A Complete Guide To Foldable Pushchair
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They are lightweight and suitable for babies even as young as 4 years old. They also have wheels that are large enough and a good basket.
They are named after their collapse method into a form that's like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold using one hand, while others require two hands or more effort.
Folding is simple
The way that pushchairs fold can be a significant factor when buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Many manufacturers design their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness whilst others focus on speed or ease of use. Find a pushchair with a concertina or scissor fold if you want an easy pushchair with car seat to fold. These are renowned for being capable of folding flat, and are ideal for those who plan to use public transportation or traveling with your child.
A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also come with an incline that is 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 as young as 6 months. Some of them feature a comfortable reclining position (though not flat like infant car seat) and can be used with other accessories such as buggie bag, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/babiie pram sheet.
You should also consider other aspects when selecting a buggy, such as the fabric and if it can be washed in the machine. The wheels that are quick-release are particularly important because it allows you can easily wash away any wet or dried mud.
Some pushchairs come with scissor folds, which is the place where the entire buggy is folded in half like a pair of scissors and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is typically the easiest to unfold as you just need to lift the handles up and then close the seat back. It can be difficult to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
Aside from the scissor fold, there are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, like a concertina. These pushchairs are compact when folded, but they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. 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 therefore a great choice for families that travel.
Lightweight
Finding the perfect pushchair for you could be difficult. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you select will determine how easy it is to transport and store your pushchair.
Choosing a light pushchair can make a huge difference for those with limited storage space at home. There are a variety of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that include carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of them can be used as early as the time of birth with a baby carrier, but it is important to verify the specifications of models designed for use with infants.
An umbrella-folding pushchair can be an easy and practical option that occupies little room. These types of pushchairs get their name from the fact that they fold down in a similar way to an umbrella, which allows them to be tucked into a variety of storage and boot space. These pushchairs are generally light and most models include a rain cover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold into three or more sections with the frame and Convertible Strollers seat overlapping before collapsing into the frame. They are the most compact and easy to store. They require two hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs will come with the footmuff, a removable (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 weather. Some brands include these in a bundle, whereas others sell them separately.
Always look to see if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable, as this will allow for faster and more efficient cleaning. Additionally it is essential to check regularly if the brakes are working correctly and if there is any mud on the wheels to get it out using an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair with when you travel or if you use it frequently on public transport, you may prefer one that folds easily into smaller dimensions. This type of pushchair can be light to lift and easy to store in a car boot or in a car that is small.
There are many brands of folding pushchairs, and the way they fold can differ. Some focus on speed and ease of use, while others provide a more compact or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching model because it doesn't only fold down, but it folds in too, so the whole buggy is an elegant square box that is smaller than most hand luggage allowances making it ideal for traveling.
There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs including foot pedal brakes as well as handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most common and work by pushing on the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is an excellent option for parents who have to stop or slow down often. Handle brakes are commonly found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and are able to change the speed of a run, for instance. City cheap pushchairs typically come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and a lever that activates the brake opposite for maximum control.
You may want to select a pushchair with a lie-flat feature or one that is compatible with a travel system so you can connect the carrycot. Some pushchairs can be folded quickly using the carrycot still on the frame or the lightweight carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be used.
It's worth looking up the airline's site to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the baggage allowance for carry-on bags. Check that the pushchair can pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it can be lifted up and down the stairs. If you plan to take your pushchair on vacation, it's best to take a rain cover to protect it from showers and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who travel frequently. They're designed to be simple to fold and will take up a small space 3 in 1 pram your car boot. They are also ideal for holidays and public transport. Some models can be used with a car-seat.
Some models fold down so small they're nearly flat. They are great for those who have limited space in your home or car boot. However they are heavier than larger buggies.
Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, known as concertina, 3D or fold-in-half styles. These are easier to carry, but they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when they are folded, making them ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.
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 resultant long rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boots.
A lot of pushchairs come with a sun canopy usually made from SPF fabric, which helps protect your baby from sun. Some brands include this in the price, whereas others offer it as an extra. The most effective options come with a removable hood to allow you to wash it as needed. Make sure you have an afghan, too, as they are great for colder temperatures and keep babies warm.
Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth but certain fabrics aren't machine washable and should be checked by the instructions of the manufacturer. If you notice mud on the wheels, you can try using pressure washer or a hose to rinse off the dirt. If this doesn't work, you can use an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outdoors. If you leave your pushchair in an un-dry and wet condition or in a mouldy condition for too long, the fabric may be damaged and mildewed. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.