Why Foldable Pushchair Might Be Your Next Big Obsession

Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They tend to be light and suitable for infants from four years old and up. They have large wheels and a great basket.

They have their name because of their collapse method in a manner that's a lot like an umbrella. Some fold easily with one hand, while others require two hands or more effort.

Folding is simple

The way pushchairs are folded can be an important factor when buying one. It determines how easy it is 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. Choose a pushchair that has 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 great for those who plan to use public transport or traveling with your child.

These types of pushchairs typically include a seat with a view of both parents and the child (for bonding, comfort 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 range of accessories, including buggie bags, seat liners and moses baskets/pram bag sheets that are fitted.

In addition to the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects to take into consideration when selecting a buggy, such as whether the fabric is machine washable, and if it has quick-release wheels. The wheels that are quick-release are particularly important because it means that you can easily clean off any wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs have a scissor fold, which is when the whole buggy folds in half, like a pair of scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair may be the most simple to unfold because you just need to pull the handle and then close the seat. It isn't easy to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, baby carriages such as concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These pushchairs are the most compact when they are folded, however they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. They can also be tricky to store because they are rectangular in shape when in a closed position. They are, however, light and often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and are a great choice for families who travel.

Lightweight

Choosing the right pushchair for you could be a challenge. The terminology can be confusing and the folding mechanisms especially can be difficult to comprehend. The type of folding you select can affect how easy it is to move and store the pushchair.

Choosing a lightweight pushchair can make all the difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are many different types of pushchairs available, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that come with carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of them can be used as early as the time of birth with a baby carrier, however, it is essential to verify the specifications of models designed to be used with newborns.

A pushchair that folds in the same way as an umbrella is a useful and easy option. It takes up little space. They are named for the fact they fold in a similar manner to an umbrella. This makes them fit easily into most storage spaces and vehicle boot spaces. These pushchairs are generally light and most models come with a raincover to safeguard your child.

A concertina-style pushchair is another option that folds into three or more sections, with the frame and seat over each other, before collapsing into itself. These are usually the smallest and most convenient to store, but they require two hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs will have an adjustable footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood to help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these as part of a bundle, whereas others sell them separately.

Always verify whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable, as this will allow for quicker and more efficient cleaning. It is also essential to check that the brakes function properly and to remove any mud off the wheels using a hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

You might choose a pushchair that is folded to a compact size in case you intend to use it on public transport or take it on holiday. This kind of pushchair is also likely to be lightweight to carry and easy to store in a car boot or in a car seat pram that is small.

There are many different brands of folding pushchairs, and the way they fold can differ. Some focus on speed and ease of use, while others offer a smaller one-handed, two-handed, or even a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a perfect example, since 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 kinds of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are always on the go but who have to slow down or stop frequently. 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 change the speed of a run. City pushchairs often have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake with an lever that triggers the brake opposite to give you maximum control.

Depending on your baby's age, you may wish to look for a pushchair with a lying-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems which means you can connect to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can fold up quickly with the carrycot tucked away on the frame, or a lightweight carrycot which is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be used.

If you are thinking of flying with your child in a pushchair, it's worth visiting the website of the airline to make sure the dimensions and weight are within the carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to determine whether the pushchair will fit through a standard entrance and that it is able to be lifted up and down the stairs of an airport. You should bring raincovers with you if you plan to use your stroller on holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who frequently travel. They're designed to be easy to fold push chairs and prams will take up a small space in your car boot. They're also a great option for public transport or for holidays. Some models are compatible with a car-seat.

Some models fold down 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, but they may be more heavy to carry than buggies with larger capacities.

Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. They are referred to as concertina, fold-in-half, or 3D designs. They are easier to handle however they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when folded, making them ideal for smaller vehicles.

Other models come with scissor-style folds which means that the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy, and the whole frame collapses into a flat square-ish shape. They are easy and quick to fold and are also suitable for public transport. However, the long rectangular shape they create might not fit in small car boot dimensions.

Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy, typically made from SPF fabric to help protect your child from sun. Some brands include it in their price, while some sell it separately. The most effective options come with an hood that can be removed, so you can wash them as needed. Also look for a footmuff that can keep your baby warm during colder weather.

Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, try using a hose or pressure washer to rinse off the dirt. If this fails then you can try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If your parent facing pushchair remains in a damp, wet or mouldy condition for too long, it can cause damage to the fabric, and even cause mildew and rot. If this happens, you'll need to start by brushing off any mildew or mould that is loose with a soft-bristled brush before rinsing and washing as per the directions.