Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to hop on and off public transport or fit into the back of cars. They are also very lightweight and compact making them ideal to travel with planes.
This UPPAbaby is one of the smallest folds we’ve ever seen. However, it has some limitations, like a small canopy and no storage.
Ease of Folding
When selecting a fold-up pushchair egg, you need to think about where and how you’re going to be using it. If you’re traveling with your child on a plane or train, a lightweight and compact buggy will be a great alternative. It will fit in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried on the shoulder. Find a one-handed fold that’s easy to operate while holding your little one and a handle that is height-adjustable so that carers and parents of different heights can enjoy it comfortably. If you’re planning on hiking with baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential for maneuvering over uneven terrain. Be sure to look for features like a deep recline to allow the baby to sleep comfortably while on the move and an extended sun canopy.
It is essential to test pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was rated highly by our test participants, due to its clever mechanism that creates a compact package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy pocket to store keys and phone and an easy recline seat that’s ideal for children who prefer to nap in the middle of the road.
Some of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are made to be used right from birth and offer an easy-to-leap seat or an option to add an additional carrycot, so they’re perfect for infants who need to sleep during the daytime. If you plan to use your travel system from the beginning, a single click attachment system for an Infant Car Seat is essential.
The smallest of the bunch is the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families because it folds more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller), and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely easy to carry. It’s also incredibly easy to use, using a simple one-hand fold and recline which is perfect for naps with toddlers. This model is also a great option for hikers since it comes with an extra-large front swivel wheel that can tackle any terrain.
One-Handed folding
It’s always a good idea to have a foldable pushchair, whether you are walking around or taking public transport or flying to a different country with your child. It can be difficult to manage the child keys, shopping bags, keys and other everyday necessities while trying to fold a complex travel system isn’t ideal and hence pushchairs with one hand strollers are often the most popular choice for parents.
As the name suggests, a one-handed fold pushchair can be folded down with the touch of one or two buttons. Some models require more effort, or even two hands, but the convenience of the process means that they are still easy to handle and stow away. They are also light, making it easier to carry or to store in small space.
An excellent example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. It is one of the easiest one-handed folds we’ve seen in our round-up, and features the speedy and smooth operation that involves just pulling on a lever at the base of the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, making it perfect to store in the corner of a café or in a foyer.
The Bugaboo Bee is another model that folds with one hand. It’s one of the first compact fold pushchairs, and despite being bigger than some other options, it still has a simple, easy to use fold. It comes with a wide array of features, too such as a deep recline and an UPF 50+ canopy that can be expanded designed to keep your baby safe on hot days.
Some of these pushchairs are only suitable for older babies or toddlers, but there are a growing number of models that are designed to be used from birth. These pushchairs have seats that can be completely or partially lie-flat and some even come with an infant car seat. MFM’s Gemma has travelled with her son in a Babyzen YOYO, one of the very first buggys of its kind. It is still a popular. It’s a little less compact than some other buggys but it’s still very easy to handle. It fits in the cabin baggage allowance of most airlines.
Lightweight
When a pushchair folds down it takes up a tiny space, and it’s often very light too. This is especially the case for umbrella-folded pushchairs which weigh less than 20 pounds. They are ideal for short walks on pavements and flat surfaces and for a quick transfer between your vehicle and other people’s houses. They’re also a great choice if you do not need an all-terrain stroller and prefer to use your pushchair only on flat surfaces.
Think about getting tyres that are air-filled if you plan to use your compact folding pushchair in uneven terrain, on sand or on slippery surfaces. These are a bit heavier than standard tyres but they’ll provide better grip and traction. The extra weight will add to the overall pushchair size though, so it’s important to think about this.
A lot of Lightweight Pushchair pushchairs are made for older children and toddlers who are able to sit on their own, but a growing number are suitable for babies from the time of birth. They include models such as the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to create an entire travel system. Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to work with a stroller board to transform them into a double-buggy – great for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.
Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed with the press of one button. Others feature more intricate mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some even have a strap on the wrist that allows you to the pushchair in place even when it’s folded. This can make a huge difference to how easy it is to move around.
While some lightweight pushchairs can be quite basic, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a super-compact stroller can come with a wealth of features. There’s also a decently-sized basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents), and a large canopy that protects. It’s also light and comes with a convenient bag.
Compact
One of the main things you will need to consider when selecting the right pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some have a very small fold, while others are larger, according to their overall dimensions and the features they include.
The compactness of a pushchair could be a consideration when you plan to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a smaller size, or even into bags which makes them easy to store in the boot of your car or carry on the plane. This is a great option for those who travel often or live in a city area where you won’t be able to carry a stroller that is larger all the time.
The best pushchairs have an easy, simple fold process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its kind and has been a model of imitation since, but it still stands apart thanks to its unique features and superior performance.
The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively small fold that is slightly larger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, making it ideal to travel with. It can even be taken to the airport and used between taking off and catching your flight.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact pushchair that provides more space. This is a fantastic seat that reclines fully and provides plenty of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition a baby cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller that can be used for daily use. It features a compact fold that can be set upright when not in use. It’s not as easy-to-use as other models, and it’s able to make a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This could make your baby scream.
