How Foldable Pushchair Influenced My Life For The Better
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is perfect for short trips or on holidays. They tend to be lightweight and suitable for children as young as four years old. They have large wheels and a great basket.
They are named after the way they fold, which is a lot like an umbrella. Some fold with one hand that's effortless and others require a bit more involvement or two hands.
Easy to fold
The way in which pushchairs fold can be an important factor when you are looking to purchase one. It will determine how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Most brands create their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness while others focus on speed or ease of use. If you're looking to purchase a pushchair that folds easily, then you should look for one that has the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are known for being able to fold flat and are perfect for those who plan to use public transportation or traveling with your child.
A majority of these pushchairs also come with 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 as young as 6 months. Some have an adequate recline (though not flat like an infant car seats) and are compatible accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram sheet.
Apart from the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects to take into consideration when selecting a buggy, such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable, and if it has quick-release wheels. Quick-release wheels are important as they permit you to easily remove any mud or sand.
Some prams pushchairs prams pushchairs fold in a scissor-like fashion that is, the buggy is folded as a pair scissors and then flattened into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is typically the easiest to unfold as it is just a matter of lifting the handles up and then close the seat back. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for use on public transport as it may not fit in smaller car booties.
There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These twin pushchairs are the most compact when they are folded, but can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded they can be difficult to keep in storage due to their long rectangular shape. They are, however, light and often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and make a great option for families who travel.
Lightweight
Choosing the right pushchair for you could be a challenge. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you choose will affect the ease of transport and store the pushchair.
A lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those with a small storage space at home. There are a variety of different types, ranging from compact umbrella folds down to multi-functional travel systems with carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of them can be used as early as birth with a newborn carrier, but it is important to verify the specifications of models that are intended to be used by newborns.
A pushchair that folds in the same way as an umbrella is a practical and simple option. It occupies a small space. These pushchairs are named after the fact they fold in a similar way as an umbrella. This allows them to be easily inserted into storage spaces and vehicle boot spaces. They are typically lightweight and come with a raincover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold into three or more sections with the frame and seat collapsing into the frame. They are the smallest and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
Many pushchairs prams come with a footmuff and a reversible seat liner (and washable), a carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood. These features can help keep your child dry, warm, and comfortable during the colder winter months. Some brands offer these in a bundle, while others offer them as individual items.
Always check whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable, as this will allow for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also important to make sure that the brakes function properly and clean any mud that has accumulated on the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
It is possible to choose an infant stroller that can be folded down into a compact shape when you plan to use it on public transport or even take it on a trip. This kind of pushchair can be lightweight to carry and easy to store in a boot or in a small car.
There are a variety of kinds of folding pushchairs and the way that they fold can differ. Some focus on speed and convenience, whereas others provide a more compact travel pram or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a great example of this, as it does not only folds down but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square bag that fits in many hand luggage spaces.
There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs: foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most popular brakes are foot brakes which work by pressing a single pedal to stop both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are always in motion but 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 example. City pushchairs often come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and a lever that activates the brake opposite for maximum control.
Based on the age of your baby depending on the baby stroller's age, you might want to choose a stroller with a lying-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems which means you can connect an infant carrycot. Some pushchairs fold up quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also choose an ultra-lightweight carrycot that is folded flat on the chassis.
It's worth checking out the airline's site to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the baggage allowance for carry-on bags. Verify that the stroller can pass through a standard airport doorway, and can be lifted up and down stairs. You should bring a raincover when you plan to use your stroller on holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is a fantastic choice for parents who are frequently in motion. They are designed to be simple to fold and take up little space in your car boot. They're also great to take on public transport and holidays. Certain models can be used with a car seat.
Some models fold down so small they're almost flat. These are ideal for those who have little space in your car or home boot. However, they can be heavier than buggies with larger wheels.
Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold in half, or 3D designs. They are more comfortable to use however, they require both hands to unfold and fold. They can also be quite long when folded, which makes them suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.
Other models have scissor-style folding which means that the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy, and the entire frame is collapsed into a square-ish, flat shape. They're simple and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resulting long rectangular shape may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
Many pushchairs have sun canopy. They are typically made 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 best choices have an hood that is removable so that you can wash it as needed. Also consider a footmuff that will keep your baby warm in colder weather.
Most pushchairs can be washed down with a damp cloth but certain fabrics cannot be machine washed and should be checked by the instructions of the manufacturer. If you've got mud on your wheels, make use of a pressure washer or hose to wash it off. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric on the outside. If your pushchair remains in a wet, damp or mouldy state for too long, it can cause damage to the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mould with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse as directed.