Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are easy to transport on public transportation or even fit into the back of your car. They also tend to be extremely light and compact which makes them perfect for plane travel.

This UPPAbaby model is among the most appealing compact folds we've seen. However, it has some limitations, like a small canopy and a lack of storage.

Ease of folding

When you're choosing a fold-up pushchair, you need to consider how and where you'll be using it. If you'll be travelling with your infant on planes an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is a good option as it can be tucked in the overhead luggage compartments and is typically small enough to be carried on your shoulder when folded. Look out for a single-handed fold that is easy to operate while holding your child and a handle that can be adjusted to height so parents and carers of various heights can comfortably use it. A swivel lock wheel is a must if you are planning to hike with your baby. It will assist you to navigate the terrain that is uneven. Look for features like the ability to recline deep enough for a comfortable nap while you're moving, and an extendable sun canopy.

It is important to test the pushchairs prior to purchasing them to be sure they fold easily with one hand while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be particularly impressive thanks to its innovative mechanism that concertinas down into a compact size that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a convenient compartment for keys and phone and an easy recline seat that's perfect for little travellers who like to nap in the middle of the road.

Some of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth, and include an easy-to-leap seat or an option to add an additional carrycot, which means they're perfect for infants who prefer to sleep during the daytime. If you intend to use your travel system right from the beginning, a one click attachment system for an infant Car Seat is a must.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and most lightweight of the bunch. It folds even smaller than its YOYO2 counterpart the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry with just 6kg. It is also easy to use with a one-hand fold and the seat reclines to accommodate toddler napping. This model is also a great option 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 foldable pushchair, whether you are walking around or using public transport or flying to a foreign land with your baby. It's not ideal to have to fold a complicated travel system while trying to manage a child and all of their essentials, like keys, shopping bags and other things. This is why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most sought-after option for parents.

As the name implies the pushchair that folds with one hand can be folded down with the push of a button or two. Some models require a bit more effort or even two hands, but the convenience of the process means that they are still easy to handle and store away. They also tend to be lightweight, making them easier to transport around or fitting in small spaces.

One of the best examples is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model has one of the easiest one-handed folds we've seen in our round up, with the speedy and smooth operation that involves just pulling a lever at the base of the chassis. It can stand by itself when folded, making it perfect for stowing in the corner of a cafe or the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that can be folded with one hand. It's among the first pushchairs with a compact fold. Despite being bigger than other models it still features an easy-to-use, sleek fold. It has a great range of features, too with a recline that is deep and an expandable UPF 50+ canopy that is designed to keep your child covered on sunny days.

Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older children However, there are numerous models that are designed to be used as early as birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat and could include the option of incorporating 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 remains a popular choice. It's not as compact than other buggy types, but is still easy to maneuver. It is able to fit in the allowance for cabin baggage of the majority of airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds is typically extremely small and lightweight. This is especially applicable to umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. These are ideal for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transporting between your vehicle and other homes. They're also a good choice when you don't wish to buy an all-terrain buggy and are happy with your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you want to use a compact folding pushchair when you're walking on muddy or sandy surfaces, think about getting an air-filled tyre. These are a bit heavier than normal tyres, but they'll offer better grip and traction. It's important to note that the weight added will increase the size of your pushchair.

A variety of lightweight pushchairs were created for toddlers and older infants that could sit up on their own, but more are now suitable from the time of birth. These include models like 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 create a travel system. Some compact-fold strollers can be transformed into Hauck Duett 2 Double Pushchair - Black Reversible Compact buggys using a stroller board. This is great for Grandma and Grandad.

A majority of the best lightweight strollers are simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed by pressing a single button. Others feature more intricate mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some have a wrist strap that lets you keep your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded, and this can make a huge difference in the ease of move.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact Kinderkraft HELSI Jogger: 3-Wheeler Stroller Buggy (Gray) that's packed with features. It has a large basket, plenty of padding, adjustable height of the handlebar (for parents who are tall and short) and a reclining seating and a huge canopy for protection. It's also very light and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

One of the primary things you need to take into consideration when choosing the right pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Certain pushchairs come with a compact fold, whereas others are bigger based on their overall size and features.

A pushchair's compactness may also be a consideration when you plan to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a compact size, or even into a bag which makes them a breeze to put in the trunk of your car or to carry on a plane. This is ideal when you plan to travel frequently or reside in an urban area, where you aren't able to take a larger stroller with you daily.

The best pushchairs are those that have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied but stands out due to its unique design and its superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively compact fold and is slightly bigger than the average hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for travel. It can be used at the airport between the flight's departure and landing it on the way back.

For a more spacious compact pushchair, look at the Mamas and Papas Airo. The seat reclines fully and it has plenty of padding to keep your child comfortable. It can be used as early as birth with the addition of an infant cocoon or carrycot pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today light buggy that folds down to a very compact fold and can be positioned upright when it's 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.