Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They are light and suitable for infants as young as four years old. They have large wheels and a great basket.
They are named after the way they fold in a manner that’s a lot like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with one hand, while others require two hands or more effort.
Easy to fold
The way in which pushchairs fold could be an important factor when you are looking to purchase one. It’s not just about how easy they are to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, whereas others are more concerned with speed or ease of usage. If you’re looking for a stroller that folds easily, then look for one with a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat, and are great when you are planning to use public transportation or traveling with your baby.
These types of pushchairs typically feature a seat that faces both the parent and the child (for bonding, reassurance, and to let them explore the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies from 6 months. Some have a comfortable reclining position (though not flat like infant car seats) and are compatible with other accessories like buggie bags or seat liners. They also come with a fitted moses baskets/pram sheets.
In addition to the ease of folding, there are other factors to consider when choosing a buggy, such as whether the fabric is machine washable and if it has quick-release wheels. Quick-release wheels are crucial as they permit you to easily clean any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs come with scissor folds, which is where the whole buggy collapses in half like a pair of scissors and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This type of pushchair could be the most simple to unfold since you have to lift the handle and then close the seat. However, it can be difficult to store in small spaces and is not suitable for use on public transport since it might not fit in smaller car booties.
Aside from a scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, but they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. They can also be tricky to store since they have a long, rectangular shape when in a closed position. However, they are light and small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great option for families traveling together.
Lightweight
Finding the perfect pushchair for you can be difficult. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you select will affect how easy it is to transport and store the pushchair.
A compact pushchair is a great option for those who have limited storage space. There are a variety of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional travel systems that come with carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of them can be utilized as early as birth with a newborn carrier, but it is important to know the specifications for models designed to be used by newborns.
A pushchair that folds as an umbrella is a useful and easy choice. It takes up little space. These kinds of pushchairs get their name from the fact they fold down in a similar way as an umbrella, which allows them to fit perfectly lengthways into most forms of storage or vehicle boot space. These pushchairs are usually very light and most models come with a raincover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold into three or more sections with the frame and seat overlapping and then collapsing onto them. They are the most compact and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
Many pushchairs will come with an adjustable footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood that will help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder temperatures. Certain brands will include these items as part of a bundle, whereas others will sell them separately.
Always check whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable, as this will allow for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also important to make sure that the brakes are working properly and to remove any mud off the wheels using an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
It is possible to choose an infant stroller that can be folded into a compact shape when you plan to use it on public transportation or take it on holiday. This kind of pushchair is also likely to be lightweight to carry and easy to store in a car boot or in a small car.
There are many different models of folding pushchairs and the way that they fold can vary. Some are designed for speed and convenience and others are smaller and can be folded with two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching example as it doesn’t just fold down, but in, and the entire buggy transforms into an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than most hand luggage options, making it ideal for travel.
There are two types of brakes for pushchairs including foot pedal brakes as well as handle brakes. The most commonly used brakes are foot brakes, that work by pressing a single pedal to lock both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who have to stop or slow down frequently. Handle brakes can be found on jogger-style strollers, as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change the speed of a run. City pushchairs usually have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake with a lever that activates the brake opposite for maximum control.
Based on your baby’s age depending on the baby’s age, you might want to look for a pushchair that offers a lie-flat seat or is compatible with a travel pushchair system to allow you to attach a carrycot. Some pushchairs can be folded very quickly with the carrycot tucked away on the frame or a lightweight carrycot which 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 are within the carry-on baggage allowance. It’s also important to check whether the pushchair will fit through a standard entrance and that it can be pushed up and down the stairs at an airport. You should take raincovers with you if you plan to use your stroller on holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel frequently. They are easy to fold and take up a small amount of space in the trunk of your car. They’re also an excellent option to take on public transport and for taking on holidays. Some models are also suitable to be used with car seats.
Some models are so compact that they fold up almost flat. They are great when you have limited space in your home or car boot. However, they can be heavier than larger buggies.
Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, also known as concertina 3D or fold-in half styles. They are less cumbersome to carry however they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when folded, making them ideal for smaller vehicles.
Other models feature scissor-style folding which means that the seat back folds towards the front of the buggy and the 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 may 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 feature in the price, whereas others offer it as an extra. The best choices have an hood that is removable to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Also consider an infant foot warmer that will keep your baby warm in colder weather.
Most pushchairs can be wiped down using a damp cloth. However, certain fabrics aren’t machine washable and should be checked by the manufacturer’s instructions. If there’s a lot of 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 outdoors. If you leave your pushchair in an unclean and wet condition or in a mouldy condition for too long, the fabric could be damaged and mildewed. If this occurs, you’ll need to begin by removing any mould or mildew that has escaped with a soft-bristled toothbrush before washing and rinsing as per the directions.
