10 Foldable Pushchair Techniques All Experts Recommend
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller compact is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They tend to be lightweight and are suitable for infants from four years old and up. They also have decent-sized wheels and a sturdy basket.
Their name comes from the way that they fold. It's akin to an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with one hand, while others require two hands or more effort.
Folding is simple
The way in which pushchairs fold is a crucial aspect when buying one. Not only does it determine how they are easy to carry as well as how much space they take up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of usage. Choose a pushchair that has the scissor or concertina fold if you want an easy pushchair to fold. These are renowned for being easily foldable and are great for those who plan to use public transportation or traveling with your child.
These types of pushchairs often feature a seat that faces both the parent and the child (for bonding, comfort and to let them explore the world around them). They are generally suitable for babies from 6 months. Some of them also feature an acceptable recline (although not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories like buggie bags, seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram sheets.
It is also important to consider other factors when choosing the buggy you want to use, such as the fabric and whether it is machine washable. Quick-release wheels are crucial because they let you easily clean any dirt or sand.
Some pushchairs feature a scissor fold, which is where the whole buggy collapses in half like scissors and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair is typically the easiest to fold as it is just a matter of lifting the handles up and then close the seat back. However, it is difficult to store in small spaces and is not suitable for use on public transport since it might not fit into smaller car boot spaces.
Apart from a scissor fold are pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs tend to be the most compact when folded but they aren't easy to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. They are however, lightweight and are often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and are a great choice for families traveling.
Lightweight
The selection of pushchairs available is huge and finding the one that is right for you can be a challenge. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you choose will affect the ease of move and store the pushchair.
A compact pushchair is a great option for those with little storage space. There are a variety of different models that range from compact umbrella folds up to multi-purpose travel systems that include car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can be used as early as birth with a baby carrier but it is important to verify the specifications of models designed to be used by newborns.
A pushchair that folds in the same way as an umbrella is a useful and easy choice. It takes up a tiny space. These kinds of pushchairs get their name from the fact they fold down similar to an umbrella, allowing them to fit perfectly lengthways into the majority of storage and boot space. They are typically light and many models include a rain cover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold in three or more pieces with the frame and the seat overlapping before collapsing into themselves. They are the smallest and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
A majority of pushchairs come with the footmuff as well as a reversible seat liner (and washable) as well as a carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood. These features can ensure that your child stays dry, warm and comfortable in colder weather. Some brands will include these items as part of a set, while others sell them separately.
Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be washed by machine. This will make cleaning simpler and quicker. In addition to this, it is important to check regularly if that the brakes are functioning properly and if there's a speck of mud on the wheels, get it out using a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
You may want to consider an infant stroller that can be folded down into a compact form if you plan to use it on public transport or even take it on a trip. This kind of pushchair travel system is also light to lift and easy for to put in the boot of your car or in a small vehicle.
There are many kinds of folding pushchairs and the way they fold can vary. Some are designed for speed and convenience, best Travel pram while others are compacter and can be folded using two hands or even just one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a striking example as it doesn't just fold down but then in too, so the entire buggy transforms into a neat square package smaller than a lot of hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for travel.
The selection of pushchair brakes is a different factor to consider There are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes, or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most popular and operate by pressing a single foot pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are constantly in motion but need to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes are 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 example. Combination brakes are typically found on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal with an hand lever that triggers the other brake for maximum control.
Based on your baby's age and size, you may want to look for a pushchair with a lying-flat seat or is compatible pram with car seat travel systems which means you can connect a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold up quickly and leave the carrycot on the frame. You can also use a lightweight carrycot that is pulled flat onto chassis.
If you're considering flying with your baby in a pushchair, it's worth checking the airline's website to ensure that the dimensions and weight are within their carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to determine whether the pushchair will fit through a standard doorway and that it can be pushed up and down the stairs of an airport. You should bring an umbrella with you if you intend to use 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 often moving around. They're easy to fold and take up a small amount of space in the boot of your car. They're also great for public transport and for taking on holidays. Some models are also suitable for use with a car seat.
Some models fold down so small they're nearly flat. They are great for those who have the space to fit them in your car or home boot. However they're heavier than buggies that are larger.
Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, also known as concertina 3D, fold-in-half or fold-in-half designs. These are less cumbersome to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They are also quite long when folded, which makes them ideal for smaller cars.
Others fold in a scissor fashion, where the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame collapses to a flat, square-ish shape. These are quick and easy to fold and are also suitable for public transport. However the rectangular shape they produce may not fit into the small car boot dimensions.
Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy typically made of SPF fabric to help protect baby from the sun. Some brands include this in the price, whereas others sell it as an accessory. The most effective options come with a removable hood, so you can wash them as needed. Also look for a footmuff that can keep your baby warm in colder weather.
Most pushchairs can be washed down with a damp cloth but certain fabrics aren't machine washable and should be checked by the manufacturer's guidelines. If there's mud on the wheels, you can try using pressure washer or a hose to wash off the dirt. If this doesn't work then you can try an sterilising fluid that is mild and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair remains in a wet, damp or mouldy state for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric and lead to rot and mildew. If this happens, you should first scrub off any mildew or mould with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.