Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to hop on and off public transport or can be tucked away in the back of a car. They are also very light and compact making them ideal for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby has one of the smallest folds we've seen. However, it comes with a few limitations, including a small canopy and a lack of storage.

Ease of folding

When choosing a fold up pushchair, you must take into consideration where and how you'll be using it. If you're planning to travel with your baby on a plane an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is an excellent choice as it can fit into the overhead compartments for luggage, and is usually small enough to be carried on your shoulder when folded. You should look for an infant stroller that can be folded with one hand while holding your child. It should include a handle that is adjustable in height to ensure that caregivers and parents of different heights are able to use it comfortably. If you're planning on hiking with baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential to maneuver over uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a recline that is deep for relaxing naps while on the move, and an extendable canopy that offers sun protection.

Many pushchairs claim to be able to be folded in one-hand but it's important to test this before purchasing to confirm it's possible while also holding your child. The UPPAbaby G Luxe was rated highly by our test participants, due to its clever mechanism that transforms into a compact unit that is smaller than an umbrella. It comes with a pocket to store phones and keys, and a seat recliner which can be adjusted with a single touch.

Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs are designed to be used from birth and come with an easy-to-leap seat or an option to add an additional carrycot, which means they're ideal for young babies who need to rest 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 smallest of the bunch is the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families because it folds more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller) and weighs at under 6kg so is very easy to carry around. It's also extremely easy to use, with a simple one-hand fold and seat recline that's perfect for toddler naps. This model is also a good choice for hikers since it comes with an oversized front swivel which can be used on any terrain.

One-Handed folding

If you're taking a stroll through the park, whizzing around town on public transport or heading off to exotic shores with baby in tow, it pays to have a stroller that folds effortlessly. It's not ideal to fold a complex travel system while trying to manage a child and all of their necessities, including keys, shopping bags and other items. This is the reason why one-handed strollers and pushchairs are the most preferred choice for parents.

Like the name suggests, a one-handed fold pushchair can be collapsed with just the push of one or two buttons. Certain models may require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this method makes them easy to use and to store. They are also lightweight, making them easier to carry around and fit in small spaces.

A good example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. It is one of the easiest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round up, with an easy and smooth operation that requires only pulling on an incline at the base of the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, making it ideal to store in the corner of a café or foyer.

Another model with simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the first compact-fold pushchairs and despite being bigger than other models it still features a neat, easy to fold. It also comes with a variety of great features, including a deep reclining seat and an expandable UPF50+ canopy to protect your child on sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older children however, there is many models that are designed to be used from the time of birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat and could include the option of adding an infant car seat. MFM's Gemma has traveled with her son in a Babyzen YoYO - one of the first buggys of its kind. It is still a favorite. It's slightly less compact fold than some others, but it's very easy to handle and fits into the cabin luggage allowance on most airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds down is usually extremely small and light. This is especially true for umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh under 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transportation between your vehicle and other homes. They're also a good choice if you do not wish to purchase an all-terrain stroller and prefer to use your pushchair on flat surfaces.

You should consider buying tyres with air If you intend to use your compact folding pushchair (shinhwaspodium.com) in uneven terrain, on sand, or on slippery surfaces. These are a bit heavier than standard tyres but they'll provide better grip and traction. It's important to note that the extra weight will increase the size of your pushchair.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs are made for older children and toddlers who can sit on their own, however a growing number are suitable from birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have an area that can be laid flat and can be paired with a car seat for infants or an additional carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to work with a stroller board, transforming into a double-buggy - perfect for taking Grandma or Grandad along.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are simple to use. Some can be opened or closed at the touch of a button. others have more intricate mechanisms but they still require very little space. Some come with a strap for your wrist that lets you keep hold of the pushchair up to 25kg while it's folded. This can make a huge difference in the ease of move.

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

Compact

One of the main things you should consider when selecting a pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some have a very small fold while others are more spacious, dependent on their overall dimensions and the features they include.

A pushchair's compactness may also be a factor to consider in the event that you are planning to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a compact size or even a bag which makes them a breeze to put in the trunk of your car or to carry on an airplane. If you plan to travel frequently or live in a city where you don't have a stroller it is the best solution for you.

Some of the best pushchairs to consider are those that feature easy, hassle-free folding process that can be done using just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its type and has been a model of imitation since then, but it is unique due to its innovative features and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively small fold that is slightly bigger than the average hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect to travel with. It can be used at the gate between the flight's departure and landing it.

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

The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today lightweight buggy that has an extremely compact fold that can be stood up when not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and it can create a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This can cause your baby to wake up.