Blogs
on July 7, 2024
Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs are simple to carry on public transport or even fit into the back of your car. They are also extremely light and compact which makes them perfect for plane travel.
This UPPAbaby model is among the most attractive compact folds we've seen. But it comes with some limitations, such as a tiny canopy and no storage.
Ease of folding
When choosing a fold up pushchair, it's important to take into consideration where and how you'll be using it. If you're planning to travel with your baby on a plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is a great choice as it can fit into the overhead compartments for luggage and is usually small enough to be carried on the shoulder when unfolded. You should choose buggy that folds easily with one hand while holding your child. It should also have a handle that's adjustable in height so that caregivers and parents of different heights are able to use it comfortably. If you're planning to go hiking with your baby the swivel lock wheel is essential to maneuver over uneven terrain. Look for features like a deep recline to allow for a comfortable nap while you're moving and an extendable sun canopy.
It is essential to test pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be particularly good, with its clever mechanism that folds down into a slimline package smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy pocket for stashing keys and phone and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is perfect for little travellers who prefer to nap on the move.
A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth and come with an easy-to-leap seat or the option of an additional carrycot, so they're ideal for young babies who need to sleep throughout the day. If you intend to utilize your travel system from the beginning, a single click attachment system for an 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 because it folds smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller), and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely light to carry around. It's also extremely easy to use, using a simple one-hand fold and seat recline that is ideal for toddler napping. This model is also a great choice for hikers, as it has an oversized front swivel wheel that can handle any terrain.
One-Handed folding
If you're taking a stroll in the park, or cruising around the city on public transport, or heading to distant shores with your baby, it pays to have a stroller that folds effortlessly. The pressure of managing children, shopping bags, keys and other essentials of everyday life while attempting to fold a complicated travel system is not ideal therefore pushchairs that can be folded with one hand strollers are typically the most popular choices for parents.
One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing the button or buttons. Some models require more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process makes them still easy to handle and store away. They are also light and easy to carry around or store in tight space.
A good example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model has one of the simplest one-handed folds in our round up, with the speedy and smooth operation that requires only pulling on the lever on the bottom of the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, making it perfect for storing in the corner of a cafe or foyer.
Another model with a simple, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the first compact-fold pushchairs, and despite being larger than others, it still has a simple, easy to fold. It comes with a wide array of features, with a recline that is deep and an UPF 50+ canopy that is expandable that's designed to keep your child protected on sunny days.
Some of these pushchairs are not suitable for toddlers or older children, but there are numerous models that are designed to be used as early as birth. They come with a full or partial lie-flat seat, and can come with the option of incorporating an infant 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 popular. It has a slightly smaller and less compact fold than others, but it's still extremely easy to maneuver and fits in the cabin luggage allowance on a majority of airlines.
Lightweight
A pushchair that folds down is usually extremely small and light. This is particularly true of umbrella-folding pushchairs that typically weigh less than 20 pounds. They're ideal for short strolls 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 wish to purchase an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your pushchair only on flat surfaces.
Consider getting air-filled tyres if you plan to use your compact fold-up pushchair on rough terrain, on sand or on slippery surfaces. They're a bit heavier than regular tyres however they'll provide more traction and grip. The extra weight will add to the overall size of the pushchair however, so it's important to think about this.
A lot of lightweight pushchairs are made for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own, but there are a growing number that can be used for babies from the time of birth. They include models such as the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to form a travel system. Some compact-fold pushchairs are even designed to be used with a stroller board to transform them into a double-buggy - perfect for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.
Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some are simply open or closed with the push of a button, whereas others have more complex mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some have a strap on the wrist that lets you hold of the pushchair while it's folded, and this could make a significant difference to the ease of move around.
While some Lejoux™ Lightweight Foldable Baby Stroller Grey - Pushchairs pushchairs are extremely basic, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a super-compact stroller can come with a wealth of features. There's also a decently-sized basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents), and a large protective canopy. It's also very light and comes with a handy carrying bag.
Compact
One of the primary things you need to 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 size and the features they include.
The compactness is essential if you plan to travel with your stroller. Some models can fold down to a smaller size or even a bag making them easy to store in the trunk of your car or to carry on the plane. This is ideal if you plan to travel frequently or live in an urban area, where you can't carry a stroller that is larger every day.
The best pushchairs to consider are those with an easy, effortless folding process that can be performed with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first in its class and has been imitated since, but it is a standout due to its unique features and superior design.
The Babyzen YOYO is a great choice for travel because it has a fold that is incredibly small and just a little larger than the average allowance for hand luggage. It can be carried to the gate and used during the time between boarding and catching your flight.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair which offers more space. It has a comfortable seat that can recline fully and provides plenty of padding to keep your child comfortable. It can be used from birth with a carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today Lightweight Pushchair buggy that has a very compact fold and can be stood upright when it's not in use. However it's not as straightforward to operate as some other models and it can create lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could wake up your baby.
