Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for short trips or on holidays. They are lightweight and suitable for infants even as young as 4 years old. They come with large wheels and a great basket.

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

Folding is easy

The way pushchairs are folded is a crucial aspect when purchasing one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Many manufacturers have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness, while others concentrate on speed or ease of use. Choose a pushchair that has the scissor or concertina fold if you want a pushchair which is easy to fold. These are known for being capable of folding flat and are perfect when you plan to use public transportation or travelling with your child.

These types of pushchairs often include a seat with a view of 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 range of accessories such as buggie bags, seat liners and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.

Apart from the ease of folding there are other aspects that you should 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 because they allow you to easily clean any mud or sand.

Some pushchairs prams pushchairs come with a scissor fold, which is where the whole buggy is folded in half like a pair of scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair can be the most simple to unfold, as you only need to pull the handle, then close the seat. It isn't easy to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, however they can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded they can be a challenge to store due to their long rectangular shape. They are however, lightweight and are often small enough to be used as baggage for flights and are therefore a great choice for families who travel.

Lightweight

Finding the perfect pushchair for you could be difficult. The jargon can be confusing, and folding mechanisms especially can be difficult to comprehend. The type of folding you choose can affect the ease of transport and store your pushchair.

A lightweight pushchair is a great choice for those who have little storage space. There are a variety of different models of umbrellas, from compact folds up to multi-functional travel systems with car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can even be used right from birth using baby carrycots, however it is essential to check the specifications for lying flat of any model that is designed for use with a newborn.

A pushchair that folds like an umbrella is a practical and simple option. It takes up little space. They are named for the fact they fold 3 in 1 pram a similar manner to an umbrella. This allows them to fit perfectly into most storage and boot spaces. They're typically extremely lightweight, and the majority of them come with an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.

A concertina-styled pushchair is an alternative option that folds in three or more sections, with the frame and seat over each other and then collapsing into itself. These are usually the most compact and easy to store, but they do require both hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs will come with a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood that will help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands offer these in a bundle, whereas others sell them separately.

Always check if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable. This will allow for quicker and more efficient cleaning. In addition to this it is essential to regularly check that the brakes are functioning properly and if there's a speck of dirt on the wheels, get it out using a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

If you want to take your pushchair along with you on holiday or use it regularly on public transport, you may prefer a model that folds easily into a compact size. This kind of pushchair is also light to carry and allows to put in the boot of your car or in a small vehicle.

There are a variety of models of folding pushchairs and the way that they fold may differ. Some are designed for speed and convenience and others are smaller and can be folded with two hands or even just one hand. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching model because it doesn't only fold down, but it folds into the entire buggy transforms into an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than a lot of hand luggage options, making it ideal for traveling.

The choice of pushchair brakes is another thing to think about There are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes or a mixture of both. The most commonly used brakes are foot brakes which operate by pressing a single pedal to lock both rear wheels. This is an excellent option for parents who have to stop or slow down often. Hand brakes are available on jogger-style strollers as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and can be used to alter the momentum during an exercise. Combination brakes are typically seen on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal with an hand lever that triggers the other brake for maximum control.

Based on your baby's age and size, you may want to look for a pushchair that offers a lie-flat seat or is compatible with a travel system so you can attach a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can fold up quickly with the carrycot still on the frame, or the lightweight carrycot that can be simply pushed flat onto the chassis can be utilized.

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

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic option for parents who are often in motion. They're designed to be easy to fold and take up little space in your car boot. They're also great for public transport and for taking on holidays. Some models can be used with a car seat.

Some models are so compact that they fold almost flat. They're perfect if you don't have much storage space at home or in your car boot, however they can be more cumbersome to transport than a larger buggies.

There are also pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, known as concertina, 3D or fold-in-half styles. They are less cumbersome to carry however, they require both hands to unfold and fold. They can be quite long when folded, which makes them ideal for smaller vehicles.

Other models fold in a scissor fashion in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy, and the frame is collapsed into an elongated, square-ish shape. These are quick and easy to fold and are also suitable for public transport. However the rectangular shape they create may not fit in small car boot dimensions.

A lot of pushchairs come with a sun canopy typically made of SPF fabric to shield your child from sun. Some brands include it in the price, while some sell it separately. The best options have a removable hood so that you can wash it as needed. Also, look for a footmuff that can keep your baby warm in colder weather.

Check the instructions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, try using pressure washer or foldable Stroller a hose to rinse off the dirt. If this fails, try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric on the outside. If your pushchair is in a wet, damp or stale for too long, it may cause damage to the fabric, and even cause mildew and rot. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.