Say "Yes" To These 5 Foldable Pushchair Tips
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A stroller that folds is ideal for quick trips or holidays. They are lightweight and suitable for babies as young as four years. They also have wheels that are large enough and a sturdy basket.
Their name comes from the way they collapse. It's like an umbrella. Some have one-handed folding that's effortless and others require a bit of involvement or two hands.
Easy to fold
The way that pushchairs fold is a crucial aspect when buying one. Not only does it determine how they are easy to carry and fold, but also the amount of space they take up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of usage. Find a pushchair with a concertina or scissor fold if you are looking for a pushchair which is easy to fold. These are known for being capable of folding flat and are perfect when you plan on using public transportation or travelling with your child.
These pushchairs usually include a seat with a view of both the parent and the child (for bonding, reassurance, and to allow them to explore the world around them). They are generally suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some have an adequate reclining position (though not as flat as infant car seats) and are compatible accessories like buggie bags or seat liners. They also come with a moses baskets that are fitted with a pram double sheet.
Apart from the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects that you should consider when choosing a buggy, such as whether the fabric is machine washable and if it has quick-release wheels. Quick-release wheels are important because it means that you can easily wash off any mud that has dried or become wet.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like manner in which the buggy folds like an apex of scissors and flattened into a long rectangle. This type of pushchair could be the easiest to fold because you just need to pull the handle and then close the seat. However, it can be difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for use on public transport since it might not fit in smaller car booties.
There are also pushchairs, such as concertina, which fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, but they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. When folded, they can be difficult to store due to their large rectangular shape. They are, however, light and are often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and make a great option for families traveling.
Lightweight
Finding the right pushchair for your needs can be difficult. The jargon can be confusing and the folding mechanisms especially can be hard to understand. The type of folding you select can affect the ease with which you can move and store the pushchair.
A compact pushchair is a great option for those who have little storage space. There are many different kinds of umbrellas, from compact folds up to multi-functional travel systems with car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can even be used right from birth using the newborn carrycot, but it is important to verify the specifications for lying flat of any model that is designed for use with a newborn.
A pushchair that folds in the same way as an umbrella is a useful and simple option. It takes up little space. These pushchairs are named after the fact that they fold in a similar manner to an umbrella. This makes them be easily inserted into storage spaces and vehicle boot spaces. These pushchairs are generally light and most models include a rain cover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold into three or more pieces with the frame and the seat overlapping and then collapsing on themselves. They are the smallest and convenient to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
A majority of pushchairs come with the footmuff as well as an adjustable seat liner (and washable) and a 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 colder months. Certain brands will include these as part of a set, while others sell them as separate items.
Check if the fabrics of the pushchair can be washed by machine. This will make cleaning simpler and quicker. Additionally, it is important to regularly check whether the brakes work properly and if there's any mud on the wheels, get it out using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair along with you on holiday or use it frequently on public transport, you may 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 car boot or in a small car.
A wide selection of folding pushchairs are available to choose 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 striking example as it doesn't just fold down, but it folds in too, so the whole buggy is a neat square package smaller than a lot of hand luggage allowances making it ideal for traveling.
The selection of pushchair brakes is another thing to think about There are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes or a combination of both. The most popular brakes are the foot brakes, which work by pressing one pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are constantly on the go but who require to slow down or stop often. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers and three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and they can be used to change the pace of the course of a run. City pushchairs typically come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and an adjustable lever that activates the opposite brake for maximum control.
Based on the age of your baby depending on the baby's age, you might want to find a pushchair that has a lie-flat seating or is compatible with travel stroller systems to allow you to attach an infant carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to be folded quickly using the carrycot tucked away on the frame. Alternatively, the lightweight carrycot that can be simply pushed flat onto the frame can be utilized.
It's worth checking out the airline's site to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to check whether the pushchair will fit through a standard doorway, and that it can be pushed up and down the stairs of an airport. If you do plan to take your pushchair on holiday, it's a good idea to bring a rain cover to protect it from showers and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel frequently. They are designed to be easy to fold and will take up a small space in the car boot. They're also great for taking on public transport or for holidays. Some models can be used with a car seat.
Some models are so compact that they fold flat. These are ideal if there is limited space in your car or home boot. However they are heavier than larger buggies.
Some pushchairs 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 can also be quite long when folded, which makes them ideal for cars with smaller trunks.
Other models come with scissor-style folds in which the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy, and the frame collapses into a square-ish, flat shape. These are quick and easy to fold and can be used in public transportation. However the long rectangular shape they produce may not fit into the small car boot sizes.
Many pushchairs come with sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric, which protects the child from sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, while others offer it as an accessory. The best options have an hood that is removable so that you can wash it if necessary. Look out for an afghan, too, as they are great for colder weather and can keep babies toasty.
Check the instructions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics are not machine washed. If you notice mud on the wheels, you can try using the pressure washer or hose to clean the dirt. If this fails, try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric on the outside. If you leave your pushchair in a damp or wet condition for too long the fabric may become damaged and mildewed. If this occurs, you'll need to start by brushing off any loose mildew or mould with a soft-bristled brush before washing and rinsing according to the directions.
