Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They tend to be lightweight and suitable for infants from four years old and up. They have large wheels, and a nice basket.
They have their name because of their collapse method, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is easy, while others require more involvement or two hands.
Folding is easy
The way in which pushchairs fold is the most important aspect when buying one. It's not just about how easy they are to carry as well as how much space they take up when folded. Most brands create their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness while others focus on speed or ease of use. If you're looking to purchase a pushchair that is easy to fold then look for one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. They are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are perfect if you plan on using public transport or travelling with your child.
A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also have seats that face both towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). They are usually suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some of them also feature a decent recline (although not flat like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories, including buggie bags seats, seat liners, and moses baskets/pram bags sheets that are fitted.
In addition to the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects to take into consideration when choosing a buggy such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable, and whether it comes with wheels that can be released quickly. Quick-release wheels are crucial as they permit you to easily remove any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs come with a scissor fold, which is when the whole buggy is folded in half like scissors and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair stroller is typically the easiest to unfold as you only need to lift the handles up and then fold the seat back. It isn't easy to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These pushchairs are compact when folded, however they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. When folded they can be a challenge to store due to their large rectangular shape. But, they're light and compact enough to be used as cabin luggage for flights. They are an excellent option for families who travel strollers.
Lightweight
Finding the perfect pushchair for you could be difficult. The terminology can be confusing, and folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to grasp. The type of fold you choose will influence how easy the pushchair is able to be moved and stored.
A compact pushchair is a great choice for those with little storage space. There are a variety of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that come with carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of these can even be used as early as birth with baby carrycots, however it is important to verify the specifications for lie flat of any model that is intended for use with a newborn.
An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and practical option that occupies little room. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact that they fold similarly to an umbrella. This makes them fit easily into most storage and boot spaces. These pushchairs are generally light and many models come with a raincover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another choice. They fold in three or more sections with the frame and the seat overlapping and then collapsing on themselves. They are the smallest and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
Many pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, an adjustable seat liner (and washable) as well as an adjustable carry strap, and a secure pouch that can be attached to the hood. These features will ensure that your child stays warm, dry, and comfortable during colder months. Some brands offer these in a bundle, whereas others offer them as individual items.
Check if the fabrics of the pushchair can be machine washed. This will make cleaning simpler and quicker. It is also important to make sure that the brakes work correctly and clean any mud that has accumulated on the wheels using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
If you're planning to take your pushchair with you on vacation or take it on a regular basis on public transport, you may prefer a model that folds easily into smaller dimensions. This type of pushchair is also lightweight to lift and makes it easy for to put in the boot of your car or a smaller vehicle.
A wide selection of folding pushchairs are available to pick from, and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some are designed to be fast and easy to use while others are more compact and fold with two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a good example, since it not only folds down but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square package that fits into many hand luggage spaces.
There are two types of brakes for pushchairs including foot pedal brakes as well as handle brakes. The most popular brakes are the foot brakes, double Pram pushchair that work by pressing one pedal to stop both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who must stop or slow down often. Handle brakes can be found on three-wheeled pushchairs and jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter the speed of a run for example. City pushchairs typically come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and an lever that triggers the brake opposite for maximum control.
Based on your baby's age depending on the baby's age, you might want to choose a stroller that offers a lie-flat seat or is travel system compatible so you can attach a carrycot. Some pushchairs can be folded quickly using the carrycot tucked away on the frame. Alternatively, a lightweight carrycot which is simply pulled flat onto the chassis can be utilized.
If you are thinking of flying with your child in a pushchair, you should consider visiting the website of the airline to ensure the dimensions and weight are within the carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to confirm whether the pushchair will fit through a standard doorway and that it is able to be lifted up and down the stairs of an airport. If you are planning to take your pushchair on holiday it's a good idea to bring an umbrella with you to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is a great option for parents who are constantly on the move. They are designed to be simple to fold and will take up a small space in the car boot. These are also great for public transport and vacations. Some models are also suitable to be used with a car seat.
Some models are so small that they fold almost flat. These are ideal when you have the space to fit them in your home or car boot. However, they can be heavier than buggies that are larger.
Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, known as concertina, 3D or fold-in-half styles. They are more comfortable to use however they require two hands to unfold and fold. They are also quite long when folded, so aren't ideal for cars with smaller trunks.
Other models have scissor-style folding which means that the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy and the whole frame collapses into a square-ish, flat shape. They're easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resulting long rectangular shape might not fit in smaller car boots.
Many pushchairs come with sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric, which protects the child from sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, while others offer it as an accessory. The best options have a hood that can be removed to allow you to wash it as needed. Also, look for a footmuff that can keep your baby warm during colder weather.
Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If there's mud on the wheels, try using a hose or pressure washer to wash off the dirt. If this fails then you can use an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair remains in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric and cause mildew and rot. If this happens, you'll need to start by cleaning off any mildew or mould that is loose with a soft-bristled brush before washing and rinsing according to the instructions.