Why Foldable Pushchair Will Be Your Next Big Obsession
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is perfect for trips that are short or during holidays. They are light and suitable for infants as young as four years old. They have good-sized wheels and a great basket.
Their name is derived due to the way they fold. It's akin to an umbrella. Some are easy to fold using one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.
Folding is simple
The way that pushchairs fold can be a significant factor when buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, whereas others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. If you're looking to purchase a pushchair that folds easily, choose one with a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are known for being capable of folding flat, and are ideal when you plan on using public transportation or traveling with your child.
A lot of these kinds of pushchairs also come with an incline that is both 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 also come with an adequate recline (although not flat, like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories, including buggie bags, seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram sheets.
In addition to the ease of folding, there are other factors to consider when choosing a buggy such as whether the fabric is machine washable, and if it has quick-release wheels. Quick-release wheels are crucial as they permit you to easily clean any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner in which the buggy is folded like a pair scissors and then flattened into a long rectangle shape. This kind of pushchair may be the easiest to fold because you just need to pull the handle and then close the seat. It can be difficult to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.
Apart from the scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, but can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded they can be a challenge to store due to their long rectangular shape. They are however, lightweight and are often small enough to be used as baggage for flights and are a great choice for families who travel.
Lightweight
The selection of pushchairs available is vast and deciding on the right one for you can be a challenge. The terminology can be confusing, and the folding mechanisms are particularly hard to understand. The fold you select can influence how easy it is to transport and store.
A lightweight pushchair is a great choice for those who have limited storage space. There are many different types of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional systems that include carrycots as well as adapters for car seats. Some of these can even be used from birth with baby carrycots, however it is essential to check the specifications for lie flat of any model that is designed for use with a baby.
A pushchair that folds as an umbrella is a convenient and easy option. It takes up a tiny space. These types of pushchairs get their name because of the fact they fold down similar as an umbrella, which allows them to be tucked into most forms of storage and boot space. These pushchairs are generally light and many models come with a raincover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold in three or more sections with the frame and seat overlapping and then collapsing into themselves. compact stroller Push Chairs And Prams are the smallest, easy to store and require two hands to open and shut.
A majority of pushchairs come with the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner with a carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood that will help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder weather. Some brands include these items as part of a bundle while others sell them as separate items.
Verify that the fabric of the pushchair can be machine washed. This will make cleaning easier and quicker. It is also important to check that the brakes work correctly and to clean 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 you on vacation or use it regularly on public transport, you may prefer one that folds down easily into a compact size. This kind of pushchair is also lightweight to lift and makes it easy for you to put in the boot of your car or small vehicle.
A wide range of folding pushchairs is available to choose from and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Some focus on speed and convenience whilst others offer a smaller, two-handed or even one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a great example of this, as it does doesn't just 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 common and work by pressing one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who must stop or slow down frequently. Hand brakes are available on jogger-style strollers and three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes and can be used to change the pace of an exercise. City pushchairs usually come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and a lever that activates the brake opposite to give you maximum control.
Depending on your baby's age and size, you may want to look for a pushchair that has a lie-flat seating or is compatible with a travel system to allow you to attach to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can fold up quickly with the carrycot still on the frame or an easy-to-transport carrycot that can be simply pushed flat onto the chassis can be used.
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. It's also important to check whether the pushchair will fit through a standard entrance and that it is able to be pushed up and down the stairs of an airport. You should bring raincovers with you if you intend to use your stroller during a holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who travel frequently. 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 fold down so small they're nearly flat. They're ideal when you have limited space in your car or home boot. However, they can be heavier than buggies with larger wheels.
Alternatively, there are some pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, known as concertina 3D, fold-in-half or fold-in-half designs. These are easier to carry, but they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, which makes them suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.
Other models come with scissor-style folds in which the seat back folds towards the front of the buggy and the entire frame is collapsed into a square-ish flat shape. These are quick and easy to fold, and are also suitable for public transport. However, the long rectangular shape they create may not fit into small car boot dimensions.
A lot of pushchairs come with a sun canopy typically made of SPF fabric to shield your child from sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, whereas others offer it as an extra. The best options come with an hood that can be removed, so you can wash them if you need to. Look out for the footmuff, too, since they are ideal for colder temperatures and keep babies toasty.
Make sure you read the directions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can't be machine washed. If you have dirt on your wheels, use a pressure washer or hose to clean it off. If this isn't working, try a mild sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is left in a damp, wet or stale for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric and cause mildew and rot. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.