Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is the perfect solution for 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 spacious basket.

Their name is derived from the way that they fold. It's akin to an umbrella. Some have one-handed folding stroller that's easy, while others require more involvement or two hands.

Folding is easy

The way in which pushchairs fold could be an important factor when you are looking to purchase one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, whereas others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a stroller that folds easily, then you should look for one that has a concertina or scissor type of fold. These are known for being easily foldable, and are ideal for those who plan to use public transportation or travelling with your child.

A majority of these pushchairs also have an incline that is towards the parent (for bonding and comfort) 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 also have an adequate recline (although not flat, like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories, including buggie bags, seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram bag sheets.

Apart from the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects that you should consider when selecting a buggy, such as whether the fabric is machine washable and if it has quick-release wheels. The wheels that are quick-release are particularly important because it allows you can easily clean off any wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like manner, where the buggy folds like a pair of scissors, and then flattened into a long rectangle. This kind of pushchair is typically the simplest to unfold since it is just a matter of lifting the handles up and then fold the seat back. It can be difficult to store and might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These pushchairs are compact when folded, but can be difficult to handle and require two arms. They can also be tricky to store because they have a long rectangular shape when in a closed position. However, they are lightweight and small enough to use as cabin baggage for flights. They are a great choice for families traveling together.

Lightweight

Choosing the right pushchair for your needs can be difficult. The jargon can be confusing, and folding mechanisms are particularly hard to understand. The fold you select can influence how easy the pushchair is to transport and store.

Choosing a lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those with limited storage space at home. There are a variety of different types of umbrellas, from compact folds up to multi-functional travel systems with car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can be used as early as the time of birth with a baby carrier, however, it is essential to verify the specifications of models designed for use with infants.

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

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

A majority of pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, a reversible seat liner (and washable) as well as the carry strap, as well as a secure pouch attached to the hood. These features can help keep your child dry, warm, and comfortable during colder weather. 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. It is also important to ensure that the brakes function properly and to remove any mud that has accumulated on the wheels with an hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

It is possible to choose a pushchair that is folded into a compact form when you plan to use it on public transportation or take it on holiday. This kind of pushchair is also light 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 pick from, and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Some are designed for speed and convenience while others are more compact and can be folded using two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching example as it doesn't just fold down, but into the entire buggy transforms into an elegant square box that is smaller than many hand luggage allowances making it perfect for travelling.

The choice of pushchair brakes is another thing to think about There are foot pedal brakes, hand 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 a great option for parents who must stop or slow down often. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and they can be used to alter the momentum during a run. Combination brakes are often used on city pushchairs. They combine a foot pedal with a hand lever that activates the other brake to give you maximum control.

Based on your baby's age and size, you may want to find a pushchair with a lying-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems so you can attach to a carrycot. Some pushchairs fold very quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also choose an ultra-lightweight carrycot that is placed flat on the chassis.

If you're thinking of traveling with your child in a pushchair, it's worth visiting the airline's website to ensure the dimensions and weight are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Make sure that the pushchair will fit through an airport standard doorway, and that it is able to be lifted and lowered over stairs. If you do plan to use your pushchair on vacation, it's best to bring a rain cover to protect it from showers and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic option for parents who are frequently moving around. They are designed to be simple to fold and will take up a small space in your car boot. They are also great for public transport and holidays. Certain models can be used with a car-seat.

Some models are so compact that they fold up almost flat. They're perfect if you don't have much storage space at home, or in your car boot, but they could be heavier to carry than buggies with larger capacities.

Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, referred to as concertina 3D, fold-in-half or fold-in-half designs. They are easier to handle however they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when folded, making them ideal for smaller vehicles.

Others fold in a scissor style in which the seatback folds toward the front of buggy, and the frame collapses to an unflattering, square-ish form. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting long rectangular shape might not fit in smaller car boots.

Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric which protects your baby from the sun. Some brands include this in the price, while other brands offer it as an extra. The best options include a removable hood, so you can wash them if needed. Look out for a footmuff too, as they are ideal for colder temperatures and keep babies warm.

Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics are not machine washed. If you've found mud on your wheels make use of a pressure washer, or hose to wash it off. If this doesn't work then you can use a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair remains in a wet, damp or mouldy condition for too long, it may cause damage to the fabric and cause mildew and rot. If this happens, you'll need to start by cleaning off any loose mildew or mould with a soft-bristled toothbrush before rinsing and washing as per the instructions.