7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Of Your Fold Up Pushchair

Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs are easy to take on public transportation or even fit into the back of your car. They are also extremely compact and lightweight which makes them ideal for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby has one of the most compact folds that we've ever seen. However, it has some limitations, including a small canopy and lack of storage.

Folding Ease

Think about where and how you will use the pushchair before deciding one. If you're planning to travel with your baby on a plane A compact, light buggy pushchair is a good option since it can be placed in the overhead luggage compartments, and is usually small enough to be carried on the shoulder when folded. It is recommended to choose an infant stroller that folds easily with one hand while holding your child. It must include a handle that is adjustable in height to ensure that caregivers and parents with different heights are able to use it comfortably. A lock that can swivel is essential if you are planning to hike with your child. It will assist you to navigate through uneven terrain. Other features worth a look include a recline that is deep for comfortable naps on the go, and an extendable canopy that offers 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's actually possible while also being able to hold your child. The UPPAbaby G Luxe was rated highly by our testers, thanks to its clever mechanism which transforms into a compact unit that is smaller than an umbrella. It also comes with a handy pocket for stashing keys and phones and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for children who prefer to nap in the middle of the road.

A few of the smallest fold-up pushchairs can be used as early as birth. They offer the option of a lying flat seat or a carrycot. This is perfect for infants who prefer to sleep throughout the day. If you're planning to use your travel system right from the beginning, a one-click attachment system for a car seat for infants is also a must.

The smallest of the group, the Cybex Libelle, is an outstanding option for jet-setting families and folds more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm thinner), and weighs less at under 6kg so is extremely light to carry. It is also easy 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 oversized front swivel which can be used on any terrain.

One-Handed folding

Whether you're out for a stroll in the park, speeding around town on public transport or heading off to exotic shores with your baby, it pays to have a stroller that folds up easily. Having to manage children, shopping bags, keys and other everyday necessities while attempting to fold a complicated travel system isn't ideal, so one-handed pushchairs and strollers are typically the most popular choice for parents.

As 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 means they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and stow away. They are also lightweight and easy to transport or store in small space.

The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is a good example. This model is among the easiest to fold using one hand in our roundup. It only requires pulling a lever on the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, which makes it ideal to store in the corner of a café or foyer.

Another model that has simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. It's among the first pushchairs with a Hauck Rapid 4D Pushchair: Compact All-round Stroller fold. While it's bigger than other models it still features an easy to use, neat fold. It has a great range of features,, including a deep recline and an expandable UPF 50+ canopy that's designed to keep your little one safe on hot days.

Some of these pushchairs are only suitable for toddlers or older infants, but there are numerous models that are designed to be used from birth. These pushchairs have seats that can be completely or partially lie-flat, and some even come with a baby car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is among the first buggys of this kind and is remains a popular choice. It's smaller than other buggy types but it's still very easy to maneuver. It is able to fit in the allowance for cabin baggage of most airlines.

Lightweight

When a pushchair folds, it takes up a tiny space, and it's often very light as well. This is especially true for umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. These are ideal for short walks on pavements or flat surfaces and also for transporting between your car and others homes. These are also a good option if you don't need an all-terrain stroller but prefer to use your pushchair on flat surfaces.

You should consider buying tyres with air If you intend to use your compact fold-up pushchair on uneven terrain, on sand or on rough surfaces. These tyres weigh more and provide better grip and traction. The extra weight will add to the overall size of the pushchair though, so it's important to think about this.

Many of the lightweight pushchairs were made for older toddlers and pushchairsandprams infants that could sit up on their own however, more are suitable from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have an area that can be laid flat and can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat or an additional carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-fold strollers can be transformed into double buggys with the help of the stroller board. This is ideal for Grandma and Grandad.

A lot of the top lightweight pushchairs are very simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened and closed by pressing a single button. Others feature more intricate mechanisms, yet they take up little space. Some even come with a strap for your wrist that lets you keep hold of the pushchair while it's folded. This could make a significant difference in how easy it is to move around.

While some lightweight pushchairs can be very stripped down and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a tiny stroller can come with a wealth of features. It also has a large basket, plenty of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents) and a huge canopy that protects. Plus, it's very lightweight and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

One of the most important aspects you should be aware of when choosing the right pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Certain pushchairs come with a compact fold, whereas others are larger depending on the overall dimensions and features.

The compactness is essential when you are planning to travel with your stroller. There are models that fold down to the smallest size and even into a pouch, so they can be easily stashed away in the boot of a car or taken on a plane as cabin baggage. If you are planning to travel often or live in a city where you can't use a large stroller This is the ideal solution for you.

The most effective pushchairs to consider are those that feature a smooth, fuss-free folding process that can be done by using only one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated but stands out thanks to its clever details and superior functionality.

The Babyzen YOYO is a great choice for travel because it has folds that are incredibly small and only slightly larger than the average allowance for hand luggage. It can even be taken to the gate and used during the time between taking off and catching your flight.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair which offers more space. The seat reclines completely, and there's plenty of padding to make your child feel comfortable. It can be used from birth with an infant cocoon or carrycot pack (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a light stroller that can be used for daily use. It has a compact fold that can be positioned upright when not in use. It's not as easy-to-use as other models, and can make a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This can make your baby scream.