Best lightweight buggies and strollers: compact prams for easy travel

Price on writing: £370 (chassis only) | Latest deals from John Lewis

Tested by parents: Read our full Babyzen YOYO review

Key specs

Age range: Birth (with newborn pack) to 22kg (four years) | Weight: 6.2kg | Parent-facing option: Yes, if you have a newborn pack, otherwise it’s world-facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 52 x 44 x 18cm

What we like

• Well-cushioned and roomy
• Generous storage basket
• Easy to collapse and carry (cover bag and carry strap included)
• Meets the cabin luggage dimensions of most airlines

What we don't like

• White wheels show up dirt easily
• Rain cover sold separately
• Requires some assembly
• Expensive

What Mumsnet users say

“Love the YOYO. Mine has lasted two children over four years, many many flights and is still going strong. I used to live in a third floor walk-up apartment, and fly long haul on my own with the baby fairly regularly and I honestly don’t think I could have managed without it!” - recommended by Mumsnet user, ShyTown

Our verdict

The Babyzen YOYO² is another excellent travel companion that can be used all the way from birth with Babyzen's newborn pack.

An upgrade to the ever-popular Babyzen YOYO+, the Babyzen YOYO² boasts improved suspension, a higher weight limit, a new faux leather handlebar and compatibility with even more car seats than its predecessor.

It’s lightweight and ultra compact with great adaptability. Better yet, the higher-than-average upper weight limit means that you can enjoy long years of use from this hard-working buggy.

All in all, it's a good alternative to a travel system for parents looking for a compact solution right from the get-go. Just don't forget to buy a rain cover.

Read next: The best car seats for children

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Price on writing: £65 | Latest deals from John Lewis

Key specs

Age range: Newborn to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 7.1kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: No | Folded size: 100 x 35 x 33cm

What we like

• Amazing price
• Comes with a raincover
• Simple to use

What we don't like

• Handles are not adjustable
• Storage basket can be tricky to access when seat is reclined
• Two-year warranty

What Mumsnet users say

"It's lightweight, it reclines and has a rain over. I'd get it" - PritiPatelsMaker

Our verdict

A lightweight stroller that's easy to fold, has a reclining seat AND comes with a rain cover, all for just 60 English pounds? Sold. This basic pram from John Lewis' ANYDAY range is a great buy if you're looking for a pushchair for occasional use, a buggy to take on holidays or a second pram for additional family members to use.

It's a breeze to push and features a simple umbrella fold mechanism. As with most umbrella-style prams, the handles aren't adjustable, so anyone over 5'9 may find the handles a little low. However, the folded height is just 100cm, making it easy to squeeze into most car boots. It's shorter than competitor prams like the Joie Nitro and the Red Kite Baby Push Me 2U.

Reviewers love the comfy quilted seat padding and the easy-to-adjust seat recline. The storage basket is on the small size but it's fine for carting the essentials, although it can feel a little tricky to access when the seat is fully reclined. Overall, this is a great price for a quality and practical piece of kit from John Lewis.

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Price on writing: £461 | Latest deals from John Lewis

Tested by parents: Read our full Bugaboo Bee 6 review

Key specs

Age range: Seat unit: 6 months to 22kg (four years); with carrycot: birth to 22kg | Weight: 9.4kg | Parent-facing option: Yes (but only up to 15kg with a carrycot) | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 90 x 47 x 36cm 

What we like

• Suitable for newborns when used with carrycot or car seat
• UPF 50+ sunshade provides full coverage
• Rain cover comes with its own storage bag
• Machine-washable fabric
• Good range of colours

What we don't like

• Seat doesn’t have much padding
• Five-point harness feels stiff
• Expensive
• Took over an hour to assemble
• Can’t fit a changing bag in basket
• Heavier than other lightweight buggies

What Mumsnet users say

“I have a Bee 6 now for DD2 and wouldn’t be without it. She’s 2.3 and fairly petite but has bags of room. I like that both the seat height and depth can be adjusted. It’s the buggy I keep in the car as it’s relatively small and easy to fold. The basket is a decent size for a small buggy but it can be tricky to access” - reviewed by Mumsnet user, YouHaveNoAuthorityHereJackie

"The bee definitely works from birth to toddler. In fact, everyone I know with the bee has used it as their only pram whereas the people who bought bigger prams like the Fox all swapped to umbrella strollers at about 1-1.5 as the prams are just so big and heavy" - recommended by Mumsnetter, Jujujuly

Our verdict

Now in its sixth generation, the Bugaboo Bee 6 has been designed with city life in mind. Compatible with a variety of car seats (when used with the appropriate adapters) and the Bugaboo Bee 6 bassinet, this stroller can be used as a travel system so that your newborn has somewhere safe and comfortable to rest while you’re out and about. 

