Why All The Fuss About Foldable Pushchair
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is an ideal solution for holidays or quick trips out and about. They are light and suitable for babies as young as four years old. They have large wheels, and a spacious basket.
Their name comes from the way they collapse. It's like an umbrella. Some fold easily using one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.
Easy to fold
The way in which pushchairs fold could be a crucial factor in buying one. It's not just about how they are easy to carry and fold, but also the amount of space they take up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, while others are more focused on speed or ease of usage. If you're looking to purchase a pushchair that is easy to fold choose one with a concertina or scissor type of fold. They are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are ideal for those who plan to use public transport or travelling with your baby.
These types of pushchairs typically feature a seat that faces both the parent and child (for bonding, reassurance, and to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some also have an adequate recline (although not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories like buggie bags as well as seat liners and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.
Aside from the ease of folding there are other aspects to consider when choosing 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 crucial because they let you easily clean any dirt or sand.
Some pushchairs have the scissor fold. This is the place where the entire buggy folds in half, like a pair of scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair may be the easiest to fold because you just need to lift the handle and then close the seat. It isn't easy to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
Aside from the scissor fold, there are also pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs tend to be the smallest when folded but they aren't easy to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be a challenge to store due to their long rectangular shape. They are, however, light and usually small enough to be used as baggage for flights and make a great option for families who travel.
Lightweight
The variety of pushchairs available is vast and deciding on the one that is right for you could be difficult. The jargon can be confusing, and folding mechanisms can be difficult to grasp. The fold you choose will influence how easy it is able to be moved and stored.
A lightweight pushchair can make all the difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are a myriad of different models that range from compact umbrella folds down to multi-purpose travel systems that include car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of them can be used as early as the time of birth with a baby carrier but it is crucial to know the specifications for models designed to be used with newborns.
An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and practical option that occupies little space. These kinds of cheap pushchairs get their name because of the fact that they fold down similarly to an umbrella, allowing them to fit perfectly lengthways into most forms of storage and boot space. They are typically light and many models include a rain cover to protect your child.
A concertina-style pushchair is another option that folds into three or more sections, with the frame and seat over each other and then collapsing on itself. They are the smallest and convenient to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
A majority of pushchairs come with the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a secure pouch on the hood to help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these in a bundle, while others sell them separately.
Always look to see if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable. This allows for faster and more efficient cleaning. In addition, it is important to check frequently if that the brakes are functioning properly and if there's a speck of mud on the wheels to remove it with a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
If you're planning to take your pushchair along with you on vacation or use it regularly for public transport, you might prefer one that folds easily into an incredibly compact size. This type of pushchair is also likely to be light to carry and easy to store in a boot or small car.
A wide range of folding pushchairs are available to choose from and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some focus on speed and convenience whilst others offer a more compact one-handed, two-handed, or even a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a great example of this, as it does is not just able to fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square package that fits into many hand luggage compartments.
The selection of pushchair brakes is a different factor to consider There are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes, or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pushing on one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is an excellent option for parents who have to stop or slow down often. Handle brakes are commonly 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 instance. Combination brakes are commonly seen on city pushchairs and incorporate a foot pedal with an hand lever that triggers the other brake for maximum control.
You may want to choose a pushchair with a lie-flat feature or one that is compatible with a best travel pram system so you can connect the carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold up quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also use a lightweight carrycot that is folded flat on the chassis.
It's worth looking up the airline's site to ensure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to check whether the pushchair will fit through a standard entrance and that it is able to be lifted up and down stairs in an airport. It is recommended to bring a raincover with you if you plan to take your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel frequently. They're designed to be easy to fold and will take up a small space in your car boot. They're also great for public transport and holidays. Some models are compatible with a car-seat.
Some models are so compact that they fold flat. These are ideal when you have the space to fit them in your car or home boot. However they are heavier than larger buggies.
Alternatively, there are some pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, referred to as concertina 3D or fold-in half styles. These are easier to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, making them suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.
Others fold in a scissor-like fashion with the seatback folding towards the front of the buggy, and the frame is collapsed into an elongated, square-ish shape. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resulting rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boots.
Many pushchairs have a sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric, which protects your baby from sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, whereas others offer it as an extra. The most effective options come with a removable hood, so you can wash them if you need to. Look out for an afghan, too, as they are ideal for colder temperatures and keep babies warm.
Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth, but certain fabrics cannot be machine washed, so check the instructions of the manufacturer. 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 successful, you can use an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair remains in a wet, damp or mouldy state for too long, it could damage the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, you should first scrub off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse as directed.
