Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs are easy to carry on public transport or even fit into the back of your car. They are also very compact and lightweight making them ideal to travel with planes.
This UPPAbaby model has one of the most attractive compact folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations, including a small canopy and no storage.
Ease of folding
When you're choosing a fold-up pushchair, it's important to take into consideration where and how you're going to be using it. If you're planning to travel with your baby on a plane an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is a good option as it can be tucked into the overhead compartments for luggage and is usually small enough to be carried on the shoulder when unfolded. Look out for a single-handed fold that is easy to operate while holding your little one and a height-adjustable handle to ensure that parents and caregivers of different heights can enjoy it comfortably. If you're planning to go walking with your baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential to maneuver over uneven terrain. Be sure to look for features like an extended recline that allows for a comfortable nap when you're on the move and an extendable sun canopy.
It's important to test the pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be especially good with its clever mechanism that folds down to a slimmer, sleeker package 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 while on the move.
Some of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth and come with a flat seat that can be sat on or an option to add an additional carrycot, so they're perfect for infants who prefer to rest during the day. If you intend to use your travel system right from the beginning, a single click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is a must.
The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the bunch. It folds down even smaller than its counterpart, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry with only 6kg. It's also super-easy to use, with a straightforward one-hand fold and seat recline which is perfect for naps with toddlers. This model is an excellent choice for hikers, as it has a large front swivel tire that is able to handle any terrain.
One-Handed Folding
It is always a good idea to have a folding pushchair, whether you're walking around or taking public transport or flying to a different destination with your infant. It's not a good idea to fold a complex travel system and manage a child and all of their essentials, like keys, shopping bags and other things. This is why pushchairs and strollers (pwi2.dragonicgames.com) that can be folded one hand are the most preferred option for parents.
One-handed fold pushchairs can be folded by pressing one or more buttons. Certain models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this method makes them easy to use and to store. They are also lightweight which makes them easier to carry around or store in small spaces.
A good example is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. This model is one of the easiest to fold with one hand in our roundup. It only requires pulling a lever on the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, making it ideal to store in a corner of a café or in a foyer.
Another model that has simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the first pushchairs that fold compactly. While it's larger than the other models, this model still has an easy-to-use, sleek fold. It has a great range of features, too such as a deep recline and an UPF 50+ canopy that is expandable that is designed to keep your child safe on hot days.
Some of these pushchairs are specifically designed for toddlers and older children. However there are other options that can be used right from birth. These pushchairs come with seats that can be fully or partially lie-flat and some include an infant car seat. MFM's Gemma has travelled with her son in a Babyzen YoYO - one of the first buggys of its kind. It's still a favorite. It's smaller than other buggy models however it's still a breeze to carry. It is able to fit in the baggage allowances for cabin pushchair baggage on the majority of airlines.
Lightweight
When a pushchair folds, it occupies a small space, and is usually very light too. It's especially applicable to umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They are ideal for short walks on flat surfaces and pavements, and for easy transport between your car and the homes of others. They're also a good option if you don't want to buy an all-terrain pushchair and are comfortable with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.
If you're planning to fold a compact pushchair on uneven ground, or on muddy or sand surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. These tyres are heavier and provide more grip and traction. The extra weight will add to the overall pushchair size however it's crucial to keep that in mind.
A variety of lightweight pushchairs were created for older toddlers and infants who can sit independently however, more are suitable for babies from the age of. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have an area that can be laid flat and can be combined with a car seat for infants or additional carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-fold pushchairs from birth are even designed to be used with a stroller board, transforming into a double buggy. perfect for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.
Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed with the press of a single button. Others have more complex mechanisms, but still take up a small amount of space. Some come with a strap for your wrist that lets you the pushchair in place even when it's folded, and this can make a huge difference in the ease of move around.
The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is an excellent example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. There's also a substantial basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents) and a massive canopy that protects. It's also extremely light and comes in a handy bag.
Compact
One of the primary 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 more spacious, dependent on their overall size and the features they include.
The compactness is essential if you plan to travel with your pushchair. There are models that fold down to an extremely compact size, and even into a pouch, which means they can be easily stashed away in the boot of a car, or taken on the plane as baggage for cabin use. This is perfect if you plan to travel often or live in an urban area, where you won't be able to take a larger stroller with you all the time.
The best pushchairs to consider are those that have a smooth, fuss-free folding process that can be performed with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated however it stands out due to its unique design and superior functionality.
The Babyzen YOYO is a compact fold and is slightly bigger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, making it perfect for travelling with. It can be carried to the airport and used during the time between taking off and catching your flight.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair which offers more space. It has a comfortable seat that reclines fully and offers a good amount of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used from birth with 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 features a compact fold that can be positioned upright when not in use. However, it's not as easy to use as other models and can make lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which may wake up your baby.