A Small Pushchair Is a Buggy on Wheels That Allows Your Child to Travel in a Sitting Position

A small pushchair can allow your child to travel sitting in a buggy. They are typically used to hop off and on public transport as well as to store in your car during daytime excursions.

Many small pushchairs can be used up to 6 months however, a growing number are suitable from birth with a lie-flat seat or an optional carrycot. Most have a good canopy and a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate tall or short caregivers.

Size

Many parents opt for larger pushchairs. However, if you have a growing child who doesn't want to travel in a buggy all the time, and you have only a small space in your car or home boot and you're looking for something compact, an ultra-compact model could be the best choice. They're usually cheaper than larger travel systems and will last until your child no longer needs one.

Some of the tiniest cheap pushchairs have clever concertina or Z folds for an elegant, square folded package. They are also extremely lightweight for such big wheels. These pushchairs are also surprisingly large for their size and can be taken onboard the majority of airlines. Many also come with a lie-flat seat (although some are categorised as such because they have a small recline) and the option to add the carrycot for infants.

Folding

Some ultra-compact pushchairs fold up so small that they're as small as an average handbag. This can be an attractive feature, particularly for parents who are limited in their car or who reside in cities and take public transportation often. A handful of the most respected pushchair manufacturers are now putting their own spin on this type of category, offering small models that can easily pop in and out of taxis, cafes trains, and planes. The Babyzen YOYO was among the first to pioneer this kind of super-smart buggy, but there are now many more options from UPPAbaby, Joolz and Cybex. These usually have clever concertina or Z folds to create an elegant, square folded package. They are also surprisingly light at 6-8 kilos and are often cabin approved for easier holiday travel.

It's important to remember that a compact folding pushchair isn't always an unadorned model, even if it's significantly smaller than the larger version. Many of the smaller models offer a good level of comfort. They come with a comfortable seat that can be reclined for toddlers. They also come with extras like a footmuff an umbrella for the sun and a rain cover.

The Micralite by UPPAbaby For instance, it has a super-slick one-hand fold, and comes in peppermint, ginger, black, or toffee. It is also very light at just 6 lbs, and has a great basket and wheels that are big but with smaller ones. It also comes with an excellent recline. The only issue is that there is no lock, which could be a problem for some parents. The hood doesn't appear to be larger than other UPPAbaby products.

Mamas & Papas Airo is another compact model that comes with a smart 360-degree seat rotation system and a fantastic protective hood, plus a lie-flat seat that you can change to a parent-facing position from birth. You can add a newborn carrycot pack for the ultimate in compact newborn functionality, but the price tag is a bit high at PS149.

The UPPAbaby's lightweight G-Luxe is another alternative. It comes with a single-hand smart recline, but does not have the flat position. It also does not have an adapter for cars. The Babyzen YoYO Lite is a good option for parents looking for the smallest, most user-friendly buggy. It features an easy, but less sophisticated, fold.

Weight

The newest ultra-compact pushchairs, with their clever Z folds or concertinas to give a tiny package, are impressively light at around the 6-8kg mark (and usually come with a shoulder strap to make them easier to carry). The pushchairs are also certified for cabin use and allow you to carry them on planes if you intend to travel frequently.

Even if your plans do not include frequent flights, a compact stroller can be an excellent option if your car boot is small, you struggle with stairs or you rely on public transport such as trains, buses, and the Underground. These compact strollers are built to be used from birth until the time your child reaches school age which is why they're a great option to a larger, more expensive pushchair.

But they're not designed to deal with uneven terrain or grassy areas that are muddy. But they're a good alternative to an stroller that can be used all-terrain or a travel system that may require air-filled tyres to provide extra strength and traction. They'll also cost less than a full-sized model! Second-hand Micralites can be found for sale at a reasonable price. They're usually in excellent condition, but do look for stains and missing features such as the sun hood and cup holders prior to you buy.

Safety

It's likely that the pushchair will be among the most used things for your baby Therefore, you must be aware of the small details that will make it safe and comfortable for them. Find a seat with soft padding that is comfortable for your child, as well as an adjustable handlebar to fit your height. You might consider whether you prefer a single handle or a linked handle, as this will impact how easy it is to push.

The wheels on your pushchair will also make a huge difference. The wheels on your pushchair can also have an impact. Smaller wheels work better for smooth pavements and smooth surfaces and larger wheels can take on rough terrains, forest tracks or beaches. Some pushchairs are advertised as 'all-terrain'. However, this is a misnomer, as they will not be as effective as a dedicated buggie with air-filled tires.

Most small pushchairs have a front- and rear-braking system for safety. This lets you regulate the direction you travel. Most have a brake operated by a foot that is easy to access and a handbrake for when you're not moving. Some of the premium models have brakes that lock both wheels. This is especially useful for those who have the jogger style pushchair, or who frequently stop and start.

If you're purchasing a birth pushchair, choose one with a lie-flat seating option or one that comes with a carrycot. This will allow newborns to lay flat, which is essential for their spinal development. Carrycots also allow you to travel with your baby from the very beginning, which is a great option for those who plan to use public transport or flying frequently.

Verify that the fabric is machine washable as this will make cleaning it much easier. If not, you may spot clean the fabric with an aqueous solution of mild detergent and water. Alternatively, some brands sell replacement covers in a variety of colours. You can also invest in an infant foot warmer to keep your baby warm during the colder months.