Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is a great solution for quick trips out and about. They are usually lightweight and suitable for children as young as four years old. They also have good-sized wheels and a basket that is suitable for children.

Their name is derived due to the way they collapse. It's like an umbrella. Some fold with one hand that's a breeze, while others require more involvement or two hands.

Easy to fold

The way that pushchairs fold is a crucial aspect when buying one. Not only does it determine how they are easy to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, whereas others are more focused on speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a pushchair that folds easily, choose one with a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are known for being capable of folding flat and are perfect if you are planning on using public transportation or travelling with your child.

These types of pushchairs often have a seat facing both the parent and the child (for bonding, comfort and to let them explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for children as young as 6 months. Some of them feature a comfortable recline (though not flat like infant car seats) and are compatible accessories such as buggie bag seats, seat liners, and moses baskets that are fitted with a pram and travel system sheet.

It is also important to consider other aspects when selecting the right buggy, including the fabric and whether it is machine washable. Quick-release wheels are crucial because they let you easily clean any dirt or sand.

Some pushchairs feature scissor folds, which is when the whole buggy collapses in half like a pair of scissors, and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is generally the easiest to unfold as it is just a matter of lifting the handles and then fold the seat back. However, it can be difficult to store in small spaces and isn't suitable for public transport as it may not fit into smaller car booties.

There are also pushchairs, such as concertina, which fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded but they aren't easy to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be a challenge to store due to their long rectangular shape. But, they're light and small enough to use as cabin luggage on flights. They are an excellent option for families traveling together.

Lightweight

Choosing the right pushchair for you could be a challenge. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The fold you choose can influence how easy it can be transported and stored.

A compact pushchair is an excellent choice for those with little storage space. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional travel systems that come with carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of these can even 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 designed for use with a newborn.

A pushchair that folds as an umbrella is a practical and easy choice. It takes up little space. These kinds of pushchairs get their name because of the fact they fold down similarly as an umbrella, which allows them to be tucked into most forms of storage or vehicle boot space. They're typically extremely light, and the majority of them come with a rain cover to protect 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 overlapping each other before collapsing into itself. They are the most compact, easy to store and require two hands to open and shut.

Many pushchairs include the footmuff as well as a reversible seat liner (and washable) and the carry strap, as well as an enclosed pouch that is attached to the hood. These features will help keep your child dry, warm and comfortable in colder weather. Some brands include these items in a bundle, whereas others offer them as individual items.

Always look to see if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable, as this will allow for faster and easier cleaning. In addition, it is important to check regularly if the brakes are working correctly and if there's any dirt on the wheels, Foldable Pushchair remove it with a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

If you want to take your pushchair along with you on holiday or use it frequently on public transport you might prefer one that folds down easily into a compact size. This type of pushchair is also lightweight to lift and makes it easy for you to put in the boot of your car or small vehicle.

A variety of folding pushchairs is available to select from and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some are designed for speed and convenience while others are more compact and fold with two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a perfect example, since it not only folds down but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square bag that fits in many hand luggage spaces.

The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another factor to consider There are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes, or a combination 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 on the go but who need to slow down or stop frequently. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter the momentum during a run. Combination brakes are often seen on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal with an adjustable hand lever that can activate the other brake for maximum control.

You may want to choose a pushchair with a lie-flat feature or one that is compatible with a travel system, so you can connect the carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can fold up quickly with the carrycot left on the frame or the lightweight carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be utilized.

It's worth checking out the airline's site to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the carry-on baggage allowance. Check that the pushchair can pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it can be lifted up and down steps. It is recommended to bring an umbrella when you plan to take your stroller on holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for foldable pushchair parents who travel frequently. They fold easily, and they take up very little space in the trunk of your car. They're also a great option for public transport and for taking on holidays. Some models are compatible with a car seat.

Some models fold so small they're almost flat. They're perfect if you don't have much storage space at home or in your car boot, but they could be more cumbersome to transport than buggies with larger capacities.

Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold-in-half or 3D styles. They are more convenient to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when folded, making them suitable for vehicles 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're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resultant long rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boot.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy usually made from SPF fabric to shield your child from sun. Some brands include it in their price, while others sell it separately. The best options come with an adjustable hood, which means you can wash them as needed. Also look for a footmuff that can keep your baby warm in colder weather.

Most pushchairs can be wiped down using a damp cloth. However, some fabrics are not machine-washable, so check the manufacturer's guidelines. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, try using pressure washer or a hose to rinse off the dirt. If this fails then you can try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair is in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it can damage the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.