Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is a great solution for quick trips out and about. They are usually lightweight and suitable for children as young as four years old. They have large wheels, and a spacious basket.

Their name is derived due to the way they collapse. It's akin to an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with just one hand, whereas others need two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way that pushchairs fold can be an important factor when you are buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. The majority of brands design their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind, with some focusing on compactness whilst others focus on speed or ease of use. If you're looking to purchase a pushchair that is easy to fold choose one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are renowned for being easily foldable, top Prams and are ideal for those who plan on using public transportation or travelling with your child.

A majority of these pushchairs also come with seats that face both towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for children at a young age of 6 months. Some have an adequate recline position (though not flat like infant car seats) and are compatible with other accessories like buggie bags or seat liners. They also come with a fitted moses basket/pram with car seat sheet.

It is important to take into consideration other aspects when selecting the buggy you want to use, such as the fabric and whether it is machine washable. Having quick-release wheels is particularly important as it means you can easily wash off any wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the buggy is folded as a pair of scissors, and then flattened to form a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is generally the simplest to unfold since you only need to lift the handles up and then close the seat back. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for public transport since it might not fit in smaller car boot spaces.

Apart from a scissor fold, there are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs tend to be the most compact when folded, however they can be a challenge to carry and require two hands. They can also be difficult to store because they have a long rectangular shape when they are in a closed position. However, they are light and small enough to be used as cabin luggage for flights. They are a great choice for families traveling together.

Lightweight

Finding the perfect pushchair for you could be difficult. The terminology can be confusing, and folding mechanisms can be hard to understand. The type of folding you choose will affect the ease of transport and store the pushchair.

A lightweight pushchair is a great choice for those with limited storage space. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that include carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of these can even be used right from birth using baby carrycots, however it is important to verify the specifications for lie flat of any model that is intended to be used with a newborn.

An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and practical option that occupies small space. They are named for the fact that they fold in a similar manner as an umbrella. This allows them to be easily inserted into storage spaces and vehicle boot spaces. These pushchairs are usually very light and most models come with a raincover to protect your child.

A concertina-style pushchair is another option that folds into three or more sections with the frame and seat covering each other before collapsing on itself. They are typically the most compact and easy to store, but they require both hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs include a footmuff and an adjustable seat liner (and washable), 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 sell them individually.

Examine if the fabric of the pushchair can be washed by machine. This will make cleaning easier and quicker. It is also essential to check that the brakes are working properly and to remove any mud from the wheels using an hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

If you want to take your pushchair with you on vacation or use it regularly on public transport, you may prefer one that folds down easily into an incredibly compact size. This kind of pushchair can be light to carry and easy to store in a boot or in a small car.

A wide selection of folding pushchairs is available to select from and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some are specifically designed for speed and ease of use while others are more compact and can be folded using two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a good example, as it not only folds down but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage spaces.

The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another thing to think about - there are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes, or a combination of both. The most popular brakes are foot brakes which operate by pressing one pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always moving around but require to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes are commonly found on joggers and pushchairs with three wheels. style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and are able to change momentum during a run for example. City pushchairs often have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake with a 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 compatible with a travel system which means you can connect to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold up quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also opt for a light carrycot that can be folded flat on the chassis.

It's worth checking out the airline's site to ensure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to determine whether the stroller can pass through a standard entrance and that it can be lifted up and down the stairs of an airport. If you are planning to use your pushchair on holiday, it's a good idea to take a rain cover with you to protect it from showers and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic choice for parents who are constantly moving around. They are designed to be simple to fold and take up little space in the car boot. They're also an excellent option to take on public transport and holidays. Some models are compatible with a car-seat.

Some models fold so small they're almost flat. They're ideal if you don't have much storage space in your home or in your car boot, however they can be more heavy to carry than a larger buggies.

Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. They are referred to as concertina, fold-in-half, or 3D designs. They are more comfortable to use however, they require both hands to unfold and fold. They can also be quite long when folded, so aren't ideal for cars with smaller trunks.

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

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy typically made of SPF fabric, which helps protect your baby from sun. Some brands include it in their price, while some sell it separately. The most effective options come with a removable hood to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Consider a footmuff too, as they are great for colder temperatures and keep babies toasty.

Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can't be machine washed. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, you can try using a hose or pressure washer to wash off the dirt. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair with car seat is left in a wet, damp or stale for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mould with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.