Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is the perfect solution for holidays or quick excursions. They tend to be lightweight and are suitable for babies from four years old and up. They have good-sized wheels, and a nice basket.

Their name is derived from the way they collapse. It's like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.

Folding is simple

The way that pushchairs fold is a crucial aspect when you are buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. The majority of manufacturers create their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind, with some focusing on compactness while others focus on speed or user-friendliness. Find a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you are looking for a pushchair that is easy to fold. These are known for their ability to fold flat and are ideal for those who plan to use public transportation or traveling with your child.

A majority of these pushchairs also have seats that face towards the parent (for bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for children from 6 months old. Some have a decent recline position (though not flat like an infant car seats) and are compatible accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram set sheet.

It is also important to consider other aspects when selecting the buggy you want to use, such as the fabric and if it is machine washable. Quick-release wheels are important because they let you easily clean any mud or sand.

Some pushchairs feature a scissor fold, which is when the whole buggy is folded in half like scissors and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair is usually the easiest to unfold as you only need to lift the handles up and then close the seat back. It can be difficult to store and may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

In addition to a scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, however they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. When folded they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. They are however, lightweight and usually small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great choice for families that prams travel system.

Lightweight

The selection of pushchairs available is a lot and choosing the best one for you could be difficult. The jargon can be confusing, and the folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to grasp. The type of folding you select can affect the ease with which you can transport and store your pushchair.

Choosing a lightweight pushchair can make all the difference for those with a small storage space at home. There are a variety of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional travel systems that include carrycots as well as adapters for car seats. Some of them can be used right from birth using a newborn carrycot, although it is crucial to confirm the specifications for lie flat of any model that is intended for use with a baby.

An umbrella-folding pushchair can be an easy and practical option that takes up very little space. These pushchairs are named after the fact they fold in a similar way to an umbrella. This makes them fit perfectly into most storage spaces and vehicle boot spaces. They are typically light, and the majority of models will also include a rain cover to protect your child from the elements.

Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold in three or more pieces with the frame and the seat overlapping and then collapsing onto themselves. They are typically the smallest and most convenient to store, however they require both hands to open and close.

A majority of pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, a reversible (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 in colder temperatures. Some brands include these in a bundle, while others sell them separately.

Always look to see whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable, as this will allow for quicker and easier cleaning. It is also essential to make sure that the brakes work correctly and to clean any mud that has accumulated on the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

If you want to take your pushchair with you on vacation or use it frequently on public transport, you may prefer one that folds down easily into an incredibly compact size. This kind of pushchair is also likely to be light to lift and easy to store in a car boot or small car.

There are many different models of folding pushchairs and the way that they fold may differ. Some are designed for speed and convenience, while others are compacter and can be folded using two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a perfect example, as it is not just able to fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat, square package that fits into many hand luggage compartments.

There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs: foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most common brakes are the foot brakes, which operate by pressing one pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are always on the go but who require to slow down or stop frequently. Hand brakes are available on jogger-style strollers, as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes, and can be used to change the speed of a run. City pushchairs often come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake with an lever that triggers the brake opposite for maximum control.

You might want to consider a pushchair that has an option to lie flat or that is compatible with a travel system so you can connect the carrycot. Some pushchairs fold up quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also choose a light carrycot that can be folded flat on the chassis.

It's worth checking out the website of the airline to ensure that the dimensions and weight of the pram pushchair fall within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Verify that the stroller can fit through a standard airport doorway, and can be lifted and lowered over steps. You should take a raincover with you if you plan to use your twin stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic option for parents who are often in motion. They fold easily, and they take up a small amount of space in the trunk of your car. They're also an excellent option for taking on public transport and holidays. Some models are even suitable for use with car seats.

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

Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold-in-half, or 3D designs. They are easier to handle however they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when they are folded, making them ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.

Other models fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the entire frame is collapsed into an unflattering, square-ish form. They are simple and quick to fold, and are also suitable for public transportation. However, the long rectangular shape they create might not fit into small car boot dimensions.

Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy typically made of SPF fabric, which helps 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 is removable to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Make sure you have an afghan, too, as they are ideal for colder weather and can keep babies toasty.

The majority of pushchairs can be cleaned down with a damp cloth but certain fabrics aren't machine washable, so check the instructions of the manufacturer. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, you can try using pressure washer or a hose to wash off the dirt. If this isn't successful then you can try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outdoors. If you leave your pushchair in an unclean or wet state for too long, the fabric may become damaged and mildewed. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mould with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.