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

A small pushchair is a buggy with wheels that allows your child to travel sitting down. They are often used to get into and out of public transport or keep in the back of your car for day trips.

Most small pushchairs are suitable for use beginning at 6 months. However, a growing number of can be used from birth if they have a seat that is flat and/or an optional carrycot. Many also come with a great canopy and an adjustable handle bar for tall or short caregivers.

Size

Most parents opt for larger cheap pushchairs. However, if you have a growing child who doesn't enjoy traveling in a buggy all the time and has little space in your home or car boot and you're looking for something compact, an ultra-compact model could be the best pushchair for newborn choice. These are often cheaper than full-size travel systems, and will last until your child is no longer in need of one.

Some of the smaller strollers feature clever concertina or z folds that make a neat, squared-folded package. They are also super light, considering their massive wheels. They are also spacious for their dimensions and can be used on most airlines. Many have a flat seat (although some are classified as flat even though they have a small reclining) and the option of a carrycot to newborns.

Folding

Some ultra-compact pushchairs fold down so small that they're the size of a handbag. This can be a big selling point, particularly for parents with limited space in their car boot or reside in a city and use public transport often. A few of the most reputable pushchair manufacturers are now creating their own versions of this category, offering compact models that you can quickly and easily get into and out of taxis, cafes trains, planes and trains. The Babyzen YOYO was the first to introduce this type of super-smart buggy but there are several other options from UPPAbaby, Joolz and Cybex. These typically have clever concertinas or Z folds to create a neat, square folded package. They weigh in at around 6-8kg and often cabin approved for easier holiday travel.

However, it's important to note that a tiny folding pushchair does not necessarily mean an unadorned buggy although it may be significantly cheaper than a full-size model. Many of the smaller models still provide an acceptable level of comfort, with a roomy seat that's comfortable and has enough recline for toddlers, and often plenty of extras like an umbrella footmuff, rain cover and sun canopy.

The Micralite by UPPAbaby is a good example. It features a super-slick one-hand fold and is available in ginger, peppermint, black, or toffee. It's also light at less than 6kg, and comes with a fantastic basket, a good-sized wheel (albeit with smaller ones) and a decent recline. The only issue is that it doesn't come with locks which some parents may find frustrating, and the hood isn't nearly as big as other UPPAbaby models.

Mamas & Papas Airo is another compact model that comes with a clever 360-degree rotation system and a fantastic protective hood, plus a lie-flat seat that you can change to a parent-facing position at birth. The newborn carrycot pack is available for PS149, but it's a bit pricey.

Other options include the lightweight UPPAbaby G-Luxe that has a clever one-hand recline feature, but doesn't offer a fully flat seat and lacks a car seat adapter. The Babyzen YoYO Lite is a ideal choice for parents who want the smallest, most user-friendly buggy. It comes with a simple, but less-smart fold.

Weight

The latest ultra-compact pushchairs, with their clever Z folds or concertinas to create a tiny space they are surprisingly light at around the 6-8kg mark (and often have an adjustable shoulder strap to make them easier to carry). The pushchairs are also approved for use in cabins and allow you to carry them on planes if you intend to travel often.

Even if you don't intend to fly often, a small buggy can be a great choice for those with a small car boot or have difficulty climbing stairs or depend on trains, buses and the Underground. They're also designed to last your baby from birth until school age so are a great alternative to a bigger budget second foldable pushchair.

However, they are not made to handle rough terrain or grassy areas that are muddy. They're a great alternative for an all-terrain stroller or travel system that requires air-filled tires for additional durability and traction. They'll also cost less than a full sized model! Second-hand Micralites are offered at a bargain price. They're typically in perfect condition, but be sure to check for stains and missing features like the sun hood and cup holders before you buy.

Safety

It's likely that your small pushchair will be among the most frequently used items for your baby So you must be aware of the small details that make it safe and comfortable for them. Choose the cushion to be soft and comfortable for your child. Also, ensure the handlebar can be adjusted to your height. You may consider whether you prefer a single or linked handle, as this will affect the ease it is for you to push.

The wheels on your pushchair can also make a big difference. The wheels on your pushchair can make a difference. Smaller wheels are better for smooth surfaces and pavements, while larger wheels will handle rough terrains forests, beaches or forest tracks. You may see pushchairs from birth advertised as "all-terrain". But this is not true, as they will not be as effective as a buggie designed specifically for air-filled tires.

For safety, the majority of small pushchairs have a front and rear braking system that will allow you to determine the direction you travel. Many have a foot-operated brake that is simple to access and a handbrake when you're not moving. Certain models have brakes that lock both wheels. This is especially beneficial for those who use the jogger style pushchair, or stop and start frequently.

If you are buying a pushchair for newborns choose an option that has a flat-seating option, or one that includes a carrycot. This allows newborns to lay flat, which is crucial to their development of their spine. A carrycot also allows you to travel with your baby pushchair designs from the very beginning, which is ideal if you are planning on taking public transport or flying frequently.

If the fabric of the stroller can be washed by machine, cleaning will be much easier. If you don't, it's possible to spot clean the fabric with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Some brands also sell replacement covers that are available in a variety of colors. You can also purchase an infant foot warmer to keep your baby warm during colder weather.