Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

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

This UPPAbaby model is among the most attractive compact folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations, including a small canopy and lack of storage.

Ease of folding

When you're choosing a fold-up pushchair, it's important to consider how and where you're going to be using it. When you are travelling with your baby on planes or train, a lightweight and compact buggy will be a great choice. It can fit into the overhead compartments for luggage and is small enough to be carried on the shoulder. You should look for a buggy that can fold with one hand while holding your child. It should have a handle that is adjustable in height, so that caregivers and parents with different heights are able to use it comfortably. A lock wheel that swivels is essential if you are planning to hike with your baby. It will assist you to navigate through uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a recline that is deep for comfortable naps on the go, and an extendable canopy which provides additional sun protection.

It is essential to test pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure that they can be folded with one hand while holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be particularly impressive thanks to its innovative mechanism that concertinas down into a compact size that is smaller than an umbrella. It comes with a pocket to store keys and phones, and a seat recliner that can be adjusted by a single touch.

Some of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth and offer an easy-to-leap seat or the option for an additional carrycot, which means they're great for babies who want to rest during the daytime. If you intend to use your travel system from the beginning, a single click attachment system for your infant Car Seat is a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and most lightweight of the bunch. It folds even smaller than its YOYO2 counterpart the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at just 6kg. It's also incredibly easy to use, with a straightforward one-hand fold and seat recline that is ideal for toddler napping. This model is a great option for hikers, as it comes with a huge front swivel tire that can take on any terrain.

One-Handed folding

When you're going for a stroll through the park, whizzing around the city on public transport, or heading to distant shores with a baby it's important to have a pushchair that folds up easily. It's not ideal to fold a complicated travel system while trying to manage the child and all their necessities, including keys, shopping bags, and other items. This is the reason why one-handed strollers and pushchairs are the most preferred choice for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing a button or buttons. Some models might require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this method makes them easy to use and store. They are also light, making them easier to transport around or fitting into small spaces.

One of the best examples is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. This model has one of the simplest one-handed folds in our round-up, and features an easy and smooth operation that involves only pulling on an incline at the base of the chassis. It also stands on its own, making it perfect for storing in the corner of a café or foyer.

Another model with an easy, one-handed fold up pushchair is the Bugaboo Bee. This is one of the original compact fold pushchairs, and despite being larger than other models it has a neat, easy to fold. It also has a number of excellent features, such as an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an expandable UPF50+ canopy to protect your child during sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are only suitable for toddlers or older children however, there is numerous models that are designed to be used from the time of birth. These pushchairs have seats that can be fully or partially lied-flat and some come with a baby car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO which is among the first buggys of this kind and is still a firm favourite. It's a little smaller fold than others, but it's very easy to handle and fits into the allowance for cabin luggage on a majority of airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down, it takes up very little space, and is often very light as well. This is especially true for umbrella-fold pushchairs, which usually weigh less than 20 pounds. These are ideal for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transportation between your car and other houses. They're also a great option if you don't want to buy an all-terrain pushchair and are comfortable with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.

You should consider buying tyres with air If you intend to use your compact pushchair on difficult terrain, on sand, or on slippery surfaces. These tyres are heavier, but they provide greater grip and traction. The extra weight does add to the overall pushchair walker size though it's important to think about this.

A majority of pushchairs that are lightweight are made for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit on their own, however many are now suitable from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have an area that can be laid flat and can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat or additional carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-fold pushchairs are designed to work with a stroller board to transform them into a double buggy - perfect for taking Grandma or Grandad along.

A lot of the top lightweight pushchairs are simple to operate. Some can be opened or closed with the push of a button, while others have more complex mechanisms, but they take up very little space. Some pushchairs come with wrist bands that allow users to hold the holiday pushchair even when it's folded. This makes it easier to maneuver.

While some lightweight pushchairs are quite basic, 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, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents) and a huge canopy that protects. It's also light and comes with a convenient bag.

Compact

One of the primary things you should consider when selecting a pushchair is the size of the forward facing pushchair when folded. Some have a very small fold while others are larger, dependent on their overall size and what features they include.

The compactness of a pushchair suitable from birth could be a consideration in the event that you are planning to travel with it. There are models that fold to an extremely compact size, and even into a pouch, which means they can be easily tucked away in the boot of a car or taken on an airplane as baggage for cabin use. This is ideal if you plan to travel frequently or live 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 that have an easy, effortless folding process that can be done using just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied, but it still is unique due to its clever details and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively compact fold and is slightly bigger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, making it perfect to travel with. It can be carried to the gate and used between taking off and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that offers more space. The seat reclines completely, and there's plenty of padding to keep your child feel comfortable. It can be used as early as birth, with the addition of a carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller for use in the everyday. It is compact in fold that can be set upright when not in use. However, it's not as easy to use as some models and can produce lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which can awake your baby.