Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to get on and off public transportation or fit into the back of cars. They are also very lightweight and compact, making them perfect for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby model has one of the most eye-catching compact folds we've seen. It does have some limitations including a small canopy and no storage.

Ease of folding

Think about the location and how you'll use the pushchair before choosing one. If you're taking your child on a plane, a compact and lightweight buggy is an ideal alternative. It can be tucked away in the overhead compartments for luggage and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. You should look for an infant stroller that folds easily using one hand while holding your child. It must include a handle that is height-adjustable to ensure that caregivers and parents of different heights are able to use it comfortably. If you're planning to go hiking with baby, a swivel-lock wheel is essential for manoeuvring over uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a deep recline to ensure easy naps on the go and an extendable canopy that provides extra sun protection.

Many pushchairs claim to be folded in one-hand but it's important to test this out before you buy to ensure it's feasible while being able to hold your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was reviewed highly by our testers, thanks to its innovative mechanism that concertinas into a package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy compartment for keys and phone and a one-touch seat recline that's perfect for little travellers who like to nap on the move.

A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used starting at birth and offer a lie-flat seat or the option of an additional carrycot, which means they're great for babies who need to sleep during the day. If you plan to use your travel system right from the beginning, a one click attachment system for your infant Car Seat is a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the group. It folds down even smaller than its counterpart, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at only 6kg. It's also extremely easy to use, using a simple fold with one hand and a reclined seat that's perfect for toddler naps. This model is a great option for hikers, since it comes with a large front swivel tire that can handle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

If you're taking a stroll through the park, or cruising around town on public transport or heading off to exotic shores with a baby it's a good idea to have a stroller that folds up easily. It can be difficult to manage children keys, shopping bags, keys and other necessities of daily life while attempting to fold a complex travel system isn't a good idea, so one-handed pushchairs and strollers are often the most popular choice for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can collapse by pressing a button or buttons. Some models require a bit more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process means that they are still easy to handle and put away. They are also light which makes them easier to carry around or store in small space.

The G-Luxe from UPPAbaby is a great illustration. This model is one of the easiest to fold using one hand in our roundup. It only requires pulling a lever on the chassis. It stands by itself when folded, too, which makes it ideal for stowing in the corner of a cafe or the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that folds by one hand. It's among the first pushchairs with a compact fold. While it's larger than other options it still features an easy to use, sleek fold. It also has a range of excellent features, such as an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to protect your child on sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are only designed for toddlers and older infants. However, there are more options to use starting from birth. These pushchairs come with seats that can be fully or partially lie-flat and some come with an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO which is one of the original buggys of this type and still a favorite. It's not as compact than other buggy types however it's still a breeze to handle. It is able to fit in the allowance for cabin baggage of the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds, it occupies a small space, and is usually very light as well. This is especially true for umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They're great for short walks on flat surfaces and pavements and for a quick transfer between your car and other people's houses. These are also a good choice if you do not need an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your pushchair only on flat surfaces.

If you want to fold a compact pushchair when you're walking on muddy or sand surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. These tyres are more heavy and provide greater grip and traction. It's important to keep in mind that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair deals.

A majority of pushchairs that are lightweight are designed for older babies and toddlers that can sit on their own, but there are a growing number that can be used from birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be paired with a car seat for infants or a carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-fold pushchairs are even designed to be used with a stroller board, transforming into a double buggy. great for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed by pressing one button. Some have more complicated mechanisms, but they require little space. Some even come with a strap for your wrist that lets you keep hold of the pushchair while it's folded. This can make a big difference to how easy it is to maneuver.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is an excellent example of a compact stroller packed with features. It has a large basket and plenty of padding adjustable handlebar height (for parents who are tall and short) and a reclining seating and a large protective canopy. It's also extremely light and comes with a convenient bag.

Compact

When choosing a stroller, you must consider the size of the stroller when folded. Some models have a tiny fold while others are more spacious depending on their overall size and the features they come with.

The compactness of a pushchair could be a factor to consider in the event that you are planning to travel with it. There are models that fold down to a very small size, and even into a bag, so they can be tucked away in the back of a car, or taken on an airplane as baggage for cabin use. If you are planning to travel often or live in a city where you don't have a stroller every day, this is the perfect solution for you.

The best pushchairs have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its type and has been imitated since then, but it is unique due to its clever features and superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively compact fold and is slightly larger than the average hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for travel. It can be carried to the airport and used in between taking off and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair that 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 as early as birth with the addition of the carrycot or newborn push chair cocoon pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller for use in the everyday. It features a compact fold that can be positioned upright when not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and it can make a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This could cause your baby to wake up.