From six months, the ergonomic seat is very supportive and has extra ventilation for regulating your child’s body temperature. There are three seat positions: upright, reclined and almost lie-flat, and it can be used in parent-facing mode during the earlier months and then world-facing when your child gets older. The seat isn’t as padded as on other buggies we recommend, like the Didofy Aster 2 (see below), so you may want to invest in a seat liner for longer walks.

The compact frame easily wheels through small spaces, and the stroller can be folded down with just one hand. It’s petite enough to fit into a small car boot and can be left to stand on its side on public transport.

With an extendable handle and swivel wheels, the Bee 6 is a comfortable ride that steers well, although it did struggle going up curbs. The brake pedal is white so stands out against the pram making it easy to engage quickly and hold the pram securely. 

The basket can hold up to 4kg but lets the pushchair down a bit as it can’t fit a changing bag inside  - the Bee 6, however, can hold a bag on the handle and doesn’t topple easily. Make sure to allow plenty of time for assembly though as it takes around an hour to attach all the fabric and safety straps before first use. 

Read next: The best double buggies for twins

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Price on writing: £299 | Latest deals from Amazon

Tested by parents: Read our full Didofy Aster 2 review

Key specs

Age range: Birth to 22kg (four years) | Weight: 6.2kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 55 x 47 x 25cm

What we like

• 3kg storage basket
• MagicFold technology allows it to be folded with one hand
• Includes a rain cover, footmuff and cup holder
• Can be carried on most airlines as hand luggage
• Flip-flop-friendly brake 

What we don't like

• Cup holder feels flimsy and can be reached by child in the seat
• Brake bar may get in the way for parents with a longer stride
• Stitching in quilting holds dirt and crumbs and mud left some stains on the fabric
• Wheels didn’t perform as well on uneven ground
• Footrest gets in the way when carrying the folded buggy

Our verdict

Thanks to its quilted seat fabric, leatherette handlebar and a choice of frame colours, the Didofy Aster 2 is a practical lightweight stroller that will also turn heads.

Parents can choose from three stylish fabric colours - olive green, grey and black - and a black or bronze frame. The included footmuff and leatherette bumper bar both match the stroller’s stylish design.

The Aster 2’s MagicFold feature swiftly pops the stroller up or down with a press of a button. There’s a handle and shoulder strap for carrying the buggy, but our tester did find that the footrest got in the way and the lock came loose quite easily.

The seat is spacious with cosy quilted padding for extra comfort, an adjustable footrest and a multi-recline for a child up to approximately age four. It can also be used with a car seat. 

The Astor 2 didn’t perform as well as other buggies in our topple tests - the instructions warn not to let children lean sideways out of the pram and, during testing, our toddler was able to make it lean to one side. But the swivel, puncture-proof wheels give a smooth comfortable ride for daily life (although they can be harder to manoeuvre on uneven ground). The pushchair whizzed through doorways no problem, but it did sometimes struggle to turn in small spaces.

Didofy has designed the brake to be flip-flop-friendly and it's very easy to engage and holds the pram securely, but our tester did feel the bar was set quite far back so may get in the way for parents with a longer stride.

If you plan to use the Aster 2 for your holiday, it’s small enough when folded to take on most airlines as hand luggage and there are handy extras you can buy, such as a storage bag and a mosquito net should you need to. The expanding UPF 50 sunshade gives good coverage, but you’ll need to cover your child’s legs on sunnier days. 

