Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs are easy to get on and off public transportation or fit in the back of the car. They also tend to be very lightweight and compact which makes them perfect for plane travel.
This UPPAbaby has one of the most compact folds we’ve ever seen. However, it comes with a few limitations, such as a tiny canopy and a lack of storage.
Ease of folding
When choosing a fold up pushchair, you need to think about where and how you’re going to be using it. If you’re traveling with your child on planes or train, a lightweight and compact buggy will be a great alternative. It can be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried on the shoulder. Make sure you choose an easy-to-use fold that’s simple to operate while holding your child and a height-adjustable handle so parents and carers of various heights can enjoy it comfortably. If you’re planning to go walking with your baby the swivel lock wheel is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Check for features such as the ability to recline deep enough for a comfortable nap when you’re on the move and an extendable sun canopy.
Many pushchairs claim to fold in one hand, but it’s best to test this out prior to purchasing to make sure it really is feasible while being able to hold your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was rated highly by our testers, thanks to its clever mechanism which concertinas into a package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a convenient pocket to store keys and phones and a one-touch seat recline that’s ideal for kids who like to sleep while on the move.
A few of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are able to be used as early as birth. They offer the option of a lying flat seat or carrying cots. This is perfect for babies who like to sleep during the daytime. If you intend to use your travel system from the beginning, a simple click attachment system for an Infant Car Seat is a must.
The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the bunch. It folds smaller than its YOYO2 counterpart the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at only 6kg. It is also simple to use, with a one-hand fold and the seat can recline for toddler naps. This model is a great choice for hikers, as it comes with a large front swivel tire that can handle any terrain.
One-Handed folding
It is always an ideal idea to have a folding pushchair, whether you’re out on a stroll or using public transport or flying to a foreign land with your baby. It’s not ideal to fold a complicated travel system while trying to manage the child and all their necessities, including keys, shopping bags, and other items. This is why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most preferred choice for parents.
One-handed fold pushchairs can collapse by pressing one or more buttons. Some models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this method makes them easy to handle and to store. They are also light which makes them easier to carry around or store in tight spaces.
One of the best examples is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. 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 perfect to store in the corner of a cafe or a foyer.
The Bugaboo Bee is another model that can be folded with one hand. This is one of the first compact fold pushchairs, and despite being bigger than others it still features a neat, easy to fold. It also has a number of great features, including a deep reclining seat and an expandable UPF50+ canopy to ensure your child is protected on hot days.
Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are not suitable for toddlers or older infants However, there are numerous models that can be used from birth. These pushchairs come with a seat that can be completely or partially lied-flat, and some even come with an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is one of the original buggys of this kind and still a firm favourite. It has a slightly smaller and less compact fold than other models, but it’s extremely easy to maneuver and fits in the allowance for cabin luggage on the majority of airlines.
Lightweight
When a pushchair folds down it occupies a small space, and is usually extremely light. It’s especially the case for umbrella-folded cheap pushchairs for sale which weigh less than 20 pounds. They’re ideal for short strolls on pavements and flat surfaces and for a quick transfer between your car and homes of other people. They’re also a good option if you don’t want to buy an all-terrain buggy and are happy with your pushchair on flat surfaces.
If you want to use a compact fold-away pushchair on uneven ground, or on muddy or sandy surfaces, think about getting an air-filled tyre. These tyres are heavier however they offer better grip and traction. The extra weight does add to the overall pushchair size though it’s crucial to think about this.
A majority of pushchairs that are lightweight are designed for older babies and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own, however many are now suitable from birth. These include models like 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 make an entire travel system. Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used with a stroller board, transforming them into a double buggy pushchair – great for taking Grandma or Grandad along.
Many of the best lightweight strollers are simple to use. Some can be opened or closed at the touch of a button, whereas others feature more complicated mechanisms, but they all take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs have wristbands that allow you to hold the pushchair even when folded. This can make it easier to maneuver.
The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller packed with features. There’s a decent-sized storage basket and plenty of padding adjustable handlebar height (for tall and short parents) as well as a reclining seat and a huge canopy for protection. It’s also light and comes with a convenient bag.
Compact
One of the main things you need to take into consideration when choosing a pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some have a very small fold, while others are more spacious according to their overall size and the features they include.
The compactness of a pushchair can be an important factor when you plan to travel with it. Some models fold down to a small size or even a bag making them ideal for storage in the boot of your car or carry on the plane. If you’re planning to travel frequently or in a place where you can’t use a large stroller every day This is the ideal option for you.
Some of the best pushchairs to consider are those that have an easy, effortless folding process that can be completed with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it stands out due to its clever details and superior functionality.
The Babyzen YOYO is a compact fold and is slightly larger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, making it perfect to travel with. It can be used at the gate between boarding your flight and catching it at the airport.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact pushchair that provides more space. The seat reclines completely, and there is plenty of padding to keep your child comfortable. It can be used as early as birth with the addition of the carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller that can be used for daily use. It is compact in fold that can be placed upright when not in use. It’s not as user-friendly as other models, and it’s able to create a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This can make your baby scream.
