Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is the perfect solution for short trips out and about. They tend to be light and suitable for children as young as four 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 collapse, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with just one hand, whereas others require two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold can be an important factor when buying one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. Find a pushchair with an orchestra or scissor fold if you are looking for a pushchair which is easy to fold. These are known for their ability to fold flat and are ideal for those who plan to use public transport or travelling with your baby.

These types of pushchairs prams often have a seat facing both the parent and child (for bonding, comfort and to allow them to explore the world around them). They are usually suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some of them feature a comfortable reclining position (though not as flat as infant car seats) and are compatible with other accessories like buggie bags, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram with car seat sheet.

Apart from the ease of folding there are other aspects that you should consider when choosing a buggy, such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable and whether it comes with wheels that can be released quickly. Quick-release wheels are important as it means you can easily wash off any wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs come with the scissor fold. This is the place where the entire buggy folds in half, like a pair of scissors, and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair may be the most simple to unfold because you just need to lift the handle, then close the seat. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and is not suitable for public transport as it may not fit into smaller car boot spaces.

There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are the smallest when folded but they can be a challenge to carry and require two hands. They can also be difficult to store because they have a long rectangular shape when they are in a closed position. However, they are lightweight and small enough to use as cabin baggage for flights. They are an excellent option for families traveling together.

Lightweight

Finding the perfect pushchair for you can be difficult. The terminology can be confusing, and the folding mechanisms are particularly hard to understand. The type of fold you choose will influence how easy the pushchair can be transported and stored.

A lightweight pushchair is an excellent choice for those who have little storage space. There are a myriad of different types of umbrellas, from compact folds up to multi-purpose travel systems that include carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of these can be used as early as birth with a baby carrier but it is important to verify the specifications of models that are intended to be used by newborns.

An umbrella-fold pushchair is a simple and convenient option that takes up very small space. These pushchairs are named after the fact they fold in a similar manner as an umbrella. This allows them to fit perfectly into most storage and boot spaces. They are often incredibly lightweight, and a majority of them come with an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.

A concertina-style pushchair is a different option that folds into three or more parts, with the frame and seat over each other and then collapsing on itself. They are the smallest and convenient to store. They require two hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs include an adjustable footmuff, a reversible seat liner (and washable) as well as the carry strap, as well as an enclosed pouch that is attached to the hood. These features can ensure your child is dry, warm, and comfortable during the colder winter months. 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 essential to check regularly if whether the brakes work properly and if there's a speck of mud on the wheels, get rid of it using a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

If you plan to take your pushchair along with you on vacation or use it frequently for public transport, you might prefer a model that folds easily into a compact size. This type of pushchair will also usually be light to lift and easy to store in a boot or small car.

A variety of folding pushchairs is available to pick from, and the way they fold varies from brand to brand. Some are specifically designed for speed and ease of use while others are more compact and fold with two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching example because it doesn't just fold down but then in too, so the entire buggy transforms into a neat square package smaller than many hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for traveling.

The selection of twin pushchair brakes is another factor to consider There are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes or a mixture of both. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pressing a single foot pedal 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 three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and are able to change the speed of a run for instance. Combination brakes are often used on city pushchairs. They combine a foot pedal with a hand lever that activates the other brake to give you maximum control.

You might want to consider a pushchair with a lie-flat feature or one that is compatible with a travel system, so you can attach the carrycot. Some pushchairs fold quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also choose a lightweight carrycot that is folded flat on the chassis.

It's worth looking up the airline's website to ensure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the carry-on baggage allowance. Make sure that the pushchair will pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it can be lifted up and over the stairs. You should take a raincover with you if you intend to use your stroller during a vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic option for parents who are frequently on the move. They are designed to be easy to fold and will take up a small space in your car boot. These are also great for public transport and holidays. Some models are even suitable to be used with car seats.

Some models are so small that they fold almost flat. They are great when you have little space in your home or car boot. However they're heavier than larger buggies.

Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold-in-half, or 3D styles. These are less cumbersome to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when folded, making them ideal for smaller vehicles.

Other models fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the seatback folds toward the front of buggy and the entire frame collapses into a flat, square-ish shape. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting long rectangular shape may not fit in smaller car boot.

Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy, typically made from SPF fabric, which helps protect baby from the sun. Some brands include it in their price while others sell it separately. The best travel pram choices have a removable hood so that you can wash it as needed. Consider the footmuff, too, since they are perfect for colder weather and can keep babies toasty.

Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth but certain fabrics aren't machine washable, so check the manufacturer's instructions. If there's 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 use an sterilising fluid that is mild and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is left in a damp, wet or stale for too long, it may cause damage to the fabric, and even cause mildew and rot. If this occurs, you'll have to start by cleaning off any mould or mildew that has escaped with a soft-bristled brush before washing and rinsing according to the directions.