Compact Pushchair Reviews
If you’re using public transport or frequently travelling by car, a light compact stroller is a good choice. These strollers are simpler to fold and store and they’re also less likely to be damaged by baggage handlers.
These strollers that are lightweight offer modern convenience and are easy to navigate on cobblestones. Plus, they can be easily tucked away in overhead compartments of planes.
Lightweight
The best compact pushchairs fold easily and are easy to carry. They are usually simple to fold with just one hand and take up less room when folded than large buggies. This makes them a good alternative if you are limited in storage in your home or you are worried about space limitations when travelling particularly by plane.
They also have a small footprint when closed, which helps you to navigate tight spaces. They are a good choice if you live in an apartment or just want something nimble and lightweight for your daily walking. However, they may be uncomfortable for older children, especially if they require them to stretch their legs to get around.
There are a myriad of types of folds available, some can be completed with just one hand while others require two hands or more effort. Some are designed to be as compact as they can be, which means they will fit into the cabin baggage allowance of a variety of flights, or be carried on your back with a strap or handle.
In terms of a very light pushchair, our favorite is the Silver Cross Dune. The Silver Cross Dune is a compact pushchair that comes with all the thoughtful features and a smart design that you would expect from a brand with a long history. It features an easy-to-use fold, and like the Contours Itsy comes fully assembled inside the box. It’s a good choice for parents who plan to travel a lot with their baby and can be tucked away in the majority of car boot and trunk spaces.
Another option is an alternative is Cybex Mios, which straddles the two categories of pushchairs as a fully-functioning travel system with agility and a compact fold. It can be used from birth in parent-facing mode, and then changed to world-facing as your child gets older, and it also has a comfortable recline that’s suitable for napping. It’s not as compact as the Libelle however it’s smaller and is more suitable for use on flat surfaces. It’s not suited for rough terrain. Its other selling point is a very affordable price tag and excellent durability tests.
Easy to store
The Joie Pact Pro is the ideal travel stroller, HOMCOM Folding Baby Stroller in Vibrant Red up so small that it can be tucked away in an overhead compartment for luggage, Mamas And Papas Armadillo Pushchair: Lockable Wheels Black is so light that you’ll not even feel it in your car boot. It is also a good stroller to use for everyday use. Our tester Hollie found it easy to steer, even when juggling a one-year-old. She was impressed by the adjustable handle and lockable wheels but noted that it isn’t a particularly comfortable seat. She also likes the fact that you can add additional features like a reversible and washable seat cover, rain cover, and a foot muff.
The Babyzen YoYO is a different, impressively compact fold pushchair. It’s not as sleek as the Cybex Libelle but it’s still a neat package that can easily slide into trunks and car boot. It also has more options for newborns than other buggies, including the option of adding a bassinet or newborn cot, plus a bespoke ride-on board for older kids and a double seat adapter.
The YOYO is not the most compact buggy for driving on uneven or rough terrain. Its small wheels also do not perform as well as other models we’ve tested. But, it’s an extremely maneuverable pushchair and the YOYO does an excellent job of maneuvering narrow shopping aisles and muddy trails. It’s a good choice for a city break or holiday.
The Cosatto Bee6 offers a remarkably simple list of features at its competitive price. It folds down to the size and weight of a huge bag, and is easy to transport on planes and trains. It’s also easy to steer, and our MFM test rider Matt found it to be an absolute joy to steer even when a heavy toddler was on board. The hood is also a benefit, since it can be raised to shade you and protect from sun and rain. It’s also great for nap time. The only drawbacks are that it lacks under-seat storage and you’ll need to carry or delicately drape a bag on the handlebar (against our expert advice!). Alternately, you can buy a separately sold changing bag holder to make this an ideal holiday buggy.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The wheels on compact pushchairs may look small, but they usually are surprisingly efficient, navigating narrow shopping aisles or rough terrain with ease. The Micralite is a prime example, despite having tiny wheels, it navigates bumpy pavements with ease and is able to turn sharply on narrow streets and even can handle some lightly sand without much difficulty. It also has a smooth steering system and is easy to steer with one hand. It folds up into a neat and compact package that is easily stored in its accompanying carrying case.
The majority of compact pushchairs are made for toddlers and older infants however, an increasing number offer a lie-flat seat or the option to add an additional carrycot (or baby car seat) to ensure they are suitable from the time of birth. These Z fold buggies are typically very light and weigh between 6 and 8 kg. They are also certified for use in the cabin by a variety of airlines. MFM Editor Gemma says she has used it on numerous occasions and has found it easy to use and to store.
If you are looking for a compact fold, then the YOYO is an excellent option. It was the first buggy to feature this feature. It’s still a preferred choice among parents, who prefer it over its imitators because of its clever details and superior functionality. It’s a great choice for frequent travelers, especially when they want to stay clear of the stress of waiting in lines at baggage collection by taking their stroller with them.
The YOYO also comes in an extremely compact size, fitting into the bag with ease, and even some space to spare. It’s a great choice for frequent travelers, particularly those who have to pack a lot of things in their luggage. Additionally, it’s extremely versatile – you can buy various accessories to it like baby bassinets, a bespoke ride-on boards and a twin travel bundles that turn it into the form of a tandem. You can also buy an umbrella and rain cover for added peace of mind.
Confortable
Hollie Our reviewer, Hollie, recommends the Silver Cross model to parents looking for a lightweight compact pushchair. It’s easy-to-use and fits in the trunk of your car. Its maneuverability and reclined seat are among the top in our tests. It also boasts a useful tray for parents and a storage basket that fits a small backpack, plus it comes with great sun-cover options (including the Hood) and straps with padding that make your child to feel comfortable.
Some compact-fold pushchairs fold so tiny that they’re certified for use in air nania romy travel system 3 in 1 – grey: ultimate baby travel companion, making them ideal if you frequently travel or have a limited car storage space. They are usually lightweight so they’re easy to carry. They can also be used as a travel system when you choose a model that has a lie-flat seating option or an infant ‘pod’.
When looking for a travel stroll, it is crucial to remember that not all models of buggy are created equal. Some manufacturers claim that their compact folding pushchairs fold easily with just one hand. Others might require more effort or two hands to fold it. It is also worth checking if the buggy has a seat recline. Some are completely flat with a slight recline, while others have a slight recline that could be suitable for toddlers but not younger babies.
Make sure the model you pick is appropriate for your travel plans. For example, if you’re going to a hot destination, you should look for models with mesh fabric vented to keep your child cool. If you’re heading somewhere that’s stormy or rainy, you should make sure that your pushchair comes with an appropriate cover. Generic covers will not fit and may let water in.
