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Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A stroller that folds is ideal for short trips or on holidays. They are lightweight and suitable for children even as young as 4 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 are easy to fold using one hand, while others require two hands or more effort.

Folding is easy

The way pushchairs are folded can be an important factor when buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. If you’re looking for a pushchair that is easy to fold then look for one with a scissor or concertina type of fold. They are renowned for their ability to fold flat, and are great when you are planning to use public transportation or traveling with your child.

These types of pushchairs typically feature a seat that faces both parents and the child (for bonding, reassurance and to let them explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some have a comfortable recline position (though not flat like infant car seat) 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 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 because they allow you to easily clean any dirt or sand.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like manner that is, the buggy is folded as a pair of scissors, and then flattened to form a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair is typically the easiest to unfold as you only need to lift the handles upwards and then fold the seat back. It isn’t easy to store and may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These pushchairs tend to be the most compact when folded, however they can be a challenge to carry and require two hands. They can also be difficult to store since they have a long rectangular shape when closed position. However, they are lightweight and small enough to be used as cabin baggage for flights. They are a great option for families that travel.

Lightweight

Finding the right pushchair for your needs can be a challenge. The terminology can be confusing, and folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to grasp. The fold you select can influence how easy it can be transported and stored.

A compact pushchair is an excellent choice for those with little storage space. There are many different kinds, ranging from compact umbrella folds 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, however, it is essential to check the specifications for models that are intended to be used with newborns.

An umbrella-folding pushchair is a simple and convenient option that takes up very little space. These kinds of pushchairs get their name due to the fact that they fold down similarly as an umbrella, allowing them to be tucked into most forms of storage or vehicle boot space. They are typically light and many models include a rain cover to protect your child.

Concertina-style pushchairs are another choice. They fold into three or more pieces with the frame and seat collapsing into the frame. They are the smallest, easy to store and require two hands to open and shut.

Many pushchairs will come with an adjustable footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a safe pouch on the hood to keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder weather. Certain brands will include these items as part of a bundle while others sell them separately.

Always check whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable, as this will allow for quicker and easier cleaning. It is also important to check that the brakes function properly and to remove any mud from the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

If you’re planning to take your pushchair with you on holiday or use it regularly on public transport, you may prefer a model that folds easily into a compact size. This kind of pushchair will also usually be light to carry and easy to store in a trunk or in a car that is small.

A variety of folding pushchairs are available for you to pick from, and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Some are specifically designed for speed and ease of use and others are smaller and can be folded with two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a standout example as it doesn’t just fold down, but into the entire buggy transforms into an elegant square box that is smaller than most hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for travel.

The selection of pushchair brakes is another factor to consider – there are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes, or a combination of both. The most common brakes are foot brakes that work by pressing one pedal to stop both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are always moving around but need to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes are found on joggers and prams pushchairs prams pushchairs with three wheels. style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter momentum during a run for example. Combination brakes are typically found on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal with an hand lever that triggers the other brake to give you maximum control.

You may want to choose one with a lie-flat feature or one that is compatible with a travel system so you can attach the carrycot. Some pushchairs fold up quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also use a light carrycot that can be folded flat on the chassis.

It’s worth looking up the airline’s site to ensure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Check that the pushchair can fit through a standard airport doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and over steps. If you plan to use your pushchair during a holiday it’s a good idea to carry a rain cover with you to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic option for parents who are often on the move. They’re designed to be simple to fold and fit into a tiny space in the car boot. They’re also an excellent option for taking on public transport or for holidays. Some models are also suitable for use with a car seat.

Some models are so compact that they fold up almost flat. They are great if there is the space to fit them in your car or home boot. However they’re heavier than larger buggies.

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

Other models fold in a scissor style, where the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy, and the frame collapses to an elongated, square-ish shape. They’re simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resulting long rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy, typically made from SPF fabric to help protect baby from the sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, while other brands offer it as an extra. The best options include an adjustable hood, which means you can wash them as you need to. Also consider a footmuff that can keep your baby warm during colder temperatures.

Most pushchairs can be washed down with a damp cloth, but some fabrics are not machine-washable So, make sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer. If there’s a lot of mud on the wheels, try using pressure washer or a hose to clean the dirt. If this fails then you can try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair remains in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it may damage the fabric and lead to rot and mildew. If this happens, you should first scrub off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.