ARTICLE by Natalie Brown

Comparing our most popular compact strollers

 |  Reading time: 9 minutes
B_for_Blog | Natural Baby Shower

Are you after a portable, hassle-free pushchair that collapses at the push of a button and can be weightlessly transported from car boot to overhead locker? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve got a whole host of beautifully convenient compact strollers and from big named brands such as BABYZEN, CYBEX, Leclerc BabyJoolz and more!

While the names may not mean much to you right now, our roundup touches on all the features to look out for when shopping for your compact stroller, meaning you can shop like a pro and in time for holiday season!

Our market-leading compact strollers

Each compact stroller features its own quirks and recognisable aesthetic, so despite all the different comparisons, it really comes down to what you want to get out of your new travel buddy.

The strollers we’ll be shining the spotlight on are loved by many not only for their feature-packed design but the practicality they offer to family life on the move. So, without further ado, let’s look at the following compact strollers; BABYZEN YOYO2, Joolz Aer, Leclerc Influencer Air, Ergobaby Metro+, Bugaboo Butterfly and Cybex Libelle

BABYZEN YOYO2

For reputable quality

The bright white wheels of BABYZEN YOYO's can be seen around every corner when out exploring the city. As the very first buggy to fit in an aeroplane overhead locker, this compact stroller has become ever so popular with many parents loving the super compact fold, smooth ride, and light footprint. While it’s very easy to manoeuvre down winding streets and hop on and off transport, the BABYZEN YOYO2 is slightly more involved with folding, yet its small frame makes it worthwhile.  Available in 2 frame colours and 8 chic colour choices, you can choose from and simply swap and change depending on your mood for the day! 

The BABYZEN YOYO has undergone a variety of improvements since launch in 2006 and is suitable for children from newborn (using either the newborn pack or bassinet option) and 6 months with the 6+ seat pack. There’s even the possibility to use the BABYZEN 0+ car seat by BeSafe to become a versatile travel system option or with adapters, the YOYO2 is compatible with other big-branded car seats including Cybex Cloud Z, Maxi Cosi Pebble Pro and Nuna PIPA LITE LX.

At 6.6 kg in 6+ configuration, the BABYZEN is one of the lightest strollers on the market. Although it’s a featherweight product, it has a reinforced frame that makes it possible to accommodate a baby’s weight and other items up to 22kg! It's no wonder that they've become a resident travel pushchair both in the city and in the skies.

Accessories come in abundance with the BABYZEN, so whether it's a sunny break or snowy staycation you're about to embark on, you'll have all the right tools with your YOYO. From ski sets,  to stylish stroller bags, customise your complete travel set with the BABYZEN accessories. Choose from a selection of travel bundles for a one-stop solution or for a full round up of accessories, discover more in the table below. 

Joolz Aer+

For sustainable travel

Joolz Aer+ stroller

When the Joolz Aer launched in 2019, it was a huge contender in the compact stroller market, especially as a travel-friendly option. With just one hand, this stroller folds down easily into one neat freestanding pack which is so compact, it fits in the overhead compartment of most airlines.

Now its back for 2023, this time with a foldable bumper bar, completely lie-flat and bigger seat unit, meet the Joolz Aer+! It still comes with handy travel strap, the stroller is easier than ever to transport folded through airport terminals and more. Not only do these features make it ideal for globetrotters, but Joolz’s sustainability mission means parents can also help to combat their carbon footprint. The fabrics that Joolz use on their pushchairs are made from recycled plastic bottles and, for every stroller sold, a tree is planted in the 'Birth Forest’.

The Joolz Aer carrycot means the Joolz Aer is suitable to use from birth. Even better, the carrycot doesn't just fold down compactly as a pushchair, it also folds down with it attached, making it perfect to take to the skies with a newborn in tow. It is easily detachable and even has little feet on the base to allow you to place on the floor without getting its bottom dirty.

Similarly, the Joolz Aer is available to use with a car seat making a complete travel system stroller. Joolz and Maxi-Cosi have teamed up to create the super safe and comfortable Joolz X Maxi-Cosi Pebble Pro - an i-Size compliant car seat that matches the Joolz stroller for ultimate style and practicality. Alternatively, with the Aer car seat adapters, you can connect to a variety of top car seats including the CYBEX Cloud Z, Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 and more!

At just 6kg, the Joolz Aer is lighter than most compact strollers! The Aer also has a weight limit of 22kg, which is up there with other travel favourites such as the YOYO and Libelle to name a few. This means that you and your little one can enjoy this stroller, for longer.

Despite offering multiple integrated features, you can also purchase additional accessories to bundle with the Aer, making it perfect for travelling all year round. Check out the full list in the table below. 

Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe

For ergonomic design

Ergobaby metro plus deluxe

The Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe is designed to fit the everyday life of parenting in the city and give the “ultimate freedom” when jumping on and off public transport, negotiating busy sidewalks and whirling through shopping centers. A more budget-friendly compact stroller option, the Ergobaby doesn’t compromise on features. With a one-handed fold, it also fits in most overhead cabins.

It also boasts all the extra features we value in a compact stroller, such as a super padded reclining lie-flat seat and adjustable leg rest, a roomy basket able to carry 4.5kg and a storage pocket for stashing your valuables.

As an update of the Ergobaby Metro which was the only stroller currently on the market certified “back healthy” for baby and parent by the AGR of Germany thanks to its ergonomic design. Plus, weighing at just 6.3kg it can easily be popped into a small car boot, should you need to. Plus, with a range of essential accessories, the Metro+ is a perfect choice in both colder and warmer climates. 

