Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is great for trips that are short or during holidays. They are light and suitable for babies as young as four years. They have good-sized wheels, and a spacious basket.
They get their name from their collapse method into a form that's like an umbrella. Some fold easily with just one hand, whereas others require two hands or more effort.
Easy to fold
The way in which pushchairs fold can be an important factor when you are buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more focused on speed or ease of usage. If you're looking for a pushchair that folds easily, then you should look for one that has the scissor or concertina style of fold. They are able to fold flat and are great when you plan to use public transportation or travelling with your child.
These types of pushchairs often include a seat with a view of both the parent and the child (for bonding, comfort and to allow them to explore the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some of them also feature an acceptable recline (although not flat, like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram sheets.
It is important to take into consideration other factors when choosing the buggy you want to use, such as the fabric and whether it is machine washable. Having quick-release wheels is particularly important because it allows you can easily wash away any dried or wet mud.
Some pushchairs come with scissor folds, which is where the whole buggy folds in half, like a pair of scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair may be the easiest to unfold since you need to pull the handle and then close the seat. However, it can be difficult to store in tight spaces and is not suitable for use on public transport since it might not fit in smaller car booties.
There are also pushchairs, such as concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, but they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. They can also be difficult to store because they have a long rectangular shape when they are in a closed position. However, they are light and small enough to use as cabin luggage for flights. They are an excellent option for families traveling together.
Lightweight
The variety of pushchairs available is huge and finding the right one for you can be tricky. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of fold you choose can influence how easy the pushchair is to transport and store.
A lightweight pushchair is an excellent choice for those with limited storage space. There are a variety of different models of umbrellas, from compact folds up to multi-purpose travel systems that include car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can even be used as early as birth with a newborn carrycot, although it is crucial to confirm the specifications for lying flat of any model that is designed to be used with a newborn.
An umbrella-fold pushchair is an easy and practical option that takes up very small space. These types of pushchairs get their name due to the fact that they fold down similar as an umbrella, allowing them to be tucked into most forms of storage or vehicle boot space. They are typically light and most models come with a raincover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold in three or more pieces with the frame and seat overlapping and then collapsing into themselves. They are the smallest, easy to store and require two hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs will have a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood to help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder temperatures. Some brands include these items in a bundle, while others sell them separately.
Always verify whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable. This will allow for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also important to check that the brakes are working properly and to clean any mud off the wheels using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
If you're planning to take your pushchair along with you on holiday or take it on a regular basis on public transport you might prefer one that folds easily into a compact size. This kind of pushchair will also usually be lightweight to carry and easy to store in a car boot or in a small car.
There are a variety of models of folding pushchairs and the way they fold can differ. Some are designed to be fast and easy to use and others are smaller and can be folded using two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching example as it doesn't just fold down but then in, and the whole buggy becomes an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than many hand luggage allowances making it ideal for traveling.
There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most popular brakes are the foot brakes, which operate by pressing a single pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who need to stop or slow down frequently. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers, as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and can be used to alter the momentum during a run. Combination brakes are often seen on city pushchairs and incorporate a foot pedal with an adjustable hand lever that can activate the other brake for maximum control.
You may want to choose a pushchair with a lie-flat feature, or one that is compatible with a travel system so you can connect the carrycot. Some pushchairs fold quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also opt for a lightweight carrycot that is folded flat on the chassis.
It's worth checking out the website of the airline to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Make sure that the pushchair will pass through a standard airport doorway, and can be lifted up and down steps. If you plan to use your pushchair on holiday, it's a good idea to carry an umbrella with you to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who frequently travel. They're designed to be easy to fold and fit into a tiny space in the car boot. They are also great for public transport and vacations. Some models are also suitable for use with a car seat.
Some models fold down so small they're almost flat. These are ideal for those who have the space to fit them in your car or home boot. However they are heavier than buggies that are larger.
Alternatively, there are some pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, also known as concertina 3D, fold-in-half or fold-in-half designs. Push Chairs And Prams are easier to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when they are folded, making them ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.
Others fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the seatback folds toward the front of buggy and the entire frame collapses into a flat, square-ish shape. These are quick and easy to fold, and are also suitable for public transportation. However the rectangular shape they create may not fit into small car boot sizes.
A lot of pushchairs come with a sun canopy, typically made from SPF fabric to help protect baby from the sun. Some brands include it in the price while others sell it separately. The most effective options come with a hood that can be removed so that you can wash it in the event that you need to. Make sure you have a footmuff too, as they are great for colder temperatures and keep your baby warm.
Make sure you read the directions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If you've got mud on your wheels, make use of a pressure washer or hose to clean it off. If this isn't successful then you can try an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair is in a damp, wet or mouldy condition for too long, it can cause damage to the fabric and cause mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.