Which Travel Pushchair Fits in a Small Car Boot?
In the UK, small cars are king. But a Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, or Mini Cooper boot isn't known for its cavernous space. Finding a pushchair that fits alongside a changing bag and a few groceries is a major victory. The key is looking at the folded dimensions—every centimetre counts.
Top Pushchairs for Tiny Boots:
Joolz Aer+
Dimensions: 53.5 x 45 x 21.5 cm
The Aer+ folds into a tiny, rectangular package that's perfect for slotting into the smallest of boots, often leaving space beside it.
Bugaboo Butterfly
Dimensions: 54 x 45 x 23 cm
Slightly larger than the Aer+ but still exceptionally compact, the Butterfly folds flat, making it easy to lie on the boot floor.
GB Pockit+ All-City
Dimensions: 58 x 32 x 20 cm
The world's smallest folding stroller. It's so tiny it can often fit in the footwell, freeing up your entire boot for luggage.
Silver Cross Clic
Dimensions: 54 x 46.5 x 25 cm
The Clic's fold is incredibly quick and results in a small, easily manageable package that fits well in most city car boots.
How to Fit a Stroller and Luggage for a Weekend Trip
The weekend road trip: a chance to escape. But packing the car can feel like a game of Tetris you're destined to lose. Here are some space-saving hacks to fit everything in without needing a roof box.
- 1Ditch the Suitcase: Swap rigid suitcases for soft duffel bags. They can be squeezed into irregular gaps around the stroller much more effectively.
- 2Stroller In First: Place the folded stroller in the boot first. Test a few positions—sometimes it fits better on its side or against the back seats. Then, pack everything else around it.
- 3Use Packing Cubes: Group clothes into packing cubes. This not only keeps you organised but also compresses clothing, saving valuable space.
- 4Utilise the Cabin: Don't forget the space inside the car. The footwells (especially behind the front seats) are perfect for storing changing bags, snack bags, or shoes.
One-Hand vs. Two-Hand Fold: Which is Better for Loading the Car?
At the side of a busy road or in a tight car park, fumbling with a stroller fold is the last thing you need. The folding mechanism can make a huge difference to your daily convenience.
The One-Hand Fold
The holy grail for multi-tasking parents. A true one-hand fold allows you to collapse the stroller in seconds while holding your baby in the other arm.
Pros:
- Incredibly convenient and fast.
- Safer, as you never have to put your baby down.
- Perfect for quick transitions from car to pavement.
Cons:
- Mechanisms can sometimes be tricky to master.
The Two-Hand Fold
Requires you to use both hands, meaning you need to place your baby in their car seat or a safe spot before you can fold the pushchair.
Pros:
- Often found on very robust, sturdy strollers.
- The folding action can feel more deliberate and secure.
Cons:
- Much less convenient for solo trips.
- Can be slow and impractical in bad weather.
Our Verdict for Car Travel
For parents who are frequently in and out of the car, the one-hand fold is a non-negotiable, game-changing feature. The ability to safely hold your child while collapsing the stroller and loading the boot makes daily errands and trips infinitely less stressful.