Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair stroller is a great solution for quick trips out and about. They are typically lightweight and are suitable for babies from four years old and up. They also have decent-sized wheels and a basket that is suitable for children.

They get their name from the way they fold into a form that's like an umbrella. Some fold easily with just one hand, whereas others need two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way pushchairs are folded is a crucial aspect when you are buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more focused on speed or ease of use. If you're looking to purchase a pushchair that folds easily, choose one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are known for being easily foldable and are great for those who plan to use public transportation or traveling 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 typically suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some have an adequate reclining position (though not flat like an infant car seats) and are compatible with other accessories like buggie bags or seat liners. They also come with a fitted moses basket/pram sheet.

You should also consider other factors when choosing the buggy you want to use, such as the fabric and whether it is machine washable. Having quick-release wheels is particularly important as it means you can easily wash away any dried or wet mud.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner that is, the buggy folds like a pair of scissors, and then flattened into a long rectangle. This type of pushchair is usually the easiest to fold as you only need to lift the handles upwards and then fold the seat back. It can be difficult to store and may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, such as concertina that fold into three or folding pushchair more sections. These pushchairs tend to be the most compact when folded, however they can be a challenge to carry and require two hands. They can also be tricky to store since they have a long rectangular shape when in a closed position. However, they are lightweight and small enough to use as cabin luggage on flights. They are a great option for families who travel.

Lightweight

The choice of pushchairs is vast and deciding on the one that is right for you can be tricky. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The fold you select can have an impact on how easily the pushchair is to transport and store.

A lightweight pushchair can make all the difference for those who have limited storage space at home. 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 them can be used as early as the time of birth with a baby carrier, but it is important to check the specifications for models that are intended to be used by newborns.

An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and practical option that takes up very little room. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact they fold in a similar way to an umbrella. This allows them to fit easily into most storage spaces and boot spaces. They are typically lightweight and come with a raincover to safeguard your child.

Concertina-style pushchairs are another choice. They fold into three or more sections with the frame and the seat collapsing on them. They are the smallest and convenient to store. They require two hands to open and shut.

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

Always look to see whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable. This will allow for quicker and more efficient cleaning. It is also essential to make sure that the brakes are working properly and to clean any mud that has accumulated on the wheels with the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

You may want to consider an infant stroller that can be folded down into a compact form when you plan to use it on public transport or take it on holiday. This kind of pushchair is also lightweight to lift and easy for you to store in your car boot or in a small vehicle.

A variety of folding pushchairs are available to select from and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some are specifically designed for speed and ease of use while others are more compact strollers and can be folded with two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a good example, since it is not just able to fold down, but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy an attractive square package that fits into many hand luggage allowances.

The selection of pushchair brakes is another thing to think about - there are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes, or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most popular and work by pressing one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are constantly in motion but have to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes can be found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter momentum during a run for instance. Combination brakes are typically seen on city pushchairs and incorporate a foot pedal with an hand Folding Pushchair lever that triggers the other brake for maximum control.

Depending on your baby's age and size, you may want to choose a stroller with a lying-flat seat or is compatible with a travel system to allow you to attach to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to fold up quickly with the carrycot still on the frame. Alternatively, an easy-to-transport carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be used.

If you are thinking of flying with your baby in a pushchair it's worth visiting the airline's website to ensure that the dimensions and weight are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Check that the pushchair can fit through an airport standard doorway, and is able to be lifted and lowered over steps. If you are planning to use your pushchair during a holiday it's a good idea to bring a rain cover with you to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a great choice for parents who are constantly on the move. They are designed to be easy to fold and fit into a tiny space in the car boot. They're also a great option for taking on public transport and for taking on holidays. Some models are compatible with a car seat.

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

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

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

Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy. They are typically constructed of SPF fabric, which helps protect the baby from sun. Some brands include it in the price, while some sell it separately. The best options come with a removable hood, so you can wash them if needed. Also consider an infant foot warmer that will keep your baby warm during colder temperatures.

Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can't be machine washed. If you notice mud on the wheels, try using the pressure washer or hose to wash off the dirt. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is in a wet, damp or stale for too long, it can damage the fabric and lead to rot and mildew. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.