Read next: The best car sunshades to buy

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Price on writing: £299.95 | Latest deals from Kiddies Kingdom

Key specs

Age range: Newborn to 22kg (around four years) | Weight: 7.6kg | Parent-facing option: Yes, but only using a car seat or carrycot, otherwise world-facing only | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 45 x 33 x 60cm

What we like

• All-wheel suspension
• Easy one-handed fold
• Extendable UPF 50+ sunshade
• 5kg storage basket
• Includes rain cover and bumper bar

What we don't like

• Handle isn’t height-adjustable
• May topple when seat is unoccupied and a changing bag is on the handlebar
• Sunshade doesn’t fully cover legs

What Mumsnet users say

“With regard to lightweight buggies, the Cybex Eezy S range is light and suitable from birth” - recommended by Mumsnet user, Dillydally2020

Our verdict

With a decent storage basket, a one-handed fold and large wheels for gliding over all types of terrain, the Cybex Gold Eezy S+2 is built to tackle everything urban life throws at it.

The seat is sturdy and spacious for children up to the age of four and reclines fully with just one hand, so you can use this buggy straight from birth. The seat unit itself isn’t parent-facing, but the S+2 is compatible with any Cybex or gb baby car seat as well as the Cot S Carrycot if you want more options in the earlier months.

The large wheels and suspension cope just as well on rough terrain like grass and gravel as they do manoeuvring over paths and around shop aisles. The soft foam handle is comfortable to push, but isn’t extendable and the height may be a little high for smaller parents.

The 5kg storage basket can hold more than enough for a day out and, thanks to the S+2’s one-handed fold, it’s easy to get it in and out of a small car boot and it's freestanding for easy storage at home.

The pram includes a bumper bar, a rain cover and a UPF 50+ sunshade, which extends when the seat reclines. Other handy extras you can buy separately are the Cybex cup holder and cover bag to protect the buggy when travelling.

Read next: The best pushchairs, as recommended by parents

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Price on writing: £200 | Latest deals from Amazon

Key specs

Age range: Birth to 25kg (approximately five years) | Weight: 7.9kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: No | Folded size: 100 x 27 x 36cm

What we like

• Sturdy frame and all-round suspension
• Easy to assemble
• Large UPF 100 sunshade
• Range of eye-catching colours and prints
• Comes with a cupholder and bumper bar

What we don't like

• Handles aren't extendable
• Adjustments for five-point harness are fiddly
• Seat is world-facing only
• Empty pram topples when a bag is on the handles
• Bulky when folded

What Mumsnet users say

“I'm 5ft 11 and have a Cosatto Supa 3 stroller which I've just switched my five-month-old to. It’s the perfect height for me. Also has a handle to carry it when folded (umbrella fold) which is handy!” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, HalfBloodPrince

Our verdict

Available in a range of fun colours and prints, the Cosatto Supa 3 has been designed to "fire children’s imaginations" while providing lots of handy features for a day out. 

The stroller comes with an extendable sunshade which offers great coverage, a reversible foot-muff for keeping your child cosy and comfortable in cooler weather, and a rain cover which fits snugly to the pram to keep everything dry on rainy days.

Suitable from birth, the seat offers multiple reclines and comes with a nicely padded bumper bar for extra peace of mind. The whole buggy feels very safe and supportive, with a secure brake that can be engaged using one of the two mini pedals.

With a classic umbrella fold, the Supa 3 isn’t particularly compact when folded and only just fits into the boot of an Audi A1. It also needs to lie on its side when stored, but there’s a handy strap to make it easier to carry when you need to.

With lots of space in the storage basket, this stroller is great for shopping trips and busy days out, and the four sets of double wheels handle curbs and a variety of terrain – including grass, sand and gravel – really well. 

The fun, eye-catching prints may not be to everyone’s taste, but we’re sure children will love them - and parents will love the budget-friendly price tag too.

Read next: The best pram toys to buy

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Price on writing: £299 | Latest deals from Amazon

Key specs

Age range: Birth to 22kg (four years) | Weight: 7.8kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 54 x 25 x 44cm 

What we like

• Ergonomic bucket seat for padded support
• Infinite recline
• All-terrain wheels
• Compact fold fits in most airline overhead compartments
• Quick assembly

What we don't like

• Sunshade doesn’t provide full coverage
• Seat is only world-facing
• One-handed fold takes a bit of practice to master
• Storage basket is shallow so won’t hold larger items

What Mumsnet users say

“Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE our Ergobaby Metro+. And it's got the AGR seal of approval so designed to be good for bad backs!” - recommended by Mumsnet user, EisforElephants

Our verdict

The Ergobaby Metro+ folds down to a super compact size making it easy to use on public transport and to squeeze into car boots and most overhead cabin compartments.

