Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are simple to take on public transportation or to fit in the back of your car. They are also extremely compact and lightweight which makes them perfect for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby has one of the most compact folds that we've ever seen. It does have some limitations including a small canopy, and no storage.

Folding is easy

When you're choosing a fold-up pushchair, you need to consider how and where you'll be using it. If you're taking your child on planes or train, a lightweight and compact buggy is a good choice. It will fit in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. Look out for a one-handed fold that's easy to operate while holding your little one and a handle that can be adjusted to height so that carers and parents of different heights can use it comfortably. If you're planning to go hiking with baby it is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Other features worth a look include a recline that is deep for comfortable naps on the go, and an extendable canopy that provides extra sun protection.

It's important to test the pushchairs before purchasing to make sure they fold easily with one hand while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be especially good, with its clever mechanism that folds down into a compact size that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a convenient compartment for keys and phones and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for children who like to sleep while on the move.

Some of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth, and include a flat seat that can be sat on or the option of an additional carrycot, which means they're perfect for infants who need to sleep during the daytime. If you're planning to use your travel system from the start the one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is also an essential feature.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the group. It folds even smaller than its counterpart, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and Pushchair For Twins is easy to carry with only 6kg. It is also easy to use, with a one-hand fold and the seat can recline to accommodate toddler napping. This model is also a good choice for hikers as it has an oversized front swivel wheel which can be used on any terrain.

One-Handed folding

It is always a good idea to have a folding pushchair, whether you're out on a stroll or taking public transport or flying to a different destination with your infant. It's not ideal to have to fold a complex travel system while trying to manage the child and all their essentials, like shopping bags, keys, and other things. This is the reason why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most popular option for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing the button or buttons. Some models require a bit more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process makes them still a breeze to carry and store away. They also tend to be light, making them easier to carry around or fit in tight spaces.

An excellent example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model features one of the easiest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round-up. It has an easy and smooth operation that involves just pulling an incline at the base of the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, which makes it ideal to store in the corner of a café or in a foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that can be folded with one hand. This is one of the original compact-fold pushchairs, and despite being bigger than some other options it still features a neat, easy to use fold. It also has a number of fantastic features, including the deep reclining seat as well as an expandable UPF50+ canopy to protect your child on sunny days.

Some of these compact-folded pushchairs are designed specifically for older babies and toddlers. However there are many options that can be used starting from the time of birth. These pushchairs have seats that can be completely or partially lied-flat, and some even 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 still a firm favourite. It's smaller than other buggy types, but is still easy to maneuver. It can be incorporated into the allowance for cabin baggage of many airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds down is usually very small and lightweight. This is particularly true for umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 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 on flat surfaces.

If you're planning to fold a compact pushchair when you're walking on sand or muddy surfaces, you should consider an air-filled tyre. They're a bit heavier than normal tyres, but they'll provide more grip and traction. The extra weight does add to the overall size of the pushchair however it's important to be aware of that.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs are made for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit on their own, but there are a growing number that can be used from birth. This includes models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, that has a lie-flat seating and the option of adding an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to create a travel system. Some compact-fold strollers are able to be converted into double buggys using the stroller board. This is great for Grandma and Grandad.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are very simple to operate. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed with the press of a single button. Others have more complex mechanisms, but still take up little space. Some even have a wrist strap that lets you your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded. This could make a significant difference in how easy it is to maneuver.

While some lightweight pushchairs can be quite basic and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a tiny stroller can be loaded with of features. There's also a decently-sized basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a massive canopy that protects. It's also light and comes with a convenient bag.

Compact

One of the most important aspects you will need to take into consideration when choosing a forward facing pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some pushchairs have a very compact fold, whereas others are larger depending on the overall size and features.

The compactness of a Pushchair for twins could be an important factor in the event that you are planning to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a smaller size or even bags making them easy to store in the trunk of your car or carry on the plane. This is perfect for those who travel frequently or reside in an urban area, where you aren't able to carry a stroller that is larger daily.

The most effective pushchairs to consider are those with a smooth, fuss-free folding process that can be done with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated but is unique due to its unique design and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO is a tiny fold and is only slightly larger than most hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect to travel with. It can be used at the gate between taking off and catching it.

If you are looking for a larger, compact pushchair, look at the Mamas and Papas Airo. This is a fantastic 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 of a baby cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller for use in the everyday. It has a compact fold that can be positioned upright when not in use. However it's not as simple to use as other models and it can create lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which may wake up your baby.