12 of the best compact-folding buggies – tried and tested

Best compact pushchairs at a glance

• Best budget compact fold pushchair: Kinderkraft Apino, £119.99 £107.99 at Very (Save £12 or 10%)
• Best budget lightweight folding pushchair: Graco Myavo, £130
• Best pushchair for travel: Cybex Libelle, £289.95 £231.96 at Natural Baby Shower (Save £57.99 or 20%)
• Best parent-facing pushchair: Cybex Eezy S Twist+2, £469.95 £375.96 at Natural Baby Shower (Save £93.99 or 20%)
• Best pushchair for convertibility: Babyzen Yoyo2, £399 £339 at Amazon (Save £60 or 15%)
• Best pushchair for the smallest fold: GB Pockit+ All-Terrain, £189.95
• Best pushchair for an adjustable handlebar: Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller, £319 £234 at Kiddies Kingdom (Save £85 or 26%)
• Best pushchair for style: Inglesina Quid 2, £299
• Best pushchair for storage: Uppababy Minu V2, £329.99
• Best pushchair for tougher terrains: LeClerc Influencer XL, £419
• Best pushchair for urban living: Bugaboo Dragonfly, from £695 £590.75 at Natural Baby Shower (Save £104.25 or 15%)
• Best pushchair for sustainability: Silver Cross Dune, £795 £397.50 at Kiddies Kingdom (Save £397.50 or 50%)

Here are the best compact-fold pushchairs for all budgets in 2024

1. Kinderkraft Apino, £119.99

Best budget buy

Age suitability: Birth to 22kg | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: H47m x W58cm x 34.5m (without bumper bar) | Weight: 7.5kg | Car seat compatible: Yes (from June 2024)

Pros:

• Amazing value
• Bumper bar included
• Stylist design

Cons:

• Not the sturdiest build
• Rain cover not included

Coming in at under £120, the Apino stroller from Kinderkraft represents really amazing value in this category, especially as it has some key features included that are missing on some far more expensive strollers (such as a bumper bar and one-handed magic fold). That said, it is missing a rain cover – a must in UK weather – and it isn't the smoothest ride of all the compact folds we tried. It's also heavier than most other models on this list. However, at this price, we definitely think it still stands out.

"The overall design is very sleek and compact, yet it’s functional. The stroller has very nice details, such as leathery handlebar and bumper bar, padded seat / backrest, smooth wheels and a large canopy with a small window," says home tester Hannah, who tested this with her 5 month old. She also called out the contrasting details on some of the colourways: "I like the gold rose details of the frame and wheels, and the fact they match makes it look more elegant."

The seat lies near-flat, and from June 2024 there will be universal car seat adapters available, meaning this buggy will be compatible with car seats from the likes of Cybex and Maxi-Cosi.

Available from: Very, Kiddies Kingdom

2. Graco Myavo, £130

Best lightweight budget buy

Age suitability: Birth to 22kg | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: H52.5cm x W65.3cm x 32.5cm | Weight: 5.8kg | Car seat compatible: No

Pros:

• Very lightweight
• One-handed fold
• Great value

Cons:

• No specific newborn accessory
• Not the most sturdy

If you're looking for a cheap day-to-day runaround that folds up super small and is super-light, you can't go far wrong with Graco's great value Myavo stroller. At a third of the price of some of the very high-end models in this list, it still packs in plenty of great features, including a good-sized UPF 50+ hood, solid wheels, a bumper bar, a calf rest, and a decently-sized basket.

It also has a one-handed magic fold, although it is worth noting this has one of the larger folds on the list and is not suitable for taking into the cabin of a plane.

Although the buggy doesn't have a specific newborn cocoon or pod, it can be used from birth due to its full recline, although it doesn't have a parent-facing option and it's probably more useful from around the 6 month mark.

