Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They are typically lightweight and are suitable for infants from four years old and up. They come with large wheels, and a nice basket.

They get their name from the way they collapse into a form that’s like an umbrella. Some fold easily using one hand, while others require two hands or more effort.

Folding is simple

The way in which pushchairs fold can be a significant factor when you are buying one. It’s not just about how they are easy to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, whereas others are more focused on speed or ease of usage. Find a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you want an easy pushchair to fold. These are renowned for being capable of folding flat and are great if you are planning to use public transportation or traveling with your child.

These types of pushchairs often include a seat with a view of both the parent and child (for bonding, comfort and to let them explore the world around them). These pushchairs can be used by babies at a young age of 6 months. Some also come with a decent recline (although not as flat as an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories, including buggie bags as well as seat liners and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.

Apart from the ease of folding there are other aspects to take into consideration when choosing a buggy such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable and if it has quick-release wheels. Quick-release wheels are essential as they permit you to easily clean any dirt or sand.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like fashion in which the buggy folds like a pair of scissors, and then flattened to form a long rectangle shape. This type of pushchair is typically the simplest to unfold since it is just a matter of lifting the handles upwards and then close the seat back. However, it can be difficult to store in small spaces and isn’t suitable for use on public transport because it may not fit in smaller car boots.

There are also pushchairs, such as concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, however they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. They can also be difficult to store since they have a long, rectangular shape when closed position. However, they are lightweight and compact enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great choice for families that travel.

Lightweight

Finding the perfect pushchair for you can be a challenge. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The kind of folding you select will affect the ease of transport and store your pushchair.

Choosing a light pushchair can make all the difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are a myriad of different types, ranging from compact umbrella folds to multi-purpose travel systems that incorporate carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of these can even be used from birth with a newborn carrycot, although it is crucial to confirm the lie flat specifications of any model that is designed for use with a baby.

A pushchair that folds in the same way as an umbrella is a convenient and easy choice. It occupies a small space. These kinds of pushchairs get their name because of the fact they fold down similarly as an umbrella, which enables them to fit into the majority of storage and boot space. They are typically light and most models come with a raincover to safeguard your child.

A concertina-style pushchair is a different option that folds in three or more sections with the frame and seat over each other and then collapsing on itself. They are the most compact and easy to store. They require two hands to open and close.

A majority of pushchairs come with the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner with a carry strap, and a secure pouch on the hood that will help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder weather. Some brands include these in the form of a bundle, while others offer them as individual items.

Always look to see if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable. This will allow for faster and easier cleaning. In addition to this it is essential to regularly check that the brakes are functioning properly and if there’s any mud on the wheels to get rid of it using an hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

You might choose a pushchair that is 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 is also likely to be light to lift and easy to store in a boot or in a small car.

A wide selection of folding pushchairs are available for you to pick from, and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some are designed for speed and convenience, while others are compacter and fold with two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a striking example as it doesn’t just fold down, but into the entire buggy transforms into a neat square package smaller than many hand luggage allowances making it ideal for traveling.

The choice of pushchair brakes is a different factor to consider – there are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes, or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most popular and work by pressing one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who need to stop or slow down often. Hand brakes are available on jogger-style strollers, as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter the speed of the course of a run. City pushchairs typically come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake with a lever that activates the opposite brake for maximum control.

Based on the age of your baby and size, you may want to find a pushchair with a lying-flat seat or is travel system compatible so you can attach to a carrycot. Some of these prams pushchairs prams pushchairs fold very quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also use a lightweight carrycot that is pulled flat onto chassis.

It’s a good idea to check the airline’s website to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. It’s also important to confirm whether the stroller can pass through a standard doorway, and that it can be lifted up and down the stairs at an airport. You should bring a raincover with you if you plan to take your stroller on holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel a lot. They’re easy to fold, and they take up a small amount of space in the boot of your car. They are also ideal for holidays and public transport. Some models are also suitable for use with a car seat.

Some models fold so compactly they’re almost flat. They’re ideal for those who don’t have a lot of storage space at home, or in your car boot, however they can be more cumbersome to transport than buggies that are larger.

There are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, known as concertina, 3D or fold-in-half styles. They are more convenient to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite large when folded, so aren’t ideal for smaller cars.

Other models come with scissor-style folds, where the seat back folds towards the front of the buggy, and the whole frame collapses into a square-ish flat shape. These are quick and easy to fold, and can be used in public transportation. However the rectangular shape they produce may not fit into small car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs come with sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric which protects your baby from the sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, while other brands offer it as an extra. The most effective options come with a removable hood to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Look out for the footmuff, too, since they are ideal for colder weather and can keep babies warm.

Check the instructions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics are not machine washed. If there’s mud on the wheels, try using a hose or pressure washer to rinse off the dirt. If this doesn’t work, you can try a mild sterilising solution and dry the fabric on the outside. If you leave your pushchair in an un-dry or wet condition for too long, the fabric could be damaged and mildewed. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mould with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.