Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is a great solution for short excursions. They tend to be light and suitable for babies as young as four years old. They also have wheels that are large enough and a basket that is suitable for children.
They have their name because of the way they fold, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some have one-handed folding that’s effortless while others require more involvement or two hands.
Easy to fold
The way in which pushchairs fold is a crucial aspect when purchasing one. It’s not just about how they are easy to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Most brands design their folding stroller mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness whilst others focus on speed or ease of use. If you’re looking for a pushchair that is easy to fold choose one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. They are able to fold flat and are great when you plan on using public transportation or travelling with your child.
A lot of these kinds of pushchairs have an incline that is towards the parent (for bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for children as young as 6 months. Some of them feature a comfortable recline position (though not flat like infant car seats) and can be used with other accessories like buggie bags, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/babiie pram sheet.
It is also important to consider other aspects when selecting the buggy you want to use, such as the fabric and if it is machine-washable. Having quick-release wheels is particularly important because it allows you can easily wash away any mud that has dried or become wet.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like manner in which the buggy is folded like an apex of scissors and folded into a rectangle shape. This type of pushchair can be the easiest to unfold since you have to lift the handle and then close the seat. It can be difficult to store and may not fit into smaller car boot sizes.
In addition to the scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are the smallest when folded, but they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. They can also be difficult to store since they have a long rectangular shape when they are in a closed position. However, they are lightweight and small enough to be used as cabin luggage on flights. They are an excellent option for families who travel.
Lightweight
The variety of pushchairs available is a lot and choosing the best one for you can be tricky. The terminology can be confusing, and the folding mechanisms can be difficult to comprehend. The kind of folding you select will determine how easy it is to move and store the pushchair.
A lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those with limited storage space at home. There are a variety of different models of umbrellas, from compact folds up to multi-purpose travel systems that include carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of these can even be used from birth with baby carrycots, however it is important to verify the lie flat specifications of any model intended for use with a newborn.
An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and practical option that takes up very little room. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact they fold similarly to an umbrella. This allows them to be easily inserted into storage and boot spaces. These pushchairs are generally light and most models come with a raincover to safeguard your child.
A concertina-style pushchair is a different option that folds in three or more sections, with the frame and seat covering each other, before collapsing in on itself. They are the smallest and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
Many pushchairs will have the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner with a carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood that will help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder weather. Some brands include these as part of a set, while others sell them separately.
Always look to see whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable, as this allows for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also essential to ensure that the brakes work correctly and clean any mud that has accumulated on the wheels using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
If you’re planning to take your pushchair along with when you travel or if you use it regularly on public transport you might prefer a model that folds easily into smaller dimensions. This kind of pushchair is also lightweight to carry and allows you to store in your car boot or a smaller vehicle.
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 focus on speed and convenience, whereas others offer a smaller one-handed, two-handed, or even a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a good example, as it doesn’t just fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square bag that fits in many hand luggage compartments.
There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs: foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and operate by pressing one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always on the go but who require to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes are found on three-wheeled pushchairs and jogger style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter the speed of a run for instance. City pushchairs usually feature combination brakes, which combine a foot brake with an lever that triggers the brake opposite for maximum control.
You may want to choose a pushchair that has a lie-flat feature or one 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 opt for a light carrycot that can be folded flat on the chassis.
If you are thinking of traveling 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 that it can be lifted up and over stairs. If you do plan to use your pushchair on holiday it’s a good idea to bring a rain cover with you to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who frequently travel. They are easy to fold and take up a small amount of space in the boot of your car. They’re also great to take on public transport and for taking on holidays. Some models are even suitable for use with a car seat.
Some models are so compact that they fold flat. They’re ideal when you don’t have lots of storage space at home, or in your car boot, but they could be heavier to carry than buggies with larger capacities.
There are also pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, also known as concertina, 3D or fold-in-half styles. These are easier to carry, but they 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.
Others fold in a scissor fashion in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the entire frame is collapsed into an elongated, square-ish shape. They’re simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resulting rectangular shape may not fit in smaller car boots.
Many pushchairs come with sun canopy. They are typically constructed of SPF fabric, which helps protect the baby from sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, while other brands offer it as an extra. The best choices have an hood that is removable so that you can wash it as needed. Look out for a footmuff too, as they are great for colder temperatures and keep babies warm.
Make sure you read the directions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can’t be machine washed. If you have mud on your wheels make use of a pressure washer or hose to clean it off. If this doesn’t work then you can try an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is left in a damp, wet or mouldy condition for too long, it may cause damage to the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, you should first scrub off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.
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