Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is an ideal solution for holidays or quick trips out and about. They tend to be light and suitable for children as young as four years old. They also have good-sized wheels and a sturdy basket.
They are named after their collapse method into a form that's like an umbrella. Some fold easily using one hand, while others require two hands or more effort.
Easy to fold
The way that pushchairs fold can be 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. Some brands focus on compactness, whereas others are more concerned with speed or ease of usage. Choose a pushchair that has a concertina or scissor fold if you are looking for an easy pushchair to fold. These are known for being able to fold flat, and are ideal if you are planning to use public transportation or travelling with your child.
A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also come with 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). These pushchairs are suitable for children as young as 6 months. Some of them feature a comfortable recline (though not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible accessories such as buggie bag seats, seat liners, and moses baskets that are fitted with a pram newborn sheet.
Aside from the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects to consider 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 because they let you easily remove any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner in which the buggy is folded as a pair of scissors, and then flattened into a long rectangle. This type of pushchair could be the most simple to unfold since you have to lift the handle, then close the seat. It isn't easy to store and may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
There are also pushchairs, like concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs tend to be the smallest when folded, but they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. When folded, they can be difficult to store due to their large rectangular shape. However, they are lightweight and compact enough to be used as cabin baggage for flights. They are an excellent option for families that travel.
Lightweight
The selection of pushchairs available is vast and deciding on the best one for you could be difficult. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you select will determine how easy it is to transport and store the pushchair.
Choosing a light pushchair can make all the difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are many different models, ranging from compact umbrella folds down to multi-purpose travel systems that include car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can be used as early as the time of birth with a baby carrier, but it is important to check the specifications for models designed for use with infants.
A pushchair that folds in the same way as an umbrella is a useful and easy option. It occupies a small space. These kinds of pushchairs get their name due to the fact they fold down similarly as an umbrella, which allows them to fit perfectly lengthways into the majority of storage and vehicle boot space. They are typically lightweight, and the majority of them include a rain cover to protect your child from the elements.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another choice. They fold into three or more sections, with the frame and the seat overlapping before collapsing on themselves. They are the most compact, easy to store and require two hands to open and shut.
A majority of pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, an adjustable seat liner (and washable), a carry strap, and a secure pouch that can be attached to the hood. These features will ensure your child is warm, dry and comfortable in the colder winter months. Some brands include these in a bundle, whereas others sell them separately.
Always check if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable, as this will allow for quicker and easier cleaning. It is also important to make sure that the brakes function properly and to remove any mud from the wheels using a hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
If you're planning to take your pushchair with you on vacation or use it regularly prams for sale public transport, you might prefer a model that folds easily into a compact size. This type of pushchair is also lightweight to lift and easy for to store in your car boot or in a small vehicle.
There are many brands of folding pushchairs, and the way that they fold can differ. Some are focused on speed and ease of use, while others offer a more compact or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a striking example because it doesn't just fold down, but into the whole buggy is a neat square package smaller than most hand luggage allowances making it ideal for traveling.
There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and operate by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always in motion but require to slow down or stop 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 change the speed of a run, for instance. Combination brakes are commonly seen on city pushchairs and incorporate a foot pedal with an hand lever that triggers the other brake for maximum control.
You might want to consider a pushchair that has a lie-flat feature or one that is compatible with a travel system, so you can put the carrycot on it. Some pushchairs fold very quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also use an ultra-lightweight carrycot that is pulled flat onto chassis.
If you are thinking of traveling with your child in a pushchair, you should consider visiting the website of the airline to make sure the dimensions and weight are within their 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 pushed up and down the stairs at an airport. You should bring raincovers with you if you plan to use your stroller during a holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is a fantastic choice for parents who are frequently on the move. They're designed to be easy to fold and take up little space in the car boot. They're also a great option to take on public transport and holidays. Some models are even suitable for use with car seats.
Some models are so small that they fold up almost flat. They're ideal when you have limited space in your home or car boot. However they're heavier than buggies with larger wheels.
Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold-in-half or 3D styles. They are less cumbersome to carry, but they require both hands to unfold and fold. They can be quite large when they are folded, so they're not suitable for vehicles with smaller dimensions.
Other models feature scissor-style folding, where the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy, and the entire frame is collapsed into a flat square-ish shape. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resulting rectangular shape may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy typically made from SPF fabric, which helps protect your child from sun. Some brands include it in the price, while some sell it separately. The best choices have a hood that can be removed so that you can wash it if necessary. Also look for a footmuff that can keep your baby warm during colder weather.
The majority of pushchairs can be cleaned down using a damp cloth. However, certain fabrics cannot be machine washed and should be checked by the manufacturer's guidelines. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, you can try using the pressure washer or hose to rinse off the dirt. If this fails then you can try an sterilising fluid that is mild and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair is in a damp, wet or mouldy condition for too long, it can cause damage to the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this occurs, you'll need to start by cleaning off any mould or mildew that has escaped with a soft-bristled toothbrush before washing and rinsing according to the instructions.