Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to get on and off public transport, or can be tucked away in the back of a car. They are also very lightweight and compact making them ideal for travel by plane.
This UPPAbaby model has one of the most eye-catching compact folds we’ve seen. However, it has some limitations, like a small canopy and no storage.
Ease of folding
When selecting a fold-up pushchair, it’s important to take into consideration where and how you’ll be using it. If you’re traveling with your baby on an airplane, a compact and lightweight buggy will be a great option. It can be tucked away in the overhead compartments for luggage and is small enough to be able to be carried over the shoulder. Find a one-handed fold that’s easy to operate while holding your child and a handle that can be adjusted to height so that carers and parents of different heights can use it comfortably. If you’re going to be walking with your baby it is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Be sure to look for features like an extended recline that allows the baby to sleep comfortably while you’re moving and an extended sun canopy.
Many pushchairs claim to be able to be folded in one-hand however, it’s a good idea to test it prior to purchasing to make sure it really is feasible while being able to hold your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was reviewed highly by our reviewers, due to its clever mechanism that creates a compact package that is smaller than an umbrella. It has a pocket that can store keys and phones, and a seat recliner that can be adjusted by a single touch.
A few of the smallest fold-up pushchairs can be used from the moment of birth. They have the option of a lying flat seat, or carrying cots. This is perfect for infants who prefer to sleep throughout the daytime. If you intend to use your travel system right from the beginning, a one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is also an essential feature.
The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the bunch. It folds down even smaller than its rival, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry with only 6kg. It’s also extremely easy to use, with a straightforward one-hand fold and recline that is ideal for toddler napping. This model is a great option for hikers since it has a large front swivel tire that is able to handle any terrain.
One-Handed Folding
Whether you’re out for a stroll in the park, whizzing around the city on public transport, or heading off to exotic shores with your baby it’s important to have a pushchair that folds easily. The pressure of managing children bags, keys, shopping bags and other essentials of everyday life while attempting to fold a complicated travel system is not ideal and hence pushchairs with one hand strollers are typically the most preferred choices for parents.
One-handed fold pushchairs can collapse by pressing one or more buttons. Certain models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this process makes them easy to handle and to store. They also tend to be lightweight, making them easier to transport around or fitting in small spaces.
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is a good illustration. This model features one of the most simple one-handed folds that we have seen in our round up, with the speedy 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 a corner of a café or a foyer.
The Bugaboo Bee is another model that can be folded using just one hand. It’s among the first compact-fold pushchairs. While it’s larger than other options the Bugaboo Bee still has an easy-to-use, compact fold. It has a great range of features,, including a deep recline and an expandable UPF 50+ canopy that’s designed to keep your little one safe on hot days.
Some of these pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older children However, there are a growing number of models that are designed to be used from the time of birth. These pushchairs come with a seat that can be fully or partially lie-flat and some include an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is among the original buggys of this type and still a favorite. It’s smaller than other buggy models however it’s still a breeze to maneuver. It is able to fit in the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on most airlines.
Lightweight
When a pushchair folds down it takes up a tiny space, and is often very light too. It’s especially the case for umbrella-folded pushchairs which weigh less than 20 pounds. They are ideal for short walks on flat surfaces and pavements as well as for a simple way to get between your car and homes of other people. These are also a good choice if you do not need an all-terrain stroller, and prefer to use your stroller only on flat surfaces.
If you want to use a compact fold-away pushchair when you’re walking on muddy or sand surfaces, you should consider an air-filled tyre. These are a bit heavier than regular tyres however they’ll provide more traction and grip. It’s important to note that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair stroller.
Many of the lightweight pushchairs are made for older infants and toddlers who can sit up on their own, however there are a growing number that can be used from the age of. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a lie-flat seating area and can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat or a carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-fold strollers can be transformed into double buggys with the help of a stroller board. This is great for Grandma and Grandad.
Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are very simple to operate. Some can be opened or closed at the touch of a button, whereas others have more intricate mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs feature wrist bands that allow users to hold the pushchair even when folded. This can make it easier to maneuver.
The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller packed with features. There’s a decent-sized storage basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebar height (for tall and short parents) as well as a reclining seat and a huge canopy for protection. It’s also light and comes in a handy bag.
Compact
One of the main things you need to be aware of when choosing a pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some pushchairs are very compact fold, whereas others are larger depending on the overall dimensions and features.
A pushchair’s compactness may also be a consideration if you intend to travel with it. There are models that fold down to the smallest size and can even be folded into a pouch, so they can be easily tucked away in the back of a car or taken on a plane as baggage in the cabin. If you are planning to travel often or live in a place where you don’t have a stroller, this is the perfect option for you.
Some of the best pushchairs to consider are those that have easy, hassle-free folding process that can be done using just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first in its class and has been imitated since, but it still is a standout due to its unique features and superior functionality.
The Babyzen YOYO is a tiny fold and is only slightly bigger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, making it ideal to travel with. It can be utilized at the gate between taking off and catching it on the way back.
For a more spacious compact pushchair, look at the Mamas and Papas Airo. It has a comfortable seat that can recline 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 Pushchairsandprams carrycot pack (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today light buggy that folds down to a very compact fold and can be set up straight when not in use. However it’s not as straightforward to use as other models and it can create lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could awake your baby.
