Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is an ideal solution for short trips out and about. They are typically lightweight and are suitable for babies from four years old and up. They have large wheels, and a spacious basket.

They have their name because of their collapse method in a manner that's a lot like an umbrella. Some fold with one hand that's easy, while others require a bit more involvement or two hands.

Easy to fold

The way pushchairs are folded can be an important factor when purchasing one. Not only does it determine how easy they are to carry as well as how much space they take up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a stroller that is easy to fold then look for one with a concertina or scissor type of fold. These are known for being easily foldable and are great if you are planning on using public transportation or travelling with your child.

Many of these types of pushchairs also have an incline that is both towards the parent (for bonding and comfort) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies up to 6 months. Some have an adequate reclining position (though not as flat as infant car seat) and can be used with other accessories such as buggie bag, seat liners, and moses baskets that are fitted with a 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. The wheels that are quick-release are particularly important because it means that you can easily wash off any dried or wet mud.

Some pushchairs have a scissor fold, which is the place where the entire buggy folds in half, like a pair of scissors, and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is generally the easiest to unfold as you only need to lift the handles and then close the seat back. However, it can be difficult to store in small spaces and isn't suitable for public transport because it may not fit into smaller car boots.

Apart from the scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, like a concertina. These pushchairs are compact when folded, but they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. When folded, they can be difficult to store due to their large rectangular shape. They are, however, light and are often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and are a great choice for families who travel.

Lightweight

The choice of pushchairs is vast and deciding on the right one for you can be a challenge. The jargon can be confusing and the folding mechanisms especially can be hard to understand. The fold you select can affect how easily the pushchair can be transported and stored.

A compact pushchair is a great option for those with little storage space. There are a variety of pushchairs available, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that include carrycots as well as adapters to car seats. Some of them can be used from birth with baby carrycots, however it is crucial to confirm the lie flat specifications of any model intended for use with a baby.

An umbrella-folding pushchair can be a simple and convenient option that occupies little space. These kinds of pushchairs get their name from the fact that they fold down in a similar way as an umbrella, which enables them to be tucked into a variety of storage or vehicle boot space. They are often incredibly light, and the majority of them include an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.

A concertina-style pushchair is a different option that folds in three or more sections with the frame and seat over each other before collapsing in on itself. These are usually the smallest and easiest to store, however they require both hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs will have a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood to help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder weather. Certain brands will include these items as part of a set, while others sell them as separate items.

Check if the fabrics of the pushchair can be washed using a machine. This will make cleaning easier and faster. It is also essential to make sure that the brakes are working properly and to remove any mud off the wheels using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

If you plan to take your pushchair along with you on vacation or take it on a regular basis on public transport you might prefer a model that folds easily into a compact size. This kind of pushchair is also likely to be light to lift and easy to store in a trunk or in a car that is small.

There are many different models of folding pushchairs and the way that they fold can differ. Some are designed for speed and convenience and others are smaller and can be folded using two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a standout example as it doesn't just fold down but then in too, so the entire buggy transforms into a neat square package smaller than many hand luggage allowances making it ideal for travel.

The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another factor to consider - there are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes or a combination of both. The most commonly used brakes are the foot brakes, which operate by pressing one pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are constantly on the go but who require to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes are commonly found on joggers and pushchairs with three wheels. style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change momentum during a run for example. City pushchairs often come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and an lever that triggers the brake opposite to give you maximum control.

You may want to select one with a lie-flat feature or one that is compatible with a travel system so you can attach the carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to be folded very quickly with the carrycot tucked away on the frame or a lightweight stroller carrycot which is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be utilized.

It's worth looking up the airline's website to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the carry-on baggage allowance. Make sure that the pushchair will pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it is able to be lifted and lowered over the stairs. It is recommended to bring a raincover when you plan to use your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic choice for parents who are frequently moving around. They are designed to be simple to fold and fit into a tiny space in your car boot. They are also great for holidays and public transport. Some models are even suitable to be used with car seats.

Some models fold down so small they're almost flat. They're great when you don't have lots of storage space at home, or in your car boot, but they may 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 designs. They are easier to handle however, they require both hands to unfold and fold. They can also be quite large when folded, so aren't ideal for smaller cars.

Other models feature scissor-style folding in which the seat back folds towards the front of the buggy and the entire frame is collapsed into a flat square-ish shape. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resulting long rectangular shape may not fit into smaller car boots.

A lot of pushchairs come with a sun canopy typically made from SPF fabric, which helps protect baby from the sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, while others offer it as an accessory. The best travel pram options include a removable hood, so you can wash them if required. Make sure you have an afghan, too, as they are perfect for colder temperatures and keep your baby warm.

The majority of pushchairs can be cleaned down with a damp cloth, but some fabrics are not machine-washable, so check the manufacturer's instructions. If you notice mud on the wheels, try using a hose or pressure washer to wash off the dirt. If this fails then you can try an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is left in a damp, wet or stale for too long, it can cause damage to the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse as directed.