10 Healthy Foldable Pushchair Habits
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller (visit the following page) is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They are usually lightweight and suitable for children from four years old and up. They also have wheels that are large enough and a good basket.
They are named after the way they collapse, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is easy and others require a bit of involvement or two hands.
Folding is simple
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. Many brands have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness whilst others focus on speed or ease of use. Find a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you want an easy pushchair to fold. These are known for their ability to fold flat and are perfect if you plan on using public transportation or traveling with your baby.
A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also come with an incline that is both towards the parent (prams for sale bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for children from 6 months old. Some of them also feature an adequate recline (although not as flat as an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and moses baskets/pram bag sheets that are fitted.
You should also consider other factors when choosing a buggy, such as the fabric and if it can be washed in the machine. Quick-release wheels are essential as they permit you to easily clean any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like manner in which the buggy is folded as a pair scissors and pram Bag then flattened into a long rectangle shape. This kind of pushchair may be the easiest to unfold because you just need to lift the handle, then close the seat. It isn't easy to store and might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.
There are also pushchairs, like concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, but can be difficult to handle and require two arms. When folded they can be a challenge to store due to their long rectangular shape. They are, however, light and often small enough to be used as baggage for flights and are a great choice for families who travel.
Lightweight
Finding the right pushchair for you could be difficult. The jargon can be confusing, and folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to comprehend. The type of folding you select will affect how easy it is to move and store the pushchair.
A compact pushchair newborn is a great option for those who have limited storage space. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that include carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of them can be used as early as birth with a baby carrier, but it is crucial to check the specifications for models designed for use with infants.
An umbrella-fold pushchair is an easy and efficient option that occupies little room. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact they fold in a similar manner as an umbrella. This allows them to fit perfectly into most storage and boot spaces. They are typically lightweight, and a majority of models come with rain covers to shield your child from the elements.
Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold into three or more sections with the frame and seat overlapping and then collapsing into themselves. They are the smallest, easy to store and require two hands to open and shut.
Many pushchairs will come with a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner with a carry strap, and a safe pouch on the hood to keep your children warm, dry and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these in a bundle, whereas others sell them individually.
Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be washed by machine. This will make cleaning easier and faster. It is also important to make sure that the brakes are working properly and clean any mud from the wheels with the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
It is possible to choose a pushchair that is folded into a compact form when you plan to take it on public transport or take it on holiday. This kind of pushchair is also lightweight to carry and allows to put in the boot of your car or a smaller vehicle.
There are many brands of folding pushchairs, and the way they fold can differ. Some are designed to be fast and easy to use, while others are compacter and fold with two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a great example of this, as it does is not just able to fold down, but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy an attractive square package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage allowances.
The choice of brakes for pushchairs is a different factor to consider There are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes or a mixture of both. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pressing one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always on the go but who have to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes are found on joggers and pushchairs with three wheels. style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter momentum during a run for instance. City pushchairs often come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and an lever that triggers the brake opposite to give you maximum control.
You may want to choose a pushchair with a lie-flat feature, or one that is compatible with a travel system so you can attach the carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also opt for a light carrycot that can be placed flat on the chassis.
It's worth looking up the airline's site to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the baggage allowance for carry-on bags. It's also important to check whether the pushchair will fit through a standard doorway and that it can be pushed up and down the stairs at an airport. If you plan to take your pushchair on holiday it's a good idea to take a rain cover to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is a great option for parents who are often on the move. They are easy to fold, and they take up very little space in the trunk of your car. They're also an excellent option to take on public transport and holidays. Certain models can be used with a car-seat.
Some models are so small that they fold almost flat. They're great when you don't have lots of storage space at home or in your car boot, but they could be heavier to carry than buggies with larger capacities.
Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold-in-half or 3D designs. They are more comfortable to use however they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, making them ideal for smaller cars.
Other models have scissor-style folding which means that the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy, and the entire frame is collapsed into a square-ish, flat shape. They're quick and easy to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting long rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boots.
Many pushchairs have a sun canopy. They are typically made of SPF fabric which protects your baby from the sun. Some brands include it in the price, while others sell it separately. The best choices have a hood that can be removed so that you can wash it if necessary. Also consider a footmuff that can keep your baby warm in colder weather.
Check the instructions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can't be machine washed. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, you can try using pressure washer or a hose to wash off the dirt. If this isn't successful then you can try an sterilising fluid that is mild and dry the fabric outside. If you leave your pushchair in an unclean or wet state for too long, the fabric may become damaged and mildewed. If this happens, you'll need to begin by removing any loose mildew or mould with a soft-bristled brush before washing and rinsing as per the directions.
