Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is an ideal solution for holidays or quick excursions. They are usually lightweight and suitable for babies from four years old and up. They come with large wheels and a great basket.

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

Folding is easy

The way pushchairs are folded can be an important factor when buying one. Not only does it determine how easy they are to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Most brands design their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness, while others concentrate on speed or user-friendliness. Look for a pushchair with an orchestra or scissor fold if you are looking for a pushchair which is easy to fold. These are known for their ability to fold flat and are perfect when you are planning to use public transport or traveling with your child.

These types of pushchairs often have a seat facing both the parent and the child (for bonding, reassurance and to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs can be used by babies at a young age of 6 months. Some also come with an acceptable recline (although not flat, foldable pushchair like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories like buggie bags, seat liners and fitted moses basket/triple pram sheets.

Apart from the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects to take into consideration when selecting a buggy, such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable and if it has quick-release wheels. Quick-release wheels are essential because they let you easily clean any dirt or sand.

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 fold since you have to lift the handle and then close the seat. It can be difficult to store and may not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, such as concertina, which fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are compact when folded, but they can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. They can also be difficult to store as they are rectangular in shape when closed position. They are, however, light and usually small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and are therefore a great choice for families traveling.

Lightweight

The variety of pushchairs available is vast and deciding on the one that is right for you could be difficult. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The kind of folding you select will determine how easy it is to transport and store the pushchair.

Choosing a lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those with a small storage space at home. There are many different models that range from compact umbrella folds to multi-purpose travel systems that incorporate car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of them can be utilized as early as birth with a newborn carrier, however, it is essential to know the specifications for models designed to be used by newborns.

An umbrella-folding pushchair can be an easy and efficient option that takes up very little space. These types of pushchairs derive their name because of the fact they fold down similar as an umbrella, which allows them to fit into a variety of storage and vehicle boot space. They are typically light and most models include a rain cover to protect your child.

A concertina-style pushchair is another option that folds into three or more sections with the frame and seat covering each other, before collapsing in on itself. They are the smallest and easy to store. They require two hands to open and close.

A majority of pushchairs come with a footmuff and an adjustable seat liner (and washable) as well as the carry strap, as well as a secure pouch that can be attached to the hood. These features will ensure that your child stays warm, dry, and comfortable during the colder winter months. Certain brands will include these items as part of a set, while others will 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. Additionally it is essential to regularly check whether the brakes work properly and if there is any mud on the wheels, get rid of it using an hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

If you're planning to take your pushchair with you on holiday or use it frequently on public transport you might prefer one that folds down easily into smaller dimensions. This kind of pushchair can be light to carry and easy to store in a trunk or in a small car.

A wide selection of folding pushchairs are available to select from and the way they fold differs from one brand to the next. Some are designed for speed and convenience, while others are compacter and fold with two hands or even just one hand. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching model because it doesn't only fold down but then in, and the entire buggy transforms into an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than many hand luggage options, making it ideal for travel.

There are two types of brakes for pushchairs: foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most common and work by pushing on a single foot pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who must stop or slow down often. Handle brakes are found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change the speed of a run, for instance. Combination brakes are often seen on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal and an hand lever that triggers the other brake to give you maximum control.

Based on the age of your baby and size, you may want to find a pushchair that offers a lie-flat seat or is travel system compatible which means you can connect to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can be folded very quickly with the carrycot tucked away on the frame, Foldable pushchair or the lightweight carrycot that is simply rolled flat on the chassis can be used.

It's worth looking up the airline's website to ensure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the baggage allowance for carry-on bags. It's also important to confirm whether the pushchair can fit through a standard entrance and that it is able to be pushed up and down stairs in an airport. You should bring raincovers when you plan to take your stroller on holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic choice for parents who are constantly on the move. They're designed to be simple to fold and take up little space in your car boot. They are also ideal for public transport and vacations. Some models can be used with a car seat.

Some models are so compact that they fold up almost flat. They're great for those who don't have a lot of storage space at home, or in your car boot, but they may be heavier to carry than buggies with larger capacities.

Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, known as concertina 3D or fold-in half styles. They are easier to handle, but they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, so aren't suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.

Other models have scissor-style folding which means that the seat back folds to the front of the buggy and the frame collapses into a square-ish, flat shape. They are simple and quick to fold, and can be used in public transport. However the long rectangular shape they create might not fit in small car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy usually made from SPF fabric to help protect your child 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 so that you can wash it in the event that you need to. Consider the footmuff, too, since they are great for colder weather and can keep babies toasty.

Most pushchairs can be wiped down using a damp cloth. However, certain fabrics cannot be machine washed, so check the manufacturer's guidelines. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, try using the pressure washer or hose to rinse off the dirt. If this fails then you can use an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair remains in a wet, damp or stale for too long, it may damage the fabric and lead to rot and mildew. If this occurs, you'll need to begin by removing any mould or mildew that has escaped using a soft-bristled, soft-bristled brush prior to washing and rinsing according to the instructions.