Parent tester Carol, who tested this with her 6 month old (pictured) said, "The stroller folds down with one hand, one click and stands on its own within seconds. Storing it once folded is really easy as its quite compact, which is quite handy if using public transport, restaurants and you needed to fold the stroller down to make space. I would definitely recommend it as a travel stroller particularly in city areas. I also think for older babies and toddlers this would be a really good everyday stroller."

Available from: Boots, Very and Halfords

3. Cybex Libelle, £289.95

Best for travel

Age suitability: From 6 months to 22kg | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: W32cm xH20cm x L48cm | Weight: 5.9kg | Parent-facing: No | Car seat compatible: Yes | MFM review star rating: 4.1

Pros:

• Super-compact fold
• Cabin-approved (for most airlines)
• Very lightweight

Cons:

• Not suitable before 6 months (except with car seat)
• sunshade could be more extendable
• Tricky two-handed fold

The Cybex Libelle has one of the most eye-catching compact folds in our round-up: it doesn't just fold down, but in too, making a neat, flat package that's smaller than most hand luggage allowances. It's a two-handed fold, but it's easy to operate and ideal for travel.

The compromise you pay for that tiny fold is a pushchair that's slightly less versatile than some other models. It doesn’t come with a carrycot option and the recline doesn’t go near-flat, but it is compatible with Cybex’s range of infant car seats, so you can use it from birth as a travel system if you’re not planning to be on the go for too long at a time. The sun hood doesn’t provide as much coverage as some other models on the list, but this pushchair definitely wins on weight and portability. MFM reviewer Sarah (pictured) also added, "The seat unit is surprisingly large and roomy."

MFM home tester Pooja commented: “I cannot believe how small it becomes without compromising the quality and stability. We took it onto hilly grass and it handled it a lot better than I expected. It moves and turns smoothly and doesn’t bounce up and down much, making it comfortable and relaxing for my baby.”

Read the full MFM Cybex libelle pushchair review

Available from: Natural Baby Shower

4. Cybex Eezy S Twist+2, £469.95

Best for parent-facing

Age suitability: from birth with carrycot to 22kg | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: L68cm x W47.5cm x H30.5cm | Weight: 8.6kg | Parent-facing: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes | MFM Review star rating: 4.6 stars

Pros:

• Parent- and world-facing seat
• Robust build
• Easy to push

Cons:

• Small shopping basket
• Heavier than other models

The stand-out feature of this compact buggy is the 360-degree seat rotation system, which allows you to twist the seat around to switch between parent-facing or world-facing – an option that's not found in the majority of other compact pushchairs. This makes it a great option for younger babies, as it also has a lie-flat seat and the option to add a Cybex carrycot for a more cosy newborn option.

It is one of the heavier options on our list due to the twisting mechanism, but according to MFM home tester Abigail, it is a dream to push. “This pram is like pushing a feather, even with a heavy toddler in,” she said. “And then even lighter once folded. I pop my pram in the boot whilst holding my toddler and I can do it without struggling.”

MFM reviewer Katy (whose son is pictured above) was really impressed with its robustness and ease of steering. She said, “it’s worth the investment as it should genuinely last from birth to the end of toddlerhood.”

Members of our Top Testers Club also rave about this model and its features and it's one of the most frequently recommended buggies within our community.

Read the full MFM review of the Cybex Eezy S Twist+2

Available from: Natural Baby Shower, Cybex

5. Babyzen Yoyo2, £399

Best for convertibility

Age suitability: Birth (with newborn pack or bassinet) to 22kg | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: H52cm x L44cm x W18cm | Weight: 6.1kg | Parent-facing: with newborn options | Car seat compatible: Yes | MFM Review star rating: 4.4

Pros:

• Super compact when folded
• Customisable and extendable
• Great accessories on offer

Cons:

• Expensive
• Complicated fold
• Doesn't fully recline

The Babyzen YOYO was one of the first truly compact folding pushchairs of this type and is still popular with parents far and wide, having set the bar in the sector. It's since been imitated many times. Although it has a more complicated fold than some others on this list, it remains one of the smallest, and the YOYO still stands out thanks to its ease of use, clever details and overall superior functionality. Plus, it's approved to go in the cabin by a number of major airlines. MFM Editor Gemma (whose son is pictured above) has travelled with this buggy a number of times.

