Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is the perfect solution for holidays or quick excursions. They tend to be lightweight and suitable for children from four years old and up. They also have decent-sized wheels and a good basket.
Their name is derived from the way that they fold. It's similar to an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is effortless while others require more involvement or two hands.
Folding is easy
The way in which pushchairs fold can be the most important aspect when buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Most brands design their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness whilst others focus on speed or ease of use. Look for a pushchair with an orchestra or scissor fold if you are looking for a pushchair that is easy to fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are perfect if you plan on using public transport or traveling with your baby.
Many of these types of pushchairs also have a seat that faces both towards the parent (for bonding and comfort) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). They are usually suitable for babies up to 6 months. Some also come with an acceptable recline (although not as flat as an infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories like buggie bags, seat liners and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.
Aside from the ease of folding, there are other factors to consider when selecting 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 they permit you to easily clean any dirt or sand.
Some pushchairs feature a scissor fold, which is when the whole buggy collapses in half like a pair of scissors and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair is typically the easiest to fold as it is just a matter of lifting the handles and then close the seat back. It isn't easy to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
There are also pushchairs, such as concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs tend to be the smallest when folded, but they can be difficult 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 usually small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and are therefore a great choice for families that travel.
Lightweight
Finding the perfect pushchair for your needs can be a challenge. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The kind of folding you select can affect how easy it is to transport and store your pushchair.
Choosing a light pushchair can make a huge difference for those with limited storage space at home. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that include carrycots as well as adapters to car seats. Some of them can be used from birth with the newborn carrycot, but it is important to verify the lie flat specifications of any model that is intended for use with a newborn.
A pushchair that folds like an umbrella is a practical and easy choice. It occupies a small space. They are named for the fact that they fold similarly to an umbrella. This allows them to fit perfectly into most storage spaces and boot spaces. These pushchairs are usually very light and many models include a rain cover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold in three or more sections with the frame and the seat overlapping before collapsing into them. They are the smallest, easy to store and require two hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, an reversible seat liner (and washable) as well as an adjustable carry strap, and an enclosed pouch that is attached to the hood. These features can ensure your child is warm, dry and comfortable in colder weather. Certain brands will include these as part of a bundle, whereas others sell them separately.
Verify that pram and car seat Push Chairs And Prams of the pushchair can be washed by machine. This makes cleaning much easier and faster. In addition, it is important to regularly check the brakes are working correctly and if there's a speck of dirt on the wheels, get rid of it using an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
It is possible to choose a pushchair that is folded into a compact shape in case you intend to take it on public transport or even take it on a trip. This kind of pushchair is also likely to be light to lift and easy to store in a trunk or small car.
A variety of folding pushchairs is available to choose from and the way they fold varies from brand to brand. Some are designed for speed and convenience while others are more compact and fold with two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching example because it doesn't just fold down, but it folds into the whole buggy is a neat square package smaller than most hand luggage allowances making it ideal for traveling.
There are two types of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most commonly used brakes are foot brakes, which operate by pressing a single pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always in motion but need to slow down or stop often. 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 a run. City pushchairs often have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake with a 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 pushchairs fold very quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also use a light carrycot that can be folded flat on the chassis.
It's worth checking out the airline's site to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the baggage allowance for carry-on bags. Verify that the stroller can fit through an airport standard doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and down steps. If you do plan to use your pushchair during a vacation, it's best to bring a rain cover with you to protect it from showers and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is a great choice for parents who are often in motion. They are easy to fold and take up a small amount of space in the trunk of your car. They're also great for public transport or for holidays. Some models are compatible with a car-seat.
Some models fold so small they're nearly flat. They're ideal if you don't have much storage space at home or in your car boot, but they may be heavier to carry than buggies that are larger.
Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, referred to as concertina, 3D or fold-in-half styles. These are less cumbersome to carry, but they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when they are folded, which makes them suitable for vehicles with smaller dimensions.
Others fold in a scissor-like fashion in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy, and the frame collapses into an elongated, square-ish shape. They're quick and easy to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resulting rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boot.
Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy. These are usually constructed of SPF fabric, which protects your baby from sun. Some brands include it in the price while others sell it separately. The best choices have a removable hood to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Also look for a footmuff that can keep your baby warm during colder weather.
Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth, but some fabrics are not machine-washable So, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions. If you notice mud on the wheels, try using pressure washer or a hose to rinse off the dirt. If this isn't working, try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric, and even cause mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse as directed.