Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are simple to take on public transportation or to fit in the back of your car. They also tend to be extremely light and compact which makes them ideal for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby is one of the smallest folds we've seen. However, it comes with a few limitations, like a small canopy and a 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're taking your baby on planes or train, a lightweight and compact buggy is an ideal alternative. It can be tucked away in the overhead compartments for luggage and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. Make sure you choose an easy-to-use fold that's simple to operate while holding your baby and a handle that is height-adjustable so that carers and parents of various heights can use it comfortably. If you're going to be walking with your baby it is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Other features worth a look include a deep recline for relaxing naps while on the move and an extendable canopy that offers sun protection.

It's important to test the pushchairs before purchasing to make sure that they fold easily with one hand while holding your child. The UPPAbaby G Luxe was rated highly by our test participants, due to its clever mechanism which creates a compact package that is smaller than an umbrella. It comes with a pocket to store phones and keys as well as a recliner seat that can be adjusted with one touch.

A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used from birth and offer a flat seat that can be sat on or an option to add an additional carrycot, which means they're ideal for young babies who prefer to sleep throughout the daytime. If you plan on using your travel system from the start using a one-click attachment method for a car seat for infants is a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the bunch. It folds down even smaller than its YOYO2 counterpart the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at just 6kg. It is also very easy to use, with a one-hand fold and the seat reclines to accommodate toddler napping. This model is a great choice for hikers since it comes with a large front swivel tire that can be able to handle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

When you're going for a stroll through the park, whizzing around town on public transport or heading to distant shores with your baby it's important to have a pushchair that folds easily. It's not ideal to fold a complex travel system while trying to manage a child as well as all of their essentials, like keys, shopping bags and other items. This is why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most preferred choice for parents.

Like the name suggests, a one-handed fold pushchair can be collapsed with just the push of a button or two. Some models may require more effort, or two hands. However, the ease of this method makes them easy to maneuver and to store. They are also lightweight and easy to carry or store in tight space.

One of the best examples is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model is one of the easiest to fold with one hand in our roundup. It's all it takes is pulling a lever on the chassis. It stands by itself when folded, making it perfect for storing in the corner of a cafe or the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model which folds easily with one hand. It's one of the first compact fold pushchairs, and despite being larger than others it still features a neat, easy to use fold. It also has a number of excellent features, such as an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an expandable UPF50+ canopy to ensure your child is protected during sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older infants however, there is numerous models that are designed to be used as early as birth. These pushchairs come with seats that can be fully or partially lie-flat and some even come with a baby car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled 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's a little less compact fold than some others, but it's still very easy to carry and fits into the allowance for cabin luggage on most airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds is usually very compact and light. It's especially applicable to umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They are great for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and also for transporting between your car and others houses. They're also a great option for those who don't want to buy an all-terrain pushchair and are comfortable with your pushchair on flat surfaces.

You should consider buying tyres with air If you intend to use your compact pushchair on rough terrain, on sand or on slippery surfaces. These are a bit heavier than regular tyres however they'll provide better grip and traction. It's important to note that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair.

A majority of pushchairs that are lightweight are made for older children and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own, however many are now suitable for babies from birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat or additional carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-fold strollers can be transformed into double buggys with the help of a stroller board. This is great for Grandma and Grandad.

A majority of the best lightweight strollers are easy to use. Some are simply open or closed with the push of a button. others have more intricate mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some even come with a strap for your wrist that allows you to your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded, and this can make a big difference to the ease of move.

While some lightweight pushchairs are very stripped down and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic illustration of how a small stroller can be packed full of features. It also has a large basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge protective canopy. It's also very lightweight and comes with a handy bag.

Compact

One of the main things you will need to consider when selecting the right pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some have a very small fold, while others are larger, according to their overall size and what features they come with.

The compactness of a pushchair could be an important factor when you plan to travel with it. There are models that fold to an extremely compact size and even into a bag, so they can be tucked in the trunk of a car or taken on a plane as cabin baggage. This is a great option for those who travel frequently or live in a city area where you aren't able to take a larger stroller with you all the time.

Some of the best pushchairs to consider are those that feature an easy, effortless folding process that can be performed by using only one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first in its class and has been copied since, but it stands apart thanks to its innovative features and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively small fold that is slightly bigger than the average hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect for travelling with. It can even be taken to the airport and used between taking off and catching 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 has plenty of padding to keep your child comfortable. It can be used from birth with a carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller for everyday use. It is compact in fold that can be set upright when not in use. It's not as easy-to-use as other models, and it can make a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This can cause your baby to wake up.