Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for trips that are short or during holidays. They are light and suitable for infants as young as four years old. They have large wheels and a great basket.

Their name is derived due to the way they collapse. It's akin to an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with one hand, while 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, whereas others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a stroller that is easy to fold choose one with a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are renowned for being easily foldable and are great for those who plan to use public transportation or travelling with your child.

A lot of these kinds of twin pushchairs also come with a seat that faces towards the parent (for bonding and comfort) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for babies at a young age of 6 months. Some of them feature an adequate recline (though not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible with other accessories such as buggie bag seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/twin pram sheet.

Aside from the ease of folding there are other aspects to take into consideration when selecting 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 essential because they let you easily clean any mud or sand.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner that is, the buggy is folded like a pair scissors and then folded into a rectangle. This type of pushchair is generally the simplest to unfold since you only need to lift the handles up and then fold the seat back. It isn't easy to store and might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, but can be difficult to handle and require two arms. They can also be difficult to store as they have a long rectangular shape when in a closed position. But, they're light and small enough to use as cabin baggage for flights. They are a great option for families who travel.

Lightweight

Choosing the right pushchair for your needs can be difficult. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of fold you choose will have an impact on how easy it is to transport and store.

A lightweight pushchair is a great option for those who have limited storage space. There are a variety of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that come with carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of them can be used as early as birth with a newborn carrycot, although it is crucial to confirm the specifications for lie flat of any model intended for use with a newborn.

A pushchair that folds like an umbrella is a convenient and simple option. It takes up a tiny space. These types of pushchairs get their name because of the fact they fold down in a similar way as an umbrella, which allows them to be tucked into a variety of storage or vehicle boot space. These pushchairs are generally light and many models include a rain cover to safeguard your child.

A concertina-style pushchair is a different option that folds into three or more sections with the frame and seat covering each other, before collapsing into itself. They are the most compact, easy to store and require two hands to open and shut.

Many pushchairs will come with the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood to keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder temperatures. Some brands include these in the form of a bundle, while others sell them individually.

Always verify whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable, as this allows for faster and easier cleaning. It is also important to ensure that the brakes are working properly and to remove any mud off the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

You might choose a pushchair that is folded to a compact size if you plan to use it on public transportation or even take it on a trip. This kind of pushchair is also light to lift and makes it easy for you to put in the boot of your car or a smaller vehicle.

There are a variety of brands of folding pushchairs, and the way they fold can vary. Some focus on speed and convenience whilst others provide a more compact or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a great example, since it doesn't just fold down, but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square bag that fits in many hand luggage spaces.

There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs: foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most common brakes are foot brakes which work by pressing one pedal to lock both rear wheels. This is an excellent option for parents who have to stop or slow down frequently. Handle brakes are commonly found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and are able to change the speed of a run, for example. City pushchairs usually feature combination brakes, which combine a foot brake and a lever that activates the opposite brake for maximum control.

Depending on your baby's age depending on the baby's age, you might want to choose a stroller with a lying-flat seat or is travel system compatible to allow you to attach to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also opt for an ultra-lightweight carrycot that is folded flat on the chassis.

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 allowance for carry-on baggage. It's also important to determine whether the pushchair will fit through a standard doorway and that it can be pushed up and down stairs in an airport. You should bring a raincover when you plan to use your stroller on holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is an excellent option for parents who are frequently moving around. They're easy to fold and take up a small amount of space in the boot of your car. They're also an excellent option to take on public transport and holidays. Some models are even suitable for use with a car seat.

Some models fold so compactly they're almost flat. They're ideal if you don't have much storage space at home or in your car boot, however they can be heavier to carry than buggies that are larger.

Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, also known as concertina, 3D or fold-in-half styles. They are more comfortable to use however they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, which makes them suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.

Others fold in a scissor style in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame is collapsed into an unflattering, square-ish form. They're quick and easy to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resulting rectangular shape may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy typically made from SPF fabric to help protect your baby from sun. Some brands include it in their price while others sell it separately. The most effective options come with an hood that can be removed, so you can wash them as you need to. Make sure you have a footmuff too, as they are ideal for colder days and keep babies warm.

Check the instructions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics are not machine washed. If you've got dirt on your wheels, make use of a pressure washer, or hose to wash it off. If this fails, try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it can cause damage to the fabric and cause mildew and rot. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.