Which are the best compact buggies?
We help you understand which of the compact buggies are the best on the market
The lowdown
Most parents choose something large and sturdy for their baby’s first set of wheels, but as your child reaches their first birthday, you’ll start to crave something a little sleeker and lighter, that can be stored more easily and collapsed for hopping on and off public transport. This where the classic buggy comes into its own, lighter and more compact, and often umbrella folding, they can be easily carried and take up less room in your hallway and car boot.
What to look for
A one-handed fold is useful for collapsing on the go and a model weighing less than 7kg is much easier to carry.
Need to know
The most lightweight and compact models are often only suitable from six months as they don’t have a completely flat recline (a must for newborns). It’s a good idea to invest in a footmuff too, as these models don’t offer the cosiness of sturdier more pram-like models. If your toddler still likes to nap, make sure the seat has a comfortable recline and maybe an adjustable leg rest, too.
1. Babyzen Yoyo, £290
One of the more expensive models on the market, but the Yoyo has an incredibly small fold, and can even be carried onto an airplane as hand luggage! It has a ‘soft drive’ system meaning you can steer one-handed over rough terrain with no need to lock the wheels, and it can have a carrycot and car attached too, so can be used from birth.
2. Silver Cross Zest, £130
Weighing in at less than 6 kg, the revamped Zest is now lighter than ever, and can carry your child from birth in its lie-flat seat. There’s a huge SPF 50+ hood and a roomy shopping basket for trips out, and the larger than average seat is ideal for older toddlers, too.
3. XXS Pockit Stroller, £129
Possibly the lightest stroller on the market - it only weighs 3.9kg - the Pockit can fold down to a small box-sized shape that can be easily stowed away into a teeny carrying bag. It’s only suitable from six months as there’s no recline, but still has good features including a padded five-point harness, a shopping basket and front wheels that can be locked or swiveled.
4. Joie Nitro, £50
Lightweight , yet robust, the Nitro is from Joie’s stable of pushchairs and the most purse-friendly, but is still has all the features you’d expect from a more expensive model, with ergonomic handles, an adjustable footrest and a multi-position reclining seat that can lie-flat for newborns too.
5. Kiddicare Loco, £34.99
The ideal buggy for holidays and days out, the Loco comes at a price you’ll love, plus is comfortable and easy to push thanks to the padded handles and swivel wheels. There’s a rain cover and sun canopy in the Accessory Pack too, but this costs extra. It collapses with a super-compact umbrella fold and is suitable for older babies, from six months.