The YOYO2 improves on the original with some additional features such as faux leather handle finish and extended weight capacity, plus improved suspension and a sturdier frame. Even though the YOYO doesn’t have an adjustable handlebar or reversible seat, it is still quite adaptable through clever design details and accessories.

For example, as well as two newborn options (the newborn pack or the bassinet) it is very easy to use the bespoke ride-on board for older kids, and you can get a roll-along bag to store an extra 10kg. There's even the YOYO Connect seat that turns it into a tandem double pushchair. This means it gives owners far more options for expansion than simpler compact buggies. In fact, many parents have ditched their primary prams for a YOYO-only approach.

MFM reviewer Natalie reported that the YOYO2 is ideal for an urban lifestyle. “The Babyzen YOYO2 is very manoeuvrable,” she said. “The compact size means you feel in control of the steering and pushing, and the nimble wheels can fit through tight spaces.” But she did caution that it’s not one for all-terrain, country-life, as the small wheels are unlikely to cope. The other downside is that the seat doesn't fully recline,

Read the full MadeForMums Babyzen Yoyo2 review

Available from: Amazon

6. GB Pockit+ All-Terrain, £189.95

Best for the smallest fold

Age suitability: 6 months to 22kg (approximately age 4) from birth with Cot To Go (sold separately) | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: H42cm x L34cm x W20cm | Weight: 5.6kg | Parent-facing: no | Car seat compatible: Yes

Pros:

• Tiny fold
• Very lightweight
• Good wheels

Cons:

• Small hood
• No calf rest
• Little storage

If a truly tiny fold is what you're looking for, this is the most compact of all compact fold pushchairs, folding to the size of a small backpack and squeaking in just under the Cybex Libelle (overall there's a 4cm difference between the two). It's also exceedingly lightweight at under 6kg, so you can carry it with ease.

However, to keep it that streamlined, it does come with a similarly streamlined list of features: the hood is small, the seat is minimal, the frame is light and the wheels are small. However, it has a decent recline (not flat, but enough for a toddler to nap) and feels well made for its competitive price.

It is worth noting that the "all terrain" name is also something of a misnomer: although the 8 wheels (in pairs of 2) definitely help with balance on more difficult surfaces like cobblestones, this is still not a buggy designed for very uneven terrain, sand or mud: for that you will need air-filled tyres which naturally add both weight and bulk. This doesn't detract from this being a really good value pushchair for travel and beyond, though.

Available from: Amazon, UK Baby Centre

7. Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller, £319

Best for an adjustable handlebar

Age suitability: From birth (in newborn nest mode) to 22kg | One-handed fold: No | Folded dimensions: H54cm x L44cm x W25cm | Weight: 7.8kg | Parent-facing: No | Car seat compatible: Yes | MFM review star rating: 4.5

Pros:

• Extendable handlebar
• Good storage
• Small fold

Cons:

• Heavier than some other models
• Two hands needed to fold/open

Ergobaby's entry to the compact fold pushchair market addresses a number of the issues people have with some very stripped-back lightweight strollers: there's a generous basket, decent-sized wheels, plenty of padding, a good seat recline, and – perhaps most importantly – an adjustable handlebar. For very tall or short caregivers, this could mean a far more comfortable push.

It also has a clever in-built newborn "nest" that makes it more comfortable for babies under the age of 6 months: the calf rest folds up and fastens in place to create a comfy, flat sleeping space for your newborn.

