When you have children, there never seems to be enough space in the boot – regardless of what car you own. Little people seem to come with a large amount of baggage. But when you already have a large pushchair, it doesn’t leave room for anything else.
Short of buying an extra car for your child’s belongings, you may want to find a smaller solution – cue, folding pushchairs. The best folding pushchairs for cars are compact, lightweight, and most importantly, will leave you with lots of space left in your boot for essentials.
Once upon a time, folding pushchairs were acquired after a child had grown out of their first pram. Usually, this was because the original designs left little to be desired in terms of comfort. However, many development and advances have been made to smaller pushchairs. Now, the latest combat folding pushchairs on the market are sleek, small and cosy for even the smallest infants – including newborn babies.
Who are folding pushchairs for?
Folding pushchairs are great for people who like to travel or have small vehicles as they take up less car space. A folding pushchair is vital for parents who live in urban areas, where parking can be challenging. It can be put down by your child’s feet or in the boot – depending on car space. It will allow you to park in more spaces as you don’t need to accommodate extra space for unloading a large pram or pushchair. Whether your vehicle is large or small, we know it is always better to have space. So, we have found the best folding pushchairs that can fit in even the most cramped boots.
If you are looking for more items that can help you when travelling with kids, be sure to read our comprehensive expert guide on ISOFIX car seats and 360-degree car seats.
Bugaboo Butterfly
The best for compact spaces
Price: £395 | VIEW OFFER
The Bugaboo Butterfly is an ultra-compact pushchair. It can fit in the smallest of spaces – including an overhead compartment. This pushchair will take up little to no room in your car. This is the perfect pram for parents with small cars. You can even use most car seats with the pushchair chassis via adapters.
Pros:
Smart white indicators to show when unfolding is done safely
Easy unfold
Travel system compatible
Cons:
Does not fully recline so your child can lay flat
Specifications:
Folded dimensions: 45 x 23 x 54 cm
Suitable for: Six months – approx. four years old (max 22 kg/48.50 lbs)
Weight: 7.3kg
Lejoux Baby Pushchair Stroller
Recommended
Price: £134.98 | VIEW OFFER
Have you got a staycation planned or a road trip mapped out soon? Then this is the pushchair for you. We all know how difficult it is to travel with children. However, the Lejoux makes it much easier. It is quick and easy to assemble. Don’t let the combat size fool you, there is plenty of room for your little one to sit back and relax.
Pros:
Multiple colour choices
Lightweight
5-point harness
Cons:
Handlebars are not adjustable
Specifications:
Folded dimensions: 66 x 48 x 98 cm
Suitable for: Birth up to 15kgs (approx. 3 years)
Weight: 8kg
Ickle Bubba Globe Stroller
The best for organisation
Price: £249 | VIEW OFFER
Ickle Bubba Globe Stroller is not only compact, but it comes with a selection of useful accessories which will make your journeys easier. This bundle includes a rain cover, luxury soft quilted seat liner and footmuff, cup holder, buggy organiser and a protective storage bag.
Pros:
Travel system compatible
Cons:
Low handlebars
Specifications:
Folded dimensions: 45cm x L55cm x H25cm
Suitable for: Birth up to 15kgs (approx. 3 years)
Weight: 6.4kg
Nuna Triv Pushchair – Riveted
The best luxury pushchair
Price: £600 | VIEW OFFER
The Nuna Triv is a folding pram which still has a high-end feel. The travel system has been created using luxury materials. Your child will be very comfortable in the pushchairs padded seats. Nuna has been hailed by A-listers including the Kardashians and has grown in popularity within the luxury pram market.
Pros:
Can purchase a compatible carrycot separately
Luxury finish
Cons:
No drinks holder
Specifications:
Folded dimensions: 32 x 52 x 65 cm
Suitable for: Birth to 22kg
Weight: 10kg
Cosatto Woosh 3
The best eco credentials
Price: £229.96 | VIEW OFFER
Cosatto has become a firm favourite with both parents and children for its creative and eye-catching designs -0 as you can see in our round-up of the best Cosatto car seats. The Woosh 3 is the first of Cosatto’s eco- and ethically-friendly ranges. The fabric is made from recycled materials and the handlebars are vegan leather. This compact travel system is one of the most eye-catching pushchairs.
Pros:
Fabric made from recycled bottles
Travel-friendly telescopic pull handle
Cons:
Not great for uneven terrain
Specifications:
Folded dimensions: 65cm x 40cm x 50 cm
Suitable for: Birth up to 25kg
Weight: 7.2kg
Silver Cross Clic Stroller
The best of British
Price: £245 | VIEW OFFER
Silver Cross is one of the best British pushchair manufacturers. This pushchair is light and easy to use. The seat can lay flat so that your little one can enjoy some rest whilst you are off on adventures. It has a padded strap which makes carrying it to and from your vehicle easier.
Pros:
Quilted seat design
Full recline
Adjustable footrest
Cons:
Not car seat compatible
Specifications:
Folded dimensions: 25cm x 46.5cm x 54 cm
Suitable for: Birth to 22kg
Weight: 6kg
Mountain Buggy Nano
The best durable pushchair
Price: £219 | VIEW OFFER
Mountain Buggy has been hailed by parents for their durability and usability. Regardless of the terrain, as the name implies, Mountain Buggy pushchairs are usually able to adapt so that your little one can enjoy a bump-free ride. Although combat, the Nano offers the same stability. It has an easy two-step compact fold and is then the size of a satchel.
Pros:
Travel system compatible
Lightweight
Reclinable seat
Cons:
No simple folding mechanisms
Specifications:
Folded dimensions: NA
Suitable for: Birth to 22kg
Weight: <6kg
Are all pushchairs suitable for newborns?
We look to the Mother&Baby team for the expert answer to this question. According to Emily Gilbert, the answer is no.
“Babies should be in a flat lying position in their pram for at least the first six months of their life; this is important for their developing spine. Not all pushchairs lie completely flat, so you’ll need to check this before buying.
Also, be aware that the term ‘lie-flat’ used by some pushchair manufacturers doesn’t always mean that the pushchair can go completely flat; the term can be used to describe pushchairs that recline ‘at least 150°’, not the full 180° that you might expect.”
What should I think about when picking a folding pushchair?
Firstly, you’ll need to consider the age and size of your child, as this will determine which options are available to you.
Secondly, you need to think about how often you are using the folding pushchair. If it’s just once in a while, then a lightweight and more affordable option could do the trick. However, if you would like the pushchair to be the primary form of transport, consider picking a higher tier, more robust choice. It’s sure to last longer and be more comfortable for you and your child.
Thirdly, consider the size of your boot or travel space. The beauty of the folding pushchair is that it can fit into tight spots – so make sure you’re looking at the right sizes!
Other things to consider include the terrain the pushchair will be rolling over, who will be pushing the pushchair and how long you would like it to be in use.
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