A Complete Guide To Fold Up Pushchair
Choosing a Fold Up pushchair stroller
Fold-up pushchairs make it easy to hop on and off public transport, or can be tucked away in the back of a car. They are also compact and lightweight making them ideal for traveling by plane.
This UPPAbaby is one of the most compact folds that we've ever seen. It does have some limitations, such as a small canopy, and there's no storage.
Ease of folding
When choosing a fold up pushchair, it's important to think about where and how you're going to use it. If you'll be travelling with your baby on a plane A compact, light buggy is an excellent choice as it can fit into the overhead compartments for luggage and is usually small enough to be carried on the shoulder when folded. You should choose buggy that folds easily with one hand while you hold your child. It must have a handle that's adjustable in height to ensure that caregivers and parents with different heights are able to use it comfortably. A swivel lock wheel is essential if are planning to hike with your child. It will help you navigate through uneven terrain. Other useful features to consider include a deep recline for 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 but it's important to test this before you buy to ensure it really is possible while also holding your child. Our testers found the UPPAbaby GLUXE to be particularly good, with its clever mechanism that combines into a compact size that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a handy compartment for keys and phones, as well as an easy recline seat that's ideal for children who like to sleep in the middle of the road.
The smallest fold-up pushchairs can be used from the moment of birth. They have the option of a lying flat seat, or carrying cots. This is ideal for babies who like to sleep during the day. If you're planning to utilize your travel system from the beginning, a single click attachment system for your infant Car Seat is a must.
The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the group. It folds down even smaller than its counterpart, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at only 6kg. It is also easy to use with a one-hand fold, and the seat reclines for toddler naps. 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
Whether you're out for a stroll in the park, or cruising around town on public transport or jetting off to foreign shores with a baby, it pays to have a pushchair that folds effortlessly. Having to manage the child keys, shopping bags, keys and other necessities of daily life while trying to fold a complicated travel system is not ideal and hence pushchairs with one hand strollers are often the most preferred choices for parents.
One-handed fold pushchairs can be folded by pressing a button or buttons. Some models might require more effort, or even two hands. However, the convenience of this method makes them easy to handle and to store. They also tend to be lighter, making them simpler to carry around or fit in tight spaces.
A good example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. It is one of the most simple one-handed folds in our round up, with a quick and smooth operation that requires just pulling on the lever on the bottom of the chassis. It stands up by itself when folded, making it perfect for stowing 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 first compact-fold pushchairs, and despite being bigger than others it still features a neat, easy to use fold. It also has a range of great features, including the deep reclining seat as well as an UPF50+ canopy that can be expanded to ensure your child is protected on sunny days.
Some of these compact-folded pushchairs are specifically designed for toddlers and older children. However there are other options that can be used starting from the time of birth. These have a full or partial lie-flat seat, and may come with the option of an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO which is among the first buggys of this type and remains a popular choice. It's slightly less compact fold than some other models, but it's very easy to handle and fits into the cabin luggage allowance on a majority of airlines.
Lightweight
A pushchair that folds down is typically very compact and lightweight. This is especially true for umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh under 20 pounds. They are ideal for short walks on pavements and flat surfaces and for a quick transfer between your car and the homes of others. They're also a good option if you don't want to buy an all-terrain buggy and are happy with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.
Think about getting tyres that are air-filled if you plan to use your compact folding pushchair (writes in the official Ksja blog) in rough terrain, on sand, or on muddy surfaces. These tyres are more heavy and provide more grip and traction. The extra weight will add to the overall size of the pushchair though it's important to think about this.
Many of the lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit up on their own, however many are now suitable from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a seating area that is flat and can be combined with an infant car seat or an additional carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used with a stroller board, transforming into a double buggy. perfect for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.
A lot of the top lightweight strollers are easy to use. Some are open and closed at the touch of a button. others have more intricate mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some come with a strap for your wrist that lets you the pushchair in place even when it's folded. This can make a big difference in the ease of move around.
The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a fantastic example of a compact stroller packed with features. There's a decent-sized basket, plenty of padding, adjustable height of the handlebar (for parents who are tall and short) as well as a reclining seat and a huge canopy for protection. Plus, it's very lightweight and comes with a handy carry bag.
Compact
One of the most important aspects you need to be aware of when choosing a pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Certain pushchairs come with a compact fold, whereas others are bigger based on the overall dimensions and features.
It is also essential to be compact when you are planning to travel with your baby. There are models that fold down to a very small size and can even be folded into a pouch, so they can be tucked in the trunk of a car, or taken on a plane as baggage in the cabin. This is perfect for those who travel often or live in a city area where you can't carry a stroller that is larger daily.
The best pushchairs to consider are those that feature an easy, effortless folding process that can be done by using only one hand. The Babyzen YOYO is the first of its type and has been copied since, but it is unique due to its innovative features and superior functionality.
The Babyzen YOYO is a compact fold and is slightly larger than the average hand luggage allowances, making it perfect for travel. It can be used at the gate between the flight's departure and landing it at the airport.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact pushchair that provides more space. It has a comfortable seat that reclines completely and has plenty of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used as early as 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 has a compact fold that can be placed upright when not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and it can create a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This could make your baby scream.