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Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to get on and off public transport, or can be tucked away in the back of the car. They are also lightweight and compact, making them perfect to travel with planes.

This UPPAbaby model has one of the most eye-catching compact folds we’ve seen. It has a few limitations, including a tiny canopy, and there’s no storage.

Ease of Folding

When choosing a fold up pushchair, you must think about where and how you’ll be using it. If you’ll be travelling with baby by plane an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is a great choice as it can fit in the overhead luggage compartments, and is usually small enough to be carried on the shoulder when unfolded. Look out for a one-handed fold that’s easy to operate while holding your child and a handle that can be adjusted to height so that carers and parents with different heights can enjoy it comfortably. If you’re planning on hiking with baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential for maneuvering over uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a recline that is deep for easy naps on the go, and an extendable canopy which provides additional sun protection.

It’s important to test the pushchairs before purchasing to make sure they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be particularly good thanks to its innovative mechanism that concertinas down into a slimline package smaller than an umbrella. It also has a convenient pocket to store keys and phone and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for kids who like to sleep while on the move.

A few of the smallest fold-up pushchairs can be used from the time of birth. They come with the option of a lying flat seat, or a carrycot. This is perfect for infants who prefer to sleep during the day. If you intend to use your travel system right from the beginning, a one-click attachment system for a car seat for infants is also essential.

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

One-Handed folding

If you’re taking a stroll in the park, or cruising around the city on public transport, or jetting off to foreign shores with a baby it’s important to have a pushchair that folds effortlessly. It’s not ideal to have to fold a complex travel system and manage a child and all of their necessities, including keys, shopping bags and other things. This is why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most sought-after option for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can collapse by pressing a button or buttons. Some models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the convenience of this process makes them easy to handle and put away. They are also lightweight and easy to transport or store in tight space.

A good example is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. This model is one of the most simple to fold using one hand in our roundup. It’s as simple as pulling a lever on the chassis. It stands up in its own way when folded, too making it perfect for stowing in the corner of a cafe or the foyer.

Another model that features an easy, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It’s one of the first pushchairs with a compact fold. Although it is larger than other options the Bugaboo Bee still has an easy-to-use, compact fold. It has a great range of features,, including a deep recline and an expandable UPF 50+ canopy that is designed to keep your child protected on sunny days.

Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older children however, there is numerous models that are designed to be used from birth. These pushchairs come with a seat that can be fully or partially lie-flat and some come with an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO which is among the original buggys of this kind and is remains a popular choice. It’s a little less compact fold than some other models, but it’s very easy to handle and fits in the allowance for cabin luggage on the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds, it occupies a small space, and is usually extremely light. It’s especially applicable to umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. These are ideal for short walks on flat surfaces or pavements and for transporting between your car and others houses. They’re also a good option for those who don’t want to purchase an all-terrain buggy but are content with your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you want to use a compact folding pushchair on uneven ground or on muddy or sand surfaces, you should consider an air-filled tyre. They’re a little heavier than normal tyres, but they’ll provide better grip and traction. The extra weight adds to the overall pushchair size however it’s crucial to keep that in mind.

A variety of lightweight pushchairs were created for toddlers and older infants that could sit up on their own, but more are now suitable for babies from birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be paired with a car seat for infants or a carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used in conjunction with the stroller board to turn them into a double buggy. great for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

Many of the best pushchair lightweight pushchairs are very simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed by pressing a single button. Others have more complex mechanisms, yet they take up little space. Some pushchairs come with a wrist band that allows you to hold the pushchair even when it’s folded. This makes it easier to maneuver.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a fantastic example of a compact stroller packed with features. There’s also a decently-sized basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents) and a huge protective canopy. Plus, it’s very lightweight and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

One of the main things you need to be aware of when choosing the right pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some models are very compact to fold, while others are larger, depending on their overall size and the features they have.

The compactness of a pushchair can be a factor to consider if you intend to travel with it. There are models that fold to the smallest size, and even into a pouch, so they can be easily tucked away in the back of a car, or taken on the plane as baggage for cabin use. If you plan to travel frequently or live in a city where you can’t use a large stroller it is the best option for you.

The most effective pushchairs have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first in its class and has been imitated since then, but it stands apart thanks to its unique features and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO is perfect for travel because it has folds that are incredibly tiny and is only slightly bigger than most hand luggage allowances. It can be used at the gate between the flight’s departure and landing it at the airport.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that offers more space. It has a comfortable seat that reclines completely and has plenty 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+ can also be used as a light stroller for use in the everyday. It is compact in fold that can be positioned upright when 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 wake up your baby.