Compact Pushchair Reviews

A compact stroller that is lightweight will be an ideal option for you if you travel frequently on public transportation or in a car. They are easy to fold and store and they're also less likely to get damaged by baggage handlers.

These strollers that are lightweight are practical and easy to maneuver over cobblestones. Plus, they can be easily tucked away in overhead compartments of planes.

Lightweight

The best compact pushchairs are easy to carry, and even more importantly, easy to fold. They're usually simple to fold with just one hand and take up less room when folded than large buggies. This makes them an excellent option if you have limited storage space in your home or you are worried about space limitations when travelling on planes, for example.

Some also have a very small footprint when closed which allows you to walk through tight spaces. They are the ideal choice when you live in an apartment or you want something light and agile for walking around. However, they may be uncomfortable for older children if you have to stretch their legs to get around.

There are a myriad of types of folds to choose from, some can be accomplished with just one hand and others require two hands or a bit more effort. Some are designed to fit into the baggage allowance for cabins on a variety of flights, or can be carried over your shoulder using a strap or handle.

If you're looking for a light pushchair, our favorite is the Silver Cross Dune. This offers all the smart design and thoughtful features that you would expect from the storied brand, but in a much more compact package. It also has a very easy to fold up pushchair, and, like the Contours Itsy, it comes in the box fully assembled. It's a great option for parents who plan to travel extensively with their infant, and fits into the majority of car boot spaces and trunk spaces.

Another good option is an alternative is Cybex Mios, which straddles both types of pushchairs to provide a fully-functioning travel system with mobility and a small fold. It can be used from birth in a parent-facing mode, but then switched to a world-facing mode as your child grows older, and it also comes with a comfortable recline that's suitable for napping. It's not as compact as the Libelle but it is smaller and is more suitable for use on flat surfaces. It is not suitable for rough terrain. Its other selling point is the low cost and outstanding tests of durability.

Easy to store

The Joie Pact Pro is the ideal travel buggy, which folds up so small that it fits into an overhead compartment for luggage, and it weighs so little that you'll barely notice it in your car boot. It is also a good stroller for daily use. Our tester Hollie found that it was easy to steer, even when trying to manage a toddler. She appreciated the adjustable handle and lockable wheels however, she said it's not a particularly comfortable seat. But she also appreciates the possibility to add extras, including a reversible, washable seat liner, rain cover and an muff for the foot.

The Babyzen YoYO fold pushchair is another stroller that folds down compactly. It isn't as streamlined as the Cybex Libelle, but it's nonetheless a great package when folded and it can be easily slotted in and out of trunks and boots. It provides more options for babies in comparison to other buggies for travel. You can also add an infant cot or bassinet as well as an individual ride on board for older children and a tandem seat adapter.

It's not the smallest buggy to drive on uneven or rough terrain, and its tinier wheels don't perform as well as other models we've tested. However, it's a very manoeuvrable pushchair and the YOYO is a great choice of navigating narrow aisles and muddy pathways. It's perfect for a city break or a holiday.

The Cosatto Bee6 is a compact traveler that has a host of features at surprisingly low prices. It can be folded to the size and weight of a huge bag and is simple to transport on planes and trains. It's also easy to steer and our MFM tester Matt found it an absolute joy to steer even with a toddler who was heavy was aboard. The hood is also a plus, as it can be raised to provide shade and protection from sun and rain. It's perfect for napping. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't have under-seat storage, and you'll have to carry or gently hang 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 maneuver

Wheels on compact pushchairs might appear small, but they're usually quite efficient at maneuvering narrow aisles and rough terrain. The Micralite is an excellent example. Although it has small wheels, it can handle bumpy roads easily and turn swiftly on narrow roads and even tackle some light gravel with little problem. It also has a slick steering system and is easy to steer with just one hand. It folds into a neat and compact size that can be easily tucked away into its carrying bag.

The majority of compact pushchairs are designed for toddlers and older infants however, an increasing number offer a lie-flat seat or the option of adding an extra carrycot (or baby car seat) to ensure they are suitable from the time of birth. These innovative concertina or Z-fold buggies tend to be very lightweight at around 6-8kg and can be cabin approved on a variety of airlines, making them perfect for travel. MFM Editor Gemma has used it on numerous occasions and says it's extremely simple to pack and use.

If you're looking for a compact folding option, then the YOYO is a great choice. It was the first buggy to feature this feature. It's still a popular option, with a lot of parents favouring it over its imitators due to its innovative features and superior functionality. It's a great choice for frequent travelers, especially if they want to avoid the stress of waiting in lines at baggage pickup by bringing their stroller with them.

The YOYO is also available in a compact size, fitting into its carry bag easily and with enough space. This makes it an ideal option for frequent travelers and those who need to fit a lot into their luggage. Additionally, it's extremely versatile. You can purchase various accessories for it including a newborn bassinet, bespoke ride-on boards and a twin travel bundles that turn it into the form of a tandem. You can also get a rain cover and hood for added security.

Comfortable

Hollie is our reviewer who recommends the Silver Cross model to parents who are looking for a compact, lightweight pushchair. It's user-friendly and can be tucked away in the trunk of your car. The Silver Cross model's maneuverability as well as its reclined chair were among the top of our tests. It comes with a tray for parents, the storage basket which can be used to fit small backpacks, and excellent sun-cover options.

Some compact-fold strollers fold so small that they're suitable for use in air travel. This makes them perfect for those who frequently travel or are limited in your car boot. They're usually very light to make them easy to carry around, and can be used with a travel system, if you select a model that has a lie-flat seat unit, or has an optional baby 'pod' or one of two luxury foldable carrycots.

The most important thing to remember when looking for a travel buggy is that not all models are equal. Certain manufacturers claim that their compact folding pushchairs fold easily using just one hand. Others may require more effort or two hands to fold it. Make sure the seat reclines. Some are flat, whereas others have a slight recline. This might be fine for toddlers, but not suitable for infants.

Make sure that the model you pick is appropriate for your travel plans. For example, Pushchair Reviews if your destination is hot, you should look for a model with a mesh fabric that is vented to keep your child cool. If you're planning to travel somewhere that is stormy or rainy it is important to ensure that your pushchair comes with a cover designed for it. Covers that are generic won't fit and may let water in.