10 Foldable Pushchair Hacks All Experts Recommend

Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for short trips or on holidays. They are light and suitable for infants as young as four years old. They also have wheels that are large enough and a basket that is suitable for children.

They have their name because of their collapse method in a manner that's a lot like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold using one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold could be an important factor when you are looking to purchase one. It's not just about how they are easy to carry as well as how much space they take up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, whereas others are more focused on speed or ease of use. If you're looking to purchase a pushchair that folds easily, then look for one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. They are renowned for their ability to fold flat, and are great if you plan on using public transport or traveling with your child.

A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also have seats that face towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent facing pram (to enable them to discover the world around them). They are usually suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some of them also feature a decent recline (although not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories like buggie bags as well as seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram sheets.

You should also consider other aspects when selecting the right buggy, including the fabric and if it can be washed in the machine. Quick-release wheels are essential because they allow you to easily clean any dirt or sand.

Some pushchairs feature a scissor fold, which is the place where the entire buggy collapses in half like scissors and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is generally the simplest to unfold since it is just a matter of lifting the handles and then fold the seat back. It can be difficult to store and may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

Apart from the scissor fold, there are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs tend to be the most compact when folded, but they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be a challenge to store due to their large rectangular shape. However, they are light and small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great option for families that travel.

Lightweight

The selection of pushchairs available is huge and finding the best one for you can be a challenge. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of fold you choose can have an impact on how easy the pushchair is to transport and store.

A lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those with a small storage space at home. There are many different types of pushchairs available, from compact pushchair umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that include carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of these can be used as early as birth with a newborn carrier, however, it is essential to verify the specifications of models that are intended for use with infants.

An umbrella-folding pushchair can be a simple and convenient option that occupies little space. These types of pushchairs derive their name due to the fact that they fold down in a similar way to an umbrella, allowing them to fit perfectly lengthways into most forms of storage and vehicle boot space. They are often incredibly light, and the majority of models 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, before collapsing in on itself. They are the most compact and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.

Many pushchairs will have a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a secure pouch on the hood that will help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder temperatures. Certain brands will include these items as part of a bundle, whereas others sell them as separate items.

Always verify whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable. This allows for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also essential to check that the brakes are working properly and clean any mud from the wheels using a hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

If you plan to take your pushchair along with when you travel or if you use it frequently on public transport, you may prefer one that folds easily into an incredibly compact size. This kind of pushchair can be lightweight to carry and easy to store in a trunk or in a car that is small.

There are many different brands of folding pushchairs, and the way that they fold can vary. Some focus on speed and convenience, whereas others offer a smaller, two-handed or even one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching example as it doesn't just fold down, but it folds into the entire buggy transforms into an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than most hand luggage allowances making it ideal for travel.

There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and operate by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are always moving around but need 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 instance. City pushchairs usually come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and an adjustable lever that activates the brake opposite for maximum control.

Based on your baby's age depending on the baby's age, you might want to look for a pushchair that offers a lie-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems which means you can connect a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can fold up quickly with the carrycot left on the frame. Alternatively, the lightweight carrycot that can be simply pushed flat onto the chassis can be utilized.

If you are thinking of flying with your baby in a pushchair, it's worth visiting the website of the airline to ensure that the dimensions and weight are within their carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to determine whether the stroller can pass through a standard doorway and that it is able to be lifted up and down the stairs of an airport. If you are planning to use your pushchair during a holiday, it's a good idea to take a rain cover with you to protect it from showers and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are an excellent 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. Certain models can be used with a car-seat.

Some models are so compact travel stroller that they fold almost flat. They're ideal when you have little space in your home or car boot. However they're heavier than buggies that are larger.

There are also pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, referred to as concertina 3D or fold-in half styles. They are more convenient to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, so aren't suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.

Other models fold in a scissor fashion with the seatback folding towards the front of the buggy and the entire frame collapses into an elongated, square-ish shape. They are easy and quick to fold and are also suitable for public transportation. However the long rectangular shape they create might not fit into the small car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy, typically made of SPF fabric to help protect your baby from sun. Some brands include it in the price, while some sell it separately. The most effective options come with an adjustable hood, which means you can wash them as needed. Also consider a footmuff that can keep your baby warm during colder temperatures.

Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth but some fabrics are not machine-washable and should be checked by the manufacturer's instructions. If you've found dirt on your wheels, use a pressure washer or hose to clean it off. If this fails, try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair remains in a wet, damp or mouldy state for too long, it can damage the fabric and lead to rot and mildew. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.