Those added features do make the pushchair slightly heavier overall, at 7.8kg (vs an average of around 6kg). However, the fold is still very compact and those features do really add to the comfort and convenience of the stroller. MFM reviewer Bianca, who tested this with her 6 month old, said, "My baby seemed extremely comfortable and secure thanks to the ergonomic padding and robust safety straps. I believe it will last my baby well into her toddler years as there’s plenty of room for her to grow into."

Parent tester Connie said, "The ergobaby metro+ stroller is extremely simple to use. It is not a one hand open but is still very simple and quick to open and fold back down which is very beneficial for me. it is lightweight and easy to carry (with the bonus of the carry handle on the seat cushion) and folds up very small, so could even fit in the smallest of cars."

Read the full MFM Ergobaby Metro+ stroller review

Available from: John Lewis and Kiddies Kingdom

8. Inglesina Quid 2, £299

Best for style

Age suitability: From birth to 22kg | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: H58cm x L46.5cm x W19cmcm | Weight: 5.9kg | Parent-facing: No | Carseat compatible: No | MFM review star rating: 4.5 | Awards: Gold – Compact-fold pushchair £150 - £300, MadeForMums Awards 2024

Pros:

• Stylish design with colour options
• Well-designed storage
• Travel-friendly

Cons:

• No specific newborn addition
• No adjustable handlebar

If you want a well-built pushchair that also delivers when it comes to looks, our home testers raved about the sleek design of the Inglesina Quid 2, which now comes in a choice of either beige or "gecko green" with contrast zips and linings. The brand often releases seasonal colours and styles too – dig enough and you might find a polka dot version or one designed in collaboration with Vespa.

Hajra, who tested it with her 6 month old and 3 year old said, "It came in a stunning camel beige colour and under the hood is a peachy orange colour. I absolutely love the design and the colours it comes in. it’s a really good quality pram, that looks and feels premium made."

When it comes to features, it just squeaks in as cabin baggage for the more lenient airlines, and boasts a well-padded seat, a bumper bar, an extendable hood and a compact but well-designed storage basket. We also like the one-handed fold, and the fact the folded pushchair stays upright without fabric touching the ground. There's also a small handle to carry it, or a carry bag (sold separately).

Available from: Kiddies Kingdom or Inglesina

9. UPPAbaby Minu V2, £429.99

Best for sturdiness

Age suitability: From 6 months to 22kg (from birth with carrycot) | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: H58.4cm x L52cm x W31.7cm | Weight: 7.7kg | Parent-facing: With carrycot or carseat | Carseat compatible: Yes | MFM review star rating: 4.5

Pros:

• Sturdily made
• Good for older toddlers
• Decent storage

Cons:

• Need carrycot to use from birth
• Expensive

If you're concerned that most compact folds won't be practical for daily use because they just don't have the storage and sturdiness you need, this might be the stroller that changes your mind. If you're familiar with UPPAbaby's larger prams like the Cruz and Vista, you'll know the brand is known for its huge shopping baskets, and that popular feature has been replicated – albeit on a smaller scale – in the brand's travel-friendly stroller, the Minu. It offers a solid build at a compact size, with a lightweight frame that still feels built to last.

"It is noticeably lightweight and once folded it’s possible to use the shoulder strap to sling it over your shoulder and carry it like a rucksack or bag. Once folded, it’s also very compact and fits easily into the boot of most cars, even a small one, with room left over for shopping," said MFM reviewer Frances, who tested this with her 6 month old (pictured).

It can be used from birth with the addition of a carrycot or car seat, but our testers felt it really came into its own past 6 months, used as a world-facing stroller that offers plenty of room and comfort for older children.

Parent tester Laura, who tested this with her 13 month old, said, "The MINU V2 feels well designed and made, it offers the quality and luxury of a big travel system, with a compact and stylish design of a pushchair. The spacious seat and adjustable leg rest makes it the perfect stroller for larger toddlers and pre schoolers."

