Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for trips that are short or during holidays. They are light and suitable for children even as young as 4 years old. They also have good-sized wheels and a basket that is suitable for children.

They have their name because of the way they fold, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some have one-handed folding that's a breeze, while others require a bit more involvement or two hands.

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold can be an important factor when you are buying one. Not only does it determine how easy they are to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Most brands have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness while others focus on speed or user-friendliness. If you're looking to purchase a pushchair that folds easily, choose one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are renowned for being able to fold flat, and are ideal when you plan on using public transportation or travelling with your child.

A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also have seats that face both towards the parent (for bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). They are generally suitable for babies up to 6 months. Some of them feature a decent reclining position (though not flat like infant car seat) and can be used with other accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and fitted moses baskets/pram and travel system sheets.

It is important to take into consideration other factors when choosing a buggy, such as the fabric and if it is machine-washable. Quick-release wheels are essential as they permit you to easily clean any dirt or sand.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the buggy is folded as an apex of scissors and flattened to form a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair is usually the simplest to unfold since you only need to lift the handles upwards and then close the seat back. However, it can be difficult to store in small spaces and isn't suitable for public transport since it might not fit in smaller car booties.

There are also pushchairs, such as concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, however they 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 are often small enough to be used as baggage for flights and are a great choice for families traveling.

Lightweight

The selection of pushchairs available is a lot and choosing the best one for you could be difficult. The terminology can be confusing and the folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to comprehend. The fold you select can affect how easy the pushchair can be transported and stored.

A lightweight pushchair can make all the difference for those with a small storage space at home. There are a variety of different models of umbrellas, from compact folds up to multi-purpose travel systems that include car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of them can be used from birth with the newborn carrycot, but it is important to verify the specifications for lying flat of any model that is designed for use with a baby.

A pushchair that folds as an umbrella is a useful and easy option. It takes up little space. These pushchairs are named after the fact they fold in a similar manner as an umbrella. This allows them to fit easily into most storage spaces and boot spaces. They are typically lightweight, and the majority of models include rain covers to shield 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 into itself. They are typically the smallest push chairs and prams most convenient to store, however they do require both hands to open and close.

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

Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be machine washed. This will make cleaning easier and quicker. Additionally it is essential to regularly check whether the brakes work properly and if there's a speck of mud on the wheels, get it out using a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

If you want to take your pushchair with you on vacation or use it regularly for public transport, you might prefer a model that folds easily into smaller dimensions. This type of pushchair with car seat is also lightweight to lift and makes it easy for to store in your car boot or small vehicle.

There are many different kinds of folding pushchairs and the way that they fold may differ. Some focus on speed and convenience, whereas others provide a more compact, two-handed or even one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a standout model because it doesn't only fold down, but it folds in too, so the entire buggy transforms into a neat square package smaller than a lot of hand luggage allowances making it ideal for traveling.

There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pushing on a single foot pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always on the go but who need to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes are commonly found on joggers and pushchairs with three wheels. style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and are able to change the speed of a run, for example. City pushchairs often come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and a lever that activates the brake opposite to give you maximum control.

Depending on your baby's age and size, you may want to choose a toddler stroller with a lying-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems which means you can connect to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to be folded very quickly with the carrycot still on the frame. Alternatively, an easy-to-transport carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be used.

If you're considering traveling with your child in a pushchair, it's worth visiting the website of the airline to ensure that the dimensions and weight are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. It's also important to check whether the pushchair can fit 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 take your pushchair on holiday, it's a good idea to carry an umbrella with you to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel frequently. They are designed to be easy to fold and fit into a tiny space in your car boot. They're also great to take on public transport and for taking on holidays. Certain models can be used with a car seat.

Some models fold so compactly they're almost flat. They're ideal for those who don't have a lot of storage space in your home or in your car boot, but they may be more cumbersome to transport than buggies that are larger.

Alternatively, there are some pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, referred to as concertina 3D or fold-in half styles. They are more convenient to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, so aren't 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 entire frame collapses into an elongated, square-ish shape. They are simple and quick to fold, and are also suitable for public transportation. However, the long rectangular shape they create might not fit in small car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy usually made from SPF fabric, which helps protect baby from the sun. Some brands include this in the price, whereas others offer it as an accessory. The most effective options come with a removable hood so that you can wash it if necessary. Also consider a footmuff that will keep your baby warm during colder temperatures.

Make sure you read the directions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can't be machine washed. If there's mud on the wheels, you can try using a hose or pressure washer to clean the dirt. If this isn't successful, you can use a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair car seat is left in a damp, wet or stale for too long, it could damage the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mould with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.