The Step-By -Step Guide To Choosing Your Fold Up Pushchair
Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs are easy to take on public transportation or fit in the back of your car. They also tend to be very lightweight and compact, making them ideal for plane travel.
This UPPAbaby model is among the most appealing compact folds we've seen. But it comes with some limitations, like a small canopy and lack of storage.
Easy folding
When choosing a fold up pushchair, you must consider how and where you'll use it. If you're planning to travel with your baby on a plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is an excellent option since it can be placed into the overhead compartments for luggage and is typically small enough to be carried on the shoulder when folded. Make sure you choose a one-handed fold that's easy to operate while holding your little one and a handle that can be adjusted to height to ensure that parents and caregivers with different heights can comfortably use it. A swivel lock wheel is essential if are planning to hike with your baby. It will assist you to navigate uneven terrain. Look for features like the ability to recline deep enough for comfortable naps when you're on the move and an extended sun canopy.
Many pushchairs claim to be able to fold with one hand, but it's best to test this out before purchasing to confirm it really is possible while also holding your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was reviewed highly by our reviewers, due to its clever mechanism which transforms into a compact unit that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy compartment for keys and phones and an easy recline seat that's perfect for little travellers who like to sleep on the move.
Some of the most compact fold-up pushchairs are made to be used right from birth and come with an easy-to-leap seat or an option to add an additional carrycot, so they're perfect for infants who prefer to sleep during the day. If you're planning to use your travel system from the beginning the one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is also essential.
The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest 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's also extremely easy to use, with a simple fold with one hand and a reclined seat that is ideal for toddler napping. This model is also a great choice for hikers since it comes with an oversized front swivel wheel which can be used on any terrain.
One-Handed Folding
When you're going for an afternoon stroll in the park, or cruising around the city on public transport, or heading off to exotic shores with baby in tow it's important to have a pushchair that folds effortlessly. It's not ideal to have to fold a complex travel system while trying to manage the child and all their necessities, including keys, shopping bags, and other things. This is the reason why pushchairs and strollers - click now - that can be folded one hand are the most preferred option for parents.
One-handed fold pushchairs can be collapsed by pressing one or more buttons. Some models require more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process makes them still easy to handle and put away. They are also lightweight and easy to carry or store in small spaces.
One of the best examples is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. This model has one of the easiest one-handed folds in our round up, with the speedy 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 to store in the corner of a cafe, or in a foyer.
Another model that has an easy, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It's one of the original compact-fold pushchairs and despite being larger than some other options it still features an elegant, simple to use fold. It comes with a wide array of features, such as a deep recline and an UPF 50+ canopy that can be expanded designed to keep your baby covered on sunny days.
Some of these compact-fold pushchairs are designed for toddlers or older infants However, there are numerous models that are designed to be used from birth. These pushchairs come with a seat that can be completely or partially lied-flat and some even come with an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is one of the first buggys of this kind and is remains a popular choice. It's a little less compact than some other buggys, but is still easy to carry. It fits in the cabin baggage allowance of many airlines.
Lightweight
When a pushchair folds, it takes up a tiny space, and is often very light too. This is especially true of umbrella-folding pushchairs that typically weigh less than 20 pounds. They are great for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and for transporting between your car and others homes. They're also a good option for those who don't want to purchase an all-terrain buggy and are happy with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.
Consider getting air-filled tyres for use with your compact folding pushchair in rough terrain, on sand or on muddy surfaces. These tyres are heavier however they offer more grip and traction. It's important to remember that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair.
A majority of pushchairs that are lightweight are made for older children and toddlers that can sit on their own, however there are a growing number that can be used for babies 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 additional carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-fold pushchairs are designed to be used in conjunction with a stroller board, transforming into a double buggy - great for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.
Many of the best lightweight strollers are simple to use. Some are simply open or closed with the push of a button, while others have more complex mechanisms but they still take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs come with wristbands that allow users to hold the pushchair even when it's folded. This can make it easier to move.
While some lightweight pushchairs can be very stripped down and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a super-compact stroller can come with a wealth of features. There's a decent-sized basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebar height (for parents who are tall and short), a reclining seat and a huge canopy to protect. Plus, it's very lightweight and comes with a handy carrying bag.
Compact
When you are choosing a stroller you should consider the size of the stroller when folded. Some have a very small fold, while others are more spacious, depending on their overall size and the features they include.
A pushchair's compactness may also be a factor to consider if you intend to travel with it. There are models that fold to an extremely compact size, and even into a bag, so they can be easily tucked away in the boot of a car or carried on the plane as baggage for cabin use. This is perfect when you plan to travel often or live in a city area where you can't take a larger stroller with you all the time.
Some of the best pushchairs to consider are those that feature an easy, effortless folding process that can be done with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first in its class and has been a model of imitation since then, but it is unique due to its unique features and superior design.
The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively small fold that is slightly bigger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, making it ideal to travel with. It can be used at the gate between boarding your flight and catching it at the airport.
For a more spacious and compact pushchair, look at the Mamas and Papas Airo. The seat reclines fully, and there is plenty of padding to keep your child feel comfortable. It can be used from birth with the carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller for use in the everyday. It is compact in fold that can be positioned upright when not in use. However it's not as simple to operate as some other models and can produce quite a bit of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could wake up your baby.