10 Healthy Fold Up Pushchair Habits

Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are easy to take on public transportation or fit in the back of your car. They are also very light and compact making them ideal for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby is one of the most compact folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations, such as a tiny canopy and lack of storage.

Easy folding

Consider the location and how you'll use the pushchair prior to deciding on one. If you'll be travelling with baby by plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is a good option since it can be placed into the overhead compartments for luggage and is typically small enough to be carried on your shoulder when folded. Find a single-handed fold that is easy to operate while holding your child and a handle that is height-adjustable so parents and carers of different heights can comfortably use it. A swivel lock wheel is a must if you intend to hike with your baby. It will assist you to navigate the terrain that is uneven. Be sure to look for features like a deep recline to allow for a comfortable nap while on the move and an extendable sun canopy.

Many pushchairs claim to fold with one hand however, it's a good idea to test this prior to purchasing to make sure it's possible while also being able to hold your child. The UPPAbaby G Luxe was rated highly by our test participants, due to its clever mechanism which concertinas into a package that is smaller than an umbrella. It has a pocket to store keys and phones, and a seat recliner that can be adjusted with just a single click.

Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs can be used as early as birth. They offer the option of a lying flat seat or an option for a carrycot. This is great for babies who like to sleep throughout the daytime. If you intend to use your travel system from the start 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 down even smaller than its rival, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at only 6kg. It is also very easy to use with a one-hand fold and the seat can recline for toddler naps. This model is a great choice for hikers, since it has a large front swivel tire which can handle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

It's always recommended to have a folding pushchair, whether you are walking around, taking public transport, or flying to a foreign country with your child. It's not ideal to fold a complicated travel system while trying to manage a child as well as all of their necessities, including shopping bags, keys, and other items. This is the reason why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most sought-after option for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be folded by pressing the button or buttons. Some models might require more effort, or two hands. However, the convenience of this method makes them easy to maneuver and store. They are also light and easy to carry around or store in small spaces.

The G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby is an excellent illustration. It is one of the simplest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round-up, and features a quick and smooth operation that involves just pulling on a lever at the base of the chassis. It stands up on its own when folded, making it perfect for storing in the corner of a cafe, or in the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that can be folded using just one hand. It's one of the first pushchairs that fold compactly. Despite being larger than the other models it still features an easy to use, compact fold. It has a great range of features, too with a recline that is deep and an UPF 50+ canopy that is expandable designed to keep your baby covered on sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are not suitable for older babies or toddlers, but there are numerous options that are designed to be used from birth. These pushchairs have a seat that can be completely or partially lie-flat, and some even come with a baby car seat. MFM's Gemma has travelled with her son in a Babyzen YOYO - one of the very first buggys of its kind. It's still a favourite. It's smaller than other buggy models but it's still very easy to carry. It fits in the allowance for cabin baggage of most airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds is usually extremely small and lightweight. This is especially true of umbrella-folding Designer Pushchairs that typically weigh under 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. These are also a good option if you don't need an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your stroller only on flat surfaces.

If you're planning to fold a compact pushchair on uneven ground, or on muddy or sandy surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. They're a little heavier than regular tyres however they'll provide better grip and traction. The extra weight adds to the overall size of the pushchair though, so it's important to be aware of that.

A lot of lightweight pushchairs are made for older children and toddlers who can sit up on their own, but many are now suitable for babies from birth. This includes models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to create an entire travel system. Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to work with the stroller board to turn into a double buggy - great to take Grandma or Grandad along.

A majority of the best lightweight strollers pushchairs are simple to use. Some pushchairs pushchairs can be opened or closed by pressing one button. Others feature more intricate mechanisms, but still take up little space. Some pushchairs come with a wrist band that allows you to hold the pushchair even when folded. This can make it easier to move.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a fantastic example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. It also has a large basket, plenty of padding and adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents), and a large canopy that protects. It's also light and comes in a handy bag.

Compact

One of the most important aspects you will need to take into consideration when choosing the right pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some models have a tiny fold while others are larger, depending on their overall dimensions and the features they include.

It is also essential to be compact for those who plan to travel with your pushchair. Some models can fold down to a smaller size or even a bag, making them a breeze to put in the boot of your car, or take on the plane. If you are planning to travel frequently or in a city that can't use a large stroller every day, this is the perfect option for you.

The best pushchairs are those that have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied but stands out thanks to its unique design and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively tiny fold and is only slightly bigger than most hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect for travel. It can be used at the gate between boarding your flight and catching it at the airport.

For a more spacious and compact pushchair, check out the Mamas and Papas Airo. The seat reclines completely, and there is plenty of padding to make your child feel comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition of a baby cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller for everyday use. It features a compact fold that can be positioned upright when not in use. However, it's not as easy to use as some models and it can create lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could cause your baby to wake up.