Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is a great solution for short excursions. They are lightweight and suitable for babies as young as four years. They come with large wheels, and a nice basket.

Their name comes from the way that they fold. It’s akin to an umbrella. Some fold easily with just one hand, whereas others need two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold is the most important aspect when buying one. It will determine how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. The majority of brands create their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind with some focusing on compactness while others focus on speed or user-friendliness. If you’re looking to purchase a pushchair that folds easily, then you should look for one that has a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are known for being able to fold flat and are perfect for those who plan to use public transportation or traveling with your child.

Many of these types of pushchairs have seats that face towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for babies at a young age of 6 months. Some also have an adequate recline (although not flat like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories such as buggie bags as well as seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram bag sheets.

You should also consider other aspects when selecting the buggy you want to use, such as the fabric and whether it is machine washable. Quick-release wheels are important because it means that you can easily wash away any mud that has dried or become wet.

Some pushchairs have a scissor fold, which is when the whole buggy is folded in half like a pair of scissors, and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is usually the simplest to unfold since it is just a matter of lifting the handles and then fold the seat back. However, it is difficult to store in small spaces and is not suitable for public transport since it might not fit in smaller car boot spaces.

Apart from a scissor fold are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are the smallest when folded, however they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be a challenge to store due to their large rectangular shape. They are, however, light and usually small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great choice for families who travel.

Lightweight

The choice of pushchairs is vast and deciding on the right one for you can be a challenge. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of fold you choose will have an impact on how easy it is able to be moved and stored.

Choosing a lightweight pushchair can make all the difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are a variety of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that come with carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of these can be used as early as birth with a baby carrier but it is important to know the specifications for models designed to be used by newborns.

A pushchair that folds in the same way as an umbrella is a useful and easy option. It takes up a tiny space. These types of pushchairs get their name due to the fact they fold down similarly as an umbrella, which enables them to fit into most forms of storage and vehicle boot space. These pushchairs are usually very lightweight and come with a raincover to protect your child.

Concertina-style pushchairs are another choice. They fold into three or more pieces with the frame and the seat overlapping before collapsing on the frame. They are the most compact and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.

Many pushchairs will have the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood that will help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these items as part of a bundle, whereas others sell them as separate items.

Always verify whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable. This allows for faster and more efficient cleaning. In addition to this, it is important to check frequently if whether the brakes work properly and if there’s a speck of mud on the wheels, get rid of it using an hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

You might choose a pushchair that can be folded down into a compact form when you plan to use it on public transportation or even take it on a trip. This kind of pushchair will also usually be light to carry and easy to store in a boot or in a small car.

A wide range of folding pushchairs are available to choose from and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some are designed to be fast and easy to use while others are more compact and can be folded using two hands or even just one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a striking model because it doesn’t only fold down but then in, and the entire buggy transforms into an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than a lot of hand luggage allowances making it perfect for travelling.

The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another thing to think about – there are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most common and operate by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are constantly moving around but need to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes are found on three-wheeled pushchairs and jogger style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change the speed of a run, for example. Combination brakes are commonly seen on city pushchairs and incorporate a foot pedal with an adjustable hand lever that can activate the other brake to give you maximum control.

Depending on your baby’s age depending on the baby’s age, you might want to find a pushchair that has a lie-flat seating or is travel system compatible so you can attach a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can fold up quickly with the carrycot tucked away on the frame or a lightweight carrycot which is simply pulled flat onto the chassis can be utilized.

It’s worth checking out the website of the airline to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Verify that the stroller can pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and over stairs. If you are planning to take your pushchair on vacation, it’s best to bring a rain cover with you to protect it from showers and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel frequently. They’re easy to fold and require very little space in the boot of your car. They’re also an excellent option for public transport or for holidays. Some models are compatible with a car-seat.

Some models fold so compactly they’re nearly flat. They’re great if you don’t have much storage space in your home or in your car boot, however they can be more heavy to carry than a larger buggies.

Alternatively, there are some pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, referred to as concertina 3D or fold-in half styles. They are more comfortable to use, but they require both hands to unfold and fold. They are also quite long when folded, making them ideal for smaller cars.

Other models have scissor-style folding in which the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy, and the entire frame is collapsed into a square-ish, flat shape. They’re easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting long rectangular shape might not fit in smaller car boot.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy typically made of SPF fabric, which helps protect your child from sun. Some brands include this in the price, while other brands offer it as an extra. The best options include a removable hood, so you can wash them if you need to. Also look for a footmuff that will keep your baby warm during colder weather.

Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth but some fabrics are not machine-washable and should be checked by the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’ve found 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 outside. If your pushchair is in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric, and even lead to rot and mildew. If this occurs, you’ll have to begin by removing any mould or mildew that has escaped with a soft-bristled toothbrush before washing and rinsing according to the instructions.