands. However, the convenience of this method makes them easy to maneuver and put away. They also tend to be lightweight, making them easier to carry around or fit in small spaces.
The G-Luxe from UPPAbaby is a great illustration. This model features one of the easiest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round-up, and features an easy and smooth operation that requires just pulling an incline at the base of the chassis. It stands by itself when folded, and is ideal for Pushchairsandprams.uk - https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/products/nania-romy-travel-system-3-in... storing in the corner of a cafe, or in a foyer.
Another model that features a simple, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the first compact-fold pushchairs and despite being bigger than other models it has a neat, easy to fold. It also comes with a variety of great features, including a deep reclining seat and an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to ensure your child is protected on sunny days.
Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are only suitable for toddlers or older infants however, there is numerous models that can be used from birth. These pushchairs have a seat that can be completely or partially lie-flat and some even include an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is one of the first buggys of this type and still a firm favourite. It has a slightly less compact fold than some others, but it's extremely easy to maneuver and fits into the cabin luggage allowance on the majority of airlines.
Lightweight
A pushchair cheap - https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/products/maxmass-folding-baby-stroller... that folds is often extremely small and light. This is especially true for umbrella-fold pushchairs, which usually weigh less than 20 pounds. They are great for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transporting between your vehicle and other houses. They're also a good option if you don't wish to purchase an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your stroller only on flat surfaces.
Think about getting tyres that are air-filled for use with your compact pushchair on rough terrain, on sand or on muddy surfaces. These tyres are more heavy however they offer better grip and traction. It's important to keep in mind that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.
Many of the lightweight pushchairs are made for older children and toddlers who can sit up on their own, but there are a growing number that can be used for babies from birth. They include models such as the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of incorporating an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to form an entire travel system. Some compact-fold pushchairs are designed to be used with the stroller board to turn them into a double buggy - ideal for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.
A lot of the top strollers that are lightweight are simple to use. Some can be opened or closed with the push of a button, whereas others have more complex mechanisms but they still require very little space. Some pushchairs have wristbands that allow users to hold the pushchair even when folded. This can make it easier to move.
The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a fantastic example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. It has a large basket and plenty of padding adjustable handlebar height (for tall and short parents) as well as a reclining seat and a large protective canopy. It's also very lightweight and comes with a handy bag.
Compact
When choosing a stroller, you should think about how compact it is when folded. Some models have a tiny fold, while others are more spacious dependent on their overall dimensions and the features they come with.
A pushchair's compactness may also be a consideration if you intend to travel with it. There are models that fold down to a very small size and can even be folded into a pouch, which means they can be easily stashed away in the back of a car or carried on the plane as baggage for cabin use. This is perfect when you plan to travel frequently or live in a city area where you can't take a larger stroller with you all the time.
The best pushchairs are those that have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied but is unique due to its clever details and superior performance.
The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively tiny fold and is only slightly larger than most hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for travelling with. It can be used at the airport between boarding your flight and catching it at the airport.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that offers more space. This has a great seat that reclines completely and provides plenty of padding to keep your child comfy. It can be used as early as birth with the addition of a carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller for use in the everyday. It features a compact fold that can be set upright when not in use. However it's not as straightforward to use as some models and it can create quite a bit of noise when you adjust the canopy, which may awake your baby.