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Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to hop on and off public transportation or fit in the back of the car. They are also light and compact which makes them ideal to travel with planes.

This UPPAbaby is one of the most compact folds we’ve seen. But it comes with some limitations, such as a tiny canopy and no storage.

Easy folding

When you’re choosing a fold-up pushchair, it’s important to think about where and how you’re going to be using it. If you’re planning to travel with your baby on a plane an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is a great option as it can be tucked in the overhead luggage compartments and is typically small enough to be carried on your shoulder when unfolded. You should choose an infant stroller that can fold with one hand while holding your child. It must also have a handle that is adjustable in height, so that parents and caregivers of different heights are able to use it comfortably. A lock that can swivel is essential if you are planning to take your Baby Jogger City Sights Stroller And Carrycot: Reversible on a hike. It will help you navigate uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a deep recline for comfortable naps on the go, and an extendable canopy that offers sun protection.

It’s important to test the pushchairs before buying to make sure that they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be particularly impressive, with its clever mechanism that combines to a slimmer, sleeker package than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy compartment for keys and phones and a one-touch seat recline that’s ideal for kids who prefer to nap in the middle of the road.

A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth, and include a lie-flat seat or the option for an additional carrycot, which means they’re perfect for infants who need to rest during the daytime. If you’re planning to utilize your travel system from the beginning, a one click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is essential.

The smallest of the group, the Cybex Libelle, is an excellent choice for families with a tendency to travel because it folds more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm less) and weighs less than 6kg, making it extremely easy to carry around. It is also easy to use, with a one-hand fold and the seat reclines to accommodate toddler napping. This model is a great option for hikers, as it has a large front swivel tire that can handle any terrain.

One-Handed folding

When you’re going for a stroll in the park, speeding around town on public transport or heading to distant shores with baby in tow it’s important to have a pushchair that folds up easily. Having to manage the child bags, keys, shopping bags and other necessities of daily life while trying to fold a complex travel system is not ideal, so one-handed pushchairs and strollers are often the most preferred choices for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be folded by pressing a button or buttons. Some models require a bit more effort or even two hands, but the convenience of the process means they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and store away. They are also lightweight, making it easier to carry around or store in small space.

The G-Luxe from UPPAbaby is a great example. It is one of the most simple one-handed folds that we have seen in our round up, with a quick and smooth operation that involves only pulling on the lever on the bottom of the chassis. It stands in its own way when folded, too and is ideal to store in the corner of a cafe or in the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that can be folded using just one hand. It’s one of the first compact-fold pushchairs, and despite being larger than some other options it still features an elegant, simple to use fold. It also has a range of fantastic features, including an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an expandable UPF50+ canopy to keep your child covered during sunny days.

Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are not suitable for older babies or toddlers However, there are a growing number of models that can be used from birth. These have a full or partial lie-flat seat and could include the option of an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is one of the first buggys of this kind and is still a favorite. It has a slightly smaller and less compact fold than other models, but it’s very easy to handle and fits into the allowance for cabin luggage on the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down, it takes up a tiny space, and is usually very light too. This is particularly the case for umbrella-folded pushchairs which weigh less than 20 pounds. They are ideal for short walks on pavements and flat surfaces as well as for a simple way to get between your car and the homes of others. They’re also a great option when you don’t wish to buy an all-terrain pushchair and are comfortable with your pushchair suitable from birth on flat surfaces.

If you want to fold a compact pushchair when you’re walking on muddy or sandy surfaces, you should consider an air-filled tyre. They’re a bit heavier than standard tyres but they’ll provide better grip and traction. The extra weight adds to the overall size of the pushchair however it’s important to keep that in mind.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs are made for older infants and toddlers that can sit up on their own, but there are a growing number that can be used for babies from the age of. They include models such as the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to make an entire travel system. Some compact-fold pushchairs are designed to be used with a stroller board, transforming them into a double-buggy – great for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

A lot of the top strollers that are lightweight are simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed by pressing a single button. Others have more complex mechanisms, yet they take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs have wrist bands that allow you to hold the pushchair even when folded. This makes it easier to move.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller packed with features. There’s a decent-sized storage basket with plenty of padding, adjustable height of the handlebar (for parents who are tall and short) as well as a reclining seat and a huge canopy for protection. It’s also very lightweight and comes with a handy bag.

Compact

When selecting a stroller, you should consider how compact it is when folded. Some pushchairs have a very compact fold, whereas others are larger depending on their overall size and features.

The compactness is essential if you plan to travel with your stroller. Some models can fold down to a smaller size or even bags which makes them easy to store in the trunk of your car, or take on the plane. This is a great option if you plan to travel often or live in a city area where you can’t take a larger stroller with you all the time.

The best pushchairs are those that have an easy, simple fold process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it stands out thanks to its unique design and its superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is a great choice for travel due to its an extremely small and only slightly larger than the average allowance for hand luggage. It can be carried to the airport and used between the boarding process and getting your flight.

For a more spacious and compact pushchair, consider the Mamas and Papas Airo. It has a comfortable seat that reclines fully and has plenty of padding to keep your child comfy. It can be used from birth with the addition of an infant cocoon or carrycot pack (not included).

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