A Step-By -Step Guide To Picking Your Fold Up Pushchair

From Yuri Project

Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are easy to hop on and off public transport, or fit into the back of cars. They are also very lightweight and compact which makes them ideal for travel by plane.

This UPPAbaby model has one of the most appealing compact folds we've seen. But it comes with some limitations, including a small canopy and lack of storage.

Ease of folding

Consider the location and how you'll use the pushchair prior to deciding on one. If you're traveling with your baby on a plane then a compact and light buggy is an ideal option. It can be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. It is recommended to choose an infant stroller that can fold with one hand while you hold your child. It must also have a handle that is adjustable in height, so that caregivers and parents with different heights are able to use it comfortably. A lock that can swivel is essential if intend to take your baby on a hike. It will help you navigate through uneven terrain. Other features worth a look include a deep recline to ensure relaxing naps while on the move and a canopy that can be extended that provides extra sun protection.

It's important to test the pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure that they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was rated highly by our testers, thanks to its clever mechanism that transforms into a compact unit that is smaller than an umbrella. It has a pocket to keep phones and keys as well as a recliner seat which can be adjusted with just a single click.

Some of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth and come with a flat seat that can be sat on or the option of an additional carrycot, so they're ideal for young babies who prefer to sleep throughout the daytime. If you plan on using your travel system right from the beginning using a one-click attachment method for a car seat for infants is a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the bunch. It folds down even smaller than its YOYO2 counterpart the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry with just 6kg. It's also extremely easy to use, with a straightforward fold with one hand and a reclined seat that's perfect for toddler naps. This model is a great choice for hikers, as it comes with a huge front swivel tire that is able to take on any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

When you're going for a stroll in the park, whizzing around the city on public transport, or heading to distant shores with baby in tow, it pays to have a pushchair that folds effortlessly. It's not ideal to fold a complex travel system and manage the child and all their necessities, including keys, shopping bags and other things. This is the reason why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most popular choice for parents.

Like the name suggests the pushchair walker that folds with one hand can be folded with the touch of one button or two. Some models require more effort or even two hands, but the ease of the process means that they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and put away. They also tend to be lightweight, making them easier to carry around or fit in small spaces.

One of the best examples is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. This model features one of the easiest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round up, with a quick and smooth operation that involves only pulling on a lever at the base of the chassis. It stands on its own when folded, too, which makes it ideal for storing in the corner of a cafe or in a foyer.

Another model that features an easy, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It is one of the first pushchairs with a compact fold. Although it is larger than other options it still features an easy-to-use, neat fold. It also has a range of fantastic features, including the deep reclining seat as well as an expandable UPF50+ canopy to keep your child covered on sunny days.

Some of these pushchairs are designed specifically for toddlers and older children. However there are many options to use starting from the time of birth. These pushchairs come with seats that can be completely or partially lied-flat, and some even come with a baby car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is one of the original buggys of this type and still a favorite. It's a little less compact than other buggy models however it's still a breeze to carry. It is able to fit in the allowance for cabin baggage of many airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds, it takes up very little space, and is often very light too. This is particularly true of umbrella-folding pushchairs that typically weigh under 20 pounds. They are ideal for short walks on flat surfaces and pavements, and for easy transport between your vehicle and other people's houses. They're also a good option if you don't need an all-terrain stroller pushchairs, and prefer to use your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you're looking to use a compact folding pushchair egg when you're walking on muddy or sandy surfaces, consider getting an air-filled tyre. These tyres are more heavy however they offer better 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 made for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit on their own, however there are a growing number that can be used 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 (sold separately) or an infant car seat to make a travel system. Some compact-fold strollers can be converted into double buggys using a stroller board. This is ideal for Grandma and Grandad.

A majority of the best lightweight strollers are easy to use. Some are simply open or closed with the push of a button, whereas others have more complex mechanisms but they still take up very little space. Some even have a strap on the wrist that lets you keep the pushchair in place even when it's folded, and this can make a huge difference in how easy it is to move.

While some lightweight cheap pushchairs for sale are very stripped down and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a tiny stroller can come with a wealth of features. It also has a large basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge protective canopy. It's also extremely light and comes with a handy bag.

Compact

When selecting a stroller, you should think about how compact it is when folded. Some models are very compact to fold while others are larger, dependent on their overall size and what features they have.

The compactness of a pushchair could be a consideration when you plan to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a smaller size or even into bags, making them ideal for storage in the trunk of your car, or take on an airplane. This is perfect if you plan to travel frequently or reside in an urban area, where you won't be able to carry a stroller that is larger daily.

The most desirable pushchairs are those that feature a smooth, fuss-free folding process that can be performed with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its type and has been imitated since then, but it is a standout due to its innovative features and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively small fold that is slightly bigger than most hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for travel. It can be carried to the gate and used during the time between the boarding process and getting your flight.

If you are looking for a larger, compact pushchair, look at the Mamas and Papas Airo. This has a great seat that reclines fully and provides plenty of padding to keep your child comfy. It can be used as early as birth with an infant cocoon or carrycot pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller and pushchair for everyday use. It has a compact fold that can be placed upright when not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and it can produce a lot of noise when you adjust its canopy. This can make your baby scream.