Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is a great solution for short trips out and about. They are usually light and suitable for infants from four years old and up. They also have good-sized wheels and a good basket.
They are named after the way they collapse into a form that’s like an umbrella. Some fold with one hand that’s effortless, while others require a bit of involvement or two hands.
Easy to fold
The way in which pushchairs fold could be a crucial factor in buying one. Not only does it determine how easy they are to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. The majority of manufacturers have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness while others focus on speed or ease of use. If you’re looking to purchase a pushchair that folds easily, 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 great for those who plan to use public transportation or traveling with your child.
These types of pushchairs often include a seat with a view of both the parent and the child (for bonding, reassurance and to let them explore the world around them). These pushchairs can be used by babies as young as 6 months. Some have a decent reclining position (though not flat like infant car seats) and are compatible accessories such as buggie bag, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram sheet.
Aside from the ease of folding, there are other factors to consider when selecting a buggy, such as whether the fabric is machine washable and whether it has wheels that release quickly. Quick-release wheels are essential as they permit you to easily clean any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs have the scissor fold. This is where the whole buggy is folded in half like scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair could be the easiest to fold because you just need to lift the handle, then close the seat. It can be difficult to store and may not fit into smaller car boot sizes.
In addition to a scissor fold, there 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. They can also be difficult to store because they are rectangular in shape when closed position. However, they are lightweight and small enough to use as cabin luggage for flights. They are an excellent option for families traveling together.
Lightweight
Finding the right pushchair for you can be difficult. The jargon can be confusing and the folding mechanisms especially can be difficult to grasp. The type of 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 a myriad of types of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that come with carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of them can be used as early as birth with a newborn carrier, but it is crucial to know the specifications for models designed to be used with newborns.
An umbrella-folding pushchair can be a simple and convenient option that occupies little room. These types of pushchairs get their name from the fact they fold down in a similar way as an umbrella, which allows them to fit perfectly lengthways into a variety of storage and vehicle boot space. They are typically lightweight, and a majority of them include rain covers to shield your child from the elements.
A concertina-style pushchair is a different option that folds into three or more sections with the frame and seat covering each other before collapsing into itself. These are usually the smallest and most convenient to store, but they require both hands to open and close.
A majority of pushchairs come with the footmuff as well as a reversible seat liner (and washable) as well as a carry strap, and an enclosed pouch that is attached to the hood. These features can help keep your child dry, warm and comfortable in colder months. Some brands include these in a bundle, while others offer them as individual items.
Always check whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable. This will allow for quicker and easier cleaning. In addition, it is important to regularly check that the brakes are functioning properly and if there’s any mud on the wheels, get it out using an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
If you plan to take your pushchair with you on holiday or use it regularly on public transport you might prefer one that folds down easily into an incredibly compact size. This kind of pushchair is also likely to be light to carry and easy to store in a boot or in a small car.
There are many brands of folding pushchairs, and the way they fold can vary. Some focus on speed and convenience whilst others provide a more compact one-handed, two-handed, or even a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a good example, since it not only folds down but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat, square bag that fits in many hand luggage spaces.
The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another thing to think about – there are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes or a mixture of both. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and operate by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always moving around but require to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes are found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change momentum during a run for example. Combination brakes are often seen on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal and a hand lever that activates the other brake to give you maximum control.
You might want to consider one with a lie-flat feature, or one that is compatible with a travel system so you can attach the carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can fold up quickly with the carrycot tucked away on the frame, or the lightweight carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be used.
It’s worth checking out the airline’s site to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Make sure that the pushchair will pass through a standard airport doorway, and Foldable Pushchair that it can be lifted and lowered over the stairs. If you do plan to use your pushchair during a holiday, it’s a good idea to take a rain cover 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 take up very little space in the boot of your car. They’re also an excellent option to take on public transport and holidays. Some models can be used with a car seat.
Some models are so small that they fold 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 a larger buggies.
Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. They are referred to as concertina, fold-in-half or 3D designs. These are easier to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, which makes them ideal for smaller cars.
Others fold in a scissor style with the seatback folding towards the front of the buggy, and the frame is collapsed into a flat, square-ish shape. They are simple and quick to fold, and can be used in public transportation. However the rectangular shape they create might not fit into the small car boot dimensions.
Many pushchairs have sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric, which protects your baby from sun. Some brands include this in the price, whereas others offer it as an extra. The best options include a removable hood, so you can wash them as you need to. Also consider a footmuff that will keep your baby warm in colder weather.
Most pushchairs can be washed down using a damp cloth. However, certain fabrics cannot be machine washed, so check the instructions of the manufacturer. 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 your pushchair is in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse as directed.