How To Tell The Right Foldable Pushchair For You
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable my babiie stroller (see here now) is perfect for trips that are short or during holidays. They are light and suitable for babies as young as four years old. They have good-sized wheels, and a spacious basket.
Their name is derived due to the way they fold. It's similar to an umbrella. Some fold easily using one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.
Folding is easy
The way that pushchairs fold is an important factor when you are looking to purchase one. Not only does it determine how easy they are to carry as well as how much space they take up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of usage. Look for a pushchair with a concertina or scissor fold if you want a pushchair that is easy to fold. They are renowned for their ability to fold flat, and are great if you plan on using public transport 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 as young as 6 months. Some also come with a decent recline (although not flat, like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories such as buggie bags, seat liners and moses baskets/running pram sheets that are fitted.
Apart from the ease of folding there are 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 allow you to easily clean any dirt or sand.
Some pushchairs come with the scissor fold. This is where the whole buggy is folded in half like a pair of scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair is usually the simplest to unfold since you just need to lift the handles and then fold the seat back. It isn't easy to store and may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
In addition to the scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, like a concertina. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, but they can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded they can be a challenge to keep in storage due to their long rectangular shape. However, they are lightweight and compact enough to be used as cabin luggage for flights. They are an excellent option for families who travel.
Lightweight
The variety of pushchairs available is a lot and choosing the one that is right for you can be a challenge. The jargon can be confusing, and the folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to grasp. The type of fold you choose will have an impact on how easy it can be transported and stored.
Choosing a lightweight pram pushchair can make all the difference for those with a small storage space at home. There are a variety of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that include carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of them can be used as early as birth with the newborn carrycot, but it is important to verify the specifications for lying flat of any model that is designed to be used with a newborn.
An umbrella-fold pushchair is an easy and efficient option that takes up very small space. These types of pushchairs get their name because of the fact they fold down similar to an umbrella, which enables them to fit into the majority of storage and boot space. They are often incredibly lightweight, and a majority of models will also include an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold into three or more sections, with the frame and the seat overlapping before collapsing onto them. They are the smallest, 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 with a carry strap, and a safe pouch on the hood to help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder weather. Some brands include these in the form of a bundle, while others sell them separately.
Always verify whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable. This will allow for quicker and easier cleaning. In addition it is crucial to check regularly if the brakes are working correctly and if there's any mud on the wheels to remove it with the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
You might choose a pushchair that can be folded down into a compact form when you plan to use it on public transport or to take it on vacation. This kind of pushchair can be lightweight to carry and easy to store in a car boot or in a car that is small.
A wide selection of folding pushchairs is available to choose from and the way they fold varies from brand to brand. Some are focused on speed and convenience whilst others offer a smaller or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a striking example as it doesn't just fold down, but it folds in, and the whole buggy is an elegant square box that is smaller than many hand luggage options, making it perfect for travelling.
There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs including foot pedal brakes as well as handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most common and work by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are constantly in motion but have to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes can be found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change the speed of a run, for instance. City pushchairs usually have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake and an adjustable lever that activates the brake opposite to give you maximum control.
Based on the age of your baby and size, you may want to find a pushchair that offers a lie-flat seat or is compatible with a travel system which means you can connect to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also use a light carrycot that can be placed flat on the chassis.
It's worth looking up the airline's website to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the carry-on baggage allowance. Make sure that the pushchair will pass through a standard airport doorway, and is able to be lifted up and over stairs. If you plan to use your pushchair on holiday, it's a good idea to bring a rain cover with you to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who frequently travel. They're designed to be easy to fold and fit into a tiny space in your car boot. They're also great for public transport and holidays. Some models are compatible with a car-seat.
Some models fold so compactly they're almost flat. These are ideal when you have limited space in your home or car boot. However, they can be heavier than larger buggies.
Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold-in-half or 3D designs. These are easier to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They are also quite long when folded, which makes them suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.
Others fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy, and the frame collapses to an elongated, square-ish shape. They're quick and easy to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resulting long rectangular shape may not fit into smaller car boots.
Many pushchairs have sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric which protects the child from the sun. Some brands include it in the price, while some sell it separately. The most effective options come with a removable hood, so you can wash them if you need to. 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 you notice mud on the wheels, you can try using the pressure washer or hose to wash off the dirt. If this isn't successful then you can try an sterilising fluid that is mild 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 cause mildew and rot. If this happens, you'll need to start by brushing off any loose mildew or mould with a soft-bristled brush before washing and rinsing as per the instructions.