Say "Yes" To These 5 Fold Up Pushchair Tips
Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs are easy to get on and off public transportation or fit in the back of a car. They are also very lightweight and compact, making them perfect to travel with planes.
This UPPAbaby is one of the most compact folds we've seen. But it comes with some limitations, like a small canopy and a lack of storage.
Ease of Folding
Consider where and how you will use the pushchair prior to deciding on one. If you're traveling with your child on a plane, a compact and lightweight buggy is a good option. It can be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried on the shoulder. You should look for buggy that can fold using one hand while holding your child. It should also have a handle that's adjustable in height, so that caregivers and parents with different heights are able to use it comfortably. If you're going to be hiking with baby it 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 extended sun canopy.
It is essential to test 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 test participants, due to its innovative mechanism that transforms into a compact unit that is smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy compartment for keys and phones, as well as the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for children who like to sleep while on the move.
The smallest fold-up pushchairs are able to be used as early as birth. They offer an easy-to-leap seat or an option for a carrycot. This is ideal for infants who prefer to sleep throughout the daytime. If you plan to use your travel system from the beginning, a simple click attachment system for an Infant Car Seat is a must.
The smallest of the bunch that's the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families, as it folds even smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm less), and weighs less than 6kg, making it very easy to carry. It is also simple 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 that can tackle any terrain.
One-Handed folding
When you're going for a stroll in the park, speeding around the city on public transport, or heading to distant shores with baby in tow it's important to have a pushchair that folds easily. It's not ideal to have to fold a complicated travel system and manage the child and all their essentials, such as keys, shopping bags, and other things. This is the reason why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most preferred option for parents.
Like the name suggests, a one-handed fold pushchair can be folded with the push of one button or two. Some models require more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process makes them still easy to handle and store away. They are also light which makes them easier to carry or to store in small space.
One of the best examples is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model has one of the easiest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round up, with the speedy and smooth operation that requires just pulling a lever at the base of the chassis. It can stand in its own way when folded, making it perfect to store in the corner of a cafe or a foyer.
The Bugaboo Bee is another model that folds using just one hand. It's among the first pushchairs that fold compactly. Despite being larger than the other models, this model still has an easy to use, sleek fold. It also has a range of fantastic features, including an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to protect your child on hot days.
Some of these pushchairs are not suitable for toddlers or older infants however, there is numerous models that are designed to be used from the time of birth. They come with a full or partial lie-flat seat and could include the option of adding an infant car seat. MFM's Gemma has traveled with her son in a Babyzen YoYO - one of the very first buggys of its kind. It's still a favourite. It's smaller than other buggy types but it's still very easy to handle. It is able to fit in the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on the majority of airlines.
Lightweight
A pushchair that folds is typically very small and light. This is especially true of umbrella-fold pushchairs, which usually weigh under 20 pounds. They are perfect for short walks on flat surfaces or pavements and for transporting between your vehicle and other homes. These are also a good choice if you do not want to invest in an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your pushchair on flat surfaces.
You should consider buying tyres with air if you plan to use your compact fold-up pushchair newborn on difficult terrain, on sand or on slippery surfaces. These tyres weigh more however they offer better grip and traction. The extra weight will add to the overall pushchair size though it's important to keep that in mind.
Many of the lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own, but there are a growing number that can be used for babies from birth. This includes models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, with a lie-flat seat and the option of incorporating an additional carrycot (sold separately) or an infant car seat to create an entire travel system. Some compact-fold strollers are able to 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 at the touch of a button, whereas others feature more complicated mechanisms but they still require very little space. Some have a wrist strap that lets you keep your grip on the pushchair even when it's folded. This can make a big difference in how easy it is to move.
The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. There's also a substantial basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short), and a large protective canopy. It's also very light and comes with a handy carry bag.
Compact
One of the primary things you will need to take into consideration when choosing a pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some pushchairs are very compact fold, whereas others are bigger based on the overall size and features.
It is also essential to be compact if you plan to travel with your stroller. There are models that fold to an extremely compact size, and even into a pouch, so they can be tucked away in the back of a car or taken on a plane as baggage in the cabin. This is perfect if you plan to travel frequently or live in a city area where you aren't able to take a larger stroller with you every day.
The most effective pushchairs have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied, but it still is unique due to its unique design and its superior performance.
The Babyzen YOYO is perfect for travel because it has a fold that is incredibly small and just a little larger than most hand luggage allowances. It can even be taken to the gate and used between the boarding process and getting your flight.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact pushchair that provides more space. This has a great seat that can recline fully and has plenty of padding to keep your child comfy. It can be used as early as birth, with the addition of a carrycot or newborn push chair cocoon pack (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today lightweight buggy that has an extremely compact fold that can be stood up straight when not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and it's able to create a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This can wake your baby.