The Most Compact Strollers for Small Living Spaces
, by Artorias Tse,
13 min reading time
The number of small-living households in the urban area is constantly increasing. Parents of newborns, infants, or babies in a stroller living in small apartments face particular challenges. It seems considerably difficult to navigate narrow hallways, elevators, and tight corners. Instead of bulky, less compact, or large models, having a compact stroller can save space while providing full functionality.
And the market of baby strollers now has many great deals on compact folding strollers. They not only support limited living space but also perform greatly for day-to-day use. Navigating narrow doorways crowded sidewalks, and even fitting into small car trunks becomes a breeze. And this article briefly sheds light on the landscape of the most compact baby strollers for tight urban settings.
What to Consider for Compact Strollers
The pursuit of a compact travel stroller to deal with narrow urban settings has never been easy. It requires careful and proper evaluation of numerous aspects. And the leading concerns include the following –
Folded Size – The smaller the folded stroller, the better it fits into small households and/or car trunks.
Weight – Lightweight baby strollers are easy to carry on stairs, rooms, transports, and crowded places.
Ease of Folding - One-hand or quick-fold system allows easy folding, especially while holding the baby.
Maneuverability – Good maneuverability is a must for smooth handling, regardless of the smaller size.
Storage – Despite being incredibly compact, sufficient built-in storage is obligatory for baby essentials.
Durability – Only the models to include top-notch materials for a sturdy construction must be chosen.
Comfort – Features like adjustable recline, cushioned seats, and canopy offer a comfy stay for babies.
Budget – Considering your budget to balance it against the features is crucial for a winning purchase.
Different Types of Compact Strollers
Ultra-Compact Stroller – It's an incredibly lightweight and highly travel-oriented design with superior portability and oversimplified folding. The topmost features include –
Assembled weight remains under 15 pounds.
Collapsing into a small size to fit into a backpack.
Narrow and streamlined design suits urban settings.
Limited space for baby gear (diaper bags/snacks).
Usually approved by airlines as cabin luggage.
Emphasized one-handed fold-unfold mechanisms.
Most Popular Ultra-Compact Models: Babyzen YOYO2, gb Pockit+, Mountain Buggy Nano.
Babyzen YOYO2 – It's a compact, light, and maneuverable option for congested living/travel. It can fold small enough to fit into overhead bins without compromising the sturdiness or smoothness. However, the storage basket seems quite small, limiting how much you can carry.
gb Pockit+ - It's well-known for an ultra-compact fold, making it ideal for frequent travelers. The light model easily fits into overhead compartments. But it lacks some features, like plush padding. Though it's great for quick trips, Pockit+ isn't exactly suitable for prolonged strolls or rougher terrain.
Mountain Buggy Nano – It's another fantastic choice for traveling parents. The frame offers a compact and lightweight design for sturdiness. You can easily fold and unfold in no time. And the seat recline is decent but not cushioned enough, making it reasonable for short trips.
Umbrella Stroller – It's still a lightweight design with a collapsible system. Folding takes place in a long and slender shape, just like an umbrella. And the noteworthy features are –
Only 10 – 15 pounds and folds into a slim and narrow form.
Designed for convenience to make it easy to carry with handles.
Small wheels, minimal padding, and a simple harness system.
Absence of a full recline makes them less suitable for napping.
Quick folding and handling enable easy storage in tight spaces.
Considerably less expensive than full-featured baby strollers.
Most Popular Umbrella Stroller Models – UPPAbaby G-Luxe, Maclaren Quest, Summer 3D Lite.
UPPAbaby G-Luxe – It combines comfort and convenience for the reclining seat and extendable canopy. You can effortlessly carry and fold the entire design. However, the relatively narrow seat isn't very suited for large toddlers due to the narrow space. Still, you can go for walks and everyday use.
Maclaren Quest – It's a compact stroller for travel and comes with top-class reclining with an extendable canopy. And handling the design is pretty smooth, making it highly maneuverable. The small wheels often struggle on rougher terrains. Parents who desire a long-lasting and versatile stroller can choose it.
Summer 3D Lite – The easy-to-fold, figuratively compact, sturdy build makes it a top choice for on-the-go parents. The built-in canopy offers excellent sun protection but it seems somewhat smaller for sufficient coverage against exposure. Also, the reclining seat adds further comfort for the child.
