10 Books To Read On Fold Up Pushchair
Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair
Fold-up pushchairs are easy to hop on and off public transport or fit in the back of cars. They also tend to be very lightweight and compact which makes them ideal for plane travel.
This UPPAbaby model is one of the most eye-catching compact folds we've seen. It has a few limitations, including a tiny canopy and no storage.
Folding Ease
Think about where and how you will use the pushchair before deciding one. If you're planning to travel with your infant on planes an incredibly compact and lightweight buggy is a good choice as it can fit into the overhead compartments for luggage, and is usually small enough to be carried on your shoulder when folded. Look out for a one-handed fold that's easy to operate while holding your baby and a handle that is height-adjustable so parents and carers of various heights can comfortably use it. A swivel lock wheel is essential if you are planning to hike with your baby. It will help you navigate through uneven terrain. Look for features like the ability to recline deep enough the baby to sleep comfortably while on the move, and an extendable sun canopy.
Many pushchairs claim to be able to fold in one hand but it's important to test it prior to purchasing to make sure it's actually possible while holding your child. The UPPAbaby G-Luxe was reviewed highly by our test participants, due to its innovative mechanism that concertinas into a package that is smaller than an umbrella. It has a pocket that can store keys and phones as well as a recliner seat that can be adjusted with a single touch.
A few of the smallest fold-up pushchairs are made to be used right from birth, and include a flat seat that can be sat on or the option for an additional carrycot, which means they're perfect for infants who want to sleep throughout the day. 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 tiniest of the bunch is the Cybex Libelle, is an ideal choice for families who travel because it folds smaller than the YOYO2 (only 4cm thinner) and weighs less at under 6kg so is very easy to carry around. It's also super-easy to use, using a simple one-hand fold and recline which is perfect for naps with toddlers. This model is a great choice for hikers since it comes with a large front swivel tire that is able to take on any terrain.
One-Handed Folding
It's always recommended to have a folding pushchair, whether you're going for a walk or taking public transport or flying to a foreign destination with your infant. It's not a good idea to fold a complex travel system and manage a child as well as all of their essentials, like keys, shopping bags and other things. This is the reason why pushchairs and strollers that can be folded one hand are the most sought-after option for parents.
As the name implies it is a pushchair that folds one hand. can be collapsed with just the push of one or two buttons. Some models require more effort, or even two hands, but the ease of the process makes them still easy to handle and store away. They also tend to be light, making them easier to carry around and fit into small spaces.
A good example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model is one of the easiest to fold with one hand in our roundup. It's all it takes is pulling a lever on the chassis. It is also able to stand on its own, making it perfect for storing 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 with a compact fold. Despite being bigger than other models the Bugaboo Bee still has an easy-to-use, neat fold. It comes with a wide array of features, too, including a deep recline and an expandable UPF 50+ canopy that is designed to keep your baby safe on hot days.
Some of these compact-folded pushchairs are only designed for older babies and toddlers. However, there are more options that can be used starting from birth. These pushchairs come with seats that can be fully or partially lie-flat and some come with a baby car seat. MFM editor Gemma has travelled extensively with her young son in the Babyzen YOYO, which is among the original buggys of this kind and is still a firm favourite. It's a little smaller fold than others, but it's still very easy to handle and fits into the allowance for cabin luggage on the majority of airlines.
Lightweight
When a pushchair folds down it takes up a tiny space, and is usually very light too. This is particularly applicable to umbrella-folded pushchairs that weigh less than 20 pounds. They're great for short walks on pavements and flat surfaces as well as for a simple way to get between your vehicle and other people's houses. They're also a good choice for those who don't want to invest in a proper all-terrain buggy pushchair but are content with using your pushchair on flat surfaces.
If you're looking to use a compact folding pushchair on uneven ground or on muddy or sand surfaces, think about getting an air-filled tyre. They're a bit heavier than regular tyres however they'll offer better grip and traction. It's important to note that the extra weight will add to the size of your pushchair.
A lot of lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit on their own, however there are a growing number that can be used from the age of. These include models like the Mamas & Papas Airo, that has a lie-flat seating and the option of adding 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 with a stroller board, transforming them into a double-buggy - perfect for taking Grandma or Grandad along.
A majority of the best lightweight strollers are simple to use. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed with a single button. Some have more complicated mechanisms, but they require little space. Some have a strap on the wrist that allows you to your grip on the parent facing pushchair even when it's folded. This can make a huge difference to the ease of move.
While some lightweight pushchairs can be quite basic and uninspiring, the 3D Lite from Contours is a fantastic example of how a tiny stroller can come with a wealth of features. There's also a substantial basket, lots of padding, adjustable handlebars (for tall or short parents) and a huge canopy that protects. It's also very lightweight and comes in a handy bag.
Compact
One of the main things you will 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, dependent on their overall size and what features they have.
Compactness is also important if you plan to travel with your baby. Some models fold down to a small size, or even into a bag, making them easy to store in the trunk of your car or carry on the plane. If you're planning to travel frequently or live in a city that don't have a stroller it is the best solution for you.
Some of the best reversible pushchairs to consider are those that feature an easy, effortless folding process that can be performed with just one hand. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been copied however it is unique due to its clever details and superior performance.
The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively tiny fold and is only slightly larger than the average hand luggage allowances, making it ideal to travel with. It can be carried to the airport and used between boarding and catching your flight.
The Mamas and Papas Airo is an ultra-compact pushchair that provides more space. This is a fantastic seat that can recline fully and offers a good amount of padding to ensure your child is comfortable. It can be used from birth, with the addition a newborn cocoon bag or carrycot (not included).
The Ergobaby Metro+ is another ideal choice for a day-today lightweight stroller that folds into an extremely compact fold that can be positioned up when not in use. It's not as user-friendly as other models, and it can produce a lot of noise when you adjust its canopy. This could wake your baby.