This UPPAbaby model is among the most attractive compact folds we've seen. But it comes with some limitations, such as a tiny canopy and no storage.
Ease of folding
When choosing a fold up pushchair, it's important to take into consideration where and how you'll be using it. If you're planning to travel with your baby on a plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is a great choice as it can fit into the overhead compartments for luggage and is usually small enough to be carried on the shoulder when unfolded. You should choose buggy that folds easily with one hand while holding your child. It should also have a handle that's adjustable in height so that caregivers and parents of different heights are able to use it comfortably. If you're planning to go hiking with your baby the swivel lock wheel is essential to maneuver over uneven terrain. Look for features like a deep recline to allow for a comfortable nap while you're moving and an extendable sun canopy.
It is essential to test pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be particularly good, with its clever mechanism that folds down into a slimline package smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy pocket for stashing keys and phone and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is perfect for little travellers who prefer to nap on the move.
A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth and come with an easy-to-leap seat or the option of an additional carrycot, so they're ideal for young babies who need to sleep throughout the day. If you intend to utilize your travel system from the beginning, a single click attachment system for an 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 because it folds smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller), and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely light to carry around. It's also extremely easy to use, using a simple one-hand fold and seat recline that is ideal for toddler napping. This model is also a great choice for hikers, as it has an oversized front swivel wheel that can handle any terrain.
One-Handed folding
If you're taking a stroll in the park, or cruising around the city on public transport, or heading to distant shores with your baby, it pays to have a stroller that folds effortlessly. The pressure of managing children, shopping bags, keys and other essentials of everyday life while attempting to fold a complicated travel system is not ideal therefore pushchairs that can be folded with one hand strollers are typically the most popular choices for parents.
One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing the button or buttons. Some models require more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process makes them still easy to handle and store away. They are also light and easy to carry around or store in tight space.
A good example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model has one of the simplest one-handed folds in our round up, with the speedy and smooth operation that requires only pulling on the lever on the bottom of the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, making it perfect for storing in the corner of a cafe or foyer.
Another model with a simple, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the first compact-fold pushchairs, and despite being larger than others, it still has a simple, easy to fold. It comes with a wide array of features, with a recline that is deep and an UPF 50+ canopy that is expandable that's designed to keep your child protected on sunny days.
Some of these pushchairs are not suitable for toddlers or older children, but there are numerous models that are designed to be used as early as birth. They come with a full or partial lie-flat seat, and can come with the option of incorporating an infant 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 popular. It has a slightly smaller and less compact fold than others, but it's still extremely easy to maneuver and fits in the cabin luggage allowance on a majority of airlines.
Lightweight
A pushchair that folds down is usually extremely small and light. This is particularly true of umbrella-folding pushchairs that typically weigh less than 20 pounds. They're ideal for short strolls 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 wish to purchase an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your pushchair only on flat surfaces.
Consider getting air-filled tyres if you plan to use your compact fold-up pushchair on rough terrain, on sand or on slippery surfaces. They're a bit heavier than regular tyres however they'll provide more traction and grip. The extra weight will add to the overall size of the pushchair however, so it's important to think about this.
A lot of lightweight pushchairs are made for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own, but there are a growing number that can be used for babies from the time of birth. They include models such as the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of adding an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to form a travel system. Some compact-fold pushchairs are even designed to be used with a stroller board to transform them into a double-buggy - perfect for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.
Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some are simply open or closed with the push of a button, whereas others have more complex mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some have a strap on the wrist that lets you hold of the pushchair while it's folded, and this could make a significant difference to the ease of move around.
While some Lejoux™ Lightweight Foldable Baby Stroller Grey - Pushchairs pushchairs are extremely basic, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a super-compact stroller can come with a wealth of features. There's also a decently-sized basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents), and a large protective canopy. It's also very light and comes with a handy carrying bag.
Compact
One of the primary things you need to 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 size and the features they include.
The compactness is essential if you plan to travel with your stroller. Some models can fold down to a smaller size or even a bag making them easy to store in the trunk of your car or to carry on the plane. This is ideal if you plan to travel frequently or live in an urban area, where you can't carry a stroller that is larger every day.
The best pushchairs to consider are those with an easy, effortless folding process that can be performed with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first in its class and has been imitated since, but it is a standout due to its unique features and superior design.
The Babyzen YOYO is a great choice for travel because it has a fold that is incredibly small and just a little larger than the average allowance for hand luggage. It can be carried to the gate and used during the time between boarding and catching your flight.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair which offers more space. It has a comfortable seat that can recline fully and provides plenty of padding to keep your child comfortable. It can be used from birth with a carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today Lightweight Pushchair buggy that has a very compact fold and can be stood upright when it's not in use. However it's not as straightforward to operate as some other models and it can create lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could wake up your baby.