It’s an update on the Ergobaby Metro, with upgrades including harness covers, a vegan leather handlebar which can be adjusted for different heights and 16% more storage – although the instructions warn not to load more than 2.2kg in the basket. It's also quite shallow so it's not big enough to fit a changing bag inside. 

The ergonomic, padded seat was loved by our tester’s two-year-old who slept soundly when out and about, but the near-flat recline, adjustable leg rest and built-in newborn flaps also allow you to use the Metro+ from day one. Plus, it's car seat-compatible (with adapters).

The PU rubber tyres, spring suspension and extendable handlebar make the stroller a dream to manoeuvre around small spaces and over rough terrain, with a one-handed fold that’s perfect for days when you’re frequently in and out of the car.

The Metro+ only comes with a rain cover, but there’s a host of reasonably priced accessories – including different coloured sun canopies – that you can buy for adding your own touches.

Related: The best buggy boards to buy

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Price on writing: £195 | Latest deals from Micralite

Tested by parents: Read our full Micralite ProFold review

Key specs

Age range: Birth to 15kg (three to four years) | Weight: 7kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: No | Folded size: 51.5 x 44 x 24cm

What we like

• Folds and unfolds one-handed
• High performance on all terrain
• Comfortably high handlebar for tall and short parents
• Cabin-approved for flights

What we don't like

• No parent-facing option for newborns
• No carrycot or cocoon available to buy
• Handlebar height can’t be adjusted
• Some movement in the frame

What Mumsnet users say

“I have the Micralite ProFold for my almost seven-month-old and love it. It weighs under 7kg and is cabin-approved when folded down (with one hand)!” - rated by Mumsnet user, Theeasypeasywoman

Our verdict

Whether you’re taking it on the school run, a family holiday or a long walk, the Micralite ProFold Stroller stands out as a high-performing all-rounder. As such, we think it's the best lightweight buggy for most families travelling with a toddler.

Where many travel strollers can be rickety or present a compromise in functionality, the Micralite ProFold stands out as a genuine everyday option.

While we'd recommend this lightweight buggy from six months onwards as there's no carrycot or cocoon available, it is, in fact, also suitable from birth. We love its intuitive design, the ease with which it folds and unfolds, and its high-quality materials.

Read next: How to clean a pram, including tried-and-tested tips from Mumsnetters

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Price on writing: £260 | Latest deals from Argos

Key specs

Age range: 6 months to 22kg (four years) - can only be used from birth with a compatible infant car seat | Weight: 5.9kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 32 x 20 x 48cm

What we like

• Folds down easily to the size of a small suitcase
• Stands up when folded with handles on one side
• Infinite recline
• No assembly needed
• Five colours available
• Cabin-approved for flights

What we don't like

• Wheels struggled on rough terrain, such as grass
• The three-point harness slipped when our toddler was bouncing around in the seat
• Doesn’t come with a belly bar
• Thicker substances like mud settled into the material if not wiped quickly
• Can’t fit a changing bag in the basket

Our verdict

If you’re jetting off on holiday and want a stroller you can take on the plane, the Cybex Libelle folds down to the size of a small carry-on suitcase.

Cybex recommends double checking the measurements with your airline before flying, but this buggy is so compact and lightweight (one of the lightest on our list, in fact) that it stands up easily on its own and has handles on the side for carrying, whether that’s on public transport or for getting it in and out of a car boot.

The Libelle quickly folds and unfolds with buttons and locks that are white so you can easily identify which parts to press. You can also buy adapters to use this buggy with any Cybex or gb car seat.

The pram pushes well but the handlebars are straighter than on other pushchairs and are angled upwards so they may take a bit of getting used to. Due to its compact nature, the wheels are small so they don’t perform quite as well on uneven ground as they do on pavements, but they’re more than good enough for city life and holidays. The brake is effective but only holds the back wheels.

