Speak "Yes" To These 5 Foldable Pushchair Tips

Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for short trips or on holidays. They are lightweight and suitable for children as young as four years. They come with large wheels, and a spacious basket.

They get their name from their collapse method into a form that's like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with just one hand, whereas others require two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way that pushchairs fold could be the most important aspect when buying one. Not only does it determine how they are easy to carry as well as how much space they take up when folded. Most manufacturers create their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness while others focus on speed or user-friendliness. If you're looking for a pushchair that folds easily, choose one with a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are renowned for being easily foldable, and are ideal if you are planning to use public transportation or traveling with your child.

These pushchairs prams usually have a seat facing both the parent and child (for bonding, comfort and to let them explore the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies up to 6 months. Some of them also feature an acceptable recline (although not flat, like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories, including buggie bags as well as seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram and car seat sheets.

You should also consider other factors when choosing a buggy, such as the fabric and whether it can be washed in the machine. Having quick-release wheels is particularly important because it means that you can easily wash away any wet or dried mud.

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 kind of pushchair is typically the easiest to fold as you just need to lift the handles up and then close the seat back. It can be difficult to store and may not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

Aside from a scissor fold are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, but can be difficult to handle and Pram bags require two arms. They can also be tricky to store since they have a long rectangular shape when they are in a closed position. They are however, lightweight and often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and are a great choice for families that travel.

Lightweight

The variety of pushchairs available is vast and deciding on the right one for you can be tricky. The terminology can be confusing and the folding mechanisms are particularly hard to understand. The kind of folding you select can affect the ease with which you can transport and store your pushchair.

A compact pushchair is a great choice for those with little storage space. There are a variety of different models, ranging from compact umbrella folds up to multi-functional travel systems with car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of them can be used as early as birth with the newborn carrycot, but it is crucial to confirm the lie flat specifications of any model intended to be used with a newborn.

An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and practical option that takes up very small space. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact they fold in a similar way as an umbrella. This allows them to be easily inserted into storage and boot spaces. They are often incredibly light, and the majority of them include an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.

A concertina-style pushchair is another option that folds into three or more sections, with the frame and seat overlapping each other, before collapsing in on itself. These are usually the smallest and most convenient to store, but they require two hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs come with a footmuff and a reversible seat liner (and washable), the carry strap, as well as a secure pouch that can be attached to the hood. These features can help keep your child dry, warm, and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands offer these in a bundle, while others sell them individually.

Always look to see if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable. This will allow for faster and more efficient cleaning. In addition, it is important to regularly check whether the brakes work properly and if there is any dirt on the wheels, get rid of it using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

If you plan to take your pushchair with when you travel or if you take it on a regular basis on public transport, you may prefer one that folds down easily into a compact size. This kind of pushchair is also lightweight to carry and allows to put in the boot of your car or a smaller vehicle.

A wide range of folding pushchairs are available to select from and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Some focus on speed and ease of use, while others provide a more compact, two-handed or even one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a standout model because it doesn't only fold down, but in too, so the whole buggy becomes an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than many hand luggage allowances making it ideal for travel.

The choice of pushchair brakes is a different factor to consider There are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes or a mixture of both. The most popular brakes are foot brakes, that work by pressing a single pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are constantly in motion but require to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes can be found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter the speed of a run for example. City pushchairs usually have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake and a lever that activates the opposite brake for maximum control.

Based on your baby's age and size, you may want to choose a stroller with a lying-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems to allow you to attach to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can be folded very quickly with the carrycot left on the frame or the lightweight carrycot that is simply rolled flat on the chassis can be utilized.

It's a good idea to check the website of the airline to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair travel system fall within the baggage allowance for carry-on bags. It's also important to confirm whether the stroller can pass through a standard doorway, and that it can be pushed up and down the stairs at an airport. You should take a raincover when you plan to use your stroller during a holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic choice for parents who are frequently in motion. They're designed to be simple to fold and take up little space in the car boot. These are also great for holidays and public transport. Some models are also suitable to be used with car seats.

Some models are so compact that they fold almost flat. They're ideal if you don't have much storage space in your home or in your car boot, but they may be more heavy to carry than buggies with larger capacities.

There are also pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, known as concertina, 3D or Convertible strollers fold-in-half styles. These are easier to carry, but they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when folded, which makes them ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.

Other models have 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 are easy and quick to fold, and can be used in public transportation. However the 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 your child from sun. Some brands include this in the price, while other brands offer it as an accessory. The most effective options come with an hood that is removable to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Look out for a footmuff too, as they are ideal for colder days and keep your baby warm.

Make sure you read the directions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics are not machine washed. If there's mud on the wheels, you can try using pressure washer or a hose to rinse off the dirt. If this isn't working, try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric outside. If you leave your pushchair in an unclean, wet or mouldy state for too long, the fabric could be damaged and mildewed. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.