Compact Pushchair Reviews

A compact and lightweight stroller can be the ideal choice for you if you often travel via public transport or by car. These strollers are easy to fold and store and less likely to be damaged by baggage handlers.

These lightweight travel strollers offer modern convenience and are easy to maneuver on cobblestones. Plus, they can be easily tucked away into overhead compartments on planes.

Lightweight

The best compact pushchairs are lightweight to carry and, more importantly, simple to fold. They're usually simple to fold with just one hand and take up less room when folded than full size buggies. They are a good choice when you don't have lots of space in your home, or you're concerned about space limitations when traveling.

Some also have a very small footprint when closed, which makes it easier to maneuver through tight spaces. These are usually the ideal option if you reside in an apartment or just want something nimble and lightweight for day-to-day walking. However, they can be uncomfortable for older children if you have to extend their legs in order to move around.

There are a myriad of types of folds to choose from, some can be accomplished with just one hand, while others require two hands or more effort. Some are designed to fit in the baggage allowance for cabins on many flights, and can be carried on your shoulder using a strap or handle.

If you're looking for a light pushchair, our top pick is the Silver Cross Dune. It has all the sophisticated design and thoughtful features you would expect from the storied brand however, it comes in a smaller size. It also comes with an user-friendly fold, and just similar to the Contours Itsy, it comes in a box that is fully assembled. It's a great option for parents who intend to travel a lot with their baby and can be tucked away in the majority of car boot and trunk spaces.

Another good option is another option is the Cybex Mios, which straddles both categories of pushchair as an all-purpose travel system that has mobility and a small fold. It can be utilized from birth in a parent-facing mode and then switched to a world-rear facing pushchair mode as your child grows older, and it also has a comfortable recline that is nap-worthy. It's not as compact as the Libelle however it's smaller and more comfortable to use on flat surfaces. It's not ideal for rough terrain, though. The price is reasonable and the durability tests are top-notch.

Easy to store

The Joie Pact Pro is the ideal travel stroller, folding up so small that it fits into an overhead compartment for luggage, and it weighs so little that you'll not even notice it in your car boot. It's also a great day-today stroller and our test driver Hollie found it easy to steer even while juggling her one-year-old. She was impressed by the adjustable handle with lockable wheels, as well as the reclined seat. However, she said that it was not very comfortable. She also likes that you can add other features like a reversible, washable seat cover, rain cover and an ear muff for feet.

The Babyzen Fold Pushchair With Car Seat from YOYO is another compact folding stroller. It's not as streamlined as the Cybex Libelle but it's still a neat package that can be easily slid into car boot and trunks. It also gives more options for newborns than other travel buggies, with the option to add an infant cot or bassinet, plus a bespoke ride-on board designed for older children and a tandem double seat adapter.

The YOYO is not the most compact buggy to drive on uneven or rough terrain. Its small wheels also do not perform as well as other models we've test. It's still a mobile pushchair, and the YOYO is a shrewd choice for navigating narrow aisles and muddy paths. It's perfect for a city break or a holiday.

The Cosatto Bee6 offers a remarkably streamlined list of features for its price. It can be folded to the size and weight of a big bag and is easy to carry on trains and planes. It's also a breeze to operate and our MFM reviewer Matt was a joy to steer, even with a heavy toddler on board. The hood is a plus, as it can be raised to provide shade and protection from sun and rain. It's perfect for napping. The only drawback is that there's no under-seat storage and you must carry or carefully hang your bag over the handlebars (against the advice of a professional!). You can also buy a separate changing bag holder for this buggy to make it a perfect holiday buggy.

Easy to Manoeuvre

The wheels on small pushchairs might appear small, but they often do surprisingly well, and can navigate narrow aisles of shopping or rough terrain easily. The Micralite is a perfect example of this - despite having small wheels, it can handle bumpy pavements with ease and turns swiftly on narrow roads and is able to handle light gravel without a lot of difficulty. It features an easy-to-use steering system that is simple to operate using only one hand. It folds into an attractive and compact box which fits perfectly inside the carrying case.

Most compact pushchairs were made for older babies or toddlers. However, a growing number of them have an option for lying flat or the option of adding a carrycot (or car seat) so that they can be used from the moment of birth. These clever concertina or Z-fold buggies are typically light at 6-8kg and are able to be cabin-approved on many airlines, making them ideal for travel. MFM Editor Gemma has used hers on numerous occasions and says it's incredibly easy to use and pack away.

If you're looking for a small fold, the YOYO is the pinnacle of the compact category and was the first buggy of this type. It's still a highly sought-after choice, with many parents preferring it over its rivals thanks to its clever details and superior performance. It's a great option for frequent travellers particularly if you wish to avoid the stress of waiting in line at baggage checkpoints and instead bring your stroller along with you.

The YOYO is extremely compact and can fit into the carrying bag easily and with plenty of room. It is a great option for frequent travelers, particularly those who have to pack lots of things into their luggage. It's also extremely adaptable. You can buy many accessories, such as a newborn bassinet for babies, a bespoke riding boards and twin travel bundles to turn it into a tandem. Additionally, you can purchase an umbrella and rain cover for extra peace of mind.

Comfortable

If you're a parent looking for a light compact pushchair that is easy to use and fits in the trunk of their car, our review expert, Hollie, recommends this Silver Cross model. Its maneuverability and reclining seat are among the top in our tests. It also boasts a useful tray for parents and a storage basket that fits small backpacks, and it's got great sun cover options (including the one-piece hood) and padded straps that help your child be comfortable.

Some compact-fold pushchairs fold down so tiny that they're suitable for air travel in a cabin pushchair, making them ideal if you travel frequently or have a small car boot space. They're typically lightweight so they're easy to carry around, and can be used with a travel system, if you choose a version with a lie-flat seat unit or comes with an optional baby pod or one of two luxury folding carrycots.

When looking for a trip, it's important to remember that not all buggy models are created to be the same. Certain brands claim that their compact-folding pushchairs can easily be folded using just one hand. Others might require more effort or two hands to fold it. Check if the buggy's seat reclines. Some are flat, while others only have an occasional recline. This is a good thing for toddlers, but not suitable for younger babies.

Check that the model you choose is appropriate for your travel plans. For instance, if you're going to a hot destination then you should choose a model with a mesh fabric vented to keep your child cool. If you're heading somewhere that's wet or windy it is essential to ensure that your pushchair comes with an appropriate cover. Covers that are generic won't fit and could let water in.