Although the basket can hold 5kg, it’s worth noting that we found it difficult to fit a changing bag inside. This means the bag may need to go on the handlebar, which does make the pushchair topple when it's empty.

While the pushchair does come with a rain cover, there’s no footmuff or bumper bar included (these can be bought separately). But the Cybex Libelle is a great option for parents who want to move around with minimal fuss. A bonus? It comes already pre-assembled. 

Read next: The best car seats for toddlers

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Price on writing: £284 | Latest deals from John Lewis

Tested by parents: Read our full Baby Jogger City Tour 2 review (double model)

Key specs

Age range: Birth to 22kg (four years) | Weight: 6.5kg | Parent-facing option: No, unless used with car seat or carrycot | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 59.5 x 49.5 x 19cm 

What we like

• Greater age range than most lightweight strollers and it's more than affordable considering its longevity
• Folds up small one-handed
• Reclines fully
• Carry bag included

What we don't like

• Fiddly harness
• Bit of a bumpy ride
• Rain cover not included
• Can’t stand on its own when folded

What Mumsnet users say

“I bought the City Tour 2 and I love it. It folds small and compactly but not as small as the Yoyo. And you can also buy a bar separately for it if you want to. It’s very comfortable to sleep in too - the foot flap can be lifted. I still use it for my nearly three-year-old and he still fits in comfortably” - recommended by Mumsnet user, Katia2511

Our verdict

Often touted as a great travel option, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 works equally well as a day-to-day buggy. But don’t be fooled by the name. We think it’s a brilliant pushchair wherever you live.

We were impressed with the size of this buggy, considering how light it is. With a weight limit that makes it suitable for kids up to around five years, you could get quite a lot of use out of it both on your travels and day-to-day.

Good news too – it's an upgrade on the original Baby Jogger City Tour, which means it's now compatible with a carrycot and baby car seat.

Read next: The best baby carriers to buy

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Price on writing: £245 | Latest deals from Amazon

Key specs

Age range: Birth to 22kg (four years) | Weight: 7.2kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: No | Folded size: 105 x 31 x 35cm

What we like

• Classy design with a cushioned leatherette bumper bar
• Quick assembly
• Durable material that doesn’t mark easily
• One-motion fold
• 5kg storage basket

What we don't like

• Bulky when folded down - struggled to fit in Audi A1 boot
• Five-point harness feels flimsy
• Stroller toppled when changing bag was on the handlebar and the pram was empty
• No parent-facing option
• Handlebars are angled so aren’t particularly comfortable to push

What Mumsnet users say

"I love mine, it is so light weight & a fab town buggy. Used it from when my DS was 3 and half months old... travelled to NZ with it" - recommended by Mumsnet user, bounty007

"We bought a second hand pop as a runaround stroller and it has been great. Light, easy to manoeuvre and fold down" - rated by Mumsnetter, GozerTheGozerian

Our verdict

As the name suggests, the Silver Cross Pop has been designed to quickly unfold for life on the go.

Our tester’s two-year-old slept comfortably in the padded, supportive seat which has an adjustable calf support for use from birth - although it doesn’t quite lie flat enough for younger babies. 

And while the infinite recline mechanism is meant to be one-handed, it does feel clunky which isn’t ideal if you have a sleeping baby. The seat does, however, have a lovely, cushioned leatherette bumper bar to give parents extra peace of mind. 

Where this pram excels though is in everyday life. The storage basket is a decent size and can hold a changing bag, a change of clothes and a shopping bag. The stroller can be folded down quickly and swiftly for popping to the shops or rushing out on the school run, but you may find it long and a bit bulky if you’re short on space at home or in your car boot. Make sure to check the size of your boot before buying. 

The four sets of double wheels are lockable so perform surprisingly well on all terrain - whether that’s going up and down curbs, squeezing through shop doors or being pushed over grass and gravel at the park. 

Overall, the Silver Cross Pop is durable, easy to clean and looks classy too (choose from four stylish colourways). It currently retails at under £200 which is a great price for such a high-performing buggy. 

