A Small Pushchair Is a Buggy on Wheels That Allows Your Child to Travel in a Sitting Position
A small pushchair is a small buggy on wheels that allows your child to travel in a seated position. They are typically used to hop on and off public transport or to stay in your car during daytime trips.
The majority of small pushchairs can be used from 6 months. However, a growing number of can be used from birth if they feature a seat that is flat and/or an optional carrycot. They all have a great canopy and the handlebar can be adjusted to accommodate tall or short caregivers.
Size
Many parents prefer larger pushchairs from the get-go but for an expanding toddler who doesn’t want to spend every journey in a buggy and you have limited space at home or in your car boot, an ultra-compact may be the solution. These are often cheaper than full-size travel systems and will last until your child no longer requires one.
Some of the tiniest pushchairs have clever Z folds or concertinas to create a neat, square-folded package. They are also extremely light for such large 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 one small reclining) and the option of adding an infant carrycot.
Folding
Some ultra-compact strollers fold so small they are the size of handbags. This can be an attractive feature, particularly for parents who have a limited space in their car or who live in cities and utilize public transportation often. Many of the most reputable brands of pushchairs are offering compact models that you can easily carry in and out of taxis and cafes. They also have models that can be taken on trains, planes and even into public transport. Babyzen YOYO, one of the pioneers of this super-smart stroller is now joined by UPPAbaby Joolz, and Cybex. They typically feature clever concertina or Z folds to give an elegant, square folded package. They are also surprisingly light at 6-8 kilos and are often designed to be cabin-approved for a more comfortable holiday travel.
It’s important to remember that a compact folding pushchair is not necessarily a stripped-back model, even if it’s significantly less expensive than a full-size model. Many compact models still offer an acceptable degree of comfort, including a roomy seat that’s comfortable and has enough recline for toddlers, and often plenty of extras like an umbrella, footmuff and rain cover.
The Micralite by UPPAbaby is a good example. It has a super-slick one-hand fold and is available in ginger, peppermint, toffee, black or aqua. It’s also super-light at under 6kg, and comes with a fantastic basket, a good-sized wheel (albeit with smaller ones) and a decent recline. The only slight disappointment is that it doesn’t have locks that some parents may be annoyed about and the hood isn’t quite as large as some other UPPAbaby models.
The Mamas & Papas Airo, another compact model, has 360-degree seat rotation as well as a great protective hood. It also comes with a lie-flat seat which can be changed to a parent-facing starting at the time of birth. It is possible to add an infant carrycot for the ultimate in compact newborn functionality however the price is a little steep at PS149.
The UPPAbaby’s lightweight G-Luxe is another alternative. It features a one-hand smart recline, but does not offer the flat position. It also lacks an adapter for cars. The Babyzen YoYO Lite is a great option for parents looking for an ultra-compact, easy-to-use buggy. It has a basic, but not as smart, fold.
Weight
The newest ultra-compact pushchairs with their clever Z folds or concertinas that give a tiny package, are impressively Maxi-Cosi Lara2 Pushchair: Lightweight Compact Ultra Comfortable, weighing around the 6-8kg mark (and often have a shoulder strap to make them easier to carry). They’re also certified for cabin flying, so you can take them in planes without difficulty ideal if you plan to travel frequently.
Even the case that your plans do not include frequent flights, a small stroller is a great alternative if your car’s trunk is small, you have trouble with stairs or you rely on public transport such as trains, buses and the Underground. They’re also designed to last your baby from birth to school age so are an excellent alternative to a bigger budget second pushchair.
They’re made for smooth and smooth surfaces but don’t expect them superbly with uneven terrain or dirt-saturated grass. But they’re a good alternative to an stroller for all-terrain use or an e-bike that will require air-filled tyres to provide extra traction and durability. They’ll also be cheaper than a larger model too! You can also find an inexpensive Micralite second-hand at an affordable price. These are often in excellent condition, but be sure to check for stains or missing components like the cup holder or sun hood before purchasing.
Safety
A small pushchair is likely to be one of your most frequently used baby items and it’s worth looking at the finer points that will ensure that it is safe and comfortable for your little one. Find an ergonomic seat cushion that is soft and comfortable for your child. Also, make sure the handlebar can be adjusted to your height. You may also want to think about whether a single or linked handle is best for you as it will affect the ease of pushing push.
The wheels on your pushchair could also have an impact. Smaller wheels are typically made for smooth pavements and paths while larger ones will cope better with bumpy terrain, forest tracks or the beach. There are also pushchairs shop advertised as ‘all terrain’ however, this can be an inaccurate description since they don’t perform as well as a dedicated buggy with air-filled tyres.
For safety, the majority of small pushchairs come with the front and rear brake system to ensure you can control the direction in which you are travelling. Most have a brake operated by a foot that is simple to access and a handbrake when not moving. Some of the premium models come with brake buttons that lock both wheels. This is particularly useful for those who use the jogger style pushchair, or stop and start frequently.
If you’re purchasing a from birth pushchair look for one with a lie-flat seating option or one that includes a carrycot. This allows newborns to lie flat, which is vital for their spinal development. Carrycots also allow you to travel with your Midnight Red Kite Baby Pushchair – Lightweight Design from the beginning, which is great if you are planning on taking public transport or flying often.
If the fabric of the stroller can be cleaned by machine the cleaning process will be easier. If not, you may spot clean the fabric using the mixture of mild detergent and water. Certain brands also offer replacement covers that come in a range of colors. It’s also an excellent idea to invest in a sock to keep your baby warm in colder weather. It can help keep your baby dry and warm.
