It s Time To Expand Your Foldable Pushchair Options
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is great for trips that are short or during holidays. They tend to be lightweight and are suitable for children up to four years old. They have good-sized wheels and a great basket.
They are named after the way they fold into a form that's like an umbrella. Some have one-handed folding that's a breeze while others require a bit of involvement or two hands.
Folding is simple
The way in which pushchairs fold is a crucial aspect when you are buying one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, whereas others are more focused on speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a pushchair that is easy to fold then you should look for one that has a concertina or scissor type of fold. They are easily foldable and are perfect for those who plan to use public transportation or travelling with your child.
These types of pushchairs typically include a seat with a view of both parents and the child (for bonding, reassurance, and to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for babies from 6 months old. Some also have a decent recline (although not as flat as the infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories such as buggie bags seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram and car seat sheets.
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 has wheels that release quickly. Quick-release wheels are crucial because they allow you to easily remove any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner in which the buggy is folded like a pair of scissors, and then folded into a rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is generally the easiest to unfold as you only need to lift the handles up and then fold the seat back. It isn't easy to store and might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.
There are also pushchairs, like concertina, which fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded but they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. They can also be tricky to store because they have a long, rectangular shape when in a closed position. However, they are lightweight stroller and small enough to use as cabin luggage for flights. They are an excellent option for families who travel.
Lightweight
Finding the perfect pushchair for you could be a challenge. The terminology can be confusing, and the folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to grasp. The fold you choose will have an impact on how easily the pushchair is able to be moved and stored.
A lightweight pushchair 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 come with carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of them can be used as early as birth with a baby carrier, however, it is essential to know the specifications for models that are intended to be used with newborns.
An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and practical option that occupies little room. These pushchairs are named after the fact they fold in a similar way as an umbrella. This allows them to be easily inserted into storage spaces and boot spaces. They're typically extremely lightweight, and a majority of models will also include an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.
A concertina-style pushchair is another option that folds into three or more parts, with the frame and seat over each other and then collapsing on itself. They are the most compact, easy to store and require two hands to open and close.
A majority of pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood to keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder weather. Some brands will include these as part of a bundle, whereas others will sell them separately.
Always check whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable. This allows for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also essential to ensure that the brakes are working properly and clean any mud from the wheels using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair with you on holiday or use it regularly for public transport, you might prefer one that folds down easily into smaller dimensions. This type of pushchair is also light to lift and makes it easy for you to store in your car boot or a smaller vehicle.
A variety of folding pushchairs is available to pick from, and the way they fold differs from one brand to the next. Some are specifically designed for speed and ease of use, while others are compacter and fold with two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a good example of this, as it does doesn't just fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat, square package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage compartments.
There are two types of brakes for pushchairs including foot pedal brakes as well as handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are constantly on the go but who require to slow down or stop often. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers and three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and they can be used to alter the pace of the course of a run. Combination brakes are often used on city pushchairs. They combine a foot pedal with a hand lever that activates the other brake for maximum control.
Based on your baby's age, you may wish to look for a pushchair with a lying-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems to allow you to attach an infant carrycot. Some pushchairs can be folded very quickly with the carrycot still on the frame or the lightweight carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the chassis can be utilized.
If you're considering flying with your baby in a pushchair it's worth visiting the airline's website to ensure the dimensions and weight 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. You should bring raincovers when you plan to use 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're designed to be simple to fold and fit into a tiny space in the car boot. They're also an excellent option for public transport or for holidays. Some models are compatible with a car seat.
Some models fold so small they're almost flat. They're great for those who don't have a lot of storage space in your home or in your car boot, however they can be more cumbersome to transport than buggies with larger capacities.
Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. They are referred to as concertina, fold in half, or 3D styles. These are easier to carry, but they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, which makes them ideal for cars with smaller trunks.
Others fold in a scissor-like fashion with the seatback folding towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame collapses into an unflattering, square-ish form. These are quick and easy to fold and can be used in public transportation. However, the long rectangular shape they produce may not fit into the small car boot sizes.
Many pushchairs have sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric which protects your baby from the sun. Some brands include it in their price, while others sell it separately. The most effective options come with an hood that can be removed, so you can wash them as required. Look out for an afghan, too, as they are ideal for colder days and keep babies warm.
Most pushchairs can be washed down with a damp cloth, but certain fabrics cannot be machine washed and should be checked by the instructions of the manufacturer. If there's mud on the wheels, you can try using a hose or pressure washer to rinse off the dirt. If this doesn't work, you can use a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair is 3 in 1 pram a wet, damp or mouldy state for too long, it can cause damage to the fabric, and even result in mildew and rot. If this occurs, you'll need to start by cleaning off any mildew or mould that is loose with a soft-bristled toothbrush before washing and rinsing according to the directions.