Full-Featured Compact Stroller – It combines all the standard features of a compact stroller with extra features mostly available in large, bulky, and pricey models. Its features include –
Integration of superior wheels and better suspension.
Multi-position reclining seat even includes full recline.
Additional space to store several baby-care essentials.
Full canopy for full coverage against bright UV sunlight.
Easy folding into smaller and more transportable sizes.
Adjustable handlebar for different caregiving heights.
Attachment to the infant car seats for better versatility.
Most Popular Fully Featured Strollers: UPPAbaby MINU, Bugaboo Ant, Cybex Eezy S Twist.
UPPAbaby MINU – The compact and stylish design is highly maneuverable in terms of folding. It's a great choice for many on-the-go parents. A smooth ride with a cushioned seat is perfect for hurried or confined strolling. But it lacks the ruggedness needed for off-road adventures.
Bugaboo Ant – The model comes with an innovative design featuring a reversible seat for ultra-compact fold. It's an excellent option for travel as the telescoping handle enables easy push. Unfortunately, the storage is limited, and the seat seems a bit snug for older babies.
Cybex Eezy S Twist – It's a versatile stroller with a unique 360° rotating seat. The model surely combines convenience and flexibility to offer some decent-level suspension. Despite being lightweight, the seat can use some padding for additional comfort on prolonged walks.
Compact Strollers for Public Transport and Small Cars
You should look for an exclusive, compact stroller for travel to deal with confined car trunks. The same goes for your flight plans when you're to keep the stroller stored in overhead compartments. And either of the following models can help you manage the available space for maximum use.
Chicco Liteway – This budget-friendly compact travel pram efficiently balances comfort and portability. The padded seat with good recline comes with a decent canopy. However, the design isn't as compact or smooth as comparable models. It's still a reliable option for everyday use with sufficient features.
Silver Cross Jet – It's a stylish option for frequently traveling parents. The compact foldable stroller gets small enough to fit in overhead compartments during flights. The smooth ride with the reclinable seat adds overall convenience. However, the rigid handlebar may seem uncomfortable for taller parents.
Colugo Compact – The compact travel pram is noticeably sleek in design with easy to fold mechanism. You can make it fit well into confined/tight trunks to enjoy a smooth ride. It also includes a rain cover and carrying strap for convenience. The small-sized storage basket limits space for essentials.
Maintaining Compact Strollers in Tight Places
It's not easy to conduct a detailed maintenance cleanup while living in confined places. Still, you can retain the original functionality and performance with the measures mentioned below –
Cleanups – Remove all the loose debris from the frame first. Wipe down the entire frame with a damp cloth. You should use mild soap to treat tougher stains. Go for vacuuming with seats and crevices.
Lubrication – Apply the silicone spray to all the moving parts once in a while. Emphasize the built-in folding mechanisms as well as the wheel axles. Make sure to tread lightly, especially with the mechanism.
Storage – Always store the folded frame in a cool and dry place within your reach. You can use a cover bag when it's not in use. Also, avoid prolonged exposure of the unfolded frame to direct sunlight.
Inspection – Check for any loose screws or worn-out parts from time to time. Look into brakes and wheel surfaces. Also, verify that the harness is secure. And don't force the stroller if it doesn't fold easily.
Tips to Use Compact Travel Strollers in Small Living Spaces
Buying a compact stroller can't help you manage your lifestyle with scarcity of space. Several experts recommended subsequent implementation of the following hacks –
Specific Spots – Choose an easy-to-reach location to store your stroller, like – closet corners or behind doors.
Vertical Space – Consider installing wall-mounted hooks or over-the-door hangers to hang the folded stroller.
Remove Accessories – Always take out the removable accessories before folding for the most compact folding.
Storage Bag – Having a storage bag/basket protects the stroller from dust by keeping it contained during storage.
Multifunctionality – Try to purchase strollers that can serve different purposes, like convertible bassinet to a seat.
Dual-Use Furniture – Tuck away the folded stroller using furniture with hidden compartments or space underneath.
Wrapping Up
Optimizing the available space in your apartment requires a strategic approach. And choosing the most compact stroller will surely make a noticeable difference in your daily life. However, finding a compact foldable stroller that fits seamlessly into your home takes evaluation of several factors. Please remember that expensive and popular options don't provide the best solution to your problems. So, take your time to research, review, and examine the different models to make an informed decision.
