Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are simple to carry on public transport or to fit in the back of your car. They also tend to be extremely compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby model is among the most appealing compact folds we've seen. But it comes with some limitations, including a small canopy and lack of storage.

Folding is easy

When selecting a fold-up pushchair, it's important to think about where and how you're going to 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 the shoulder when unfolded. Find a single-handed fold that is easy to operate while holding your child and a handle that is height-adjustable so parents and carers with different heights can enjoy it comfortably. If you're going to be walking with your baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Check for features such as a deep recline to allow for comfortable naps while you're moving, and an extendable sun canopy.

It is important to test the pushchairs before buying to make sure they can be folded with one hand while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be particularly good, with its clever mechanism that combines into a compact size that is smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy compartment for keys and phones and a one-touch seat recline that's ideal for children who prefer to nap while on the move.

Some of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth and offer a flat seat that can be sat on or the option for an additional carrycot, so they're great for babies who want to rest during the daytime. If you plan to use your travel system from the beginning, a one click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the bunch. It folds down even smaller than its counterpart, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at only 6kg. It's also incredibly easy to use, with a straightforward one-hand fold and seat recline that's perfect for toddler naps. This model is also a great option for hikers as it has an oversized front swivel wheel which can be used on any terrain.

One-Handed folding

It's always an ideal idea to have a folding pushchair, regardless of whether you're going for a walk or taking public transport or flying to a foreign destination with your infant. It's not a good idea to fold a complex travel system and manage a child and all of their essentials, such as keys, shopping bags and other things. This is why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most popular option for parents.

Like the name suggests the pushchair that folds with one hand can be collapsed with just the touch of one button or two. Some models require more effort or even two hands, but the ease of the process means they are still a breeze to carry and put away. They are also light, making it easier to transport or store in small spaces.

A good example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model is among the most simple to fold using one hand in our roundup. It only requires pulling a lever on the chassis. It also stands on its own, making it ideal to store in the corner of a cafe or a foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that folds with one hand. This is one of the original compact fold pushchairs, and despite being bigger than others it has an elegant, simple to fold. It also has a number of great features, including a deep reclining seat and an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to protect your child on sunny 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 birth. These pushchairs have seats that can be fully or partially lie-flat, and some even come with an infant car seat. MFM's Gemma has travelled with her son in a Babyzen YOYO - one of the first strollers of its kind. It's still a favorite. It's a little less compact than other buggy types but it's still very easy to carry. It fits in the allowance for cabin baggage of the majority of airlines.

Cosatto Woosh 3 Lightweight Stroller - Dino Style

When a pushchair folds down it takes up very little space, and it's often extremely light. It's especially true for umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They are great for short walks on flat surfaces or pavements and for transportation between your car and other houses. They're also a good option when you don't wish to invest in a proper all-terrain buggy and are happy with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you're planning to use a compact fold-away pushchair on uneven ground, or on muddy or sand surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. They're a bit heavier than regular tyres however they'll provide more grip and traction. It's important to note that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair.

A lot of lightweight pushchairs are made for older children and toddlers who can sit up on their own, but many are now suitable for babies from the age of. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a lie-flat seating area and can be paired with a car seat for infants or a carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-fold strollers are able to be converted into double buggys by using a stroller board. This is a great option for Grandma and Grandad.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are very simple to use. Some can be opened or closed with the push of a button. others feature more complicated mechanisms, but they all take up a small amount of space. Some even have a wrist strap that allows you to your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded, and this could make a significant difference to the ease of maneuver.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a fantastic example of a compact stroller packed with features. There's also a substantial basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge canopy that protects. It's also very lightweight and comes in 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 pushchairs have a very compact fold, while others are more spacious based on their overall size and features.

Compactness is also important for those who plan to travel with your stroller. Some models can fold down to a smaller size or even bags making them a breeze to put in the trunk of your car or to carry on an airplane. If you are planning to travel frequently or in a city that aren't able to use a large stroller every day This is the ideal option for you.

The best pushchairs to consider are those with an easy, effortless folding process that can be performed with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first in its class and has been a model of imitation since, but it still is a standout due to its innovative features and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively small fold that is slightly bigger than the average hand luggage allowances, making it ideal to travel with. It can also be taken to the airport and used during the time between boarding and catching your flight.

If you are looking for a larger, compact pushchair, consider the Mamas and Papas Airo. It has a comfortable seat that can recline fully and offers a good amount of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. 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 light buggy that folds down to an extremely compact fold and can be stood upright when it's not in use. However, it's not as easy to use as some models and it can create a lot of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could cause your baby to wake up.