Compact Pushchair Reviews
A compact stroller that is lightweight will be the ideal choice for those who often travel via public transport or by car. They are easy to fold and store and they’re less likely to be damaged by baggage handlers.
These strollers are lightweight and offer modern convenience and are easy to maneuver on cobblestones. Plus, they can be easily tucked away into overhead compartments on planes.
Lightweight
The most compact pushchairs are easy to carry, and even more importantly, simple to fold. They’re usually easy to fold in one hand and take up less room when folded than large buggies. They’re a great option if you don’t have much space in your home, or if you’re concerned about space restrictions when traveling.
Some have a tiny footprint when they are closed, which makes them perfect for small spaces. These are usually the ideal choice if you reside in an apartment or simply want something light and lightweight for day-to-day walking. However, they can be less comfortable for older children, especially if they need to extend their legs in order to get around.
There are a variety of different fold types on the market, with some being truly one-handed and others requiring an extra effort or two hands to complete. Some are designed to fit within the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on a variety of flights, or can be carried over your shoulder using straps or handles.
Silver Cross Dune is our preferred lightweight pushchair. The Silver Cross Dune is a compact pushchair that offers all the thoughtful features and a smart design you’d expect from a brand with a long history. It also features an user-friendly fold, and just similar to the Contours Itsy, it comes with the complete set. It’s a great choice for parents who plan to travel a lot with their infant and can be tucked away in the majority of car boot spaces and trunk spaces.
The Cybex Mios is another option. It bridges the two types of pushchairs as a fully-functioning system that is nimble. It can be used from birth in parent-facing mode and then switched to world-facing as your child gets older, and it also has a comfortable recline that is nap-worthy. It isn’t quite as compact as the Libelle however it comes in smaller size and is much easier to use on flat surfaces. It’s not ideal for rough terrain, however. Another benefit is the low cost and outstanding tests of durability.
Easy to store
The Joie Pact Pro is the ideal travel stroller, folding down so small that it fits into an overhead luggage compartment and is so light that you’ll barely notice it in your car boot. It’s also a great day-to-day stroller and our tester Hollie found it easy to steer even while juggling her one-year-old. She was impressed by the adjustable handle, lockable wheels and the reclining seat. However, she noted that it wasn’t particularly comfortable. She also likes that you can add extras like a reversible and washable seat cover, rain cover and an ear muff for feet.
The Babyzen Fold pushchair from YOYO is another stroller that folds down compactly. It’s not as streamlined as the Cybex Libelle but it’s still a neat package that can be easily slid into trunks and car boot. It also gives more newborn options than some other buggies for travel, including the option of adding the bassinet or cot for newborns as well as a custom ride-on board for older kids and a double seat adapter.
The YOYO isn’t the most compact buggy to drive on uneven or rough terrain. The wheels are small and do not perform as well as other models that we have test. It’s still a mobile pushchair, and the YOYO is a shrewd choice for navigating narrow aisles and slippery pathways. It’s ideal for a holiday or city break.
The Cosatto Bee6 offers a remarkably simplified list of features for its competitive price. It can fold down to the size of a backpack and weighs just 6kg, so it’s an easy to carry on trains and planes. It’s also easy to steer, and our MFM tester Matt found it to be an absolute joy to steer even with a large toddler was aboard. The hood is also a advantage, as it can be raised to provide shade and protection from sun and rain. It’s ideal for napping. Its only downside is that there’s no storage under the seat and you must carry or hang your bag on the handlebars (against expert advice!). You can also purchase a separate changing bag holder for this buggy to make it a perfect holiday buggy.
Easy to manoeuvre
The wheels on Small Pushchair pushchairs might appear small, but they usually are surprisingly efficient, navigating narrow aisles of shopping or rough terrain effortlessly. The Micralite is a perfect example, despite having tiny wheels, it navigates rough roads with ease and turns swiftly on narrow streets and even can handle some lightly sand without a lot of difficulty. It features a smooth steering system that is easy to operate with only one hand. It folds into an attractive and compact box that fits snugly inside the carrying case.
The majority of compact pushchairs were created for toddlers or older children. However increasing numbers of them have an option to lie flat or the option to add a carrycot (or car seat) to allow them to be used from the time of birth. These Z fold buggies are typically very light and weigh between 6 and 8 kg. They can also be certified for use in the cabin by a variety of airlines. MFM Editor Gemma says she has used it on numerous occasions and is able to use and to store.
If you’re in search of a truly compact fold, the YOYO is the top of the compact category and was the first strollers of this type. It’s still a popular choice for parents who prefer it over its competitors due to its innovative design and superior functionality. It’s a great option for frequent travellers particularly if you wish to avoid the stress of waiting for baggage checkpoints and instead bring your stroller along with you.
The YOYO also comes in a very compact size, fitting into its carry bag easily and with some space to spare. This makes it an ideal option for frequent travellers, especially those who need to pack a lot in their luggage. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can buy many accessories, such as a newborn baby bassinet, bespoke riding board, and twin travel bundles to transform it into tandem. You can also buy rain covers and hoods to ensure your safety.
Confortable
If you’re a parent looking for a light compact pushchair that’s simple to operate and fits into the trunk of their vehicle, our review expert, Hollie, recommends this Silver Cross model. The Silver Cross model’s maneuverability and reclining chair were among the top of our tests. It also boasts a useful parent’s tray and storage basket that fits the size of a backpack, and it’s got great sun cover options (including the one-piece hood) and padded straps that help your child feel comfy.
Some compact-folding pushchairs fold down to a size that makes them certified for use in air travel and are ideal for when you’re travelling often or have a limited car storage space. They’re usually light so they’re easy to carry. They can also be used as a travel system, when you choose a model with a lie-flat seat, or a baby “pod”.
When you are looking for a good excursion, it’s crucial to remember that not all models of a buggy are made equal. Some manufacturers claim that their compact folding pushchairs pushchairs are able to fold using just one hand. Others may require more effort or two hands to fold it. Make sure the seat reclines. Some are completely flat, while others only have an occasional recline. This is a good thing for toddlers, but not suitable for younger children.
You should also check whether the model you’re considering is specifically designed for the kind of travel you’re planning on doing, such as if you’re going somewhere hot you should look for one with a vented mesh fabric to keep your child cool. If you’re planning to travel somewhere that is stormy or rainy it is essential to ensure that your pushchair comes with an appropriate cover. The covers that come with generic ones won’t fit and may let water in.
