Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are easy to hop on and off public transport, or can be tucked away in the back of the car. They are also lightweight and compact, making them perfect for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby has one of the smallest folds we've ever seen. But it comes with some limitations, such as a tiny canopy and a lack of storage.

Folding Ease

When choosing a fold up pushchair, you must consider how and where you're going to be using it. If you're traveling with your child on planes, a compact and lightweight buggy will be a great alternative. It can be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. Look out for a single-handed fold that is easy to operate while holding your baby and a height-adjustable handle to ensure that parents and caregivers with different heights can comfortably use it. If you're going to be hiking with baby it is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Check for features such as the ability to recline deep enough the baby to sleep comfortably when you're on the move and an extended sun canopy.

Many pushchairs claim to fold in one hand, but it's best to test it before purchasing to confirm it's possible while also holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be especially good thanks to its innovative mechanism that folds down to a slimmer, sleeker package than an umbrella. It comes with a pocket to keep phones and keys, and a seat recliner that can be adjusted with one touch.

Some of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth and come with an easy-to-leap seat or the option of an additional carrycot, which means they're perfect for infants who need to sleep during the daytime. If you plan to use your travel system right from the beginning, a single click attachment system for your infant Car Seat is essential.

The tiniest of the bunch is the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families and folds more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm thinner), and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely easy to carry. It is also easy to use using a single hand fold, and the seat reclines for toddler naps. This model is also a great choice for hikers, as it has an oversized front swivel which can be used on 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. Having to manage the child keys, shopping bags, keys and other everyday necessities while trying to fold a complex travel system isn't ideal therefore pushchairs that can be folded with one hand strollers are often the most popular choices for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing a button or buttons. Some models require more effort or even two hands, but the ease of the process means they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and store away. They also tend to be lighter, making them simpler to carry around and fit in small folding pushchair spaces.

A good example is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. This model is one of the most simple to fold using one hand in our roundup. It only requires pulling a lever on the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, which makes it ideal to store in the corner of a cafe or in a foyer.

Another model that has a simple, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the original compact-fold pushchairs and despite being larger than some other options it still features an elegant, simple to fold. It also has a number of fantastic features, including an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to keep your child covered on sunny days.

Some of these compact-folded pushchairs are only designed for toddlers and older children. However, there are more options that can be used starting from the time of birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat, and may come with the option of adding an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO which is one of the original buggys of this kind and still a firm favourite. It's smaller than other buggy types, but is still easy to maneuver. It fits in the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on most airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds down is usually very compact and light. It's especially the case for umbrella-folded pushchairs which weigh less than 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on flat surfaces or pavements and for transportation between your car and others' houses. They're also a good choice for those who don't want to invest in a proper all-terrain buggy and are happy with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you're looking to fold a compact pushchair on uneven ground, or on muddy or sand surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. They're a little heavier than standard tyres but they'll offer better traction and grip. The extra weight does add to the overall size of the jogging pushchair however it's important to be aware of that.

A variety of lightweight pushchairs were created for toddlers and older infants that can sit up independently, but more are now suitable for babies from the time of birth. They include models such as the Mamas & Papas Airo, which has a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to form an entire travel system. Some compact-fold pushchairs are even designed to be used with a stroller board to transform them into a double-buggy - perfect for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to use. Some are simply open or closed at the touch of a button. others have more complex mechanisms, but they take up very little space. Some even have a strap on the wrist that lets you keep your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded, and this can make a big difference to the ease of move.

While some lightweight pushchairs can be extremely basic however, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a super-compact stroller can be loaded with of features. There's also a decently-sized basket, lots of padding and adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short), and a large protective canopy. Plus, it's very lightweight and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

One of the most important aspects you will need to be aware of when choosing a pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some models are very compact to fold while others are more spacious depending on their overall size and what features they have.

The compactness of a pushchair could be a consideration when you plan to travel with it. There are models that fold down to the smallest size, and even into a pouch, which means they can be tucked in the trunk of a car, or taken on an airplane as cabin baggage. If you plan to travel frequently or in a city where you don't have a stroller This is the ideal option for you.

The most effective pushchairs have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated but stands out due to its innovative design and its superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is perfect for travel because it has folds that are incredibly tiny and is only slightly bigger than the average allowance for hand luggage. It can be used at the gate between taking off and catching it.

For a more spacious compact pushchair, check out the Mamas and Papas Airo. This has a great seat that reclines completely and provides plenty of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used as early as birth with the addition of a newborn cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller for use in the everyday. It has 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 produce a lot of noise when you adjust its canopy. This could cause your baby to wake up.

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