Why Foldable Pushchair Is Relevant 2023

Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is great for short trips or on holidays. They are light and suitable for babies as young as four years. They also have wheels that are large enough and a sturdy basket.

They are named after the way they fold, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some have one-handed folding that's easy while others require a bit more involvement or two hands.

Folding is simple

The way pushchairs are folded is a crucial aspect when purchasing one. It's not just about how they are easy to carry and fold, but also the amount of space they take up when folded. The majority of manufacturers have their folding mechanisms designed 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 then look for one with a concertina or scissor type of fold. They are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are ideal if you plan on using public transportation or traveling with your baby.

Many of these types of pushchairs have a seat that faces towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some also come with an acceptable recline (although not as flat as the infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories like buggie bags as well as seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram for newborn sheets.

Apart from the ease of folding there are other aspects that you should consider when choosing a buggy such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable, and whether it has wheels that release quickly. Quick-release wheels are important as it means you can easily wash off any dried or wet mud.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like manner that is, the buggy is folded as a pair of scissors, and then flattened to form a long rectangle shape. This kind of pushchair is usually the easiest to fold as you only need to lift the handles up and then fold the seat back. It can be difficult to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

Apart from the scissor fold, there are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, for example concertina. These twin pushchairs are compact when folded, but they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. When folded, they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. However, they are light and compact enough to be used as cabin luggage on flights. They are an excellent option for families that travel.

Lightweight

The variety of pushchairs available is vast and deciding on the one that is right for you could be difficult. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The kind of folding you select will determine the ease of transport and store the pushchair.

A lightweight triple pushchair is a great choice for those with little storage space. There are a myriad of different models of umbrellas, from compact folds to multi-functional travel systems with carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of them can be utilized as early as birth with a baby carrier, but it is important to check the specifications for models designed for use with infants.

An umbrella-fold pushchair is an easy and practical option that takes up very small space. They are named for the fact that they fold similarly as an umbrella. This allows them to fit easily into most storage spaces and boot spaces. They're typically extremely light, and the majority of models will also include rain covers to shield your child from the elements.

Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold in three or more sections with the frame and the seat collapsing onto themselves. They are the most compact and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.

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

Always look to see whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable. This will allow for faster and easier cleaning. In addition to this it is crucial to regularly check whether the brakes work properly and if there's a speck of mud on the wheels to remove it with a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

You might choose a pushchair that can be folded into a compact shape in case you intend to take it on public transport or take it on holiday. This kind of pushchair is also lightweight to lift and easy for you to store in your car boot or small vehicle.

There are many brands of folding pushchairs, and the way they fold can vary. Some are specifically designed for speed and ease of use while others are more compact and can be folded using two hands or even just one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a standout example as it doesn't just fold down but then in, and the whole buggy becomes an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than most hand luggage options, making it ideal for travel.

The selection of pushchair brakes is another factor to consider - there are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes, or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most popular and work by pushing on one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are constantly on the go but who require to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes are found on joggers and pushchairs with three wheels. style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter the speed of a run, for example. City pushchairs typically come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake with an lever that triggers the brake opposite to give you maximum control.

Based on your baby's age and size, you may want to find a pushchair that offers a lie-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems which means you can connect to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can be folded very quickly with the carrycot still on the frame or an easy-to-transport carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the chassis can be used.

It's a good idea to check the website of the airline to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the baggage allowance for carry-on bags. Check that the pushchair can pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it can be lifted and lowered over the stairs. It is recommended to bring raincovers with you if you plan to use your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a great choice for parents who are frequently moving around. They are designed to be simple to fold and will take up a small space in the car boot. They're also great to take on public transport or for holidays. Some models are also suitable to be used with car seats.

Some models are so compact that they fold almost flat. They're ideal for those who have the space to fit them in your car or home boot. However, they can be heavier than buggies that are larger.

Alternatively, there are some pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, known as concertina 3D, fold-in-half or fold-in-half designs. They are easier to handle 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 fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the seatback folds toward the front of buggy, and the frame collapses into an unflattering, square-ish form. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resulting long rectangular shape might not fit in smaller car boot.

Many pushchairs come with sun canopy. They are typically made of SPF fabric, which protects your baby from the sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, whereas others sell it as an accessory. The best options come with an adjustable hood, which means you can wash them if needed. Consider an afghan, too, as they are ideal for colder weather and can keep babies toasty.

Check the instructions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If you have mud on your wheels, use a pressure washer or hose to wash it off. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If you leave your pushchair in an un-dry and wet condition or in a mouldy condition for too long, the fabric may be damaged and mildewed. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse as directed.