10 Unexpected Foldable Pushchair Tips

Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is a great solution for quick trips out and about. They are usually light and suitable for children as young as four years old. They come with large wheels, and a spacious basket.

They get their name from the way they collapse, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some fold easily with just one hand, whereas others need two hands or more effort.

Folding is easy

The way in which pushchairs fold can be a significant factor when you are buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. The majority of manufacturers create their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind, with some focusing on compactness, while others concentrate on speed or ease of use. Choose a pushchair that has a concertina or scissor fold if you want a pushchair that is easy to fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are ideal if you plan on using public transportation or traveling with your child.

A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also have an incline that is both towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some have an adequate recline position (though not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible accessories such as buggie bag seats, seat liners, and moses baskets that are fitted with a pram sheet.

Aside from the ease of folding it is important to consider 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 important as they permit you to easily remove any mud or sand.

Some pushchairs feature a scissor fold, which is the place where the entire buggy folds in half, like scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair is usually the easiest to fold as you only need to lift the handles up and then close the seat back. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for public transport as it may not fit into smaller car boots.

There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs tend to be the smallest when folded but they can be a challenge to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be a challenge to keep in storage due to their long rectangular shape. However, they are light and small enough to be used as cabin luggage for flights. They are a great option for families who travel.

Lightweight

The choice of prams pushchairs is vast and deciding on the one that is right for you could be difficult. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The fold you select can affect how easy the pushchair is to transport and store.

A lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are a myriad of different types, ranging from compact umbrella folds to multi-purpose travel systems that incorporate carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of them can be used as early as the time of birth with a baby carrier but it is important to know the specifications for models that are intended to be used by newborns.

An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and efficient option that takes up very small space. These kinds of pushchairs get their name from the fact that they fold down in a similar way as an umbrella, allowing them to fit perfectly lengthways into most forms of storage and vehicle boot space. These pushchairs are generally light and many models come with a raincover to protect your child.

Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold in three or more pieces with the frame and the seat collapsing on the frame. These are usually the smallest and most convenient to store, but they do require both hands to open and close.

A majority of pushchairs come with a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner with a carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood to keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder temperatures. Some brands include these as part of a set, while others will sell them separately.

Always check if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable, as this will allow for quicker and more efficient cleaning. It is also important to ensure that the brakes work correctly and to clean any mud off the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

It is possible to choose a pushchair that can be folded down to a compact size in case you intend to use it on public transport or to take it on vacation. This kind of pushchair can be light to carry and easy to store in a trunk or in a small car.

A variety of folding pushchairs are available for you to select from and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some are designed for speed and convenience and others are smaller and can be folded with two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a good prams example of this, as it does is not just able to fold down, but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage allowances.

The choice of pushchair brakes is a different factor to consider There are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most popular and work by pushing on one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is an excellent option for parents who need to stop or slow down often. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers and three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and can be used to change the pace of a run. Combination brakes are typically seen on city pushchairs and incorporate a foot pedal with an hand lever that triggers the other brake for maximum control.

You may want to choose a pushchair with an option to lie flat or that is compatible with a travel system so you can connect the carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold quickly and leave the carrycot on the frame. You can also choose a light carrycot that can be pulled flat onto chassis.

If you're thinking of flying with your child in a pushchair, it's worth checking the airline's website to ensure that the dimensions and weight are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Verify that the stroller can pass through a standard airport doorway, and can be lifted up and down the stairs. If you are planning to use your pushchair on vacation, it's best to take an umbrella with you to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic choice for parents who are frequently moving around. They're designed to be simple to fold and take up little space in the car boot. They're also great for public transport and holidays. Some models are also suitable to be used with car seats.

Some models are so compact that they fold up almost flat. These are ideal when you have the space to fit them in your car or home boot. However they're heavier than buggies that are larger.

Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold in half, or 3D styles. They are easier to handle however they require two hands to unfold and fold. They can be quite large when they are folded, which makes them suitable for vehicles with smaller dimensions.

Others fold in a scissor-like fashion in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the entire frame is collapsed into an unflattering, square-ish form. They're easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resulting rectangular shape might not fit in smaller car boot.

Many pushchairs come with sun canopy. They are typically made of SPF fabric, which protects the child from sun. Some brands include this in the price, while others offer it as an accessory. The best options have an hood that is removable to allow you to wash it in the event that you need to. Also, look for a footmuff that will keep your baby warm in colder temperatures.

The majority of pushchairs can be cleaned down with a damp cloth but some fabrics are not machine-washable So, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions. If you've got mud on your wheels use a pressure washer or hose to clean it off. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If you leave your pushchair in an un-dry and wet condition or in a mouldy state for too long, the fabric may become damaged and mildewed. If this occurs, you'll need to begin by removing any loose mildew or mould with a soft-bristled brush before rinsing and washing as per the directions.