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

A small pushchair up to 25kg is a buggy with wheels that lets your child travel sitting down. They're typically used to hop in and out of public transportation or keep in the back of your car for day trips.

Most small pushchairs are suitable for use from 6 months. However there are a growing number of can be used from birth if they have the option of a lie-flat seat or an optional carrycot. Many also come with a great canopy and an adjustable handle bar to accommodate tall and short caregivers.

Size

Many parents gravitate towards larger pushchairs right from the start but for a growing toddler who doesn't wish to be confined to a buggy and you have limited space at home or in your car boot, a compact could be the best option. They're usually less expensive than a large travel system and can last your child until they do not require one anymore, meaning you'll save in the long term too.

Some of the smallest pushchairs feature clever Z folds or concertinas to create a neat, square-folded package and are super light for such large wheels. They also come with surprisingly spacious seats for their overall dimensions and are cabin-approved by the majority of airlines to allow for a more comfortable holiday. Many have a flat seat (although some are classified as such even though they only have the smallest reclining) and the option of an infant carrycot.

Folding

Some ultra-compact strollers fold down to the size of handbags. This is a huge selling point, especially for parents who don't have much space in their car's boot or live in a city and frequent public transport. Some of the most respected brands of pushchairs are now offering compact models you can easily take in and out of taxis and cafes. They also offer models that can be used on planes, trains and even on public transportation. Babyzen YOYO, one of the pioneers of this smart stroller is now joined by UPPAbaby Joolz and Cybex. These typically have clever concertinas or Z folds to give a neat, square-shaped package. They weigh in at 6-8 kilos and are often suitable for cabin use to make it easier for holiday travel.

It's important to keep in mind that a small-sized folding pushchair isn't always a stripped-back model, even if it's considerably smaller than the larger version. Many compact models still offer a decent degree of comfort, including large seats that are comfortable and reclining enough for toddlers, and usually lots of additional features like a sun canopy footmuff, rain cover and sun canopy.

The Micralite from UPPAbaby is available in black and aqua, along with peppermint and toffee. It also has a super-slick, one-hand folding mechanism. It's also light at just under 6kg, comes with a fantastic basket and wheels that are big but with smaller ones. It also offers an excellent recline. The only downside is that there is no lock, which may frustrate some parents. The hood doesn't appear to be as large as other UPPAbaby products.

Mamas & Papas Airo is another compact model that features an innovative 360-degree seat rotation system and a fantastic protective hood. It also has a lie-flat seat that you can transform into a parent-facing seat from birth. You can add an infant carrycot for the ultimate in compact newborn functionality however, the price is a bit steep at PS149.

Other options include the lightweight UPPAbaby G-Luxe that comes with a smart one-hand recline but does not have a flat position and doesn't have an adapter for car seats. The Babyzen YoYO Lite, which has a simpler but less-smart fold, is a good option for parents wanting an easy-to-use, super-compact buggy for day-to-day city use.

Weight

The latest ultra-compact pushchairs, with their clever concertina or Z folds to make a compact package they are surprisingly lightweight, weighing around the 6-8kg mark (and typically come with an adjustable shoulder strap to make them easier to carry). The pushchairs are also cabin approved and allow you to take them onboard planes if you plan to travel frequently.

Even even if your plans don't include frequent flights, a small stroller is a great alternative if your car's trunk is small, you struggle with stairs or depend on public transportation such as buses, trains, and the Underground. These compact strollers are built to last from birth until your child is in school and are a great option to a more expensive pushchair.

They're made for pavements and smooth paths However, don't expect them to perform well with rough terrain or dirt-saturated grass. However, they're a great alternative to a budget stroller for all-terrain use or an e-bike that will need air-filled tyres for the extra grip and durability. They'll also be cheaper than a full-sized model! Second-hand Micralites are available for sale at a reasonable price. These are often in excellent condition, but be sure to check for stains or missing features such as cups holder and sun hood prior to purchasing.

Safety

A small pushchair [news] will likely be one of your most frequently used baby items and it's worth looking at the finer details that will make it comfortable and safe for your baby. Choose a seat with soft padding that will be comfy for your child, and an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted to your height. You might also want to consider whether a single or linked handle is best for you as this will affect how easy it is to push.

The wheels on your pushchair can also affect the way you use your pushchair. The smaller wheels are designed for smooth and pavement roads, while larger ones be able to handle rough terrain, trails through forests or at the beach. You may also see pushchairs that advertise as 'all terrain' but this could be an overstatement as they won't cope as well as a specialized buggy fitted with air-filled tyres.

The majority of small pushchairs come with the front- and rear-braking system for safety. This allows you to control the direction you travel. Most have a brake operated by a foot that is easy to reach and a handbrake when you're not moving. Some of the top models come with a brake button that lets you lock both wheels, which is particularly useful for pushchairs that are jogger-style or those who frequently stop and begin.

If you're buying a birth pushchair, look for one with a lie-flat seating option or one that comes with a carrycot. This will allow newborns to lie flat, which is crucial for their spinal development. A carrycot lets you travel with your child right from the beginning and is ideal when you plan to use public transportation or flying frequently.

If the fabric of the stroller can be machine washed, cleaning will be much easier. If it is not, you can spot clean the fabric with an aqueous solution of mild detergent and water. Certain brands also offer covers for replacement that come in a variety of colours. You can also invest in a footmuff to keep your baby warm in the colder months.