All-Inclusive Guide To Foldable Pushchair
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable double stroller is great for short trips or on holidays. They are light and suitable for children even as young as 4 years old. They come with large wheels and a great basket.
Their name comes from the way they collapse. It's akin to an umbrella. Some have one-handed folding that's effortless while others require a bit of involvement or two hands.
Folding is simple
The way that pushchairs prams fold is the most important aspect when buying one. Not only does it determine how easy they are to carry and fold, but also the amount of space they take up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, whereas others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. Find a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you are looking for an easy pushchair to fold. They are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are perfect when you are planning to use public transport or traveling with your baby.
Many of these types of pushchairs also come with a seat that faces both towards the parent (for bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies from 6 months. Some have an adequate recline position (though not as flat as infant car seats) and are compatible with other accessories such as buggie bag seats, seat liners, and fitted moses baskets/pram sheets.
Aside from the ease of folding, there are other factors that you should consider when selecting 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 important as they permit you to easily remove any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs come with the scissor fold. This is the place where the entire buggy folds in half, like scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair may be the most simple to unfold, as you only need to pull the handle, then close the seat. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for public transport because it may not fit into smaller car boot spaces.
Aside from a scissor fold are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, however they can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. They are, however, light and usually small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They make a great option for families who travel.
Lightweight
The selection of pushchairs available is a lot and choosing the right one for you can be tricky. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of fold you choose can have an impact on how easy it is able to be moved and stored.
A compact pushchair is an excellent choice for those who have limited storage space. There are a myriad of different kinds, ranging 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 birth with a baby carrier, but it is important to know the specifications for models designed to be used with newborns.
An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy push chairs and prams efficient option that occupies little room. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact that they fold in a similar manner to an umbrella. This makes them fit easily into most storage and boot spaces. They are often incredibly lightweight, and the majority of models will also come with an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another choice. They fold into three or more sections, with the frame and the seat overlapping and then collapsing onto them. These are usually the smallest and most convenient to store, however they require two hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs come with the footmuff as well as an reversible seat liner (and washable) and the carry strap, as well as a secure pouch that can be attached to the hood. These features will ensure your child is dry, warm, and comfortable during colder months. Some brands include these as part of a bundle, whereas others sell them separately.
Always verify if the pushchair newborn fabrics are machine washable, as this allows for faster and easier cleaning. It is also essential to make sure that the brakes work correctly and clean any mud from the wheels with an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair along with you on vacation or take it on a regular basis for public transport, you might prefer one that folds down easily into an incredibly compact size. This kind of pushchair is also lightweight to lift and easy for you to put in the boot of your car or a smaller vehicle.
A wide selection of folding pushchairs are available to pick from, and the way they fold differs from one brand to the next. Some are focused on speed and ease of use, while others offer a more compact, two-handed or even one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a perfect example, since it doesn't just fold down, but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square package that fits into many hand luggage allowances.
The choice of pushchair brakes is another factor to consider - there are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes, or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most common and operate by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who need to stop or slow down often. Handle brakes are commonly found on joggers and pushchairs with three wheels. style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change the speed of a run, for example. Combination brakes are often found on city pushchairs and incorporate a foot pedal with an hand lever that triggers the other brake to give you maximum control.
Based on your baby pram's age and size, you may want to find a pushchair that has a lie-flat seating or is compatible with travel systems so you can attach to a carrycot. Some pushchairs can be folded quickly using the carrycot left on the frame, or a lightweight carrycot which can be simply pushed flat onto the frame can be utilized.
If you're considering flying with your child in a pushchair it's worth visiting the airline's website to ensure the dimensions and weight are within their carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to confirm 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 plan to take your pushchair on holiday it's a good idea to take a rain cover with you to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel a lot. They're easy to fold, and they require very little space in the boot of your car. These are also great for public transport and holidays. Some models are also suitable to be used with a car seat.
Some models fold down so small they're almost flat. They're great when you don't have lots of storage space in your home or in your car boot, however they can be more cumbersome to transport than a larger buggies.
Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold in half, or 3D styles. They are more comfortable to use however they require two hands to fold and unfold. They are also quite long when folded, which makes them ideal for smaller cars.
Other models fold in a scissor fashion, where the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame collapses to a flat, 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 in smaller car boots.
Many pushchairs have sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric, which helps protect the baby from the sun. Some brands include it in their price, while some sell it separately. The most effective options come with a hood that can be removed so that you can wash it as needed. Consider a footmuff too, as they are perfect for colder weather and can keep your baby warm.
Make sure you read the directions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can't be machine washed. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, you can try using a hose or pressure washer to wash off the dirt. If this isn't successful then you can try an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is in a wet, damp or stale for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric, and even cause mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.