Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A
foldable stroller is perfect for short trips or on holidays. They are usually light and suitable for babies from four years old and up. They also have decent-sized wheels and a basket that is suitable for children.
They have their name because of the way they fold in a manner that's a lot like an umbrella. Some fold easily with one hand, while others require two hands or more effort.
Easy to fold
The way that pushchairs fold is a crucial factor in buying one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. If you're looking to purchase a pushchair that folds easily, choose one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are known for their ability to fold flat and are ideal when you are planning to use public transport or traveling with your baby.
A majority of these pushchairs have 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 generally suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some have a comfortable reclining position (though not as flat as infant car seats) and are compatible with other accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and moses baskets that are fitted with a pram sheet.
Apart from the ease of folding, there are other factors 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 allow you to easily remove any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs come with a scissor fold, which is where the whole buggy is folded in half like scissors and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is generally the easiest to fold as you just need to lift the handles upwards and then close the seat back. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and is not suitable for public transport since it might not fit into smaller car booties.
Aside from the scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, but they can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded, they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. However, they are lightweight and small enough to use as cabin baggage for flights. They are an excellent option for families who travel.
Lightweight
Finding the perfect pushchair for you could be difficult. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The fold you choose will affect how easily the pushchair can be transported and stored.
A compact pushchair is an excellent choice for those with little storage space. There are a variety of different kinds of umbrellas, from compact folds to multi-purpose travel systems that include car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can be utilized as early as birth with a newborn carrier, but it is crucial to know the specifications for models that are intended to be used by newborns.
A pushchair that folds in the same way as an umbrella is a practical and easy option. It takes up a tiny space. These types of pushchairs get their name because of the fact they fold down in a similar way to an umbrella, which allows them to fit perfectly lengthways into the majority of storage and vehicle boot space. They are often incredibly lightweight, and the majority of models come with a rain cover to protect your child from the elements.
Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold in three or more pieces with the frame and seat collapsing into the frame. These are usually the smallest and most convenient to store, but they require two hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs will have the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood that will help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder weather. Some brands offer these in a bundle, while others sell them separately.
Check if the fabrics of the pushchair can be machine washed. This makes cleaning much easier and quicker. It is also important to make sure that the brakes function properly and clean any mud from the wheels with the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair along with you on vacation or take it on a regular basis for public transport, you might prefer one that folds easily into a compact size. This type of pushchair is also likely to be lightweight to carry and easy to store in a car boot or in a small car.
There are many different brands of folding pushchairs, and the way they fold may differ. Some are specifically designed for speed and ease of use and others are smaller and can be folded with two hands or even just one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a standout model because it doesn't only fold down but then in, and the entire buggy transforms into a neat square package smaller than many hand luggage options, making it ideal for travel.
The selection of pushchair brakes is a different factor to consider - there are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes or a mixture of both. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pressing a single foot pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is an excellent option for parents who need to stop or slow down frequently. 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 change the pace of an exercise. City pushchairs usually have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake and an adjustable lever that activates the brake opposite for maximum control.
You may want to choose a pushchair that has a lie-flat feature or one that is compatible with a travel system, so you can attach the carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to be folded quickly using the carrycot tucked away on the frame, or an easy-to-transport carrycot that can be simply pushed flat onto the frame can be utilized.
If you're thinking of flying with your child in a
pushchair travel system, you should consider visiting the airline's website to ensure that the dimensions and weight are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Make sure that the pushchair will pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it can be lifted up and over the stairs. You should bring an umbrella with you if you plan to take your
toddler stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who travel frequently. They're designed to be simple to fold and fit into a tiny space in your car boot. They're also great to take on public transport or for holidays. Some models can be used with a car seat.
Some models fold down so small they're almost flat. They're perfect when you don't have lots of storage space in your home or in your car boot, however they can 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 less cumbersome to carry however, they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite large when folded, making them suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.
Other models feature scissor-style folding in which the seat back folds towards the front of the buggy and the entire frame is collapsed into a square-ish flat shape. They're easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting rectangular shape might not fit in smaller car boot.
A lot of pushchairs come with a sun canopy typically made from SPF fabric to shield baby from the sun.