Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs make it simple to get on and off public transport, or fit into the back of a car. They are also very compact and lightweight, making them perfect 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 no storage.
Ease of folding
When choosing a fold up pushchair near me, you must take into consideration where and how you’ll be using it. If you’re planning to travel with your baby on a plane A compact, light buggy is a good choice as it can fit into the overhead compartments for luggage and is typically small enough to be carried on the shoulder when unfolded. Make sure you choose a single-handed fold that is easy to operate while holding your child and a handle that is height-adjustable to ensure that parents and caregivers of various heights can enjoy it comfortably. A lock that can swivel is essential if you plan to take your baby on a hike. It will assist you to navigate uneven terrain. Other handy features to check include a deep recline for relaxing naps while on the move and a canopy that can be extended that provides extra sun protection.
It is important to test the pushchairs before buying to make sure they can be folded using one hand while holding your child. Our test subjects found the UPPAbaby G-Luxe to be especially good thanks to its innovative mechanism that folds down to a slimmer, sleeker package than an umbrella. It has a pocket that can store keys and phones, and a seat recliner that can be adjusted by a single touch.
A few of the smallest fold up pushchairs are designed to be used from birth, and include an easy-to-leap seat or the option for an additional carrycot, which means they’re perfect for infants who want to sleep throughout the daytime. If you’re planning to utilize your travel system from the beginning, a simple click attachment system for your infant Car Seat is essential.
The smallest of the bunch that’s the Cybex Libelle, is an ideal choice for families who travel, as it folds even more compactly than its counterpart the YOYO2 (only 4cm thinner) and weighs than 6kg, making it 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 an excellent choice for hikers since it comes with a large front swivel tire that is able to handle any terrain.
One-Handed folding
It’s always an ideal idea to have a folding pushchair, regardless of whether you’re out on a stroll or taking public transport or flying to a foreign land with your baby. It’s not ideal to fold a complicated travel system and manage the child and all their necessities, including shopping bags, keys, and other items. This is why pushchairs that are one-handed are the most preferred option for parents.
As the name suggests it is a pushchair that folds one hand. can be folded with the touch of a button or two. Some models may require more effort, or two hands. However, the convenience of this process makes them easy to handle and to store. They also tend to be light, making them easier to carry around and fit in small spaces.
An excellent example is the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. This model is one of the easiest to fold with one hand in our roundup. It only requires pulling a lever on the chassis. It stands in its own way when folded, too making it perfect to store in the corner of a cafe, or in a foyer.
Another model with simple, one-handed folding is the Bugaboo Bee. It is one of the first pushchairs that fold compactly. Although it is larger than other options it still features an easy and compact fold. It also comes with a variety of excellent features, such as an incredibly comfortable seat that reclines and an expandable UPF50+ canopy to keep your child covered on hot days.
Some of these pushchairs are specifically designed for older babies and toddlers. However, there are more options to use right from the time of birth. These pushchairs have a seat that can be completely or partially lie-flat and some even include an infant car seat. MFM’s Gemma has traveled with her son in a Babyzen YOYO – one of the first strollers of its kind. It’s still a favorite. It’s a little less compact than some other buggys however it’s still a breeze to maneuver. It fits in the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on most airlines.
Lightweight
When a pushchair folds down it takes up a tiny space, and is often extremely light. This is particularly true of umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh under 20 pounds. They’re ideal for short strolls on flat surfaces and pavements as well as for a simple way to get between your car and other people’s houses. They’re also a great option if you don’t want to invest in a proper 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 fold-up pushchair on difficult terrain, on sand or on muddy surfaces. These tyres weigh more and provide better grip and traction. The extra weight will add to the overall pushchair size however it’s important to be aware of that.
Many lightweight pushchairs were designed for toddlers and older infants that could sit up on their own however, more are suitable for babies from birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a lie-flat seating area and can be used in conjunction with a car seat for infants or a carrycots (sold separately). Some compact-fold strollers are able to be converted into double buggys using a stroller board. This is a great option for Grandma and Grandad.
Many of the best lightweight pushchairs are very simple to operate. Some are simply open or closed with the push of a button. others have more complex mechanisms but they still take up a small amount of space. Some have a wrist strap that allows you to the pushchair in place even when it’s folded. This can make a big difference in the ease of move around.
While some lightweight pushchairs can be quite basic and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is an excellent example of how a tiny stroller can come with a wealth of features. There’s also a decently-sized basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for parents who are tall or short) and a huge protective canopy. It’s also very lightweight and comes in a handy bag.
Compact
One of the primary things you need to take into consideration when choosing a pushchair is the size of the pushchair when folded. Some models are very compact to fold while others are more spacious, depending on their overall size and the features they have.
The compactness of a pushchair can be an important factor in the event that you are planning to travel with it. Some models can fold down to a smaller size, or even into bags making them a breeze to put in the trunk of your car or carry on the plane. This is ideal for those who travel often or live in an urban area, where you aren’t able to carry a stroller that is larger every day.
The best pushchairs to consider are those that feature an easy, effortless folding process that can be done using just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it stands out due to its innovative design and its superior performance.
The Babyzen YOYO features an impressively tiny fold and is only slightly larger than the size of most hand luggage allowances, which makes it perfect for travel. It can be used at the airport between the flight’s departure and landing it on the way back.
For a more spacious compact pushchair, check out the Mamas and Papas Airo. The seat reclines completely, and there is plenty of padding to make your child feel comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition a baby cocoon pack or carrycot (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ is another excellent option for a day-to-day lightweight buggy that has an extremely compact fold and can be set up straight when not in use. It’s not as user-friendly as other models, and it’s able to make a lot more noise when you adjust its canopy. This can cause your baby to wake up.