Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A stroller that folds is ideal for quick trips or holidays. They are typically lightweight and are suitable for children as young as four years old. They also have decent-sized wheels and a basket that is suitable for children.

They have their name because of the way they fold in a manner that's a lot like an umbrella. Some fold with one hand that's easy and others require a bit of involvement or two hands.

Easy to fold

The way pushchairs are folded can be a significant factor when purchasing one. It will determine how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. The majority of manufacturers have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind, with some focusing on compactness, while others concentrate on speed or user-friendliness. Find a pushchair with the scissor or concertina fold if you are looking for a pushchair that is easy to fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat, and are great for those who plan to use public transportation or traveling with your baby.

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). These pushchairs are suitable for children at a young age of 6 months. Some have a decent recline (though not as flat as infant car seat) and are compatible accessories like buggie bags seats, seat liners, and moses baskets that are fitted with a pram set sheet.

In addition to the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects to take into consideration when choosing a buggy, such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable and whether it has wheels that release quickly. Quick-release wheels are important as they permit you to easily remove any mud or sand.

Some pushchairs come with a scissor fold, which is when the whole buggy collapses in half like a pair of scissors, and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair is typically the easiest to fold as you just need to lift the handles upwards and then fold the seat back. It isn't easy to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina, which fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs tend to be the most compact 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 small enough to be used as cabin luggage on flights. They are a great choice for families traveling together.

Lightweight

Finding the right pushchair for your needs can be difficult. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you select will affect the ease with which you can 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 pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that come with carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of them can be used as early as the time of birth with a newborn carrier, however, it is essential to verify the specifications of models designed to be used by newborns.

An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and efficient option that takes up very little space. These types of pushchairs derive their name because of the fact they fold down similarly to an umbrella, allowing them to fit into the majority of storage and vehicle boot space. These pushchairs are generally lightweight and include a rain cover to protect your child.

Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold into three or more pieces with the frame and the seat overlapping before collapsing into themselves. They are the most compact and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.

Many pushchairs will come with the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a safe pouch on the hood that will help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder temperatures. Certain brands will include these items as part of a set, while others will sell them separately.

Always verify whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable, as this allows for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also essential to make sure that the brakes function properly and clean any mud off the wheels with an hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

If you want to take your pushchair with you on holiday or use it regularly for public transport, you might prefer one that folds easily into an incredibly compact size. This kind of pushchair can be light to carry and easy to store in a trunk or in a small car.

A wide range of folding pushchairs are available to select from and the way they fold differs from one brand to the next. Some focus on speed and convenience, whereas others offer a more compact or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is an eye-catching example as it doesn't just fold down but then in, and the whole buggy is an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than a lot of hand luggage allowances making it ideal for traveling.

There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs: foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most commonly used and work by pushing on a single foot pedal which locks both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who need to stop or slow down frequently. Handle brakes can be found on jogger-style strollers, as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes, and can be used to change the speed of an exercise. City pushchairs often have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake and a lever that activates the brake opposite to give you maximum control.

Based on the age of your baby, you may wish to look for a pushchair that offers a lie-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems so you can attach to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can be folded quickly using the carrycot still on the frame. Alternatively, an easy-to-transport carrycot that can be simply pushed flat onto the frame can be used.

It's worth checking out the airline's website to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the allowance prams for newborns carry-on baggage. Check that the pushchair can fit through a standard airport doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and over steps. If you plan to use your pushchair on holiday, it's a good idea to carry an umbrella with you to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a great choice for parents who are frequently moving around. They're easy to fold, and they take up very little space in the trunk of your car. They're also an excellent option for public transport and holidays. Certain models can be used with a car seat.

Some models are so compact that they fold flat. These are ideal when you have little space in your home or car 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 designs. These are easier to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when folded, so they're not suitable for vehicles with smaller dimensions.

Others fold in a scissor style in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the whole frame is collapsed into an unflattering, square-ish form. They're quick and easy to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting rectangular shape may not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

Many pushchairs have a sun canopy. They are typically made of SPF fabric which helps protect the baby from sun. Some brands include it in the price, while some sell it separately. The best options have a removable hood so that you can wash it as needed. Make sure you have a footmuff too, as they are perfect for colder weather and can keep babies toasty.

The majority of pushchairs can be cleaned down using a damp cloth. However, certain fabrics cannot be machine washed So, make sure you read the manufacturer's guidelines. If there's mud on the wheels, you can try using pressure washer or a hose to wash off the dirt. If this isn't working, try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is left in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it can damage the fabric and lead to rot and mildew. If this happens, you'll need to begin by removing any mildew or mould that is loose with a soft-bristled brush before rinsing and washing as per the instructions.