Foldable Pushchair Tips That Will Revolutionize Your Life
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is a great solution for short trips out and about. They are usually light and suitable for children as young as four years old. They also have good-sized wheels and a good basket.
Their name comes due to the way they collapse. It's similar to an umbrella. Some fold with one hand that's easy, while others require a bit more involvement or two hands.
Folding is simple
The way in which pushchairs prams pushchairs fold could be a crucial factor in buying one. It's not just about how easy they are to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Many manufacturers have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind, with some focusing on compactness while others focus on speed or user-friendliness. If you're looking to purchase a pushchair that is easy to fold choose one with a concertina or scissor type of fold. These are renowned for being easily foldable and are great if you are planning to use public transportation or travelling with your child.
A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also come with a seat that faces towards the parent (for bonding and comfort) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies up to 6 months. Some also have an adequate recline (although not flat, like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories, including buggie bags, seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram sheets.
You should also consider other aspects when selecting a buggy, such as the fabric and if it can be washed in the machine. Quick-release wheels are important because they let you easily clean any dirt or sand.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the buggy folds like a pair scissors and then flattened into a long rectangle shape. This kind of pushchair may be the most simple to unfold, as you only have to lift the handle and then close the seat. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for public transport as it may not fit in smaller car booties.
There are also pushchairs, such as concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, however they can be difficult to handle and require two arms. When folded, they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. However, they are light and small enough to use as cabin luggage for flights. They are a great choice for families traveling together.
Lightweight
The selection of pushchairs available is a lot and choosing the one that is right for you could be difficult. The jargon can be confusing and the folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to grasp. The kind of folding pram you select can affect the ease with which you can move and store the pushchair.
Choosing a lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are many different kinds that range from compact umbrella folds to multi-functional travel systems with carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of these can be utilized as early as birth with a newborn carrier, however, it is essential to check the specifications for models that are intended to be used by newborns.
An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and practical option that takes up very little space. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact that they fold in a similar manner as an umbrella. This makes them be easily inserted into storage and boot spaces. These pushchairs are usually very light and most models include a rain cover to safeguard your child.
A concertina-styled pushchair is an alternative option that folds into three or more sections, with the frame and seat covering each other before collapsing in on itself. These are usually the smallest and most convenient to store, however they require two hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs will come with the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch on the hood to keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder temperatures. Some brands include these in a bundle, while others sell them individually.
Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be machine washed. This will make cleaning simpler and faster. Additionally it is crucial to check regularly if that the brakes are functioning properly and if there's a speck of mud on the wheels to remove it with the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair car seat with you on vacation or use it regularly for public transport, you might prefer a model that folds easily into smaller dimensions. This type of pushchair is also likely to 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 for you to select from and the way they fold varies from brand to brand. Some focus on speed and convenience whilst others offer a more compact, two-handed or even 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 package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage allowances.
There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs including foot pedal brakes as well as handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most common and work by pushing on a single foot pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are constantly moving around but have to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes can be found on three-wheeled pushchairs and jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change momentum during a run for instance. Combination brakes are typically seen on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal and a hand lever that activates the other brake for maximum control.
Depending on your baby's age, you may wish to choose a stroller that offers a lie-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems which means you can connect to a carrycot. Some 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 used.
If you are thinking of traveling with your child in a pushchair it's worth visiting the airline's website to make sure the dimensions and weight are within the carry-on baggage allowance. Verify that the stroller can pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and over steps. It is recommended to bring raincovers with you if you intend to take your stroller on holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is a great choice for parents who are frequently in motion. They're easy to fold, and they require very little space in the trunk of your car. These are also great for public transport and vacations. Certain models can be used with a car seat.
Some models fold so compactly they're almost flat. These are ideal if there is little space in your car or home boot. However they are heavier than buggies with larger wheels.
Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold in half, or 3D styles. They are more comfortable to use however they require two hands to unfold and fold. They can be quite long when they are folded, so they're not suitable for vehicles with smaller dimensions.
Other models fold in a scissor fashion, where the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame collapses into a flat, square-ish shape. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resulting rectangular shape might not fit in smaller car boots.
Many pushchairs have a sun canopy. They are typically constructed of SPF fabric, which protects your baby from the sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, whereas others sell it as an accessory. The most effective options come with an hood that is removable so that you can wash it if necessary. Also consider a footmuff that can keep your baby warm during colder temperatures.
Make sure you read the directions 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 a hose or pressure washer to wash off the dirt. If this isn't successful then you can use 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 could cause damage to the fabric, and even result in mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.