Compact Pushchair Reviews
A compact stroller that is lightweight will be a great choice for you if you often travel by car or public transport. They are easy to fold and store and less likely to be damaged by baggage handlers.
These strollers that are lightweight are convenient and easy to maneuver over cobblestones. Plus, they can be easily stored in overhead compartments of planes.
Lightweight
The most compact pushchairs are lightweight to carry, and even more importantly, easy to fold. Most of them have a one-handed fold and occupy less space when folded than full-size buggies. They’re a good option when you don’t have lots of space in your home, or you’re concerned about space restrictions when traveling.
Some have a tiny footprint when they are closed, which makes them perfect for spaces that are tight. They are a good option for those who reside in an apartment, or want something lightweight and lightweight for your daily walking. They can be uncomfortable for older children who have to extend their legs to move around.
There are a variety of different fold types available on the market that are one-handed, while others require some effort or two hands to complete. Some are designed to fit within the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on many flights, or can be carried over your shoulder with a strap or handle.
Silver Cross Dune is our most loved lightweight pushchair. This offers all the smart design and thoughtful features that you would expect from the storied brand however in a smaller size. It comes with an easy-to-use fold and, just like the Contours Itsy comes fully assembled inside the box. It’s a great choice for parents who intend to travel extensively with their child and can fit into the majority of car boot and trunk spaces.
Another good option is the Cybex Mios, which straddles the two categories of pushchairs as a fully-functional travel system with mobility and a small fold. It can be used from birth in parent-facing mode and then switched to world-facing as your child gets older, and it also has a decent recline that is nap-worthy. It’s not as compact as the Libelle however it’s smaller and is more suitable for use on flat surfaces. It’s not the ideal choice for rocky terrain, though. The price is affordable and the durability tests are excellent.
Easy to store
The Joie Pact Pro is the ideal travel stroller, folding up so small that it can be tucked away in an overhead luggage compartment, and weighing so little you’ll not even notice it in your car boot. It’s also a good day-to-day stroller and our tester Hollie found it easy to steer, even while juggling her one-year-old. She was impressed by the adjustable handle and lockable wheels, however, she said it’s not a particularly comfortable seat. She also likes that you can add additional features such as a reversible and washable seat cover, rain cover, and an ear muff for feet.
The Babyzen Fold pushchair from YOYO is another compact folding stroller. It isn’t as streamlined as the Cybex Libelle, but it’s nonetheless a great foldable product that can be easily slotted in and out of trunks and boots. It offers more newborn push chair options when compared to other buggies. You can also add an infant cot or bassinet and an individual ride on board for older kids and an adapter for tandem seats.
The YOYO isn’t the most compact pushchair newborn for driving on uneven or rough terrain. Its small wheels also do not perform as well as other models we’ve test. However, it’s an extremely maneuverable pushchair, and the YOYO is a great choice of maneuvering narrow shopping aisles and muddy trails. It’s a good option for a holiday or city break.
The Cosatto Bee6 offers a remarkably streamlined list of features for its price. It can be folded down to the size of a backpack and weighs only 6kg, making it an easy to cart on trains and planes. It’s also very easy to steer and our MFM test rider Matt found it to be a joy to steer, even with a large toddler was aboard. He also loved the hood, which comes down low enough to protect from rain and sun and help with naps. The only drawbacks are that it doesn’t have storage under the seat and you’ll have to carry or gently drape a bag on the handlebar (against our advice!). Alternatively, you can purchase a separate changing bag holder to make it an ideal buggy for the holidays.
Easy to Manoeuvre
The wheels on small pushchairs might appear small, but they often perform surprisingly well, navigating narrow aisles for shopping or rough terrain effortlessly. The Micralite is a perfect example – despite having very small Pushchair wheels it handles rough roads with ease and turns swiftly on narrow streets and even can handle some small gravels without much of a problem. It has an easy-to-use steering system that is easy to use with only one hand. It folds up into an attractive and compact box that fits snugly inside its carrying case.
Most compact pushchairs were made for toddlers and older children. However there are a growing number of them come with an option for lying flat or the option to add a carrycot (or car seat) so that they can be used from the moment of birth. These clever concertina or Z fold buggies tend to be very lightweight at around 6-8kg and are cabin-approved on many airlines, making them ideal for travel. MFM Editor Gemma has used hers numerous occasions and says it’s incredibly easy to pack and use.
If you’re looking for a truly tiny fold, the YOYO is the top of the compact category and was one of the first strollers of this kind. It is still a popular choice among parents, who prefer it to its competitors due to its innovative design and superior function. It’s an excellent choice for frequent travelers, especially those who want to avoid the stress of waiting in lines at baggage pickup by bringing their stroller with them.
The YOYO is extremely compact and fits into the carrying bag with ease and with plenty of room. It’s a great choice for frequent travelers, particularly those who need to carry lots of things into their luggage. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can purchase a variety of optional accessories, including a baby bassinet, bespoke riding board and twin travel bundles to transform it into tandem. Additionally, you can purchase a rain cover and hood for extra peace of mind.
Confortable
Hollie Our reviewer, Hollie, recommends the Silver Cross model to parents looking for a lightweight compact pushchair. It’s easy-to-use and fits in the trunk of your car. The Silver Cross model’s maneuverability and reclined chair were among the top of our tests. It has a parent’s tray and the storage basket which can be used to fit small backpacks, and excellent sun shade options.
Some compact-folding pushchairs fold down to a size that makes them certified for use in air travel and are ideal for when you’re travelling often or have a small car space in the boot. They are usually lightweight to make them easy to carry. They can also be used as a travel system in the event that you choose a model with a lie-flat seat, or an infant pod.
The most important thing to remember when looking for a travel buggy is that not all models are to be the same. Some brands claim that their compact-folding pushchairs are able to fold with one hand. Others may require more effort or two hands to fold it. Make sure the seat reclines. Some are flat, whereas others have some slight recline. This is a good thing for toddlers, but not suitable for younger children.
You should also check whether your chosen model is specifically designed for the kind of travel you’re doing, for instance, if you’re going somewhere hot make sure you choose one with a mesh that is vented to help keep your little one cool. If you’re going to a place that is windy or rainy, ensure that the stroller you purchase has an appropriate cover specifically for it. generic covers won’t fit properly and could let water in.