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Why trust this advice: MyPushchair has been covering the pushchair market since 2006. Mark launched the site as a dad who couldn’t find straight answers, attended baby shows, and tested hundreds of models over two decades. This page reflects genuine experience — not manufacturer specs or sponsored content.
Before you start comparing weights and folded dimensions, ask yourself one question: why do you actually want a lightweight pushchair? The answer to that question should drive every decision you make — because “lightweight” covers a huge range of products designed for very different situations.
In my experience there are four main reasons parents look for a lightweight pushchair. You’re going on holiday and need something that fits in an overhead locker or a small hire car boot. Your child is in and out of the pushchair constantly and you need something you can fold and unfold a dozen times a day without it becoming a workout. You need something compact enough to manoeuvre easily around shops, cafes, and tight spaces. Or your child is getting older and transitioning away from the pushchair — you need something occasional rather than everyday.
Each of these situations calls for a slightly different solution. A pushchair that’s perfect for Disneyland Paris might not be the right choice for daily use on British pavements. Knowing your actual use case before you buy will save you money and frustration.
What counts as lightweight?
Anything up to around 7kg is generally considered lightweight in pushchair terms. Below 6kg is genuinely light. Below 5kg is exceptional. As a reference point, a full-size pushchair like the Bugaboo Fox 5 weighs around 9kg — so you’re saving 2-4kg with a lightweight option, which sounds modest but makes a real difference when you’re lifting it into an overhead locker or up a flight of stairs.
The trade-off is usually ride quality, suspension, and features. Lightweight pushchairs typically have smaller wheels, less suspension, and smaller baskets than full-size models. That’s fine for smooth pavements and airport terminals. It matters more on rough ground or for everyday use over years.
Recommended lightweight pushchairs
Cybex Libelle — best for travel
The Cybex Libelle is one of the best travel-focused lightweight pushchairs on the market. At 5.9kg it’s genuinely light, folds to a size that fits in overhead compartments on planes and under train seats, and is compatible with Cybex infant car seats for travel system use. From birth to 22kg.
If your primary reason for wanting a lightweight pushchair is travel — holidays, city breaks, frequent flying — the Libelle is one of the strongest options at this end of the market. Cybex won Which? Baby and Child Brand of the Year 2024, which reflects consistent quality across their range.
Check the current price of the Cybex Libelle on Amazon →
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 — best premium lightweight
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is Bugaboo’s answer for parents who want premium quality in a lightweight package. IATA cabin-approved, suitable from birth to 22kg, and updated in 2025. It’s at the premium end of the lightweight market — you’re paying for the Bugaboo build quality and brand confidence in a compact format.
If budget isn’t the primary concern and you want the best lightweight pushchair available, the Butterfly 2 deserves serious consideration.
Check the current price of the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 on Amazon →
Joie Pact Pro — best budget lightweight
The Joie Pact Pro at around £150 is the best value lightweight pushchair currently available. Compact, folds with one hand, and available as a travel system with an infant car seat included. It won’t match the Cybex or Bugaboo on ride quality or finish, but for parents who need a practical, affordable lightweight option it’s hard to beat at this price.
Check the current price of the Joie Pact Pro on Amazon →
Silver Cross Clic — British quality at the budget end
Silver Cross is a brand with deep roots — founded in Guiseley, West Yorkshire, and making pushchairs for nearly 150 years. The Clic sits at the accessible end of their range and brings Silver Cross’s build quality standards to a compact, lightweight stroller. Not the most feature-packed option but a reliable choice from a brand with a long track record.
Read our full Silver Cross assessment →
What to watch out for
Recline position. Many lightweight pushchairs have limited recline — fine for older children, a problem for babies who still need to lie flat. Check the recline before buying if you have a young child.
Basket size. Lightweight pushchairs often compromise on basket size. If you do a lot of shopping runs, check the basket is actually usable before you commit.
Ride quality on rough surfaces. Small wheels and minimal suspension are fine on smooth airport floors. On cracked British pavements, they’re more noticeable. If you’ll be using it daily on typical UK streets, check reviews specifically for ride quality.
From birth suitability. Not all lightweight pushchairs are suitable from birth without additional accessories. Check before buying if you have a newborn or young baby.
Do you actually need a separate lightweight pushchair?
Worth asking honestly — especially if you already have a full-size pushchair. Many parents buy a lightweight pushchair as a second pushchair for travel or occasional use, which makes sense. But if you’re buying your first and only pushchair, think carefully about whether a lightweight model will meet your everyday needs as well as your travel needs.
For some parents — particularly those in cities who use public transport daily — a lightweight pushchair is actually the better everyday choice. For parents who do a lot of walking on varied terrain, a full-size pushchair with better suspension will serve them better most of the time.
About the author: Mark has been reviewing pushchairs since 2006, when he launched MyPushchair with his mother after struggling to find honest advice as a first-time dad. He has attended baby shows, tested hundreds of models over two decades, and now helps his daughter navigate the same market with her own children. His wife Janette contributes a female perspective to all assessments. Read Mark’s full story →
Have a question about a specific lightweight pushchair? Get in touch and I’ll do my best to help.