Read next: The best bike trailers to buy

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Price on writing: £680| Latest deals from John Lewis

Tested by parents: Read our full Cybex Mios review

Key specs

Age range: Birth to 22kg (fours years) | Weight: 9.9kg | Parent-facing option: Yes | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 65 x 50 x 30cm

What we like 

• Genuinely suitable from birth (some buggies better from six months)
• Manages well on all types of terrain
• One-handed fold and recline
• Adjustable handlebar
• Lots of accessories available including foot-muffs, cup holders and changing bags

What we don't like

• On the heavier side for a lightweight buggy
• Hefty price tag (carrycot also sold separately)
• Folding mechanism may take some practice

What Mumsnet users say

"We have the Cybex Mios which is a great pram and we wished we had brought it with the travel system at the start rather than stupidly shelling out on a Silver Cross. It folds easily, is compact so fits easily in the car but has reasonable suspension so fine on country paths as well as round town” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Bex000

Our verdict

The Cybex Mios straddles two pushchair categories as a fully-functioning travel system with the nimbleness and foldability of a lightweight pushchair. We were particularly impressed by how easily it switches between parent- and world-facing.

Even without adding a carrycot, the Mios offers a cosy fit for newborns with the leg support lifting to create an enclosed pram, similar to a carrycot. At the same time, it also manages to be roomy enough for a three-year-old with lots of space to grow.

Despite being on the heavier side, this buggy is still a big performer across the age range.

Read next: The best baby carriers backpacks, according to parents

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Price on writing: £419 | Latest deals from Samuel Johnston

Tested by parents: Read our full Joolz Aer review

Key specs

Age range: 6 months to 18kg (three to four years) | Weight: 6kg | Parent-facing option: Yes, if you use a carrycot, but otherwise world-facing | Travel system/car seat compatible: No | Folded size: 53.5 x 45 x 21.5cm

What we like

• Impressive storage
• Superb one-handed fold and unfold
• Airy design for hot weather
• Extra long seat – ideal for taller children

What we don't like

• Not suitable from birth
• Recline mechanism is a bit awkward
• Pricey
• Leg rest and bumper bar aren’t included

What Mumsnet users say

“Look at the Joolz Aer if you're willing/able to spend a bit more. It's about £400 but it's the quickest, easiest one-handed fold, fits in an overhead compartment and weighs something like [6kg]. Very comfy with a good recline as well” - rated by Mumsnet user, Somebunny

Our verdict

Folding doesn’t get easier than with the Joolz Aer, which is easily collapsible with one hand. Throw in a stylish design and a generous storage capacity and this buggy is a must-have for anyone looking to downsize at six months plus.

We also love the Aer’s padding and extra-long seat. This is a comfortable ride across the age range, ideal for reluctant walkers (although not suitable from birth), and it manages to achieve all of this while also folding up surprisingly small.

Our tester found the Joolz Aer to be the most convenient to fold out of all the lightweight strollers she tested.

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Price on writing: £179.99 | Buy now from UK Baby Centre

Tested by parents: Read our full gb Qbit+ All Terrain review

Key specs

Age range: Birth to 15kg (three to four years) | Weight: 7.7kg | Parent-facing option: Yes, if used with a carrycot or car seat, but otherwise world-facing | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 49 x 33 x 53cm

What we like

• Can convert to 3-in-1 travel system with a carrycot and baby car seat
• Collapsible; very easy to fold
• All-wheel suspension
• Main seat unit has a lie-flat recline position
• Great for use on all terrains

What we don't like

• Handlebar not adjustable
• Shallow shopping basket
• Slightly awkward brake pedal
• Maximum weight capacity isn’t as high as other buggies

Our verdict

The gb Qbit+ All-Terrain is an impressively small buggy with the functionality of a full-sized travel system.

Whether you're heading on holiday or moving on and off public transport, this buggy makes sure your child has a smooth ride as well as somewhere cool and comfortable to nap.

While we do wish it had a slightly deeper storage basket, the double wheels and all-wheel suspension help to solidify the Qbit+ as a great travel and city-life option.

Travelling, whether on public transport or further afield, often calls for high performance across a range of scenarios and the Qbit+ All-Terrain certainly fits the bill.

