Micralite ProFold review

First developed in 1999, Micralite strollers have a unique patented folding system and are among the most flexible buggies on the market. This summer, the company released three new products with the aim to make travelling with a little one a bit easier – a travel cot (£175 on Amazon), changing bag and the ProFold stroller.

At 7 kg, the Micralite ProFold is the brand’s lightest and most compact stroller. However, if weight is your biggest concern, there are much lighter strollers on the market for a similar price – like the Silver Cross Jet (5.9kg) or the Joie Pact Lite (4.6kg and £199 on Amazon), which is also much cheaper.

Tested by:

Rykesha Hudson is a mum of 1 from London. She tested the Micralite ProFold with her 10-month-old daughter on walks through the park, on the Tube and on local trips to the high street and supermarket.

First impressions of the Micralite ProFold pushchair?

I was pleasantly surprised by the ProFold stroller’s compact size when folded. When I opened it up for closer inspection, I wasn’t keen on the wheels. To me, they looked like wheels of a toy car so I was worried about how they would fare on bumpy London streets.

What age is the ProFold stroller suitable for?

Micralite says the ProFold is suitable from birth to 15kg. However, it feels more suitable for older babies and toddlers, especially as it’s only forward-facing.

It doesn’t come with a carrycot or cocoon, and I think the seat (if reclined all the way back to a lay-flat position) is too flimsy and exposed for newborns and small babies. I think it’s ideal for little ones aged 6 months and above.

How does it fold?

Every time we have a visitor, I like to give them a demonstration of how easy and quick this stroller is to fold and unfold!

The ProFold is truly one-handed and not at all complicated – I actually folded it down for the first time without even looking at the manual.

How compact is the Micralite ProFold?

This is Micralite’s most compact stroller to date. When folded (51.5 x 44cm x 24cm), it’s almost unnoticeable in my cupboard. It’s freestanding once folded too, which is a good storage feature.

Does the Micralite ProFold stroller fit into an aeroplane overhead locker?

ProFold is within the cabin baggage allowance for British Airways, Jet2 and EasyJet. It’s also small enough to fit in any car boot or overhead train storage.

A removable shoulder strap is also included to make carrying the buggy much easier.

How lightweight is the ProFold buggy?

At 7kg, it’s a lightweight buggy and if you need to bring it upstairs or on public transport, this is a great feature.

While perfect for travelling and quick journeys, the Micralite ProFold feels a little flimsy for daily use. I feel like I am pushing my baby in a toy pram and I am quite self-conscious about it.

How easy is the Micralite ProFold to push?

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship when it comes to pushing and manoeuvring the Micralite ProFold. In some ways, it’s easy to push as it’s so lightweight - so it’s easy to push on smooth surfaces, steer one-handed and lift up when approaching a big kerb.

However, as might be expected with a lightweight stroller, it does struggle with uneven ground and even small dips.

How did you find using the ProFold on public transport?

It is very easy to take the Profold on public transport. As it’s so light it’s easy to get up and down stairs, even with my daughter strapped in, and is narrow enough to fit on the bus if there is already another buggy onboard.

How sturdy do the wheels feel?

The wheels on this stroller were disappointing. The first time I used the ProFold was for a brief 10-minute walk to the chemist. When I got back home, the wheels looked quite worn already, and doesn't fill me with confidence about how well they'll last over a couple of years of regular use.

What do you think of the ProFold’s handlebar?

The handlebar is disappointing. The ProFold is the first buggy I’ve used where the handlebar height can’t be adjusted.

My husband isn’t particularly tall, but found the handlebar too low and quite uncomfortable to use. So it's fine for people of a certain height, but if you're tall or it's used by several people, it's worth considering a model with an adjustable handlebar.

How spacious is the ProFold pushchair’s seat unit?

Not very. The ProFold’s seat is a little narrow and I’ve noticed my daughter’s leg hanging off the side a few times.

How many recline positions are there?

The Micralite ProFold doesn’t have set recline positions - it has a gradual recline, adjusted with a toggle drawstring at the back of the seat.

Unfortunately, the most ‘upright’ position is still very much at an angle, and my daughter looks a little slouchy. She tends to lean forward without back support as she looks around.

How comfortable does the ProFold seem for your little one?

The seat lining is made of soft bamboo and my daughter seems comfortable enough in this buggy.

How is interacting with your little one when in the Micralite ProFold?

This is my first time using a world-facing only pushchair and I don’t think I, nor my daughter, are quite ready for it just yet.

I find it strange not being able to see her so I find myself peering over or using the ProFold’s peep window a lot to check on her. She doesn’t like it much either – she keeps twisting her back and neck back to see me.

What do you think of the hood?

I was pleasantly surprised by the ProFold hood. It’s strong and made with premium grade outdoor fabric with UPF50+ protection – ideal for holiday travel.

It also has a hidden pull-out extension with a breathable mesh window.

Tell us about the Micralite ProFold’s brakes…

The brake is a real pain and probably the ProFold’s worst feature. The brake is a pedal in between the back wheels which means you step it on when walking, causing you to stop abruptly.

In the space of 5 minutes, I had accidentally stepped on the brake 7 times. It’s really frustrating and dangerous, too.

How spacious and accessible is the ProFold’s basket?

It’s really easy to access the basket, which is a decent size considering how compact the ProFold pushchair is.

On a trip to my local convenience store, I was able to fit a loaf of bread, an aubergine, a box of eggs and a multi-pack of crisps. I hooked the rest on to the side of the buggy.

Is the ProFold car seat compatible?

No, it’s not.

How did you like the look of the ProFold pushchair?

I really like this look of the ProFold stroller. The black and grey combo is modern and chic. I particularly like the reversible seat liner – one side is a sporty black mesh and the other is classic grey marl.

What’s in the box?

• Micralite ProFold compact stroller

• Storm cover

• Shoulder strap

Is the Micralite ProFold difficult to assemble?

The buggy came fully assembled. All I did was remove it from the box, clip in the bumper bar, and it was done! It actually took longer to open the ProFold’s box than to set it all up.

What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the ProFold?

If you’re hoping to use the Micralite ProFold when your baby is a newborn, take note that even though it says it’s suitable from birth, there is no carrycot and it’s not parent-facing so you may worry about how safe and comfortable your baby is.

Who would the ProFold be most useful for?

This is a great stroller for anyone travelling – it’s light and well equipped for all sorts of weather. It would also be a convenient second buggy for short trips and a good choice for those with very little storage space at home.

What was your favourite feature of the ProFold?

I love the ProFold’s extra storage pouch on the back of the hood. It means I can pop a few essentials in there rather than lugging my full baby bag when going to the shops. It’s a really generous size and feels like you’re getting a special bonus alongside the basket.

Is the ProFold cost good value?

I do think this buggy is good value for money – it has good storage, the rain cover is included and it seems to have been built well.

Where can I buy the Micralite Profold?

It is available from Amazon and Micralite.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Micralite ProFold is a stylish, compact stroller that’s great for travelling and using public transport. Its fold is very impressive and ideal if you’re tight on space.

However, it might be a bit too lightweight and flimsy to use as your everyday buggy and, in lieflat position, doesn't feel comfortable enough for a newborn baby.

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