5 Reasons Foldable Pushchair Is A Good Thing
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is the perfect solution for holidays or quick excursions. They are usually lightweight and suitable for pushchair infants as young as four years old. They have good-sized wheels and a great basket.
They have their name because of the way they fold in a manner that's a lot like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold using one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.
Folding is easy
The way in which pushchairs fold can be a significant factor when you are buying one. It will determine how easy to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Most manufacturers have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness whilst others focus on speed or user-friendliness. Look for a pushchair with an orchestra or scissor fold if you want a pushchair which is easy to fold. They are easily foldable and are great for those who plan on using public transportation or traveling with your child.
A majority of these pushchairs have a seat that faces towards the parent (for bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). They are generally suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some also come with an acceptable recline (although not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories, including buggie bags seats, seat liners, and moses baskets/babiie pram sheets that are fitted.
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 has wheels that release quickly. Having quick-release wheels is particularly important because it means that you can easily wash off any dried or wet mud.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner, where the buggy folds like an apex of scissors and folded into a rectangle. This type of pushchair is usually the simplest to unfold since it is just a matter of lifting the handles and then fold the seat back. However, it can be difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for public transport since it might not fit into smaller car boot spaces.
In addition to the scissor fold, there are also pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs tend to be the smallest when folded, but they can be a challenge to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be a challenge 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. They are a great choice for families who travel.
Lightweight
The selection of pushchairs available is a lot and choosing the one that is right for you could be difficult. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The kind of folding you select can affect how easy it is to move and store the pushchair.
A lightweight pushchair is an excellent choice for those who have limited storage space. There are a variety of pushchairs available, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional travel systems that include carrycots and adapters for car seat pram seats. Some of these can even be used right from birth using a newborn carrycot, although it is essential to check the lie flat specifications of any model that is designed to be used with a newborn.
An umbrella-folding pushchair (Recommended Studying) is a simple and convenient option that takes up very small space. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact that they fold in a similar way as an umbrella. This makes them fit perfectly into most storage and boot spaces. They are typically lightweight and 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 into itself. They are the most compact and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
Many pushchairs will come with an adjustable footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner with a carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood to keep your children dry, warm and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these items in a bundle, while others offer them as individual items.
Always look to see if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable, as this allows for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also important to make sure that the brakes work correctly and to clean any mud off the wheels with an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair along with when you travel strollers or if you use it regularly for public transport, you might prefer a model that folds easily into an incredibly compact size. This type of pushchair is also light to lift and easy for to put in the boot of your car or a smaller vehicle.
A wide range of folding pushchairs are available for you to choose from and the way they fold differs from one brand to the next. Some are designed to be fast and easy to use, while others are compacter and can be folded using two hands or one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a perfect example, as it is not just able to fold down, but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy a neat, square package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage compartments.
There are two types of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are constantly moving around but need to slow down or stop frequently. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers and three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes, and they can be used to change the pace of an exercise. Combination brakes are commonly seen on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal and a hand lever that activates the other brake for maximum control.
You might want to consider one with a lie-flat feature or one that is compatible with a travel system so you can connect the carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold very quickly and leave the carrycot on the frame. You can also choose a lightweight carrycot that is pulled flat onto chassis.
If you are thinking of flying with your baby in a pushchair it's worth visiting the website of the airline to ensure the dimensions and weight are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Make sure that the pushchair with car seat will pass through a standard airport doorway, and can be lifted and lowered over steps. You should take raincovers when you plan to use your stroller during a vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who frequently travel. They are designed to be easy to fold and take up little space in the car boot. They're also an excellent option for public transport and for taking on holidays. Some models can be used with a car-seat.
Some models are so compact that they fold flat. They're ideal when you have limited space in your home or car boot. However they're heavier than buggies with larger wheels.
Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. They are referred to as concertina, fold-in-half, or 3D designs. They are easier to handle however, they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when they are folded, so they're not ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.
Other models fold in a scissor-like fashion, where the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame collapses into an elongated, square-ish shape. They are simple and quick to fold, and are also suitable for public transportation. However the long rectangular shape they create might not fit in small car boot dimensions.
Many pushchairs have sun canopy. These are usually constructed of SPF fabric, which helps protect the baby from the sun. Some brands include it in the price while others sell it separately. The best options have an hood that is removable to allow you to wash it as needed. Also consider an infant foot warmer that will keep your baby warm in colder temperatures.
Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth but some fabrics are not machine-washable and should be checked by the manufacturer's instructions. If you notice mud on the wheels, try using the pressure washer or hose to rinse off the dirt. If this fails, try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric on the outside. If your pushchair is in a wet, damp or mouldy state for too long, it may damage the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse as directed.