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 lightweight and compact which makes them ideal for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby has one of the smallest folds that we've ever seen. However, it has some limitations including a small canopy, and no storage.

Folding Ease

Think about where and how you will use the pushchair before choosing one. If you're taking your child on planes then a compact and light buggy is a good choice. It can be tucked away in the overhead compartments for luggage and is small enough to be carried on the shoulder. Look out for a single-handed fold that is easy to operate while holding your little one and a height-adjustable handle so that carers and parents of different heights can use it comfortably. If you're planning on hiking with baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Be sure to look for features like 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 fold in one hand, but it's best to test it prior to purchasing to make sure it's possible while being able to hold your child. The UPPAbaby G Luxe was rated highly by our reviewers, due to its clever mechanism which creates a compact package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy pocket for stashing keys and phones and an easy recline seat that's ideal for kids who prefer to nap on the move.

Some of the most compact fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth and come with a lie-flat seat or the option for an additional carrycot, so they're ideal for young babies who want to sleep during the day. If you intend to use your travel system from the start, a one-click attachment system for a car seat for infants is also an essential feature.

The smallest of the group, the Cybex Libelle, is an excellent choice for families with a tendency to travel, as it folds even more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm smaller), and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely easy to carry. It's also super-easy to use, with a straightforward one-hand fold and seat recline that's perfect for toddler naps. This model is also a great choice for hikers as it has an oversized front swivel wheel that can tackle any terrain.

One-Handed folding

It's always recommended to have a folding pushchair up to 25kg, regardless of whether you're out on a stroll or taking public transport or flying to a foreign country with your child. It's not ideal to have to fold a complicated travel system and manage a child and all of their necessities, including shopping bags, keys, and other items. This is the reason why one-handed strollers and pushchairs are the most sought-after choice for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be folded by pressing one or more buttons. Some models require more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process means they are still a breeze to carry and store away. They are also light which makes them easier to transport or store in tight spaces.

An excellent example is the G-Luxe from UPPAbaby. 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 can stand on its own when folded, too and is ideal for stowing in the corner of a cafe or in the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that can be folded with one hand. It is one of the first pushchairs with a compact fold. Despite being larger than other options it still features an easy and neat fold. It also has a range of great features, including the deep reclining seat as well as an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to keep your child covered on sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are only designed for toddlers and older children. However there are other options that can be used from the time of birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat and can come with the option of adding an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO which is one of the original buggys of this kind and is remains a popular choice. It's slightly smaller fold than other models, but it's very easy to carry and fits into the cabin luggage allowance on most airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds down is often extremely compact and lightweight. This is especially true for umbrella-folding 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 vehicle and other people's houses. These are also a good choice if you do not want to invest in an all-terrain stroller and prefer to use your pushchair on flat surfaces.

Think about getting tyres that are air-filled for use with your compact folding pushchair in difficult terrain, on sand, or on muddy surfaces. They're a bit heavier than standard tyres but they'll provide better grip and traction. It's important to remember that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.

Many lightweight pushchairs were designed for older infants and toddlers that could sit up on their own however, more are suitable for babies from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be combined with an infant car seat or an additional carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-fold pushchairs are even designed to be used with a stroller board to transform them into a double buggy - ideal to take Grandma or Grandad along.

A lot of the top lightweight strollers are simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed by pressing a single button. Some have more complicated mechanisms, but they take up little space. Some have a wrist strap that lets you your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded, and this can make a huge difference in how easy it is to move.

While some lightweight pushchairs are extremely basic, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a tiny stroller can be loaded with of features. There's a decent-sized basket, plenty of padding, adjustable height of the handlebar (for tall and short parents) and a reclining seating and a large protective canopy. It's also light and comes in a handy bag.

Compact

One of the main things you should be aware of when choosing a pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some models have a tiny fold, while others are more spacious depending on their overall dimensions and the features they include.

The compactness of a pushchair can be a factor to consider if you intend to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a smaller size, or even into a bag, making them easy to store in the trunk of your car, or take on a plane. If you're planning to travel frequently or live in a city that aren't able to use a large stroller every day, this is the perfect option for you.

The best pushchairs are those that have an easy, simple fold process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it is unique due to its innovative design and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively tiny fold and is only slightly larger than most hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for travel. It can even be taken to the airport and used during the time between the boarding process and getting your flight.

For a more spacious compact pushchair, check out the Mamas and Papas Airo. It has a comfortable seat that reclines completely and has plenty 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 excellent option for a day-to-day light buggy that folds down to a very compact fold and can be positioned up straight when not in use. It's not as easy-to-use as other models, and can create a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This could make your baby scream.