Madeleine O'Connor asked 2 months ago
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is perfect for trips that are short or during holidays. They are light and suitable for babies as young as four years old. They have good-sized wheels and a great basket.
They are named after the way they collapse in a manner that’s a lot like an umbrella. Some have one-handed folding that’s easy and others require a bit of involvement or two hands.
Folding is easy
The way that pushchairs fold is the most important aspect when buying one. It will determine how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more focused on speed or ease of use. If you’re looking for a pushchair that folds easily, then look for one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat and are ideal when you are planning to use public transport or travelling with your baby.
These types of pushchairs typically feature a seat that faces both the parent and the child (for bonding, reassurance, and to let them explore the world around them). They are generally suitable for babies up to 6 months. Some also come with a decent recline (although not as flat as an infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories, including buggie bags seats, seat liners, and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.
In addition to the ease of folding there are other aspects to take into consideration when choosing a buggy, such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable, and whether it comes with wheels that can be released quickly. Quick-release wheels are crucial because they allow you to easily clean any dirt or sand.
Some pushchairs come with the scissor fold. This is where the whole buggy is folded in half like scissors and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is typically the easiest to unfold as you only need to lift the handles and then fold the seat back. However, it is difficult to store in small spaces and isn’t suitable for public transport since it might not fit in smaller car booties.
There are also pushchairs, such as concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These pushchairs are compact travel pram when folded, but can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded, they can be difficult to store due to their large rectangular shape. They are however, light and often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great choice for families that travel.
Lightweight
The selection of pushchairs available is a lot and choosing the best one for you could be difficult. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you choose will affect how easy it is to move and store the pushchair.
Choosing a lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those with limited storage space at home. There are many different types of pushchairs, ranging from compact umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that include carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of them can be utilized as early as birth with a baby carrier, but it is important to know the specifications for models designed to be used by newborns.
An umbrella-folding pushchair can be a simple and convenient option that occupies little room. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact they fold in a similar way to an umbrella. This allows them to fit easily into most storage spaces and vehicle boot spaces. They are typically lightweight and include a rain cover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold into three or more pieces with the frame and seat collapsing into them. These are usually the smallest and most convenient to store, however they require two hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, a reversible seat liner (and washable) as well as a carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood. These features can ensure your child is warm, dry, and comfortable during the colder winter months. Some brands will include these items as part of a set, while others will sell them separately.
Check if the fabrics of the pushchair can be washed using a machine. This will make cleaning simpler and quicker. It is also essential to check that the brakes function properly and to remove any mud that has accumulated on the wheels using a hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair along with when you travel or if you take it on a regular basis on public transport you might prefer a model that folds easily into an incredibly compact size. This kind of pushchair is also likely to be light to lift and easy to store in a car boot or in a small car.
There are a variety of brands of folding pushchairs, and the way that they fold can vary. Some are designed for speed and convenience while others are more compact and can be folded with two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a striking model because it doesn’t only fold down, but in too, so the whole buggy is a neat square package smaller than a lot of hand luggage allowances, making it perfect for travelling.
The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another factor to consider – there are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes or a mixture of both. The most commonly used brakes are the foot brakes, which work by pressing one pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are constantly on the go but who require to slow down or stop often. 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 momentum during an exercise. Combination brakes are typically used on city pushchairs. They incorporate a foot pedal with a hand lever that activates the other brake to give you maximum control.
You may want to choose a pushchair with a lie-flat feature, or one that is compatible with a travel system, so you can attach the carrycot. Some pushchairs fold quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also use a lightweight carrycot that is pulled flat onto chassis.
If you are thinking of traveling with your child in a pushchair, you should consider visiting the website of the airline to ensure that the dimensions and weight are within the carry-on baggage allowance. Make sure that the pushchair will pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and over steps. It is recommended to bring a raincover when you plan to use your my babiie 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 easy to fold, and they take up very little space in the trunk of your car. They’re also a great option for public transport and for taking on holidays. Some models are even suitable to be used with car seats.
Some models are so small that they fold flat. These are ideal if there is the space to fit them in your car or home boot. However they’re heavier than larger buggies.
Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. They are referred to as concertina, fold-in-half, or 3D styles. These are less cumbersome to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when they are folded, so they’re not ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.
Other models feature scissor-style folding which means that the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy, and the frame collapses into a flat square-ish shape. These are quick and easy to fold and can be used in public transport. However, the long rectangular shape they create might not fit in small car boot sizes.
Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy typically made of SPF fabric to help protect your 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 in the event that you need to. Consider an afghan, too, as they are great for colder temperatures and keep babies warm.
Most pushchairs can be washed down with a damp cloth but some fabrics are not machine-washable So, make sure you read the manufacturer’s guidelines. If there’s a lot of mud on the wheels, you can try using a hose or pressure washer to rinse off the dirt. If this isn’t successful then you can use a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is in a damp, wet or mouldy condition for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric, and even cause mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse the area as directed.