Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They are lightweight and suitable for children even as young as 4 years old. They have large wheels, and a spacious basket.
They get their name from their collapse method into a form that's like an umbrella. Some have one-handed folding that's effortless, while others require more involvement or two hands.
Easy to fold
The way in which pushchairs fold can be a significant factor when buying one. Not only does it determine how they are easy to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. The majority of brands design their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness, while others concentrate on speed or ease of use. Find a pushchair with a concertina or scissor fold if you're looking for a pushchair which is easy to fold. They are capable of folding flat and are perfect if you are planning to use public transportation or travelling with your child.
These pushchairs usually have a seat facing both the parent facing pushchair and the child (for bonding, comfort and to let them explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for children at a young age of 6 months. Some also have an acceptable recline (although not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram sheets.
Aside from the ease of folding there are other aspects that you should consider when choosing a buggy such as whether the fabric is machine washable and whether it comes with wheels that can be released quickly. Quick-release wheels are essential because they allow you to easily remove any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner, where the buggy is folded as a pair of scissors, and then flattened into a long rectangle shape. This kind of pushchair is typically the easiest to unfold as you just need to lift the handles upwards and then fold the seat back. It can be difficult to store and might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.
Apart from the scissor fold, there are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are the smallest when folded, but they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. They can also be difficult to store since they are rectangular in shape when closed position. However, they are lightweight and small enough to use as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great option for families traveling together.
Lightweight
The choice of pushchairs is huge and finding the best one for you can be tricky. The terminology can be confusing, and folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to comprehend. The type of folding you select will affect the ease of transport and store your pushchair.
Choosing a lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are many different models of umbrellas, from compact folds up to multi-functional travel systems with carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of them can be used right from birth using baby carrycots, however it is important to verify the specifications for lying flat of any model intended for use with a newborn.
An umbrella-fold pushchair is an easy and practical option that occupies little space. They are named for the fact they fold in a similar way to an umbrella. This allows them to be easily inserted into storage spaces and vehicle boot spaces. These pushchairs are generally light and many models include a rain cover to protect your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another choice. They fold in three or more pieces with the frame and seat overlapping before collapsing into the frame. They are typically the smallest and most convenient to store, however they require both hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs will come with a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner with a carry strap, and a secure pouch on the hood to keep your children dry, warm and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these items in the form of a bundle, while others sell them separately.
Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be machine washed. This will make cleaning simpler and quicker. Additionally, it is important to check frequently if that the brakes are functioning properly and if there's a speck of dirt on the wheels, get it out using a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
You may want to consider a pushchair that is folded down into a compact form if you plan to use it on public transportation or take it on holiday. This kind of pushchair is also likely to be light to carry and easy to store in a trunk or small car.
There are a variety of models of folding pushchairs and the way that they fold can vary. Some are designed to be fast and easy to use while others are more compact pushchair and can be folded with two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a good example, since it is not just able to fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat, square package that fits into many hand luggage allowances.
The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another thing to think about - there are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes or a mixture of both. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always moving around but need to slow down or stop often. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers and three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change the pace of an exercise. City pushchairs usually have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake and an lever that triggers the brake opposite to give you maximum control.
Based on the age of your baby depending on the baby's age, you might want to choose a stroller with a lying-flat seat or is travel system compatible so you can attach to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold up quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also use an ultra-lightweight carrycot that is placed flat on the chassis.
It's worth checking out the website of the airline to ensure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Verify that the stroller can fit through an airport standard doorway, and is able to be lifted and lowered over the stairs. If you do plan to use your pushchair during a holiday it's a good idea to bring an umbrella with you to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who travel a lot. They are easy to fold and take up very little space in the trunk of your car. They are also great for holidays and public transport. Some models can be used with a car-seat.
Some models are so compact that they fold up almost flat. These are ideal when you have the space to fit them in your home or car boot. However they're heavier than buggies with larger wheels.
There are also pushchairs that fold in 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 two hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite large when folded, so aren't ideal for cars with smaller trunks.
Others fold in a scissor style, where the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame collapses into an elongated, square-ish 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 boots.
A lot of pushchairs come with a sun canopy, usually made from SPF fabric to shield your child from sun. Some brands include this in the price, whereas others sell it as an accessory. The best options include a removable hood, so you can wash them as you need to. Also, look for an infant foot warmer that will keep your baby warm 3 in 1 pram colder temperatures.
The majority of pushchairs can be cleaned down with a damp cloth, but certain fabrics cannot be machine washed, so check the manufacturer's instructions. If you've got mud on your wheels, use a pressure washer or hose to wash it off. If this isn't working, try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric outside. If you leave your pushchair in an unclean or wet state for too long, the fabric may become damaged and mildewed. If this happens, you'll need to start by cleaning off any mould or mildew that has escaped using a soft-bristled, soft-bristled brush prior to washing and rinsing according to the instructions.