Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to get on and off public transportation or can be tucked away in the back of cars. They are also very compact and lightweight which makes them ideal for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby has one of the smallest folds that we've ever seen. However, it has some limitations, including a small canopy and lack of storage.

Easy folding

Think about where and how you will use the pushchair before deciding one. When you are travelling with your baby on planes then a compact and light buggy is a good alternative. It can be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be able to be carried over the shoulder. Make sure you choose a one-handed fold that's easy to operate while holding your little one and a handle that is height-adjustable so parents and carers of different heights can comfortably use it. If you're planning on hiking with your baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential for maneuvering over uneven terrain. Other features worth a look include a recline that is deep for relaxing naps while on the move and an extendable canopy which provides additional sun protection.

Many pushchairs claim to be folded in one-hand, but it's best to test this out before purchasing to confirm it really is possible while also being able to hold your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be especially good with its clever mechanism that combines to a slimmer, sleeker package than an umbrella. It has a pocket to store keys and phones and a recliner for the seat that can be adjusted by just a single click.

Some of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth and offer an easy-to-leap seat or the option for an additional carrycot, so they're great for babies who prefer to sleep throughout the day. If you intend to use your travel system right from the beginning the one-click attachment system for a car seat for infants is also essential.

The smallest of the bunch, the Cybex Libelle, is an ideal choice for families who travel, as it folds even more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm thinner) and weighs less than 6kg, making it extremely easy to carry around. It is also very easy to use, with a one-hand fold and the seat can recline for toddler naps. This model is a great choice for hikers since it has a large front swivel tire which can handle any terrain.

One-Handed folding

When you're going for a stroll in the park, or cruising around town on public transport or heading off to exotic shores with baby in tow, it pays to have a stroller that folds effortlessly. Having to manage the child bags, keys, shopping bags and other everyday necessities while attempting to fold a complex travel system is not ideal and hence pushchairs with one hand strollers are often the most popular choice for parents.

Like the name suggests, a one-handed fold pushchair can be collapsed with just the press of one button or two. Some models require more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process means they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and store away. They are also lightweight which makes them easier to carry or store in tight spaces.

An excellent example is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. It is one of the simplest one-handed folds in our round-up, and features a quick and smooth operation that involves just pulling on a lever at the base of the chassis. It stands up in its own way when folded, making it perfect for stowing in the corner of a cafe or in the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that can be folded with one hand. This is one of the first compact-fold pushchairs buggies, and despite being larger than other models, it still has a neat, easy to use fold. It comes with a wide array of features, too such as a deep recline and an UPF 50+ canopy that can be expanded that's designed to keep your little one protected on sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are not suitable for toddlers or older infants However, there are a growing number of models that are designed to be used as early as birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat, and can come with the option of incorporating 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 popular. It's a little smaller fold than others, but it's still very easy to carry and fits in the cabin luggage allowance on the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

A holiday pushchair that folds is often very small and light. This is particularly true of umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh under 20 pounds. They are great for short walks on flat surfaces or pavements and also for transporting between your car and others houses. They're also a good option if you don't need an all-terrain stroller and prefer to use your pushchair parent facing only on flat surfaces.

Think about getting tyres that are air-filled If you intend to use your compact pushchair on uneven terrain, on sand or on muddy surfaces. They're a little heavier than regular tyres however they'll provide better traction and grip. It's important to note that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs were made for older toddlers and infants that could sit up on their own however, more are suitable from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have an area that can be laid flat and can be combined with a car seat for infants or an additional carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used with a stroller board, transforming into a double buggy. ideal to take Grandma or Grandad along too.

A lot of the top lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some are open and closed with the new born push chair of a button, while others feature more complicated mechanisms but they still take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs have a wrist band that allows you to hold the pushchair even when folded. This makes it easier to maneuver.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller packed with features. It also has a large basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge canopy that protects. It's also extremely light and comes with a handy bag.

Compact

When choosing a stroller, you must consider the size of the stroller when folded. Some pushchairs have a very compact fold, while others are bigger based on their overall size and features.

The compactness is essential when you are planning to travel with your stroller. Some models can fold down to a compact size or even into bags which makes them ideal for storage in the trunk of your car, or take on a plane. This is ideal if you plan to travel frequently or reside in an urban area, where you aren't able to carry a stroller that is larger all the time.

The most desirable pushchairs are those that have easy, hassle-free folding process that can be done by using only one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it stands out due to its unique design and its superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is a small fold that is slightly larger than the average hand luggage allowances, making it perfect to travel with. It can be used at the airport between taking off and catching it.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that offers more space. It has a comfortable seat that reclines completely and provides plenty of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition of a baby cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller that can be used for daily use. It is compact in fold that can be placed 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 make your baby scream.