Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are easy to get on and off public transport, or fit into the back of the car. They are also lightweight and compact making them ideal for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby model is one of the most eye-catching compact folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations, including a tiny 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 use it. When you are travelling with your baby on planes then a compact and light buggy is an ideal alternative. It will fit in the overhead compartments for luggage and is small enough to be able to be carried over the shoulder. Find a one-handed fold that's easy to operate while holding your child and a height-adjustable handle so that carers and parents of various heights can comfortably use it. If you're planning to go hiking with baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential to maneuver over uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a deep recline for relaxing naps while on the move and a canopy that can be extended that provides extra sun protection.

It's important to test the pushchairs before buying to make sure they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be particularly good thanks to its innovative mechanism that folds down into a slimline package 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 nap while on the move.

Some of the most compact fold up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth, and include an easy-to-leap seat or the option of an additional carrycot, so they're perfect for infants who prefer to sleep during the daytime. If you intend to utilize your travel system from the beginning, a simple click attachment system for your infant Car Seat is a must.

The tiniest of the bunch is the Cybex Libelle, is an excellent choice for families with a tendency to travel and folds smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm less) and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely easy to carry. It's also super-easy to use, using a simple one-hand fold and seat recline which is perfect for naps with toddlers. This model is also a great option for hikers as it has an oversized front swivel wheel that can handle any terrain.

One-Handed folding

It's always an ideal idea to have a foldable pushchair, whether you're walking around, taking public transport, or flying to a distant land with your baby. The pressure of managing children, shopping bags, keys and other essentials of everyday life while trying to fold a complex travel system isn't ideal and hence pushchairs with one hand strollers are usually the most popular choices for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be folded by pressing the button or buttons. Certain models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this process makes them easy to handle and put away. They are also lightweight, making them easier to transport around or fitting into small spaces.

An excellent example is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. This model is among the easiest to fold using one hand in our roundup. It's all it takes is pulling a lever on the chassis. It stands on its own when folded, too, which makes it ideal for stowing in the corner of a cafe, or in the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that folds by one hand. This is one of the first compact fold pushchairs buggies, and despite being larger than some other options it still features a neat, easy to fold. It also has a range of excellent features, such as the deep reclining seat as well as an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to ensure your child is protected on sunny days.

Some of these compact-folded pushchairs are designed specifically for toddlers and older children. However, there are more options that can be used from the time of birth. These pushchairs have a seat that can be completely or partially lie-flat, and some even come with a baby car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is among the first buggys of this kind and is still a favorite. It has a slightly smaller fold than other models, but it's very easy to handle and fits into the allowance for cabin luggage on the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds is usually extremely small and lightweight. This is 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 transporting between your car and others' houses. They're also a good choice if you do not wish to purchase an all-terrain stroller, and prefer to use your pushchair only on flat surfaces.

If you're looking to use a compact fold-away pushchair buggy when you're walking on muddy or sand surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. These tyres are heavier, but they provide more grip and traction. It's important to remember that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs were made for older toddlers and infants that can sit up independently however, more are suitable from the age of. This includes models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, that has a lie-flat seating and the option of adding an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to create a travel system. Some compact-fold strollers can be transformed into double buggys by using a stroller board. This is ideal for Grandma and Grandad.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed by pressing a single button. Others have more complex mechanisms, but still require little space. Some pushchairs feature a wrist band that allows you to hold the pushchair even when it's folded. This can make it easier to move.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is an excellent example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. It also has a large basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents) and a massive protective canopy. Plus, it's very lightweight and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

When choosing a stroller, you must consider the size of the stroller when folded. Some models have a tiny fold while others are larger, according to their overall size and what features they come with.

The compactness of a pushchair could be a factor to consider when you plan to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a smaller size or even into bags which makes them easy to store in the boot of your car or carry on a plane. If you are planning to travel frequently or in a city that don't have a stroller, this is the perfect option for you.

The best pushchairs have an easy, simple fold process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied, but it still stands out thanks to its clever details and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO is ideal for travel because it has an extremely small and only slightly larger than most hand luggage allowances. It can be carried to the gate and used between boarding and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair which offers more space. The seat reclines completely, and there is plenty of padding to make your child comfortable. It can be used as early as birth with a carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller for everyday use. It has a compact fold that can be placed upright when not in use. However, it's not as easy to use as some models and can make quite a bit of noise when you adjust the canopy, which can wake up your baby.