Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller - special info - is perfect for short trips or on holidays. They are lightweight and suitable for babies even as young as 4 years old. They have large wheels, and a nice basket.
They get their name from the way they fold into a form that's like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold using one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.
Folding is easy
The way in which pushchairs fold is a crucial factor in buying one. It's not just about how easy they are to carry and fold, but also the amount of space they take up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, while others are more focused on speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a stroller travel that folds easily, choose one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are renowned for being able to fold flat, and are ideal when you plan on using public transportation or traveling with your child.
These pushchairs usually include a seat with a view of both the parent and the child (for bonding, reassurance and to allow them to explore the world around them). They are generally suitable for babies up to 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 seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram bags sheets.
Aside from the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects that you should consider when choosing a buggy, such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable and whether it has wheels that release quickly. Quick-release wheels are important as it means you can easily wash off any dried or wet mud.
Some pushchairs feature scissor folds, which is when the whole buggy collapses in half like a pair of scissors and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is typically the easiest to fold 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 a scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs tend to be the smallest when folded but they aren't easy to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be a challenge to store due to their large rectangular shape. However, they are lightweight and compact enough to be used as cabin luggage for flights. They are a great option for families who travel.
Lightweight
Finding the right pushchair for you could be a challenge. The jargon can be confusing, and folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to grasp. The type of folding you choose will affect the ease with which you can transport and store the pushchair.
A lightweight pushchair is a great choice for those who have limited storage space. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that include carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of these can even be used from birth with baby carrycots, however it is essential to check the lie flat specifications of any model that is intended to be used with a pram newborn.
An umbrella-folding pushchair can be an easy and practical option that takes up very small space. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact that they fold similarly to an umbrella. This allows them to fit easily into most storage spaces and boot spaces. They're typically extremely lightweight, and a majority of models come with an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another choice. They fold into three or more pieces with the frame and the seat overlapping before collapsing on them. These are usually the smallest and most convenient to store, however they require two hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs prams pushchairs will come with an adjustable footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood to help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder weather. Some brands include these items in a bundle, while others sell them separately.
Always verify whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable, as this will allow for quicker and more efficient cleaning. Additionally it is crucial to check regularly if whether the brakes work properly and if there is any mud on the wheels to get rid of it using a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
You might choose a pushchair that can be folded into a compact shape if you plan to take it on public transport or to take it on vacation. This type of pushchair is also lightweight to carry and allows you to put in the boot of your car or small vehicle.
A wide range of folding pushchairs are available for you to choose from and the way they fold differs from one brand to the next. Some are focused on speed and convenience whilst others provide a more compact, two-handed or even one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a striking example because it doesn't just fold down, but it folds in, and the whole buggy is an elegant square box that is smaller than most hand luggage allowances making it ideal for travel.
The choice of brakes for pushchairs is a different factor to consider There are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes, or a combination of both. The most popular brakes are foot brakes, which work by pressing one pedal to stop both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are constantly moving around but have to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes are found on three-wheeled pushchairs and jogger style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change momentum during a run for example. Combination brakes are typically used on city pushchairs. They incorporate a foot pedal with an hand lever that triggers the other brake to give you maximum control.
Based on the age of your baby and size, you may want to find a pushchair that offers a lie-flat seat or is travel system compatible to allow you to attach an infant carrycot. Some pushchairs can be folded very quickly with the carrycot still on the frame, or an easy-to-transport carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be utilized.
If you're thinking of flying with your child in a pushchair, you should consider visiting the airline's website to make sure the dimensions and weight are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Check that the pushchair can pass through a standard airport doorway, and is able to be lifted up and down stairs. It is recommended to bring a raincover with you if you plan to take your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel frequently. They're designed to be simple to fold and take up little space in your car boot. They're also an excellent option for taking on public transport or for holidays. Some models can be used with a car seat.
Some models are so small that they fold up almost flat. They are great if there is limited space in your home or car boot. However they are heavier than buggies with larger wheels.
There are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, known as concertina 3D, fold-in-half or fold-in-half designs. They are less cumbersome to carry, but they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when they are folded, which makes them suitable for vehicles with smaller dimensions.
Other models fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the entire frame collapses into a flat, square-ish shape. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resultant long rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boot.
Many pushchairs have sun canopy. They are typically made of SPF fabric, which helps protect the baby from sun. Some brands include it in their price while others sell it separately. The best choices have a removable hood so that you can wash it in the event that you need to. Make sure you have an afghan, too, as they are perfect for colder temperatures and keep babies warm.
Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth, but certain fabrics aren't machine washable, so check the manufacturer's instructions. If you have mud on your wheels make use of a pressure washer, or hose to clean it off. If this isn't working, try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric on the outside. If your pushchair remains in a wet, damp or mouldy state for too long, it can cause damage to the fabric and cause mildew and rot. If this happens, you should first scrub off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.