Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are easy to get on and off public transportation or fit in the back of cars. They are also light and compact making them ideal for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby model is one of the most attractive compact folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations, including a tiny canopy and no storage.

Folding Ease

When you're choosing a fold-up pushchair, you need to consider how and where you'll use it. If you're traveling with your baby on a plane, a compact, 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 folded. Make sure you choose a single-handed fold that is easy to operate while holding your little one and a height-adjustable handle so that carers and parents with different heights can enjoy it comfortably. A lock wheel that swivels is essential if you intend to hike with your child. It will help you navigate through uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a recline that is deep for relaxing naps while on the move and a canopy that can be extended that provides extra sun protection.

It is important to test the pushchairs before buying to make sure they can be folded using one hand while holding 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 has a pocket to keep phones and keys, and a seat recliner which can be adjusted with one touch.

Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs are able to be used as early as birth. They come with the option of a lying flat seat, or a carrycot. This is perfect for infants who prefer to sleep throughout the daytime. If you're planning to use your travel system from the start, a one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is also a must.

The smallest of the group is the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families, as it folds even more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller) and weighs less than 6kg, making it very easy to carry around. It is also very easy to use using a single hand fold and the seat can recline for toddler naps. This model is also a good choice for hikers since it comes with an oversized front swivel that can handle any terrain.

One-Handed folding

If you're taking a stroll through the park, or cruising around town on public transport or heading to distant shores with baby in tow it's a good idea to have a stroller that folds effortlessly. It's not a good idea to fold a complicated travel system while trying to manage a child as well as all of their essentials, such as keys, shopping bags and other items. This is why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most preferred choice for parents.

As the name implies the black pushchair that folds with one hand can be folded down with the press of one or two buttons. Some models require more effort or even two hands, but the convenience of the process makes them still easy to handle and stow away. They are also light and easy to carry around or store in tight spaces.

The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is a good example. This model is one of the easiest to fold using one hand in our roundup. It's all it takes is pulling a lever on the chassis. It stands by itself when folded, too making it perfect for stowing in the corner of a cafe or in the foyer.

Another model with simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. This is one of the first compact fold pushchairs, and despite being larger than others it still features a simple, easy to fold. It's got a variety of features,, including a deep recline and an expandable UPF 50+ canopy designed to keep your child covered on sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are only suitable for toddlers or older infants however, there is numerous models that are designed to be used from birth. These pushchairs buggies come with seats that can be completely 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 among the original buggys of this kind and is still a favorite. It's slightly less compact fold than some others, but it's extremely easy to maneuver and fits in the allowance for cabin luggage on most airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down it takes up very little space, and is often very light as well. This is especially true for umbrella-folding pushchairs that typically weigh less than 20 pounds. They're ideal for short strolls on flat surfaces and pavements as well as for a simple way to get between your car and the homes of others. They're also a good choice when you don't wish to buy an all-terrain best pushchair for newborn and are comfortable with 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 tyres are more heavy, but they provide more grip and traction. It's important to keep in mind that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.

A variety of lightweight pushchairs were created for older infants and toddlers that could sit up on their own however, more are suitable from the time of birth. This includes models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, which has a lie-flat seat and the option of incorporating an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to create an entire travel system. Some compact-fold strollers are able to be converted into double buggys with the help of a stroller board. This is a great option for Grandma and Grandad.

A lot of the top strollers that are lightweight are simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed with one button. Others feature more intricate mechanisms, yet they take up little space. Some pushchairs come with wrist bands that allow users to hold the pushchair even when folded. This makes it easier to move.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a fantastic example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. There's also a decently-sized basket, plenty of padding and adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents), and a large canopy that protects. Additionally, it's extremely light and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

When you are choosing a stroller you should think about the size of the stroller when folded. Some models are very compact to fold while others are more spacious dependent on their overall size and what features they come with.

It is also essential to be compact when you are planning to travel with your pushchair. Some models can fold down to a smaller size or even into a bag making them a breeze to put in the boot of your car, or take on an airplane. This is perfect when you plan to travel frequently or reside in an urban area, where you can't take a larger stroller and pushchair with you every day.

The most effective pushchairs are those that have an easy, simple fold process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its kind and has been a model of imitation since, but it still stands apart thanks to its innovative features and superior design.

The Babyzen YOYO is perfect for travel as it has folds that are incredibly tiny and is only slightly bigger than the majority of hand luggage allowances. It can be carried to the gate and used in between boarding and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that offers more space. This is a fantastic seat that reclines fully and offers a good amount of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used from birth with the addition of the carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ is another great option for a day-to-day lightweight buggy that has a very compact fold and can be set up straight when not in use. However, it's not as easy to use as some models and can produce quite a bit of noise when you adjust the canopy, which can cause your baby to wake up.