Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to get on and off public transport, or fit into the back of cars. They also tend to be extremely light and compact which makes them ideal for plane travel.

This UPPAbaby model is among the most attractive compact folds we've seen. However, it comes with a few limitations, like a small canopy and a lack of storage.

Folding is easy

When selecting a fold-up pushchair, you must consider how and where you'll use it. If you're taking your baby on planes, a compact and lightweight buggy is a good option. It can be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be able to be carried over the shoulder. You should choose a buggy that can fold using one hand while holding your child. It should also have a handle that is adjustable in height, so that caregivers and parents with different heights are able to use it comfortably. If you're going to be hiking with your baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a deep recline for relaxing naps while on the move, and an extendable canopy that provides extra sun protection.

It is essential to test pushchairs before purchasing to make sure they can be folded with one hand while holding your child. The UPPAbaby G Luxe was rated highly by our reviewers, due to its clever mechanism that concertinas into a package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy compartment for keys and phones and a one-touch seat recline that's ideal for kids who like to sleep while on the move.

Some of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth, and include a lie-flat seat or an option to add an additional carrycot, so they're great for babies who need to sleep throughout the daytime. If you plan on using your travel system from the beginning using a one-click attachment method for a car seat for infants is essential.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the bunch. It folds even smaller than its rival, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at just 6kg. It's also extremely easy to use, with a simple one-hand fold and recline which is perfect for naps with toddlers. This model is also a great choice for hikers, as it has an oversized front swivel wheel which can be used on any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

When you're going for an afternoon stroll in the park, whizzing around town on public transport or jetting off to foreign shores with your baby, it pays to have a stroller pushchair that folds up easily. The pressure of managing a child keys, shopping bags, keys and other everyday necessities while trying to fold a complicated travel pushchair system is not ideal therefore pushchairs that can be folded with one hand strollers are usually the most popular choices for parents.

Like the name suggests, a one-handed fold pushchair can be collapsed with just the newborn push chair of one button or two. Some models require a bit more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process means that they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and store away. They are also light, making it easier to carry around or to store in small space.

The G-Luxe from UPPAbaby is a great model. This model is one of the easiest to fold using one hand in our roundup. It's all it takes is pulling a lever on the chassis. It can also stand up on its own, making it perfect to store in the corner of a cafe or foyer.

Another model that has simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. This is one of the first compact fold pushchairs, and despite being bigger than other models it has a neat, easy to use fold. It also comes with a variety of excellent features, such as a deep reclining seat and an expanded UPF50+ canopy to keep your child covered on sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older children however, there is numerous options that are designed to be used from the time of birth. They come with a full or partial lie-flat seat, and may come with the option of an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO which is one of the first buggys of this type and still a favorite. It's smaller than some other buggys but it's still very easy to handle. It can be incorporated into the cabin baggage allowance of many airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down, it takes up a tiny space, and it's often very light as well. 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 as well as for a simple way to get between your vehicle and other people's houses. These are also a good option if you don't need an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you're looking to use a compact folding pushchair when you're walking on muddy or sand surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. These are a bit heavier than standard tyres but they'll provide better traction and grip. It's important to note that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.

Many lightweight pushchairs were designed for older toddlers and infants that could sit up on their own however, more are suitable for babies from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have an area that can be laid flat and can be used in conjunction with a car seat for infants or a carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-fold pushchairs are even designed to be used in conjunction with a stroller board to transform into a double buggy - great for taking Grandma or Grandad along.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are simple to use. Some are simply open or closed with the egg push chair of a button. others have more intricate mechanisms, but they all take up very little space. Some even have a wrist strap that lets you your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded. This could make a significant difference in how easy it is to move around.

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

Compact

When selecting a stroller, you should think about how compact it is when folded. Some have a very small fold, while others are larger, dependent on their overall dimensions and the features they have.

The compactness of a pushchair could 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 pouch, which means they can be easily tucked away in the boot of a car or carried on the plane as baggage in the cabin. This is ideal for those who travel frequently or live in an urban area where you can't take a larger stroller with you every day.

The best pushchairs are those with a simple, easy-to-fold process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied, but it still stands out due to its clever details and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO is ideal for travel because it has folds that are incredibly tiny and is only slightly bigger than most hand luggage allowances. It can be carried to the gate and used between the boarding process and getting 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 has plenty of padding to keep your child comfy. It can be used from birth with a carrycot or newborn pushchair cocoon pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ is another excellent option for a day-to-day lightweight stroller that folds into an extremely compact fold that can be positioned up when not in use. However it's not as simple to use as some models and can make quite a bit of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could cause your baby to wake up.