Read the full MFM UPPAbaby Minu V2 pushchair review

Buy from: John Lewis, UK Baby Centre and UPPAbaby

10. LeClerc Influencer XL, £419

Best for trickier terrains

Age suitability: From 6 months to 22kg | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: H60cm x L45cm x W24cm | Weight: 8.2kg | Parent-facing: No | Carseat compatible: No

Pros:

• Larger wheels for tougher terrains
• Good storage
• One-handed "magic" fold

Cons:

• Only suitable from 6 months
• Heavier than most others on the list
• Expensive

If you want a truly compact fold – the type you can take on a plane or fold into the footwell of a car – one thing that tends to be sacrificed is wheel size, and this can affect a buggy's ability to go over more uneven terrains. The Le Clerc Influencer XL is designed to tackle that issue: it has impressive larger wheels that can handle uneven terrains, cobblestones, and wet grass, but it's also super-small when folded (only a few inches larger than something like the Babyzen YOYO or the Bugaboo Butterfly).

"This buggy has made light work of all different surfaces we have pushed it on, it is the smoothest buggy we have used, even in comparison to our first buggy that had huge back wheels," said parent tester Robyn, who tested this with her 1 year old. MFM reviewer Tara agreed, saying "It’s so lightweight and easy to push, it practically steers itself and I love the large seat and wheels so it makes light work of rougher terrain, making it easier to enjoy family adventures together both in town and off the beaten track."

The Influencer XL has Le Clerc's famous magic fold, so it collapses down one-handed at the touch of a button. There's also a good-sized storage basket, and a generous recline (although not completely flat, meaning this is for use from 6 months only).

Buy from: Le Clerc

11. Bugaboo Dragonfly, from £695

Best for urban living

Age suitability: from birth (with folding carrycot) to 22kg | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: L90 x W52 x H36cm (with seat) | Weight: 7.9 - 9.9kg | Parent-facing: Yes | Carseat compatible: Yes | MFM Review star rating: 4.7 stars

Pros:

• Folding carrycot
• Good storage
• Smooth ride

Cons:

• Expensive with carrycot
• Not as compact as a true compact fold

If you're looking to buy only one pushchair / travel system from birth but still want something with a relatively small fold size, the Bugaboo Dragonfly could be your perfect match. This replaces much-loved Bugaboo Bee as the brand's flagship city pushchair, and it boasts some great features, namely a collapsible carrycot that folds while on the frame, and a huge 10kg storage basket.

Although it lacks the tiny fold of a buggy designed for air travel, it folds tall and flat, making it great for narrow hallways and staircases. If you're looking for a does-it-all pushchair that takes up minimal space, this could be the one for you but do note, this is not a traditional compact fold stroller – it's a full pram / travel system.

The extra inches and kilograms on this frame does mean it can offer many things more lightweight buggies can't, including a reversible seat, superior suspension and loads of storage space.

MFM reviewer India was impressed with how it feels to push, saying, "The Dragonfly’s built in suspension ensures comfort and a smoother ride for both parents and babies." She did, however, find the folding carrycot tricky to get used to, and this is something we've found in our testing too. Once you get the knack it's easy as you can see in our video, but it does take some practice at first.

Read the full MFM Bugaboo Dragonfly review

Available from: Natural Baby Shower and Bugaboo

12. Silver Cross Dune, £795

Best for sustainability

Age suitability: from birth to 22kg | One-handed fold: Yes | Folded dimensions: L68.5 x W61 x L29cm | Weight: 12.5kg (with seat unit) | Parent-facing: Yes | Carseat compatible: Yes | MFM Review star rating: 4.3 stars

Pros:

• Recycled fabrics
• Good harness
• Multiple newborn options

Cons:

• Heavy frame
• Newborn additions are a costly extra

Historically, Silver Cross's newborn prams haven't been the most lightweight or compact, but all that has changed with the introduction of the Dune in 2022, which the brand describes as a "contemporary and compact urban travel system." It offers all the smart features and thoughtful details you'd expect from the heritage brand, but with a small fold, more compact wheels and a more nippy design.