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Price on writing: £325 | Latest deals from Amazon

Tested by parents: Read our full Silver Cross Reflex review

Key specs

Age range: Birth up to 25kg (around five years) | Weight: 8.5kg | Parent-facing option: No | Travel system/car seat compatible: Yes | Folded size: 110 x 31 x 40cm

What we like

• Great storage
• Easy to fold and travel-friendly
• Comes with a head-hugger for newborns 
• Full suspension effortlessly handles rough terrain and tricky curbs
• Extendable hood

What we don't like

• Only compatible with Silver Cross car seats
• Heavier than most of the prams in our round-up
• Umbrella fold makes it bulky when folded down

What Mumsnet users say

“I have the Reflex - it’s a really nice pushchair. The seat sits completely bolt upright (my DD hates being slumped). I find the basket quite roomy too - can fit my changing bag in easily. I tried a Pop as well and found the Reflex much nicer to push” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, voxnihili

Our verdict

Thanks to its clever design, full suspension and travel system compatibility, the Silver Cross Reflex is a stroller that offers great versatility and value for money.

To start, it’s super comfortable. The seat is moulded to the shape of your baby’s back to provide extra support and allow air to flow through, which is great for keeping them cool on warmer days. The Reflex can be used from birth and comes with a padded seat cover and head support for young babies. There are also car seat adaptors included for use with a Silver Cross Simplicity car seat.

The stroller comes with a host of extras which goes some way to justifying its price. The UPF 50+ extendable hood is a decent size, the 5kg shopping basket is more than big enough for everyday essentials, and the rain cover keeps your child completely dry. There’s also a bumper bar which can be folded down with the buggy.

The simple umbrella fold is very effective and it locks into place so the buggy can be carried around using the handle on the side. It’s a dream to push too. Much like the Silver Cross Pop, the Reflex handles even rough terrain and tricky curbs very well.

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What is a stroller?

A stroller, also known as a buggy, is a style of pushchair or pram that's lightweight, compact and typically used with older babies or toddlers.

Easy to transport and compact for easy storage, types range from the simplest of umbrella strollers to sturdier, more luxurious models.

Lightweight buggies often take up less room than full-sized travel systems or more traditional prams and, unlike the latter options, don’t always have fully-reclining, newborn-friendly seats.

Genuine birth to toddler options are increasingly hitting the market though (complete with a full recline and parent-facing seat), aimed at parents looking for a compact travel solution as soon as their baby is born. We’ve included some options like these in our testing.

Why use a lightweight buggy?

Parents often look to strollers when they're ready to move on from bulkier travel systems, seeking a less complicated solution for grandparents or something less fussy to take on holiday.

Buggies can also be useful for public transport if you live in the city, ideal for family holidays when you’re trying to minimise luggage, and a lifesaver for those moments when your toddler just wants to rest their tired legs.

How long can lightweight buggies be used for?

Usually, lightweight strollers are suitable from six months and can extend to either three-and-a-half years (15kg) or even four or five (25kg).

However, some models extend even beyond this age limit, accommodating children as old as six. Always check the weight limit on the buggy you’re considering before you buy.

What’s the difference between a lightweight buggy and a travel system?

A travel system, sometimes called a pram, is the more traditional and bulky method of transporting a baby around.

Travel systems tend to be the go-to for parents of newborn babies because they're compatible with carrycots and baby car seats – the latter of which allows parents to transfer their baby from car to pushchair and vice versa with minimum hassle.

Unlike travel systems, lightweight buggies aren't always compatible with carrycots or car seats, and smaller wheels might rule out off-roading. However, they tend to be lighter, more compact and a whole lot cheaper than travel systems, which can actually make them a more attractive option to parents once their baby is a bit older.

How much do lightweight buggies cost?

Prices vary from as little as £30 to over £500, so there really are options to suit every budget.

How much you choose to spend may depend on how often and where you plan to use it. Solid options can be found on either end of the spectrum though, so a lot will come down to personal preference.

If you're planning to use your stroller every day, investing in one with decent suspension, easy collapsibility and a good-sized storage basket will be well worth the pennies. On the other hand, if you think you'll only use it occasionally or as a spare, a budget-friendly basic option might be the way to go.

