How To Find Out If You re Ready For Foldable Pushchair
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They are lightweight and suitable for babies even as young as 4 years old. They also have good-sized wheels and a good basket.
They have their name because of their collapse method into a form that's like an umbrella. Some fold easily using one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.
Easy to fold
The way pushchairs are folded can be a significant factor when purchasing one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of usage. If you're looking for a stroller that is easy to fold then look for one with a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are known for their ability to fold flat and are ideal when you are planning to use public transportation or traveling with your child.
Many of these types of pushchairs also have an incline that is both towards the parent (for bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies up to 6 months. Some of them feature a comfortable reclining position (though not flat like infant car seats) and are compatible with other accessories such as buggie bag seats, seat liners, and fitted moses baskets/pram sheets.
Apart from the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects to take into consideration when choosing a buggy such as whether the fabric is machine washable, and whether it comes with wheels that can be released quickly. Quick-release wheels are essential because they let you easily remove any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs have the scissor fold. This is where the whole buggy is folded in half like scissors and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is typically the easiest to unfold as you only need to lift the handles upwards and then close the seat back. It can be difficult 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 prams are compact when they are folded, but can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded they can be difficult to store due to their large rectangular shape. They are however, lightweight and usually small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They make a great option for families traveling.
Lightweight
The variety of pushchairs available is huge and finding the best one for you can be tricky. The jargon can be confusing, and folding mechanisms can be hard to understand. The fold you select can influence how easy the pushchair is able to be moved and stored.
Choosing a light pushchair can make all the difference for those with limited storage space at home. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional travel systems that come with carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of these can even be used as early as birth with baby carrycots, however it is important to verify the specifications for lie flat of any model that is designed for use with a baby.
An umbrella-folding pushchair can be a simple and convenient option that takes up very small space. These types of pushchairs get their name from the fact that they fold down in a similar way as an umbrella, which enables them to fit into most forms of storage and vehicle boot space. These pushchairs are generally lightweight and include a rain cover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold in three or more sections, with the frame and seat collapsing onto themselves. They are the most compact and convenient to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
Many pushchairs will have an adjustable footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a safe pouch on the hood to help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these items as part of a set, while others sell them as separate items.
Always verify if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable. This allows for faster and easier cleaning. It is also important to ensure that the brakes are working properly and clean any mud that has accumulated on the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
You may want to consider a pushchair that can be folded into a compact shape in case you intend to use it on public transportation or take it on holiday. This type of pushchair is also light to lift and easy for to store in your car boot or in a small vehicle.
A variety of folding pushchairs are available for you to choose from and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Some are designed for speed and convenience while others are more compact and fold with two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a great example of this, as it does not only folds down but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy a neat, square bag that fits in many hand luggage allowances.
The selection of pushchair brakes is another thing to think about - there are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes or a mixture of both. The most popular brakes are the foot brakes, which work by pressing a single pedal to lock both rear wheels. This is a great option for parents who must stop or slow down frequently. Handle brakes are commonly found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and are able to change the speed of a run prams for sale instance. City pushchairs often come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and an adjustable lever that activates the brake opposite for 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 put the carrycot on it. Some pushchairs fold up quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also opt for an ultra-lightweight carrycot that is folded flat on the chassis.
It's a good idea to check the airline's site to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Check that the pushchair can fit through an airport standard doorway, and is able to be lifted up and over the stairs. It is recommended to bring a raincover with you if you intend to take your stroller on holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is an excellent option for parents who are frequently moving around. They are easy to fold and require very little space in the trunk of your car. They are also ideal for public transport and vacations. Some models can be used with a car seat.
Some models fold so compactly they're nearly flat. They're ideal for those who don't have a lot of 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. These are known as concertina, fold in half, or 3D styles. They are more convenient to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when folded, making them ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.
Other models have scissor-style folding in which the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy and the entire frame is collapsed into a square-ish, flat shape. These are quick and easy to fold and can be used in public transportation. However the long rectangular shape they create may not fit into the small car boot dimensions.
Many pushchairs come with sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric, which helps protect the baby from sun. Some brands include it in the price while others sell it separately. The best options come with a removable hood, so you can wash them as required. Also look for an infant foot warmer that will keep your baby warm during colder weather.
The majority of pushchairs can be cleaned down using a damp cloth. However, some fabrics are not machine-washable So, make sure you read the manufacturer's guidelines. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, try using the pressure washer or hose to rinse off the dirt. If this doesn't work then you can try an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If you leave your pushchair in a damp and wet condition or in a mouldy state for too long, the fabric may be damaged and mildewed. If this happens, you'll need to begin by removing any loose mildew or mould with a soft-bristled toothbrush before rinsing and washing as per the instructions.