Compact Pushchair Reviews

A lightweight compact stroller will be the ideal choice for you if you travel frequently by car or public transport. These strollers are simple to fold and store, and less likely to be damaged by baggage handlers.

These lightweight travel strollers offer modern convenience and are easy to navigate on cobblestones. They can also be easily stored in the overhead compartments of planes.

Lightweight

The best compact pushchairs fold easily and are easy to carry. They are often easy to fold in one hand and take up less room when folded than large buggies. They're a good option if you don't have much space in your home, or if you're worried about space restrictions when traveling.

Some also have a very tiny footprint when closed, which allows you to walk through tight spaces. These are usually the ideal option for those who reside in an apartment, or want something lightweight and light for walking around the day. They can be uncomfortable for older children who need to extend their legs in order to move around.

There are a variety of folds that are available. Some can be completed with just one hand while others require two hands or a bit more effort. Some are designed to fit within the baggage allowances for cabin baggage on a variety of flights, or can be carried on your shoulder with straps or handles.

Silver Cross Dune is our preferred lightweight pushchair. The Silver Cross Dune is compact and pushchairsandprams offers all the thoughtful features and a smart design that you would expect from this brand of the past. 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 plan to travel a lot with their child and can fit into the majority of car boot spaces and trunk spaces.

Another option is the Cybex Mios, which straddles both categories of pushchair easy fold as a fully-functional travel system with agility and a compact fold. It can be used from birth in parent-facing mode and then switched to world-facing as your child grows older. It also has a comfortable recline that's suitable for napping. It isn't quite as compact as the Libelle however, it comes in smaller size and is much easier to use on flat surfaces. It is not suitable for rough terrain. Its other selling point is a very affordable cost and outstanding durability tests.

Easy to store

The Joie Pact Pro makes the perfect travel buggy. It folds up so compactly that it can fit into an overhead compartment for luggage and weighs so light that you won't even notice it in your boot. It's also a great day-to-day stroller and our test driver Hollie found it easy to steer, even when she was juggling her toddler. She was impressed by the adjustable handle and lockable wheels, but noted that it isn't the most comfortable seat. However, she also appreciates the ability to add additional features, such as the washable, reversible seat liner, rain cover and an muff for the foot.

The Babyzen YOYO fold pushchair is a similar stroller that folds compactly. It's not as sleek as the Cybex Libelle, but it's still a very neat package when folded and it can easily be inserted into and out of trunks and car boots. It provides more options for babies when compared to other buggies. You can also add a newborn cot or bassinet and an individual ride on board for older kids and an adapter for tandem seats.

The YOYO is not the most compact pushchair for driving on rough or uneven terrain. Its small wheels also aren't as efficient as other models that we have test. It is still a very mobile pushchair, and the YOYO is a shrewd choice for of navigating narrow aisles and muddy pathways. It's ideal for city break or a holiday.

The Cosatto Bee6 is a compact traveler that has many features at surprisingly low prices. It folds down to the size and weight of a huge bag and is simple to carry on trains and planes. It's also very easy to operate and our MFM reviewer Matt was a joy to steer, even with a heavy toddler on board. He also loved the hood that slides down low enough to protect from sun and showers and aid napping. The only downside is that it has no storage under the seat and you'll have to carry or hang a bag on the handlebar (against our advice!). You can also purchase an additional changing bag holder to make it a great holiday buggy.

Easy to Manoeuvre

Wheels on compact pushchairs may appear small, but they are often surprisingly good at navigating narrow aisles and rough terrain. The Micralite is an excellent example. Despite having small wheels, it is able to handle bumpy roads easily and sharply turn on narrow roads and even take on a bit of gravel with ease. It also has a smooth steering system that is a breeze to steer using just one hand. It folds up into a neat and compact package that fits snugly inside the carrying case.

The majority of compact pushchairs are made for toddlers and older infants however, an increasing number offer a lie-flat seat or the option to add an additional carrycot (or baby car seat) to make them suitable from the time of birth. These Z fold buggies or concertinas are typically very light, weighing only 6-8kg. They are also certified for use in the cabin by a number of airlines. MFM Editor Gemma has used it on numerous occasions and says it's extremely easy to pack and use.

If you're in search of a truly small fold one, 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 for parents who prefer it over its rivals due to its unique design and superior performance. It's a great choice for frequent travellers particularly if you want to avoid the stress of waiting at baggage collection and instead take your stroller onboard with you.

The YOYO is also available in a compact size, which can be stuffed into its carry bag easily and with enough space. This makes it an ideal option for frequent travellers and those who need to pack a lot in their suitcase. It's also extremely adaptable. You can purchase many accessories, such as a newborn bassinet for babies, a bespoke riding board and twin travel bundles to turn it into tandem. Additionally, you can purchase a hood and rain cover to give you extra security.

Comfortable

Hollie, our reviewer, recommends the Silver Cross model to parents seeking a light and compact pushchair. It's user-friendly and can be tucked away in the trunk of your car. Its maneuverability and reclining seat are among the best in our tests. It comes with a tray for parents, an storage basket that can fit a small backpack and great sun cover options.

Some compact-fold pushchairs fold so small that they're cabin approved for air travel, making them ideal if you're travelling often or have a small car storage space. They're typically light so they're easy to carry and can be used in conjunction with a travel system if you select a model with a lie-flat seat unit or comes with an optional newborn pod or one of two luxury foldable carrycots.

One of the most important things to consider when looking for a travel buggy is that not all models are created equal. Some manufacturers claim that their compact folding pushchairs can easily be folded with one hand. Others might require more effort or two hands to fold it. Make sure the seat reclines. Some are flat, while others have an occasional recline. This is a good thing for toddlers, but not suitable for younger babies.

You should also check whether your chosen model is specifically designed for the kind of travel you're planning on doing, such as when you're heading to a hot destination make sure you choose one with a vented mesh fabric to help keep your child cool. If you're going somewhere stormy or rainy it is essential to ensure that your pushchair comes with a cover designed for it. Generic covers will not fit and may let water in.