Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is great for quick trips or holidays. They are light and suitable for babies as young as four years. They come with large wheels, and a nice basket.
They are named after the way they fold, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some fold easily with one hand, while others require two hands or more effort.
Easy to fold
The way that pushchairs fold is the most important aspect when buying one. Not only does it determine how easy they are to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, whereas others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. Look for a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you are looking for an easy pushchair to fold. They are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are ideal if you plan on using public transport or traveling with your baby.
A majority of these pushchairs also have a seat that faces both towards the parent (for bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). They are usually suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some also have an adequate recline (although not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram with car seat sheets.
It is important to take into consideration other factors when choosing a buggy, such as the fabric and if it is machine washable. Quick-release wheels are important because they let you easily clean any dirt or sand.
Some pushchairs feature a scissor fold, which is when the whole buggy folds in half, like a pair of scissors and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair can be the most simple to unfold, as you only need to lift the handle, then close the seat. It can be difficult to store and might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.
In addition to a scissor fold are pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, but can be difficult to handle and require two arms. They can also be difficult to store since they have a long, rectangular shape when in a closed position. They are, however, light and often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and make a great option for families traveling.
Lightweight
The choice of pushchairs is a lot and choosing the best one for you can be a challenge. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The kind of folding you select will affect the ease of transport and store your pushchair.
A lightweight pushchair is a great choice for those with little storage space. There are a variety of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that include carrycots as well as adapters to car seats. Some of these can even be used as early as birth with the newborn carrycot, but it is crucial to confirm the lie flat specifications of any model that is intended for use with a baby.
An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and practical option that occupies small space. They are named for the fact they fold in a similar manner as an umbrella. This makes them fit perfectly into most storage spaces and boot spaces. They are typically lightweight and come with a raincover to protect your child.
A concertina-style pushchair is a different option that folds in three or more parts, with the frame and seat covering each other, before collapsing in on itself. They are the smallest, easy to store and require two hands to open and shut.
Many pushchairs will have a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch on the hood to help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder temperatures. Some brands will include these as part of a bundle, whereas others sell them separately.
Always verify whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable, as this will allow for quicker and easier cleaning. In addition to this, it is important to check regularly if whether the brakes work properly and if there is any dirt on the wheels, get it out using an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
It is possible to choose a pushchair that can be folded down to a compact size when you plan to use it on public transportation or take it on holiday. This type of pushchair is also lightweight to carry and allows to put in the boot of your car or a smaller vehicle.
A variety of folding pushchairs are available for you to pick from, and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Some are focused on speed and ease of use, while others offer a more compact or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching example as it doesn’t just fold down, but in, and the entire buggy transforms into an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than most hand luggage options, making it ideal for travel.
The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another factor to consider – there are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes, or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pressing one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is a great option for parents who have to stop or slow down frequently. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers, as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and can be used to change the pace of an exercise. City pushchairs often have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake and a lever that activates the opposite brake for maximum control.
Based on the age of your baby, you may wish to look for a pushchair that has a lie-flat seating or is travel system compatible which means you can connect a carrycot. Some pushchairs fold quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also choose a lightweight carrycot that is folded flat on the chassis.
If you’re thinking of flying with your child in a pushchair, you should consider checking the airline’s website to ensure the dimensions and weight are within their carry-on baggage allowance. It’s also important to check whether the pushchair will fit through a standard doorway, and that it is able to be pushed up and down the stairs of an airport. It is recommended to bring a raincover with you if you intend to use your stroller during a holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who frequently travel. They fold easily, and they take up very little space in the trunk of your car. They’re also great for taking on public transport and holidays. Some models are compatible with a car seat.
Some models fold so small they’re nearly flat. They’re ideal for those who don’t have a lot of storage space at home, or in your car boot, however they can be more heavy to carry than buggies with larger capacities.
Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. They are referred to as concertina, fold-in-half, or 3D designs. These are easier to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They are also quite long when folded, which makes them suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.
Other models feature scissor-style folding in which the seat back folds to the front of the buggy, and the whole frame collapses into a square-ish, flat shape. They’re easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resulting long rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.
A lot of pushchairs come with a sun canopy, typically made from SPF fabric to help protect baby from the sun. Some brands include this in the price, while other brands offer it as an extra. The best choices have an hood that is removable to allow you to wash it if necessary. Make sure you have an afghan, too, as they are great for colder weather and can keep babies warm.
Make sure you read the directions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If there’s a lot of mud on the wheels, you can try using pressure washer or a hose to wash off the dirt. If this doesn’t work, you can use an sterilising fluid that is mild and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair is left in a wet, damp or mouldy condition for too long, it may cause damage to the fabric and lead to rot and mildew. If this occurs, you’ll need to start by cleaning off any loose mildew or mould with a soft-bristled brush before washing and rinsing according to the directions.