Buying a
Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is an ideal solution for holidays or quick excursions. They are lightweight and suitable for children even as young as 4 years old. They also have good-sized wheels and a good basket.
They have their name because of the way they collapse, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold using one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.
Easy to fold
The way pushchairs are folded can be an important factor when buying 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. Many manufacturers have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness, while others concentrate on speed or user-friendliness. If you're looking for a stroller that is easy to fold then you should look for one that has the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are ideal if you plan on using public transport or travelling with your baby.
A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also come with seats that face both towards the parent (for bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). They are generally suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some also have an adequate recline (although not flat, like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories, including buggie bags seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/
triple pram sheets.
It is also important to consider other factors when choosing the buggy you want to use, such as the fabric and if it is machine washable. The wheels that are quick-release are particularly important as it means you can easily wash off any dried or wet mud.
Some pushchairs feature scissor folds, which is the place where the entire buggy is folded in half like scissors and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair could be the most simple to unfold, as you only have 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 a scissor fold are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, however they aren't easy to carry and require two hands. When folded, they can be difficult to store due to their large rectangular shape. 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
Finding the right pushchair for you can be a challenge. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The fold you select can have an impact on how easy it can be transported and stored.
A lightweight pushchair can make all the difference for those with a small storage space at home. There are many different types of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional travel systems that include carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of them can be used from birth with a newborn carrycot, although it is essential to check the lie flat specifications of any model designed to be used with a newborn.
An umbrella-fold pushchair is an easy and practical option that takes up very little space. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact that they fold in a similar way as an umbrella. This allows them to fit perfectly into most storage spaces and boot spaces. These pushchairs are generally lightweight and include a rain cover to protect your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold into three or more pieces with the frame and the seat collapsing onto themselves. They are the most compact, easy to store and require two hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs will come with a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner with a carry strap, and a secure pouch on the hood to keep your children dry, warm and comfortable during colder weather. Certain brands will include these items as part of a set, while others will sell them separately.
Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be washed using a machine. This will make cleaning easier and faster. Additionally it is essential to check regularly if whether the brakes work properly and if there's any mud on the wheels, get rid of it using an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair with you on holiday or use it frequently on public transport you might prefer one that folds down easily into an incredibly compact size. This type of pushchair is also lightweight to carry and allows to store in your car boot or small vehicle.
A wide selection of folding pushchairs is available to choose from and the way they fold differs from one brand to the next. Some focus on speed and convenience, whereas others offer a smaller or 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 an attractive square bag that fits
3 in 1 pram many hand luggage compartments.
The choice of pushchair brakes is another thing to think about There are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes, or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most popular and operate by pressing a single foot pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is a great option for parents who must stop or slow down often. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and they can be used to change the pace of an exercise. City pushchairs often come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake with an adjustable lever that activates the brake opposite to give you maximum control.
You may want to select a pushchair that has 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 be folded very quickly with the carrycot tucked away on the frame or a lightweight carrycot which can be simply pushed flat onto the frame can be utilized.
If you are thinking of traveling with your child in a pushchair, you should consider visiting the website of the airline to ensure the dimensions and weight are within the carry-on baggage allowance. Make sure that the pushchair will pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it can be lifted up and down the stairs. You should bring an umbrella with you if you plan to take your 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 fold easily and require very little space in the trunk of your car. They're also a great option to take on public transport and for taking on holidays. Some models are also suitable for use with a car seat.
Some models are so compact that they fold almost flat. These are ideal for those who have little space in your home or car boot. However they are heavier than buggies that are larger.
There are also pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, known as concertina 3D, fold-in-half or fold-in-half designs. They are more convenient to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long 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 frame collapses into a square-ish flat shape. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting rectangular shape might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
A lot of pushchairs come with a sun canopy, usually made from SPF fabric, which helps protect baby from the sun. Some brands include this in the price, while others sell it as an accessory.