5 Motives Fold Up Pushchair Is Actually A Good Thing

Choosing a Fold Up pushchair parent facing

Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to hop on and off public transport or can be tucked away in the back of the car. They are also compact and lightweight 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 a lack of storage.

Folding Ease

Consider where and how you'll use the pushchair prior to deciding on one. When you are travelling with your child on an airplane or train, a lightweight and compact buggy is a good option. It can fit into the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. You should choose buggy that can fold with one hand while you hold your child. It should include 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 a must if you plan to take your baby on a hike. It will help you navigate through uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a deep recline to ensure easy naps on the go, and an extendable canopy which provides additional sun protection.

Many pushchairs claim to be able to fold with one hand however, it's a good idea to test this out prior to purchasing to make sure it's possible while also being able to hold 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 has a pocket to store keys and phones, and a seat recliner that can be adjusted by just a single click.

A few of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are able to be used from birth. They offer the option of a lying flat seat, or carrying cots. This is perfect for infants who prefer to sleep throughout the daytime. If you intend to use your travel system right from the beginning, a one click attachment system for your infant Car Seat is a must.

The smallest of the bunch that's the Cybex Libelle, is an ideal choice for families who travel and folds smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm less) and weighs less than 6kg, making it very easy to carry around. It's also super-easy to use, with a straightforward one-hand fold and recline which is perfect for naps with toddlers. This model is also a good choice for hikers, as it has an oversized front swivel wheel that can tackle any terrain.

One-Handed Folding

When you're going for an afternoon stroll in the park, whizzing around the city on public transport, or heading to distant shores with a baby, it pays to have a stroller that folds up easily. It's not ideal to fold a complex travel system and manage the child and all their essentials, such as keys, shopping bags and other things. This is why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most preferred option for parents.

As the name suggests it is a pushchair that folds one hand. can be folded 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 they are still easy to handle and stow away. They are also lightweight, making them easier to carry around and fit in tight spaces.

An excellent example is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. This model is among the easiest to fold using one hand in our roundup. It's as simple as pulling a lever on the chassis. It can stand in its own way when folded, too making it perfect to store in the corner of a cafe, or in a foyer.

Another model that has simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. This is one of the first compact-fold pushchairs and despite being bigger than some other options it still features a neat, easy to fold. It's got a variety of features, too with a recline that is deep and an UPF 50+ canopy that is expandable designed to keep your baby safe on hot days.

Some of these pushchairs are only suitable for older babies or toddlers, but there are many options that are designed to be used as early as birth. These have a full 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 first buggys of this kind and remains a popular choice. It's a little smaller fold than others, but it's still very easy to handle and fits in the allowance for cabin luggage on a majority of airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds down it takes up very little space, and it's often extremely light. This is especially true of umbrella-folding pushchairs that typically weigh under 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transportation between your car and others' houses. They're also a great option for those who don't want to invest in a proper all-terrain buggy and are happy with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you're looking to use a compact fold-away pushchair on uneven ground, or on muddy or sandy surfaces, you should consider an air-filled tyre. They're a little heavier than standard tyres but they'll provide better grip and traction. The extra weight does add to the overall size of the pushchair however it's crucial to think about this.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers that can sit up on their own, however a growing number are suitable for babies from birth. They include models such as the Mamas & Papas Airo, with 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 pushchairs can be opened or closed by pressing a single button. Some have more complicated mechanisms, yet they take up little space. Some pushchairs pushchairs come with wristbands that allow you to hold the chair even when folded. This can make it easier to move.

While some lightweight pushchairs are very stripped down and uninspiring, 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 storage basket with plenty of padding, adjustable height of the handlebar (for tall and short parents) as well as a reclining seat and a huge canopy to protect. Additionally, it's extremely light and comes with a handy carry bag.

Compact

One of the most important aspects you will need to consider when selecting the right pushchair shops 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 what features they include.

A pushchair's compactness may also be a consideration 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 carry on an airplane. If you are planning to travel frequently or in a place where you don't have a stroller every day This is the ideal option for you.

The most desirable pushchairs are those that have easy, hassle-free folding process that can be completed with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its type and has been copied since then, but it is unique due to its unique features and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively tiny fold and is only slightly larger than the average hand luggage allowances, making it perfect to travel with. It can be carried to the gate and used in between taking off and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact egg pushchair that provides more space. The seat reclines fully, and it has plenty of padding to keep your child feel comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition of the carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).

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