15 Startling Facts About Foldable Pushchair That You Didn t Know

Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is great for trips that are short or during holidays. They tend to be lightweight and suitable for babies from four years old and up. They have large wheels, and a nice basket.

Their name is derived from the way that they fold. It's similar to an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with just one hand, whereas others need two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold could be a crucial factor in buying one. It will determine how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. The majority of manufacturers design their folding mechanisms 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 folds easily, choose one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are known for their ability to fold flat and are perfect for those who plan to use public transport or travelling with your child.

A lot of these kinds of pushchairs have an incline that is both towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for children at a young age of 6 months. Some of them also feature a decent recline (although not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories, including buggie bags, seat liners and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.

You should also consider other aspects when selecting the buggy you want to use, such as the fabric and if it is machine washable. The wheels that are quick-release are particularly important because it allows you can easily wash off any dried or wet mud.

Some pushchairs feature a scissor fold, which is when the whole buggy collapses in half like scissors and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This type of pushchair could be the most simple to unfold, as you only have to lift the handle, then close the seat. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for public transport because it may not fit in smaller car booties.

In addition to a scissor fold are also pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, like a concertina. These pushchairs are the smallest when folded but they can be a challenge to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. However, they are lightweight and compact enough to be used as cabin baggage for flights. They are a great option for families traveling together.

Lightweight

The choice of pushchairs is huge and finding the right one for you can be tricky. The jargon can be confusing, and folding mechanisms especially can be difficult to comprehend. The type of fold you choose will influence how easily the pushchair is able to be moved and stored.

Choosing a light pushchair can make a huge difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs available, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that come with carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of them can be used from birth with the newborn carrycot, but it is essential to check the specifications for lying flat of any model designed for use with a newborn.

An umbrella-fold pushchair is an easy and practical option that occupies little room. These types of pushchairs get their name because of the fact they fold down in a similar way to an umbrella, which allows them to be tucked into most forms of storage or vehicle boot space. These pushchairs are usually very lightweight and include a rain cover to safeguard your child.

Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold into three or more sections with the frame and seat overlapping before collapsing on them. These are usually the smallest and most convenient to store, but they require both hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs will have the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch attached to the hood to keep your children dry, warm and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands will include these as part of a bundle, whereas others sell them as separate items.

Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be washed using a machine. This makes cleaning much easier and quicker. Additionally, it is important to check regularly if the brakes are working correctly and if there's any dirt on the wheels, get it out using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

You might choose a pushchair that is folded down to a compact size when you plan to use it on public transport or take it on holiday. This kind of twin pushchair is also lightweight to lift and easy for to store in your car boot or small vehicle.

A wide range of folding pushchairs is available to select from and the way they fold varies from one brand to the next. Some focus on speed and convenience whilst others provide a more compact or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a good prams example of this, as it does not only folds down but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square package that fits into many hand luggage allowances.

The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another thing to think about - there are foot pedal brakes, hand brakes or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pushing on one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are always on the go but who need to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes are commonly 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. Combination brakes are typically seen on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal and an hand lever that triggers the other brake for maximum control.

Based on the age of your baby and size, you may want to find a pushchair that has a lie-flat seating or is compatible with travel systems to allow you to attach to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can be folded quickly using the carrycot still on the frame, or the lightweight carrycot that is simply rolled flat on the frame can be used.

If you are thinking of flying with your child in a pushchair, it's worth checking the airline's website to ensure the dimensions and weight are within the carry-on baggage allowance. Check that the pushchair can fit through an airport standard doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and over stairs. If you are planning to take your pushchair on holiday it's a good idea to take an umbrella with you to protect it from showers and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who frequently travel stroller. They are designed to be simple to fold and fit into a tiny space in your car boot. They're also a great option to take on public transport or for holidays. Some models are also suitable for use with a car seat.

Some models are so small that they fold up almost flat. They are great if there is little space in your home or car boot. However, they can be heavier than buggies with larger wheels.

Alternatively, there are some pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, also known as concertina, 3D or fold-3 in one pushchair-half styles. They are more comfortable to use, but they require both hands to unfold and fold. They can also be quite long when folded, so aren't suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.

Other models come with scissor-style folds, where the seat back folds towards the front of the buggy, and the whole frame collapses into a square-ish, flat shape. They're quick and easy to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resulting rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boot.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy typically made of SPF fabric, which helps protect your baby from sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, while other brands offer it as an extra. The most effective options come with a removable hood so that you can wash it as needed. Consider an afghan, too, as they are great for colder days and keep your baby warm.

Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth but certain fabrics aren't machine washable, so check the manufacturer's instructions. If you have dirt on your wheels, make use of a pressure washer, or hose to clean it off. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric on the outside. If you leave your pushchair in an unclean and wet condition or in a mouldy condition for too long, the fabric could be damaged and mildewed. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.