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

A small pushchair is a buggy on wheels that lets your child sit in a comfortable position. They're often used to hop into and out of public transport or to keep in the rear of your vehicle for trips on the road.

Many small pushchairs are used up to 6 months but a growing number of them are suitable for babies with a lie-flat chair or an optional carrycot. Most also offer a good canopy and a handle bar that adjusts to accommodate tall or short caregivers.

Size

Many parents gravitate towards larger pushchairs right from the start but for a growing toddler who doesn't wish to spend every journey in a buggy and you have limited space at home or in your car boot, a compact could be the best option. They are usually less expensive than larger travel systems and will last until your child no longer requires one.

A few of the smaller pushchairs come with clever Z folds or concertinas for an elegant, square folded package and are super lightweight for such big wheels. These pushchairs are also surprisingly spacious for their size and can be taken on many airlines. Many of them have a flat seating (although some are classified as such even though they only have the smallest reclining) and the possibility of introducing an infant carrycot.

Folding

Some ultra-compact pushchairs fold down so small that they're as small as an average handbag. This can be a big selling point, especially for parents who don't have much space in their car's trunk or live in a city and use public transport often. A few of the most well-known brands of pushchairs, hyperlink, are now offering compact models you can easily transport into and out of cafes and taxis. They also have models that can be used on planes, trains and even on public transport. Babyzen YOYO, one the first to introduce this super-smart stroller is now joined by UPPAbaby Joolz and Cybex. These are usually concertina or folded z-folded to form an attractive, square-shaped package. They are surprisingly lightweight at 6-8kg, and often are cabin pushchair-approved.

It's important to keep in mind that a compact folding pushchair isn't necessarily a stripped-back model even if it's a lot less expensive than a full-size model. Many of the smaller models offer the best level of comfort. They have a comfy seat that can be reclined to accommodate toddlers. They are also equipped with extras like a footmuff, a sun canopy and a rain cover.

The Micralite by UPPAbaby, for example, offers a very smooth one-hand fold, and comes in peppermint, ginger toffee, black or aqua. It's also super-light at under 6kg and has a great basket, good-sized wheels (albeit with smaller ones) and a decent recline. The only issue is the absence of a lock, which may frustrate some parents. Also, the hood doesn't appear to be as big as other UPPAbaby products.

The Mamas & Papas Airo, another compact model, comes with a 360-degree seat rotation and an excellent protective hood. It also features a lying-flat seat that can be changed to a parent-facing starting at the time of birth. The newborn pushchair carrycot is priced at PS149 but it's a bit pricey.

Other options include the light UPPAbaby G-Luxe, which has a smart one-hand recline but doesn't have a completely flat position and doesn't have an adapter for car seats. The Babyzen YoYO Lite is a ideal choice for parents looking for the smallest, most user-friendly buggy. It has a basic, but not as smart fold.

Weight

The newest ultra-compact pushchairs, with their clever Z folds or concertinas to create a tiny space, are impressively lightweight, weighing around the 6-8kg mark (and usually come with an adjustable shoulder strap to make them more comfortable to carry). The pushchairs are also certified for cabin use which means you can carry them on planes if you plan to travel frequently.

Even if you don't plan to fly often the compact buggy could be a great option if you have a small car boot or have difficulty climbing stairs, or if you regularly rely on buses, trains and the Underground. They're also designed to last your baby from birth until school age, making them an excellent alternative to a more expensive second pushchair.

They're made for smooth roads and pavements However, don't expect them superbly with uneven terrain or muddy grass. They're a great alternative for an all-terrain travel system or budget stroller that requires air-filled tires for extra grip and durability. They'll also be cheaper than a larger model! You can also pick up an affordable Micralite second-hand at an affordable price. They are usually in good condition, but make sure to look for any stains or missing features like cups holder and sun hood prior to purchasing.

Safety

It's likely that the pushchair will be among the most used items for your infant So you must be aware of the small details that will make it safe and comfortable for your child. Find a seat cushion that is soft and comfortable for your child. Also, ensure that the handlebar can be adjusted to your height. You might want to think about whether you prefer a single handle or a linked handle, since this will impact how easy it is for you to push.

The wheels on your pushchair will also make a big difference. Smaller wheels are typically designed for pavements and smooth paths while larger ones will better handle bumpy terrain such as beaches or forest tracks. There are also pushchairs that advertise as 'all terrain', but this could be an overstatement since they don't perform like a specialized buggy fitted with air-filled tyres.

For safety, most small pushchairs have a front and rear braking system to ensure you can control the direction in which you are travelling. Many have a foot-operated brake that is easy to access and a handbrake when you're not moving. Some of the most expensive models come with a brake button that allows you to lock both wheels. This is especially helpful for jogger style pushchairs or those who stop and begin.

If you're buying a birth pushchair, choose one with a lie-flat seating option or one that includes a carrycot. This allows newborns to lay flat, which is crucial for their spinal development. A carrycot also allows you to travel with your baby from the beginning, which is a great option when you plan to use public transport or flying frequently.

If the fabric of the pushchair is able to be washed by machine, cleaning will be much simpler. If not, you can spot clean the fabric using a mixture of mild detergent and water. Certain brands also offer covers for replacement that come in a range of colors. It's also a good idea to invest in a footmuff to keep your baby warm in colder weather. It can help keep your baby warm and dry.

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