Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for quick trips or holidays. They are light and suitable for babies even as young as 4 years old. They come with large wheels, and a nice basket.

They have their name because of the way they fold in a manner that's a lot like an umbrella. Some fold easily with one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold could be an important factor when you are looking to purchase one. It's not just about how easy they are to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, whereas others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a stroller that is easy to fold choose one with a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are perfect if you plan on using public transport or traveling with your child.

Many of these types of pushchairs also have seats that face both towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some also come with an adequate recline (although not as flat as the infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories, including buggie bags as well as seat liners and moses baskets/pram uk sheets that are fitted.

It is important to take into consideration other aspects when selecting the right buggy, including the fabric and if it is machine-washable. Quick-release wheels are crucial as they permit you to easily clean any mud or sand.

Some pushchairs feature scissor folds, which is when the whole buggy folds in half, like a pair of scissors, and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This type of pushchair can be the easiest to fold since you need to pull the handle and then close the seat. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for use on public transport since it might not fit into smaller car boots.

Aside from the scissor fold, there are also pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, like a concertina. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, however they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. They can also be tricky to store since they are rectangular in shape when they are in a closed position. They are however, lightweight and are often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are therefore a great choice for families traveling.

Lightweight

The variety of pushchairs available is huge and finding the one that is right for you can be a challenge. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you choose will determine the ease with which you can transport and store your pushchair.

Choosing a light pushchair can make a huge difference for those with a small storage space at home. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that come with carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of them can be used as early as birth with a baby carrier but it is crucial to know the specifications for models designed to be used with newborns.

An umbrella-folding pushchair can be an easy and practical option that takes up very little room. These types of pushchairs derive their name because of the fact they fold down in a similar way as an umbrella, allowing them to be tucked into the majority of storage or vehicle boot space. They are typically light, and the majority of models come with rain covers to shield your child from the elements.

A concertina-style pushchair is another option that folds into three or more parts, with the frame and seat covering each other, before collapsing on itself. These are usually the most compact and easy to store, however they do require both hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs include the footmuff as well as an reversible seat liner (and washable), an adjustable carry strap, and a secure pouch that can be attached to the hood. These features will ensure your child is warm, dry and comfortable in the colder winter months. Some brands will include these items as part of a bundle, whereas others sell them as separate items.

Always look to see whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable, as this will allow for faster and easier cleaning. It is also important to make sure that the brakes work correctly and clean any mud from the wheels using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

You might choose a pushchair that can be folded to a compact size if you plan to take it on public transport or even take it on a trip. This type of pushchair is also light to lift and makes it easy for you to store in your car boot or small vehicle.

A wide range of folding pushchairs are available for you to choose from and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some focus on speed and ease of use, while others offer a smaller one-handed, two-handed, or even a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a great example, as it is not just able to fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square package that fits into many hand luggage allowances.

There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most popular brakes are foot brakes, which operate by pressing one pedal to lock both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are always on the go but who require to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes are commonly found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter momentum during a run for example. City pushchairs often have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake and an lever that triggers the opposite brake for maximum control.

Based on the age of your baby depending on the baby's age, you might want to choose a stroller that has a lie-flat seating or is compatible with travel systems to allow you to attach an infant carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can be folded very quickly with the carrycot tucked away on the frame or the lightweight carrycot that can be simply pushed flat onto the frame can be utilized.

If you are thinking of flying with your child in a pushchair, it's worth visiting the airline's website to ensure 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 pushed up and down stairs in an airport. If you plan to take your pushchair on vacation, it's best to take a rain cover with you to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel a lot. They are designed to be simple to fold and fit into a tiny space in your car boot. These are also great for holidays and public transport. Some models are even suitable for use with car seats.

Some models are so small that they fold almost flat. They're great if you don't have much storage space in your home or in your car boot, but they could be more cumbersome to transport than buggies with larger capacities.

Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. They are referred to as concertina, fold in half, or 3D designs. They are more convenient to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when they are folded, so they're not suitable for vehicles with smaller dimensions.

Other models come with scissor-style folds in which the seat back folds to the front of the buggy, and the frame collapses into a square-ish, flat shape. They are easy and quick to fold and can be used in public transport. However the long rectangular shape they create may not fit in small car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs have sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric, which helps protect the baby from the sun. Some brands include this in the price, while other brands offer it as an accessory. The best options include an adjustable hood, which means you can wash them as needed. Make sure you have 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 before washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, you can try using pressure washer or a hose to wash off the dirt. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric on the outside. If your pushchair is left in a damp, wet or stale for too long, it can damage the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mould with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.