Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is a great solution for holidays or quick trips out and about. They tend to be lightweight stroller and are suitable for children as young as four years old. They have large wheels, and a spacious basket.
They have their name because of the way they fold in a manner that's a lot like an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is easy while others require a bit more involvement or two hands.
Folding is easy
The way that pushchairs fold can be an important factor when buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. The majority of manufacturers design their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind, with some focusing on compactness while others focus on speed or ease of use. Find a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you are looking for an easy pushchair to fold. These are known for their ability to fold flat and are perfect if you plan on using public transport or traveling with your child.
A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also come with a seat that faces towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). They are usually suitable for babies from 6 months. Some have a comfortable recline position (though not flat like infant car seat) and can be used with other accessories like buggie bags or seat liners. They also come with a moses baskets that are fitted with a pram store near me sheet.
It is important to take into consideration other factors when choosing the buggy you want to use, such as the fabric and if it is machine-washable. Quick-release wheels are important because it allows you can easily clean off any dried or wet mud.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like fashion in which the buggy folds like an apex of scissors and flattened into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair could be the easiest to fold because you just need to lift the handle and then close the seat. It isn't easy to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
Aside from the scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are the smallest when folded, however they can be a challenge to carry and require two hands. They can also be tricky to store as they have a long, rectangular shape when they are in a closed position. However, they are light and compact enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great choice for families who travel.
Lightweight
The choice of pushchairs is vast and deciding on the right one for you could be difficult. The jargon can be confusing, and the folding mechanisms can be difficult to comprehend. The type of fold you choose can influence how easily the pushchair is to transport and store.
A lightweight pushchair is a great option for those who have limited storage space. There are a myriad of different types of umbrellas, from compact folds down to multi-purpose travel systems that include car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can be used as early as the time of birth with a newborn carrier, but it is crucial to verify the specifications of models that are intended to be used with newborns.
An umbrella-folding pushchair is a simple and convenient option that occupies little room. These types of pushchairs derive their name because of the fact that they fold down similar as an umbrella, allowing them to be tucked into the majority of storage and vehicle boot space. They are typically lightweight and come with a raincover to protect your child.
A concertina-styled pushchair is an alternative option that folds in three or more sections, with the frame and seat overlapping each other before collapsing on itself. These are usually the smallest and easiest to store, however they do require both hands to open and close.
A majority of pushchairs come with the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood to keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder weather. Certain brands will include these items as part of a bundle while others sell them as separate items.
Always verify if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable, as this allows for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also important to ensure that the brakes are working properly and to clean any mud off the wheels using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
You may want to consider a pushchair that is folded down into a compact form when you plan to use it on public transport or even take it on a trip. This kind of pushchair is also likely to be light to carry and easy to store in a boot or in a car that is small.
A wide selection of folding pushchairs are available to pick from, and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. 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 perfect example, as it not only folds down but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square bag that fits in many hand luggage spaces.
The choice of brakes for pushchairs is a different 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 a single foot pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are constantly moving around but have to slow down or stop frequently. Hand brakes are available on jogger-style strollers as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and they can be used to alter the pace of an exercise. Combination brakes are often seen on city pushchairs and incorporate a foot pedal with a hand lever that activates the other brake for maximum control.
You may want to choose a pushchair with an option to lie flat or that is compatible with a travel system, so you can connect the carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to fold up quickly with the carrycot tucked away on the frame or a lightweight carrycot which is simply rolled flat on the chassis can be used.
If you are thinking of flying with your child in a pushchair twin, it's worth visiting the website of the airline to make sure the dimensions and weight are within the carry-on baggage allowance. Verify that the stroller compact can fit through an airport standard doorway, and is able to be lifted up and down steps. It is recommended to bring raincovers with you if you plan to take your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel a lot. They are designed to be simple to fold and take up little space in the car boot. They're also a great option for public transport and holidays. Some models are also suitable for use with a car seat.
Some models fold so compactly they're almost flat. These are ideal if there is little space in your car or home boot. However they are heavier than larger buggies.
Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, also known as concertina, 3D or fold-in-half styles. They are less cumbersome to carry, but they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when they are folded, which makes them ideal for smaller vehicles.
Other models fold in a scissor style with the seatback folding towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame is collapsed into an unflattering, square-ish form. They are easy 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.
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 in the price, while other brands sell it as an accessory. The most effective options come with a removable hood so that you can wash it as needed. Make sure you have an afghan, too, as they are great for colder days and keep babies toasty.
Most pushchairs can be washed down with a damp cloth, but certain fabrics aren't machine washable So, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions. If you have mud 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 fluid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair remains in a wet, damp or stale for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this occurs, you'll have to start by cleaning off any loose mildew or mould using a soft-bristled, soft-bristled brush prior to washing and rinsing as per the instructions.
Toggle menu
7
1
425.2K
1.2M
Alternative Lifestyle Wiki