Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is the perfect solution for quick excursions. They are light and suitable for babies as young as four years. They come with large wheels and a great basket.
Their name comes from the way that they collapse. It's like an umbrella. Some fold easily with just one hand, whereas others need two hands or more effort.
Folding is simple
The way in which pushchairs fold could be a crucial factor in buying one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more focused on speed or ease of use. Look for a pushchair with an orchestra or scissor fold if you are looking for a pushchair which is easy to fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are ideal when you are planning to use public transport or traveling with your child.
Many of these types of pushchairs also have an incline that is both towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some of them also feature a decent recline (although not as flat as an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories, including buggie bags seats, seat liners, and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.
Aside from the ease of folding, there are other factors that you should consider when choosing a buggy such as whether the fabric is machine washable, and if it has quick-release wheels. Having quick-release wheels is particularly important as it means you can easily wash off any wet or dried mud.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner, where the buggy folds like a pair scissors and then folded into a rectangle. This kind of pushchair may be the easiest to unfold since you need to pull the handle and then close the seat. It can be difficult to store and may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina, which fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, but they can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. They are however, lightweight and often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and make a great option for families traveling.
Lightweight
Finding the right pushchair for your needs can be a challenge. The terminology can be confusing, and the folding mechanisms especially can be hard to understand. The fold you choose can influence how easy the pushchair is to transport and store.
A lightweight pushchair is a great option for those who have limited storage space. There are a myriad of different types that range from compact umbrella folds up to multi-purpose travel systems that include car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can even be used as early as birth with a newborn carrycot, although it is crucial to confirm the specifications for lying flat of any model designed for use with a baby.
A pushchair that folds in the same way as an umbrella is a useful and easy choice. It takes up little space. These kinds of pushchairs get their name from the fact that they fold down similar as an umbrella, allowing them to be tucked into most forms of storage or vehicle boot space. They're typically extremely light, and the majority of them come with an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold in three or more sections with the frame and the seat collapsing into them. They are the most compact and convenient to store. They require two hands to open and close.
A majority of pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, a reversible seat liner (and washable) and a carry strap, and an enclosed pouch that is attached to the hood. These features will help keep your child dry, warm, and comfortable during colder weather. Certain brands will include these items as part of a bundle, whereas others will sell them separately.
Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be machine washed. This makes cleaning much easier and quicker. In addition to this it is crucial to check frequently if the brakes are working correctly and if there's a speck of mud on the wheels, remove it with the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
If you plan to take your pushchair with you on holiday or use it frequently for public transport, you might prefer a model that folds easily into a compact size. 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 models of folding pushchairs and the way that they fold can differ. Some are designed for speed and convenience and others are smaller and can be folded using two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a good example, since it not only folds down but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage compartments.
There are two kinds 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 ideal for parents who are always moving around but require to slow down or stop frequently. Hand brakes are available on jogger-style strollers as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes, and they can be used to change the pace of an exercise. Combination brakes are typically found on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal with an adjustable hand lever that can activate the other brake to give you maximum control.
You may want to select one with a lie-flat feature, or one that is compatible with a travel system so you can connect the carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold very quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also opt for a light carrycot that can be pulled flat onto chassis.
If you are thinking of flying with your baby in a pushchair it's worth visiting the airline's website to ensure the dimensions and weight are within their carry-on baggage allowance. Verify that the stroller can fit through an airport standard doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and down stairs. If you are planning to use your pushchair on holiday, it's a good idea to carry a rain cover to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who frequently travel. They are designed to be simple to fold and fit into a tiny space in your car boot. They are also great for public transport and vacations. Some models are compatible with a car seat.
Some models are so small that they fold up almost flat. They are great if there is little space in your car or home boot. However, they can be heavier than larger buggies.
Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, also known as concertina 3D or fold-in half styles. They are more comfortable to use, but they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when folded, so they're not ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.
Other models fold in a scissor fashion in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame is collapsed into an unflattering, square-ish form. They are easy and quick to fold, and can be used in public transport. However the rectangular shape they produce may not fit in small car boot dimensions.
Many pushchairs have a sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric, which protects the child from sun. Some brands include this in the price, while other brands offer it as an accessory. The best travel pushchair options come with a removable hood, so you can wash them if needed. Also consider an infant foot warmer that will keep your baby warm in colder temperatures.
Check the instructions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If you have dirt on your wheels, use 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 is left in a wet, damp or stale for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric, and even lead to rot and mildew. If this occurs, you'll have to begin by removing any mildew or mould that is loose using a soft-bristled, soft-bristled brush prior to washing and rinsing as per the instructions.