Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is an ideal solution for short trips out and about. They are light and suitable for babies as young as four years. They also have decent-sized wheels and a good basket.

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

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold is the most important aspect when buying one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of usage. Look for a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you want an easy pushchair to fold. They are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are perfect if you plan on using public transport or travelling with your baby.

Many of these types of pushchairs also come with seats that face towards the parent (for bonding and comfort) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some also have a decent recline (although not flat, like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.

In addition to the ease of folding there are other aspects to take into consideration when choosing a buggy, such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable and whether it has wheels that release quickly. Quick-release wheels are crucial as they permit you to easily clean any mud or sand.

Some pushchairs come with a scissor fold, which is the place where the entire buggy is folded in half like scissors and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is usually the easiest to unfold 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.

In addition to a scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs tend to be the smallest when folded, but they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. When folded, they can be difficult to keep in storage due to their long rectangular shape. They are however, lightweight and usually small enough to be used as baggage for flights and are a great choice for families who travel.

Lightweight

Finding the perfect pushchair for you could be difficult. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you choose will affect how easy it is to transport and store your pushchair.

A compact pushchair running pushchair is a great option for those with limited storage space. There are a myriad of different kinds, ranging from compact umbrella folds down to multi-functional travel systems with car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of them can be utilized as early as birth with a baby carrier but it is crucial to verify the specifications of models that are intended to be used with newborns.

A pushchair that folds as an umbrella is a convenient and easy choice. It occupies a small space. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact that they fold similarly to an umbrella. This allows them to fit easily into most storage and boot spaces. These pushchairs are usually very light and many models 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, before collapsing on itself. They are the most compact and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.

A majority of pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a secure pouch on the hood that will help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder temperatures. Some brands 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 by machine. This makes cleaning much easier and quicker. In addition, it is important to regularly check the brakes are working correctly and if there is any dirt on the wheels, get it out using a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

You might choose an infant stroller that can be folded down to a compact size in case you intend to take it on public transport or to take it on vacation. This type of pushchair is also lightweight to carry and allows to store in your car boot or small vehicle.

There are a variety of brands of folding pushchairs, and the way that they fold can differ. Some are focused on speed and convenience whilst others provide a more compact, two-handed or even one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a great example, since it is not just able to fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat, square bag that fits in many hand luggage allowances.

The choice of pushchair brakes is another factor to consider There are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes or a mixture of both. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pushing on the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who must stop or slow down often. Handle brakes can be found on jogger-style strollers as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and can be used to alter the speed of the course of a run. Combination brakes are often used on city pushchairs. They combine a foot pedal with an hand lever that triggers the other brake for maximum control.

Based on the age of your baby and size, you may want to choose a stroller that has a lie-flat seating or is compatible with a travel system to allow you to attach a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to be folded quickly using the carrycot tucked away on the frame. Alternatively, a lightweight carrycot which can be simply pushed flat onto the frame can be utilized.

It's worth checking out the airline's website to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Verify that the stroller can fit through an airport standard doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and down stairs. You should bring a raincover with you if you plan to use your stroller during a holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a great choice for parents who are frequently on the move. They're designed to be simple to fold and will take up a small space in the car boot. They are also great for public transport and holidays. Certain models can be used 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 at home, or in your car boot, but they could be heavier to carry than buggies with larger capacities.

Alternatively, there are some pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, referred to 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 large when folded, which makes them ideal for cars with smaller trunks.

Other models fold in a scissor-like fashion in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame is collapsed into an unflattering, square-ish form. They are simple and quick to fold and are also suitable for public transport. However the rectangular shape they create may not fit into small car boot dimensions.

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 the price, while some sell it separately. The best options have an hood that is removable to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Also look for a footmuff that can keep your baby warm during colder temperatures.

Make sure you read the directions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If you've got dirt on your wheels, make use of a pressure washer, or hose to clean it off. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric on the outside. If you leave your pushchair in a damp, wet or mouldy condition for too long, the fabric may be damaged and mildewed. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.