The plush fabrics on the seat have been made from recycled bottles, offering a more sustainable solution without sacrificing the style for which Silver Cross is synonymous. The seat unit has a build in sun cover in addition to the generous hood, a magnetic harness system for easy fastening and a sliding adjuster on the back that means you never need to rethread it. When it comes to keeping a newborn comfortable, the seat unit does lie flat to be used from birth but you also have the option to add a newborn "pod" (a fabric cocoon) or one of two luxurious folding carrycot options.

"This pram is compact, easy-to-use, and great for nipping in and out of the car or for walks around the park. The wheels are very sturdy and withheld being on grass, gravel, cobbles as well as the pavement," said MFM reviewer Amanda, who tested this with her 6 month old.

Available from: Kiddies Kingdom, Silver Cross

What should I look for or consider when buying a compact-fold pushchair?

Frequency of use – Some strollers are super-light and the perfect solution for travel, but might feel a bit too lightweight for everyday use. Others are more substantial as they combine a comparatively compact fold with all the versatility of a full-sized travel system and are designed for everyday use with a newborn. Identifying what your priority is will make choosing much easier.

Age suitability – A lot of compact folding pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit up, but an increasing number are suitable from birth, either offering a lie-flat seat or the option to buy an additional carrycot. Some may also be travel system compatible, meaning you can attach an infant car seat. In order to keep the frame light, it may be that a carrycot or car seat attaches on top of the seat fabric. This is perfectly safe and functional, but it can look a bit odd.

Seat recline – Some compact folding pushchairs only have a small recline. This may be fine for some toddlers, but it's not suitable for younger babies. It's also worth noting that pushchairs can be categorised as lie-flat even if they’re not completely flat – they can still lie at 150° angle rather than a flat 180°. We’d strongly recommend that if you’re using this as your main buggy from birth, that you ensure you choose one that lies completely flat or comes with a carrycot.

Adjustability – Many compact strollers don’t offer that much in terms of adjustability – no extendable handlebar, a seat can’t be parent-facing, it can’t lie flat, and so on. These features add weight and bulk, which is why they're often the first to go. If you value a degree of adjustability, you might want to go for a model that is slightly less compact, but we've also found models in this list that offer those extra features while still being travel-friendly.

Fold type – Not all folding mechanisms are created equal, and just because a pushchair has a compact fold, that doesn’t mean it’s a smooth, fuss-free folding process. Some are truly one-handed with the push of a button. Others require a bit more involvement, two hands, or a few steps to fold it down, but they may fold down much smaller as a result making them more suitable for travel, particularly by plane.

Comfort – Often, when a design focuses so much on minimising size, comfort features, such as soft padding or extendable hoods to ward off harsh sunshine, can be neglected. The compact buggy category spans a huge range from purely functional with minimal comfort features, to rather luxurious models. If you’re planning to use the buggy as your everyday mode of transport, this might become a crucial factor in decision-making.

Storage – If you find yourself relying on your buggy to do all the heavy lifting – shopping, changing bag, sports kit, snacks – then choosing a compact buggy might be tricky. There are many that don’t offer much in terms of storage, some don’t even allow you to store your handbag. So, basket size – and access to that basket – can become a top priority.

Accessories – Since their compact, and often lightweight, design means they have a more stripped-back feel, many of these models come with the option to purchase additional accessories like footmuffs, cup holders, shopping bags, parasols and so on. Some don't even have a rain cover included as standard, so do look out for this when calculating overall cost: what was a bargain may be less of one when you work out how many added extras you'll need.

Price – Although these buggies are small, light and streamlined, all the technology to get them so compact means they often come at a cost. The majority of buggies in our list are around the £200-£400 mark, but a more comprehensive option suitable from birth could set you back over £1,000.

Read more...

• The best lightweight strollers under 7kg
• 15 of the best prams and pushchairs for newborns
• 12 of the best travel systems for newborn babies