Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs and strollers make it easy to get on and off public transport or fit in the back of a car. They are also very lightweight and compact which makes them perfect for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby is one of the smallest folds we've ever seen. But it comes with some limitations, like a small canopy and lack of storage.

Ease of Folding

Consider where and how you will use the pushchair before deciding one. If you're taking your child on an airplane or train, a lightweight and compact buggy will be a great option. It can be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. You should look for buggy that can be folded with one hand while holding your child. It should also include a handle that is adjustable in height so that caregivers and parents of different heights can to use it comfortably. A swivel lock wheel is a must if you are planning to hike with your baby. It will help you navigate through uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a deep recline to ensure relaxing naps while on the move and a canopy that can be extended that offers sun protection.

Many pushchairs claim to be able to be folded in one-hand however, it's a good idea to test this out before purchasing to confirm it really is feasible while being able to hold your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be particularly impressive thanks to its innovative mechanism that combines to a slimmer, sleeker package than an umbrella. It also has a convenient pocket for stashing keys and phones, as well as the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for kids who like to nap in the middle of the road.

A few of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are made to be used right from birth, and include a lie-flat seat or an option to add an additional carrycot, which means they're great for babies who want to rest during the daytime. If you're planning to utilize your travel system from the beginning, a simple click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is a must.

The tiniest of the group, the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families because it folds more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller), and weighs less than 6kg, making it very easy to carry. It's also incredibly easy to use, with a simple fold with one hand and a reclined seat that is ideal for toddler napping. 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 is always an ideal idea to have a folding pushchair, whether you are out on a stroll or taking public transport or flying to a foreign destination with your infant. It's not a good idea to fold a complicated travel system while trying to manage the child and all their essentials, like keys, shopping bags, and other things. This is why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most sought-after option for parents.

As the name implies it is a pushchair stroller that folds one hand. can be collapsed with just the push of one or two buttons. Certain models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this process makes them easy to maneuver and to store. They are also light, making it easier to transport or store in tight spaces.

One of the best examples is the G-Luxe from UPPAbaby. This model features one of the simplest one-handed folds we've seen in our round up, with a quick and smooth operation that involves just pulling on the lever on the bottom of the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, making it perfect to store in the corner of a café or a foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model which folds easily by one hand. It's one of the first pushchairs with a compact fold. While it's bigger than other models the Bugaboo Bee still has an easy to use, compact fold. It comes with a wide array of features, too with a recline that is deep and an expandable UPF 50+ canopy that is designed to keep your baby safe on hot days.

Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older infants, but there are a growing number of models that can be used as early as birth. These pushchairs have a seat that can be fully or partially lied-flat and some come with an infant car seat. MFM's Gemma has traveled with her son in a Babyzen YOYO - one of the first strollers of its kind. It is still a favourite. It's smaller than other buggy models but it's still very easy to carry. It is able to fit in the allowance for cabin pushchair baggage of most airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds, it occupies a small space, and it's often extremely light. It's especially true for umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transportation between your car and others homes. They're also a good option if you don't want to purchase an all-terrain pushchair and are comfortable with your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you're planning to use a compact fold-away pushchair on uneven ground or on muddy or sandy surfaces, think about getting an air-filled tyre. These tyres are heavier however they offer better grip and traction. It's important to remember that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs are made for older infants and toddlers who can sit on their own, however a growing number are suitable from the age of. These include 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 a travel system. Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to work with a stroller board to transform them into a double-buggy - ideal for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

A lot of the top lightweight pushchairs are easy to use. Some can be opened or closed with the push of a button, while others feature more complicated mechanisms, but they all take up very little space. Some pushchairs feature wristbands that allow you 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 packed with features. There's also a decently-sized basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a massive protective canopy. Plus, it's very lightweight and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

When selecting a stroller, you should think about the size of the stroller when folded. Some have a very small fold while others are larger, dependent on their overall size and the features they include.

The compactness of a egg pushchair can be a consideration if you intend to travel with it. 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 carry on a plane. This is ideal if you plan to travel often or live in a city area where you aren't able to take a larger stroller with you all the time.

The most effective pushchairs are those with an easy, simple fold process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied but stands out due to its unique design and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively tiny fold and is only slightly larger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect to travel with. It can be used at the airport between boarding your flight and catching it.

If you are looking for a larger, compact pushchair, look at the Mamas and Papas Airo. It has a comfortable seat that reclines fully and has plenty of padding to keep your child comfortable. It can be used at birth, if you want to, with the addition a newborn cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller for everyday use. It features a compact fold that can be set upright when not in use. However it's not as straightforward to operate as some other models and can make a lot of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could wake up your baby.