Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to get on and off public transport, or fit in the back of the car. They are also very light and compact which makes them ideal for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby is one of the smallest folds we've seen. It has a few limitations, such as a small canopy, and there is no storage.

Folding is easy

Consider where and how you will use the pushchair before choosing one. When you are travelling with your baby on a plane or train, a lightweight and compact buggy will be a great alternative. It can fit into the overhead compartments for luggage and is small folding pushchair enough to be able to be carried over the shoulder. You should choose buggy that folds easily using one hand while holding your child. It must include a handle that is adjustable in height so that parents and caregivers of different heights are able to use it comfortably. A lock wheel that swivels is essential if you are planning to hike with your child. It will help you navigate through uneven terrain. Check for features such as the ability to recline deep enough the baby to sleep comfortably while on the move and an extendable sun canopy.

Many pushchairs claim to be able to be folded in one-hand, but it's best to test it before purchasing to confirm it's actually possible while also holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be particularly good thanks to its innovative mechanism that folds down into a slimline package smaller than an umbrella. It comes with a pocket to store phones and keys as well as a recliner seat that can be adjusted by one touch.

Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs are made to be used from birth and come with a flat seat that can be sat on or the option for an additional carrycot, so they're perfect for infants who need to sleep throughout the day. If you intend to use your travel system from the start using a one-click attachment method for an infant car seat is also a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and most lightweight of the bunch. It folds down even smaller than its YOYO2 counterpart the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at just 6kg. It is also very easy to use with a one-hand fold and the seat reclines for toddler naps. This model is also a great choice for hikers, as it has an extra-large front swivel wheel which can be used on any terrain.

One-Handed folding

It is always an ideal idea to have a folding pushchair, whether you are out on a stroll or taking public transport or flying to a different destination with your infant. Having to manage children bags, keys, shopping bags and other essentials of everyday life while trying to fold a complicated travel system isn't a good idea and hence pushchairs with one hand strollers are often the most popular choices for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing a button or buttons. Some models require a bit more effort, or even two hands, but the convenience of the process means that they are still a breeze to carry and store away. They are also light, making it easier to carry around or to store in small spaces.

The G-Luxe from UPPAbaby is a great example. It is one of the simplest one-handed folds we've seen in our round-up. It has a quick and smooth operation that involves only pulling on an incline at the base of the chassis. It is also able to stand 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. It is one of the first compact-fold pushchairs. Although it is bigger than other models the Bugaboo Bee still has an easy to use, sleek fold. It also has a number of fantastic features, including a deep reclining seat and an expanded UPF50+ canopy to ensure your child is protected on hot days.

Some of these pushchairs are not suitable for toddlers or older infants However, there are numerous models that are designed to be used from the time of birth. These pushchairs have seats that can be fully or partially lie-flat and some even include an infant 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 still a firm favourite. It's smaller than other buggy models but it's still very easy to carry. It is able to fit in the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds down is often extremely compact and lightweight. This is especially applicable to umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transporting between your vehicle and other houses. 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.

Think about getting tyres that are air-filled if you plan to use your compact fold-up pushchair on rough terrain, on sand or on muddy surfaces. These are a bit heavier than normal tyres, but they'll provide more grip and traction. It's important to note that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.

A majority of pushchairs that are lightweight are designed for older babies and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own, but a growing number are suitable for babies from birth. These include models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, which has a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to create a travel system. Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used with the stroller board to turn into a double-buggy - perfect for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

A lot of the top strollers that are lightweight are simple to use. Some can be opened or closed with the push of a button, while others have more complex mechanisms, but they all require very little space. Some even have a strap on the wrist that lets you your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded, and this could make a significant difference to the ease of 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, lots of padding and adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents), and a large canopy that protects. It's also very lightweight and comes in a handy bag.

Compact

One of the most important aspects you should be aware of when choosing the right pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some pushchairs are very compact fold, whereas others are larger depending on their overall size and features.

Compactness is also important if you plan to travel with your pushchair. Some models can fold down to a compact size, or even into bags, making them a breeze to put in the boot of your car or to carry on an airplane. If you're planning to travel frequently or in a city where you can't use a large stroller it is the best solution for you.

Some of the most desirable pushchairs are those with easy, hassle-free folding process that can be completed with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated, but it still stands out due to its innovative design and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO is a great choice for travel as it has folds that are incredibly small and only slightly larger than the average allowance for hand luggage. It can be used at the airport between the flight's departure and landing it.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact black pushchair that offers more space. This is a fantastic seat that reclines fully and offers a good amount of padding to keep your child comfy. It can be used at birth, if you want to, with the addition of a newborn cocoon bag or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today lightweight buggy that has an extremely compact fold and can be stood up straight when not in use. However it's not as straightforward to use as other models and can produce lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which may wake up your baby.