The Top Fold Up Pushchair Gurus Are Doing Three Things
Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to hop on and off public transport, or fit into the back of a car. They are also extremely light and compact which makes them ideal to travel with planes.
This UPPAbaby has one of the smallest folds that we've ever seen. However, it has some limitations, such as a tiny canopy and no storage.
Folding is easy
Think about where and how you will use the pushchair before choosing one. If you'll be travelling with your baby on a plane, a compact, lightweight buggy is a great option as it can be tucked into the overhead compartments for luggage and is typically small enough to be carried on the shoulder when unfolded. 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 so that carers and parents of various heights can comfortably use it. A lock that can swivel is essential if plan to hike with your baby. It will assist you to navigate the terrain that is uneven. Check for features such as the ability to recline deep enough for comfortable naps when you're on the move, and an extendable sun canopy.
Many pushchairs claim to fold with one hand but it's important to test it before you buy to ensure it's possible while holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be especially good, with its clever mechanism that concertinas down to a slimmer, sleeker package than an umbrella. It also has a handy pocket for stashing keys and phones and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for kids who like to sleep in the middle of the road.
The smallest fold-up pushchairs can be used as early as the moment of birth. They come with a lie flat seat, or a carrycot. This is ideal for babies who want to sleep throughout the daytime. If you plan on using your travel system from the start the one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is also a must.
The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and most lightweight of the bunch. It folds even smaller than its counterpart, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at just 6kg. It is also simple to use with a one-hand fold and the seat can recline to allow for naps for toddlers. This model is also a good choice for hikers, as it has an extra-large front swivel wheel that can tackle any terrain.
One-Handed folding
It is always a good idea to have a folding pushchair, whether you are walking around or using public transport or flying to a foreign country with your child. It's not ideal to have to fold a complex travel system while trying to manage a child as well as all of their essentials, like keys, shopping bags and other things. This is the reason why one-handed strollers and pushchairs are the most preferred choice for parents.
As the name implies, a one-handed fold pushchair can be collapsed with just the push of a button or two. Some models might require more effort, or even two hands. However, the ease of this method makes them easy to maneuver and put away. They are also light, making it easier to carry around or to store in small space.
One of the best examples is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model features one of the simplest one-handed folds that we have seen in our round-up, and features a quick and smooth operation that involves only pulling on a lever at the base of the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, making it perfect for storing in the corner of a cafe or a foyer.
Another model that features an easy, one-handed fold is the Bugaboo Bee. It is one of the first pushchairs that fold compactly. Despite being larger than the other models it still features an easy and sleek fold. It comes with a wide array of features,, including a deep recline and an UPF 50+ canopy that is expandable that's designed to keep your little one safe on hot days.
Some of these pushchairs are not suitable for older babies or toddlers however, there is many options that are designed to be used from birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat and can come with the option of adding an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is one of the original buggys of this type and remains a popular choice. It's a little less compact than some other buggys but it's still very easy to carry. It fits in the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on many airlines.
Lightweight
When a pushchair folds down, it occupies a small space, and is usually extremely light. This is especially true for umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh less than 20 pounds. They are ideal for short walks on flat surfaces and pavements as well as for a simple way to get between your car and the homes of others. They're also a great option if you don't want to purchase an all-terrain buggy and are happy with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.
Think about getting tyres that are air-filled If you intend to use your compact folding pushchair in rough terrain, on sand or on slippery surfaces. These tyres are heavier, but they provide more grip and traction. It's important to keep in mind that the extra weight will increase the size of your pushchair shop near me.
Many of the lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit up on their own, but a growing number are suitable from the time of birth. They include models such as the Mamas & Papas Airo, which has a lie-flat seat and the option of incorporating an additional carrycot pack (sold separately) or an infant car seat to create a travel system. Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used in conjunction with a stroller board to transform into a double buggy. great to take Grandma or Grandad along.
A lot of the top lightweight pushchairs are simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed with the press of a single button. Some have more complicated mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some pushchairs feature wrist bands that allow you to hold the chair even when it's folded. This can make it easier to move.
The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a fantastic example of a compact stroller that's packed with features. It also has a large basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge protective canopy. It's also very light and comes with a handy carrying bag.
Compact
When choosing a stroller, you should think about the size of the stroller when folded. Some pushchairs have a very compact fold, while others are bigger based on the overall size and features.
Compactness is also important for those who plan to travel with your baby. There are models that fold to the smallest size and can even be folded into a pouch, which means they can be easily tucked in the trunk of a car, or taken on a plane as baggage for cabin use. If you plan to travel frequently or live in a city where you don't have a stroller every day This is the ideal option for you.
The best pushchairs are those that have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its kind and has been a model of imitation since, but it still is a standout due to its clever features and superior design.
The Babyzen YOYO is ideal for travel as it has folds that are incredibly small and just a little larger than most hand luggage allowances. It can be used at the gate between taking off and catching it on the way back.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair which offers more space. The seat reclines fully and there is plenty of padding to make your child feel comfortable. It can be used as early as birth, with the addition of a carrycot or newborn cocoon pack (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today lightweight stroller that folds into a very compact fold and can be stood up straight when not in use. However it's not as simple to operate as some other models and it can create a lot of noise when you adjust the canopy, which may awake your baby.