Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is an ideal solution for holidays or quick trips out and about. They are lightweight and suitable for infants as young as four years. They also have decent-sized wheels and a good basket.

Their name comes due to the way they collapse. It's like an umbrella. Some have one-handed folding that's effortless, while others require a bit more involvement or two hands.

Easy to fold

The way that pushchairs fold is a crucial aspect when purchasing one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Most brands create their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind, with some focusing on compactness, while others concentrate on speed or ease of use. Look for a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you are looking for a pushchair which is easy to fold. These are renowned for being capable of folding flat and are great for those who plan to use public transportation or travelling with your child.

These pushchairs usually have a seat facing both parents and the child (for bonding, reassurance and to let them explore the world around them). They are usually suitable for babies up to 6 months. Some have an adequate recline (though not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible with other accessories like buggie bags, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram sheet.

You should also consider other aspects when selecting a buggy, such as the fabric and whether it can be washed in the machine. The wheels that are quick-release are particularly important as it means you can easily wash off any dried or wet mud.

Some pushchairs have a scissor fold, which is where the whole buggy folds in half, like scissors and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This type of pushchair could be the easiest to unfold since you need to pull the handle, then close the seat. It isn't easy to store and might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

Aside from a scissor fold are pushchairs travel Systems that fold in three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs tend to be the smallest when folded but they can be a challenge to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. They are however, light and often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great choice for families who travel.

Lightweight

The choice of pushchairs is vast and deciding on the best one for you could be difficult. The terminology can be confusing and the folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to grasp. The fold you choose will have an impact on how easy the pushchair is to transport and store.

Choosing a light pushchair can make all the difference for those with limited storage space at home. There are a variety of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional travel systems that include carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of them can be used as early as birth with a baby carrier, but it is important to know the specifications for models that are intended to be used by newborns.

A pushchair that folds as an umbrella is a practical and easy choice. It occupies a small space. These types of pushchairs get their name due to the fact they fold down similarly as an umbrella, which allows them to fit into most forms of storage and boot space. They're typically extremely lightweight, and the majority of models come with rain covers to shield your child from the elements.

A concertina-style pushchair is a different option that folds into three or more sections, with the frame and seat over each other and then collapsing on itself. They are the smallest and convenient to store. They require two hands to open and shut.

Many pushchairs will have the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a secure pouch on the hood to keep your children dry, warm and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands will include these items as part of a bundle while others sell them as separate items.

Always verify whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable. This will allow for faster and easier cleaning. Additionally it is crucial to check regularly if the brakes are working correctly and if there is any mud on the wheels, get it out using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

If you want to take your pushchair along with when you travel or if you take it on a regular basis on public transport you might prefer one that folds easily into an incredibly compact size. This kind of pushchair is also likely to be light to carry and easy to store in a boot or in a car that is small.

There are many kinds of folding pushchairs and the way they fold can vary. Some are designed for speed and convenience, while others are compacter and can be folded with two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching model because it doesn't only fold down but then in too, so the whole buggy becomes a neat square package smaller than a lot of hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for traveling.

The choice of pushchair brakes is another thing to think about There are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes or a mixture of both. Foot brakes are the most popular and work by pressing a single foot pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always moving around but need to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes can be found on three-wheeled pushchairs and jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and are able to change the speed of a run for example. Combination brakes are often found on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal with an adjustable hand lever that can activate the other brake for maximum control.

Based on the age of your baby, you may wish to choose a stroller that has a lie-flat seating or is compatible with a travel system to allow you to attach an infant carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to be folded very quickly with the carrycot still on the frame or a lightweight carrycot which is simply rolled flat on the frame can be used.

If you're thinking of flying with your baby in a pushchair, you should consider visiting the airline's website to make sure the dimensions and weight are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. It's also important to check whether the pushchair will fit through a standard doorway and that it is able to be pushed up and down the stairs of an airport. If you are planning to use your pushchair on vacation, it's best to bring a rain cover to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who travel frequently. They're designed to be easy to fold and will take up a small space in the car boot. They're also an excellent option for taking on public transport or for holidays. Some models are even suitable to be used with car seats.

Some models fold so compactly they're nearly flat. They're ideal when you don't have lots of storage space at home or in your car seat pram boot, however they can be more heavy to carry than buggies that are larger.

Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. They are referred to as concertina, fold-in-half, or 3D styles. They are less cumbersome to carry however, they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when folded, so they're not suitable for vehicles with smaller dimensions.

Other models have scissor-style folding which means that the seat back folds towards the front of the buggy, and the whole frame collapses into a square-ish, flat shape. They're easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resultant long rectangular shape might not fit in smaller car boots.

Many pushchairs have sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric, pushchairs Travel Systems which protects the child from the sun. Some brands include this in the price, while others offer it as an extra. The most effective options come with an adjustable hood, which means you can wash them if required. Look out for a footmuff too, as they are ideal for colder weather and can keep babies toasty.

Check the instructions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If there's mud on the wheels, you can try using pressure washer or a hose to wash off the dirt. If this doesn't work, you can use an sterilising fluid that is mild and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair remains in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it may cause damage to the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this occurs, you'll need to start by brushing off any loose mildew or mould using a soft-bristled, soft-bristled brush prior to washing and rinsing as per the instructions.