Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They are typically lightweight and suitable for babies up to four years old. They have large wheels and a great basket.

They are named after the way they fold, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is easy while others require a bit of involvement or two hands.

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold could be an important factor when you are looking to purchase 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 focused on speed or ease of usage. If you're looking for a stroller that is easy to fold then you should look for one that has a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat, and are great if you plan on using public transportation or traveling with your child.

These pushchairs usually have a seat facing both the parent and child (for bonding, reassurance and to allow them to explore the world around them). They are generally suitable for babies from 6 months. Some of them also feature an adequate recline (although not flat, like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories such as buggie bags seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram set sheets.

Aside from the ease of folding there are other aspects to consider when choosing a buggy, such as whether the fabric is machine washable, and whether it has wheels that release quickly. Quick-release wheels are important because they let you easily remove any mud or sand.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner, where the buggy is folded like an apex of scissors and flattened to form a long rectangle. This kind of pushchair is generally the easiest to unfold as you only need to lift the handles upwards and then close the seat back. It isn't easy to store and may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

Apart from a scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs are the most compact when they are folded, but can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded they can be a challenge to keep in storage due to their long rectangular shape. However, they are lightweight and compact enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are an excellent option for families who travel.

Lightweight

Choosing the right pushchair for you could be difficult. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of fold you choose can influence how easy it can be transported and stored.

A lightweight pushchair is a great choice for those with little storage space. There are a variety of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that include carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of them can be used as early as birth with a newborn carrycot, although it is important to verify the specifications for lie flat of any model that is designed to be used with a newborn.

A pushchair that folds like an umbrella is a practical and easy choice. It occupies a small space. These pushchairs are named after the fact that they fold in a similar manner as an umbrella. This makes them be easily inserted into storage spaces and boot spaces. These pushchairs are generally light and many models come with a raincover to safeguard your child.

Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold into three or more pieces with the frame and seat overlapping before collapsing onto them. These are usually the most compact and easy to store, however they do require both hands to open and close.

A majority of pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, an reversible seat liner (and washable) and a carry strap, and an enclosed pouch that is attached to the hood. These features can help keep your child dry, warm, and comfortable during the colder winter months. Some brands offer these in a bundle, while others offer them as individual items.

Check if the fabrics of the pushchair can be washed by machine. This will make cleaning simpler and faster. In addition it is essential to check regularly if the brakes are working correctly and if there is any mud on the wheels to get it out using a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

You may want to consider an infant stroller newborn that can be folded down into a compact shape if you plan to use it on public transportation or take it on holiday. This kind of pushchair will also usually be light to carry and easy to store in a car boot or in a car that is small.

A wide selection of folding pushchairs are available for you to choose from and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Some focus on speed and ease of use, while others provide a more compact one-handed, two-handed, or even a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a good example, as it is not just able to fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat, square package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage spaces.

There are two types of brakes for pushchairs: foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pressing a single foot pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always in motion but need to slow down or stop often. 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 alter the speed of a run. City pushchairs usually have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake pram with car seat an adjustable lever that activates the brake opposite for maximum control.

Based on the age of your baby and size, you may want to choose a stroller that offers a lie-flat seat or is travel system compatible which means you can connect to a carrycot. Some pushchairs can fold up quickly with the carrycot still on the frame. Alternatively, an easy-to-transport carrycot that is simply rolled flat on the chassis can be used.

It's worth looking up the airline's website to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. It's also important to confirm whether the pushchair can fit through a standard doorway and that it is able to be lifted up and down the stairs of an airport. You should take an umbrella with you if you intend to take your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

foldable stroller pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who frequently travel. They're designed to be easy to fold and will take up a small space in your car boot. They are also ideal for holidays and public transport. Some models are even suitable for use with a car seat.

Some models fold so compactly they're nearly flat. They're ideal for those who have little space in your car or home boot. However they're heavier than buggies with larger wheels.

Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. They are referred to as concertina, fold-in-half or 3D styles. They are more convenient to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, so aren't suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.

Other models feature scissor-style folding, where the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy and the frame collapses into a flat square-ish shape. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boot.

Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy, typically made from SPF fabric, which helps protect baby from the sun. Some brands include this in the price, while other brands sell it as an accessory. The best options have an hood that is removable to allow you to wash it as needed. Also look for a footmuff that can keep your baby warm in colder temperatures.

Most pushchairs can be washed down with a damp cloth, but certain fabrics cannot be machine washed and should be checked by the manufacturer's guidelines. If you've got mud on your wheels, make use of a pressure washer, or hose to clean it off. If this fails, you can use a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is in a damp, wet or stale for too long, it could damage the fabric and cause mildew and rot. If this happens, you'll need to start by brushing off any mould or mildew that has escaped with a soft-bristled toothbrush before washing and rinsing as per the directions.