The pram can be used from newborn with the newborn kit (for an additional £129). Without the kit, it is suitable from 6 months. The Ergobaby Metro+ seat unit can be also fully detached and replaced with your favourite car seat to create your Metro-based travel system. The Ergobaby Metro+ Car Seat adapter allows you to choose comfort from day one. Just remove your Metro+ seat and dock Cybex, Nuna, BeSafe or Maxi-Cosi Group 0/0+ Infant Car Seats. 

Bugaboo Butterfly

For excellent functionality

bugaboo butterfly

Bugaboo’s most recent launch, the Bugaboo Butterfly is the all new sell-out compact stroller that offers premium finishes with fantastic functionality.  As a sleek and compact stroller the Bugaboo Butterfly is also fitted with durable connection points and just like its namesake - the butterfly, is light, portable, and designed to adapt to your environment.

The Bugaboo Butterfly is perfect to embark on every adventure with as it’s been designed to grow with a little one throughout the years given its extra tall back rest, that is one of the highest in the compact stroller market.

With an adjustable 5-position leg rest, it keeps them comfortable all ride long and, combined with an extra tall back rest, it offers fantastic adaptability to accommodate children from 6 months all the way up to 22kg.

CYBEX Libelle

For a super compact fold

With one of the smallest folds in the world, the CYBEX Libelle compact stroller folds into a genius space-saving package. Again, this stroller is hand luggage compliant and easy to store in planes, trains or in car boots. Folding and unfolding in seconds, the Libelle stroller is an ultra-compact, economical travel companion that has a two-part fold, making the footprint both smaller in width and length – one of the first of its kind! With smooth, front wheel suspension the Libelle offers a comfortable ride for every travel adventure.

The Libelle compact buggy is compatible with award-winning CYBEX infant car seats, giving you extra flexibility for your journey. The stroller can accommodate babies from 6 months old and up but alternatively, with the infant car seat attached to the Libelle frame, this allows you to carry use from birth. Only 5.9 kg, the lightweight Libelle stroller is incredibly easy to pick up and carry. Even lifting it into overhead storage is a breeze and suitable for ages up until 4 or 22kg. 

Despite the small footprint, there's no compromise on accessories! Choose from a range of footmuffs, handy travel bag or bumper bar to kit out your Libelle.

Leclerc Baby Influencer Air

For an ultimate statement stroll

leclerc influencer stroller

Introducing the Leclerc Baby Influencer Air - our newest, ultimate travel stroller for busy parents which can be used from birth!

This gorgeous stroller is a showstopper! With its one-hand fold and unfold mechanism, it's also unbelievably easy to use. Plus, the new ventilation mesh ensures your little rider stays cool, while the pocket keeps your essentials close. And with its compact size and travel bag, it's perfect for any trip.

Despite weighing only 6.6kg, the Influencer Air is incredibly sturdy and can carry up to 22kg, making it perfect for growing children. It's a great option for parents wanting style, functionality and durability.



Specifications

 


BABYZEN YOYO2

Joolz Aer

Ergobaby Metro+

CYBEX Libelle

Bugaboo 
Butterfly

Leclerc Baby Influencer Air

RRP (£)

429 (Newborn pack is an additional 185)


419 (Aer cot is an additional 229)

 

299.95 (Newborn kit is an additional 129.95)

199.95

395

499

Age

From birth with newborn pack/ bassinet to 4yrs

From birth with Aer cot to 4yrs

From birth with newborn pack to 4yrs

From birth with car seat to 4yrs

From birth with car seat to 4yrs

From birth with bassinet to 5yrs

Folded dimensions (cm)

 L52 x W44 x H18

 

L53.5 x W45 x H21.5

H54 x W44 x L25

L32 x W20 x H48

 

L45 x H23 x W54

L56 x H24 x W47

Weight (kg)

6.2

6.1

7.8

5.9

7.3

6.6

Basket capacity (kg)

5

5

4.5

3.5

8

3

Accessories available

adapters, cup holder, footboard, parasols, footmuff, hand-warmer, stroller bag, insect net, raincover

adapters, mosquito net, footboard, leg rest, raincover, organiser, bumper bar, comfort cover, footmuff

adapter, suncover, footmuff, support bar

adapters, bumper bar, travel bag, footmuff, snogga footmuff

Adapters, bumper bar, cup holder, footmuff and performance winter footmuff, organiser, parasol, seat liner, smartphone holder, changing bag, backpack

 

Adapers, twin connectors, bassinet, changing bag, organiser, footmuff, culpholder, seatliner, raincover, wind shield, mosquito net, wheeled board, bumper bar, travel bag.

BABYZEN YOYO2

JOOLZ AER+
Joolz aer plus
ERGOBABY METRO+
ergobaby metro plus 2023
Bugaboo Butterfly
CYBEX LIBELLE

Leclerc Baby Influencer Air
Leclerc Influencer Air Pushchair at Natural Baby Shower

Overall 

While it really comes down to how you plan to use the stroller as a family, the overall idea of a compact stroller mostly remains the same. Features such as being able to use from birth or convert into a travel system could be a big bonus if you are planning on using it as your main pushchair. But if it is simply for travel, then the slightly cheaper price point of the Ergobaby or CYBEX compared to Joolz or BABYZEN could sway you.

It may be worth considering what type of holidays you go on too if just for travelling. The more adventurous explorers may prefer the bigger wheels or the comfortable suspension of the Metro and Libelle, but for those city explorers or hotel lovers the smooth ride of the YOYO or Aer will be the winning choice – but as they are all suitable for planes, what you plan to do once off the plane will be the biggest deciding factor.

Lastly, if it's style factor you're going for and a statement pushchair that holds all the same great features, the iconic Bugaboo branding on the Butterfly or range of gorgeous colourways on the Leclerc Baby could be the picture-perfect pram for your travels...

Want to see the fold on some of these great compacts? Watch our quick demo from nursery specialists Shermaine here!

Shop all compact strollers>>