Many affordable buggies do a surprisingly good job and should come with the essential rain cover and shopping basket too.

How to choose a lightweight buggy

A few different factors will determine which stroller is the right fit for you. Be sure to clarify your criteria before you start looking to avoid being overwhelmed by choice or railroaded into buying something that won’t meet your needs.

• Safety: Make sure the buggy feels sturdy enough to withstand daily life. It’s not recommended to hang a changing bag on the handlebar but if you think you’re going to need to, check whether it will hold the weight and not topple easily. All pushchairs in the UK should carry a safety label confirming compliance with BS EN 1888. If you’re buying an older model, it’s worth checking that the pram hasn’t been recalled for safety reasons.
• Harness: Look at the harness - does it feel secure? A five-point harness is best for keeping your child safe. Make sure there are no gaps for little hands to get caught in and that any accessories, such as a cup holder, are out of reach.
• Brake: Test out the brakes to ensure it's effective and can be easily applied using a variety of footwear.
• Location: For a start, where are you most likely to use it? Will you be taking it on city pavements, hopping on and off buses, or do you need something that will fold up small into your car boot and potentially be taken into a muddy field? Many parents reach for a lightweight buggy when preparing to go on holiday so you may be looking for something that can fit inside the locker of a plane as hand luggage. If purchasing in-store, be sure to mention where your buggy will be getting most of its use.
• Size of wheels and manoeuvrability: When thinking about location, you'll also need to consider the terrain you'll be using the buggy on, and in turn the size of the wheels and how easy it'll be to use, whether you're needing something for city or country life. Bigger wheels tend to be better for uneven surfaces due to the suspension. 
• Age range: Is the buggy suitable from birth? If it is, it will need to fully recline and you may want to make sure it's padded and sturdy enough for a tiny baby while holding any bags you’ll be taking along with you. Whether a buggy fully reclines or not can also be a dealbreaker with older babies and toddlers, especially if it'll be a safe place for your child to sleep when out and about. Additionally, what’s the upper end of the age range like? Do you want a buggy that'll last beyond early toddlerhood?
• Maximum weight of seat: The maximum weight of the seat will also let you know the age the buggy can be used until. If you're wanting an option with longevity, bear in mind you'll need a larger weight capacity as your child grows. 
• Comfort: You’ll also want to consider the height of the handlebars, particularly if you’re tall or if the buggy will be shared by adults of varying heights. Are the handlebars long enough? Is there potential to adjust the handlebars if not? This could have a huge impact on your comfort, which you may not realise until the damage to your back has been done.
• The way the seat faces: If you have a newborn you may want a buggy with a parent-facing orientation so the baby is facing you, whereas a world-facing stroller will likely be better for toddlers. While most tend to be forward-facing, some include the option to change the orientation to parent-facing with the addition of a car seat or carrycot, but you'll need to check these are compatible with the buggy you're buying and will allow you to have your child in a parent-facing position.
• Weight: Weight can vary wildly between strollers, with some even coming with handles for carrying around while others require a lot more effort. Whether you’re lifting it into a car boot or taking it up a flight of stairs, you’ll want to be sure that your model is an easily manageable weight for you.
• Foldability: Buggies conventionally fold in half with the activation of a switch at the back. However, many models now fold to an even more compact shape and size. You’ll want to consider the size of your boot or anywhere else the buggy is likely to be stored as well as how easy is it to fold. Can it be folded one-handed when on public transport, for instance?
• Storage space: Strollers generally have smaller storage baskets than travel systems, but the size of the basket can vary from model to model. You’ll want to consider how much room there is in the basket, how accessible it is with a child sitting in the chair and how stable the stroller is if a bag were to be hung on the handles – this sometimes goes against manufacturers’ instructions, but is a criteria that many parents consider.
• Calf support: You may want some extra cushioning around the calf area to make it more comfortable for your child as an extra feature.
• Accessories: The accessories a lightweight stroller comes with can also vary. While most come with a rain cover, shopping basket and sun canopy, you’ll want to look at how generous these are and keep an eye for any extras. Are there pockets? Can the wheels be upgraded? Are any other accessories available for purchase? And does it offer good value for money overall?