Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to hop on and off public transport, or fit into the back of a car. They are also very lightweight and compact making them ideal to travel with planes.

This UPPAbaby model is one of the most attractive compact folds we've seen. It does have some limitations, including a tiny canopy and there is no storage.

Easy folding

When you're choosing a fold-up pushchair, it's important to consider how and where you're going to use it. If you're planning to travel with baby by plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is an excellent option since it can be placed in the overhead luggage compartments and is typically small enough to be carried on the shoulder when folded. It is recommended to choose a buggy that folds easily with one hand while holding your child. It must have a handle that's adjustable in height so that caregivers and parents with different heights are able to use it comfortably. If you're going to be walking with your baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential for maneuvering over uneven terrain. Look for features like an extended recline that allows for comfortable naps when you're on the move and an extendable sun canopy.

It is essential to test pushchairs before purchasing to make sure that they fold easily with one hand while holding your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was rated highly by our testers, thanks to its clever mechanism which transforms into a compact unit that is smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy pocket for stashing keys and phones and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for kids who like to sleep while on the move.

Some of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are made to be used right from birth and come with an easy-to-leap seat or the option for an additional carrycot, so they're great for babies who want to sleep during the daytime. If you're planning to utilize 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 ideal choice for families who travel, as it folds even more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller) and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely light to carry around. It is also easy to use, with a one-hand fold and the seat can recline to accommodate toddler napping. This model is also a great choice for hikers, as it has an oversized front swivel that can tackle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

It's always recommended to have a folding pushchair, whether you're out on a stroll, taking public transport, or flying to a distant land with your baby. It's not ideal to have to fold a complex travel system while trying to manage a child and all of their essentials, such as keys, shopping bags and other things. This is why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most preferred option for parents.

Like the name suggests, a one-handed fold jogging pushchair can be collapsed with just the push of one or two buttons. Some models require more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process means that they are still a breeze to carry and stow away. They are also lighter, making them simpler to carry around or fit into small spaces.

The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is a good illustration. This model features one of the most simple one-handed folds we've seen in our round-up, and features the speedy and smooth operation that requires just pulling a lever at the base of the chassis. It stands up on its own when folded, too, which makes it ideal for storing in the corner of a cafe or a foyer.

Another model that has an easy, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the original compact-fold vintage Pushchairs, and despite being bigger than others it still features a neat, easy to fold. It has a great range of features, too with a recline that is deep and an expandable UPF 50+ canopy designed to keep your little one covered on sunny days.

Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older children, but there are many models that can be used from the time of birth. These pushchairs come with a seat that can be fully or partially lied-flat and some include an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO which is among the original buggys of this kind and is still a favorite. It's slightly smaller and less compact fold than other models, but it's very easy to carry and fits in the cabin luggage allowance on a majority of airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds down is usually very compact and lightweight. It's especially true for umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They are great for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transportation between your vehicle and other' houses. They're also a good choice if you don't want to purchase an all-terrain buggy but are content with using your parent facing pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you're planning to use a compact fold-away pushchair on uneven ground or on sand or muddy surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. These tyres are more heavy and provide more grip and traction. It's important to keep in mind that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.

A lot of lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit on their own, but many are now suitable for babies from the age of. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be combined with an infant car seat or a carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-fold strollers are able to be converted into double buggys using the stroller board. This is great for Grandma and Grandad.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some are open and closed with the egg push chair of a button, whereas others have more complex mechanisms, but they take up very little space. Some even come with a strap for your wrist that lets you your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded. This can make a big difference to the ease of move around.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller packed with features. It has a large basket, plenty of padding, adjustable height of the handlebar (for parents who are tall and short) as well as a reclining seat and a large protective canopy. Additionally, it's extremely light and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

When choosing a stroller, you should think about how compact it is when folded. Some pushchairs are very compact fold, whereas others are bigger based on their overall size and features.

A pushchair's compactness may also be an important factor if you intend to travel with it. There are models that fold to a very small size and can even be folded into a bag, so they can be easily tucked in the trunk of a car or carried on a plane as cabin baggage. If you are planning to travel often or live in a city that aren't able to use a large stroller every day This is the ideal option for you.

The best pushchairs have a simple, easy-to-fold process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated, but it still stands out due to its innovative design and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is perfect for travel due to its a fold that is incredibly small and just a little larger than most hand luggage allowances. It can be utilized at the gate between the flight's departure and landing it at the airport.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact pushchair that provides more space. It has a comfortable seat that can recline fully and has plenty of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used as early as birth with a carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ is another great option for a day-to-day lightweight stroller that folds into an extremely compact fold that can be positioned upright when it's not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and it can make a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This could wake your baby.