Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is the perfect solution for quick trips out and about. They tend to be lightweight and suitable for children from four years old and up. They have large wheels, and a nice basket.

Their name comes from the way that they fold. It's akin to an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is a breeze while others require a bit more involvement or two hands.

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold could be the most important aspect when buying one. It's not just about how easy they are to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, while others are more focused on speed or ease of use. Look for a pushchair with a concertina or scissor fold if you want a pushchair which is easy to fold. They are renowned for their ability to fold flat, and are great for those who plan to use public transport or travelling with your child.

These types of pushchairs often feature a seat that faces both parents and the child (for bonding, reassurance and to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some of them also feature an acceptable recline (although not flat like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories such as buggie bags as well as seat liners and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.

It is also important to consider other aspects when selecting the right buggy, including the fabric and if it can be washed in the machine. Quick-release wheels are important as it means you can easily wash away any wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the buggy is folded as an apex of scissors and folded into a rectangle. This kind of pushchair is usually the simplest to unfold since it is just a matter of lifting the handles and then fold the seat back. It can be difficult to store and may not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, but they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. When folded they can be a challenge to keep in storage due to their long rectangular shape. However, they are lightweight and compact enough to be used as cabin luggage on flights. They are a great choice for families who travel.

Lightweight

Finding the perfect pushchair for you can be difficult. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The fold you choose can influence how easy it is able to be moved and stored.

A lightweight pushchair can make all the difference for those with a small storage space at home. There are a myriad of different kinds of umbrellas, from compact folds up to multi-functional travel systems with car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can even be used from birth with a newborn carrycot, although it is crucial to confirm the specifications for lying flat of any model that is designed to be used with a newborn.

An umbrella-fold pushchair is an easy and practical option that occupies small space. These pushchairs are named after the fact that they fold in a similar way to an umbrella. This allows them to be easily inserted into storage spaces and boot spaces. They are typically light and many models include a rain cover to protect your child.

A concertina-styled pushchair is an alternative option that folds into three or more parts, with the frame and seat overlapping each other and then collapsing on itself. They are the most compact and convenient to store. They require two hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs will come with the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch on the hood that will help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these items in a bundle, while others sell them separately.

Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be machine washed. This will make cleaning easier and quicker. It is also essential to ensure that the brakes function properly and to remove any mud off the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

It is possible to choose a pushchair that is folded into a compact form when you plan to use it on public transportation or take it on holiday. This kind of pushchair will also usually be light to carry and easy to store 3 in one pushchair a boot or small car.

A wide range of folding pushchairs are available to select from and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Some are focused on speed and convenience, whereas others offer a smaller, two-handed or even one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a great example, as it doesn't just fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy an attractive square bag that fits in many hand luggage compartments.

The choice of brakes for pushchairs is a different factor to consider There are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes or a mixture of both. Foot brakes are the most popular and work by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is an excellent option for parents who have to stop or slow down often. Handle brakes can be found on jogger-style strollers and three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter the speed of an exercise. Combination brakes are typically used on city pushchairs. They incorporate a foot pedal with a hand lever that activates the other brake for maximum control.

You may want to choose 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 are able to be folded quickly using the carrycot left on the frame or the lightweight carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be utilized.

If you're thinking of flying with your baby in a pushchair it's worth checking the airline's website to ensure that the dimensions and weight are within their carry-on baggage allowance. Make sure that the pushchair will pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it can be lifted up and over the stairs. If you do plan to take your pushchair on holiday it's a good idea to bring an umbrella with you to protect it from showers and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who travel a lot. They are easy to fold and take up a small amount of space in the boot of your car. They're also a great option for taking on public transport and for foldable pushchair taking on holidays. Some models are compatible with a car-seat.

Some models are so small that they fold almost flat. They're perfect for those who don't have a lot of storage space in your home or in your car boot, however they can be more heavy to carry than buggies that are larger.

Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold-in-half or 3D styles. These are less cumbersome to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when folded, which makes them 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 frame is collapsed into a flat, square-ish shape. They are easy and quick to fold, and are also suitable for public transport. However the rectangular shape they create might not fit in small car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy typically made of SPF fabric to help protect baby from the sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, while other brands offer it as an accessory. The best options have a hood that can be removed so that you can wash it in the event that you need to. Also, look for a footmuff that will keep your baby warm in colder weather.

Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics are not machine washed. 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, try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric on the outside. If your pushchair remains in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it may cause damage to the fabric and lead to rot and mildew. If this occurs, you'll need to start by cleaning off any loose mildew or mould using a soft-bristled, soft-bristled brush prior to washing and rinsing according to the directions.