10 Unexpected Foldable Pushchair Tips

Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They are light and suitable for babies as young as four years. They come with large wheels and a great basket.

They get their name from the way they collapse into a form that's like an umbrella. Some fold easily with one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold can be a significant factor when purchasing 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 focused on speed or ease of use. Find a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you are looking for an easy pushchair to fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are ideal for those who plan to use public transportation or traveling with your child.

Many of these types of pushchairs also come with 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 children as young as 6 months. Some of them feature a decent reclining position (though not flat like an infant car seat) and can be used with other accessories such as buggie bag, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram double sheet.

Apart 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 comes with wheels that can be released quickly. Quick-release wheels are important because it allows you can easily wash away any wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner in which the buggy is folded as a pair of scissors, and then flattened into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair can be the easiest to unfold because you just have to lift the handle, then close the seat. However, it can be difficult to store in tight spaces and is not suitable for use on public transport as it may not fit in smaller car boots.

In addition to a scissor fold are also pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are the most compact strollers when folded, but they can be a challenge to carry and require two hands. When folded, they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. But, they're light and small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are an excellent option for families who travel.

Lightweight

Choosing the right pushchair for you could be difficult. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The fold you select can affect how easy it is able to be moved and stored.

Choosing a light double pram pushchair can make a huge difference for those with limited storage space at home. There are a variety of different kinds of umbrellas, from compact folds down to multi-purpose travel systems that incorporate carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of them can be used right from birth using a newborn carrycot, although it is important to verify the specifications for lie flat of any model designed for use with a newborn.

An umbrella-folding pushchair can be an easy and efficient option that takes up very small space. These kinds of pushchairs get their name from the fact they fold down similarly as an umbrella, which allows them to be tucked into a variety of storage or vehicle boot space. They are often incredibly lightweight, and a majority of them come with a rain cover to protect your child from the elements.

A concertina-style pushchair is another option that folds into three or more sections with the frame and seat covering each other and then collapsing on itself. They are the smallest, easy to store and require two hands to open and shut.

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

Examine if the fabric of the pushchair can be machine washed. This makes cleaning much easier and faster. It is also essential to make sure that the brakes function properly and to remove any mud off the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

If you want to take your pushchair with when you travel or if you take it on a regular basis on public transport, you may prefer a model that folds easily into smaller dimensions. This type of pushchair is also likely to be light to lift and easy to store in a car boot or in a car that is small.

There are many different models of folding pushchairs and the way that they fold can vary. Some are specifically designed for speed and ease of use and others are smaller and fold with two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching model because it doesn't only fold down, but into the entire buggy transforms into a neat square package smaller than a lot of hand luggage allowances making it ideal for travel.

There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most commonly used brakes are the foot brakes, which work by pressing one pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who must stop or slow down often. Handle brakes are found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and are able to change momentum during a run for example. Combination brakes are often found on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal with an adjustable hand lever that can activate the other brake for maximum control.

You may want to select a pushchair with an option to lie flat or that is compatible with a travel system so you can attach the carrycot. Some pushchairs fold very quickly and leave the carrycot on the frame. You can also use a lightweight carrycot that is pulled flat onto chassis.

It's a good idea to check the airline's site to ensure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Make sure that the pushchair will fit through a standard airport doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and down the stairs. If you are planning to take your pushchair on holiday it's a good idea to carry a rain cover to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who frequently travel. They're designed to be simple to fold and will take up a small space in the car boot. They are also great for public transport and vacations. Some models are compatible with a car seat.

Some models are so compact that they fold up almost flat. They're great if you don't have much storage space at home or in your car boot, but they could be more cumbersome to transport than buggies with larger capacities.

There are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, referred to as concertina, 3D or fold-in-half styles. These are less cumbersome to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They are also quite long when folded, making them suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.

Other models come with scissor-style folds, where the seat back folds towards the front of the buggy, and the frame collapses into a square-ish, flat shape. These are quick and easy to fold and can be used in public transport. However the long rectangular shape they create may not fit into the small car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy usually made from SPF fabric, which helps protect baby pram from the sun. Some brands include this in the price, while others offer it as an extra. The best options have a hood that can be removed to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Make sure you have an afghan, too, as they are great for colder days and keep babies toasty.

The majority of pushchairs can be cleaned down with a damp cloth but certain fabrics aren't machine washable and should be checked by the manufacturer's guidelines. If you've found mud on your wheels use a pressure washer or hose to wash it off. If this fails, try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric on the outside. If you leave your pushchair in an un-dry, wet or mouldy condition for too long the fabric may be damaged and mildewed. If this occurs, you'll need to begin by removing any loose mildew or mould with a soft-bristled toothbrush before rinsing and washing as per the directions.