Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A stroller that folds is ideal for quick trips or holidays. They are lightweight and suitable for children even as young as 4 years old. They also have wheels that are large enough and a sturdy basket.
They have their name because of their collapse method into a form that's like an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is easy and others require more involvement or two hands.
Easy to fold
The way that pushchairs fold could be the most important aspect when buying one. It will determine how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Many manufacturers have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind with some focusing on compactness, while others concentrate on speed or ease of use. Choose a pushchair that has the scissor or concertina fold if you're looking for an easy pushchair to fold. These are known for being capable of folding flat, and are ideal for those who plan to use public transportation or travelling with your child.
Many of these types of pushchairs have a seat that faces towards the parent (for bonding and comfort) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs can be used by babies at a young age of 6 months. Some have an adequate recline position (though not flat like an infant car seats) and are compatible accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram sheet.
It is also important to consider other factors when choosing the right buggy, including the fabric and whether it is machine washable. Quick-release wheels are important as it means you can easily wash away any mud that has dried or become wet.
Some pushchairs have scissor folds, which is the place where the entire buggy collapses in half like a pair of scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair may be the easiest to fold since you need to pull the handle, then close the seat. However, it can be difficult to store in small spaces and isn't suitable for use on public transport because it may not fit into smaller car booties.
Aside from the scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, but they can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded they can be a challenge to store due to their long rectangular shape. They are however, lightweight and often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They make a great option for families that travel.
Lightweight
The variety of pushchairs available is vast and deciding on the right one for you can be tricky. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you select can affect the ease of transport and store your pushchair.
A lightweight pushchair is a great choice for those who have limited storage space. There are many different models that range from compact umbrella folds up to multi-purpose travel systems that incorporate car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can be utilized as early as birth with a baby carrier, but it is crucial to verify the specifications of models designed for use with infants.
An umbrella-folding pushchair can be an easy and practical option that takes up very little room. These types of pushchairs get their name due to the fact they fold down similarly as an umbrella, allowing them to fit perfectly lengthways into most forms of storage and vehicle boot space. They're typically extremely lightweight, and a majority of models include a rain cover to protect your child from the elements.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold into three or more sections with the frame and seat overlapping and then collapsing onto the frame. They are the smallest and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
Many pushchairs include an adjustable footmuff, an reversible seat liner (and washable) and a carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood. These features will help keep your child dry, warm, and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these as part of a set, while others sell them separately.
Always look to see if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable, as this allows for faster and easier cleaning. It is also important to check that the brakes work correctly and clean any mud off the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair along with when you travel or if you use it frequently on public transport, you may prefer a model that folds easily into an incredibly compact size. This type of pushchair is also light to carry and allows to store in your car boot or small vehicle.
There are many models of folding pushchairs and the way that 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 even just one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a great example, since it not only folds down but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy an attractive square package that fits into many hand luggage spaces.
The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another thing to think about - there are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes or a combination of both. The most popular brakes are foot brakes which work by pressing one pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is a great option for parents who must stop or slow down frequently. Handle brakes can be found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter the speed of a run for instance. Combination brakes are often used on city pushchairs. Push Chairs And Prams incorporate a foot pedal with a hand lever that activates the other brake for maximum control.
Depending on your baby's age depending on the baby's age, you might want to look for a pushchair that offers a lie-flat seat or is compatible with a travel system which means you can connect an infant carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can fold up quickly with the carrycot still 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 ensure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the baggage allowance for carry-on bags. Verify that the stroller can pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it can be lifted up and down stairs. It is recommended to bring an umbrella with you if you plan to take your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is a fantastic choice for parents who are frequently moving around. They are easy to fold and require very little space in the boot of your car. They are also ideal for public transport and holidays. Some models are also suitable for use with car seats.
Some models are so compact that they fold flat. They're great for those who don't have a lot of storage space in your home or in your car boot, but they may be more cumbersome to transport than a larger buggies.
Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold in half, or 3D designs. They are more convenient to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when folded, so they're not suitable for vehicles with smaller dimensions.
Other models fold in a scissor-like fashion in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy, and the frame collapses to a flat, square-ish shape. They are simple and quick to fold and can be used in public transportation. However, the long rectangular shape they produce may not fit into small car boot dimensions.
Many pushchairs have a sun canopy. They are typically made of SPF fabric which protects the child from sun. Some brands include this in the price, whereas others sell it as an accessory. The best options come with an adjustable hood, which means you can wash them if required. Make sure you have a footmuff too, as they are ideal for colder temperatures and keep your baby warm.
Most pushchairs can be washed down with a damp cloth, but certain fabrics aren't machine washable So, make sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer. If there's mud on the wheels, try using the pressure washer or hose to clean the dirt. If this isn't successful then you can use an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outdoors. If you leave your pushchair in an unclean or wet state for too long, the fabric may be damaged and mildewed. If this happens, you'll need to start by cleaning off any loose mildew or mould using a soft-bristled, soft-bristled brush prior to rinsing and washing as per the directions.