Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable stroller is perfect for short trips or on holidays. They tend to be lightweight and are suitable for infants from four years old and up. They come with large wheels, and a spacious basket.

Their name is derived due to the way they fold. It's similar to an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with just one hand, whereas others need two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way in which pushchairs fold could be a crucial factor in buying one. It's not just about how they are easy to carry, but also how much space they take up when folded. Many brands 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 an orchestra or scissor fold if you're looking for an easy pushchair to fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat, and are great if you plan on using public transportation or traveling with your baby.

Many of these types of pushchairs have an incline that is both towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies from 6 months. Some also come with a decent recline (although not as flat as an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories, including buggie bags, seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram bag sheets.

It is important to take into consideration other factors when choosing the right buggy, including the fabric and whether it is machine-washable. The wheels that are quick-release are particularly important as it means you can easily clean off any wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs car seats feature the scissor fold. This is where the whole buggy is folded in half like a pair of scissors, and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair may be the easiest to fold, as you only need to pull the handle and then close the seat. It isn't easy to store and might not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

Aside from the scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, for example concertina. These pushchairs are the most compact when they are folded, but they can be difficult to maneuver and require two arms. When folded they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. However, they are lightweight and small enough to use as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great option for families that travel.

Lightweight

The choice of pushchairs is vast and deciding on the one that is right for you can be tricky. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of fold you select can have an impact on how easy the pushchair is to transport and store.

A lightweight pushchair is a great choice for those with limited storage space. There are many different types of pushchairs available, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional 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 baby carrier, but it is crucial to know the specifications for models designed to be used with newborns.

An umbrella-folding pushchair can be a simple and convenient option that takes up very little room. These types of pushchairs get their name due to the fact they fold down in a similar way to an umbrella, which enables them to fit perfectly lengthways into a variety of storage and boot space. They are often incredibly lightweight, and a majority of models come with an umbrella cover to shield your child from the elements.

A concertina-styled pushchair is an alternative option that folds into three or more parts, with the frame and seat covering each other and then collapsing into itself. They are typically the most compact and easy to store, however they require two hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs will have an adjustable footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a safe pouch on the hood to keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder weather. Certain brands will include these as part of a set, while others sell them separately.

Examine if the fabric of the pushchair can be washed using a machine. This will make cleaning easier and quicker. In addition to this, it is important to check frequently if whether the brakes work properly and if there's any dirt on the wheels, get rid of it using a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

If you want to take your pushchair with you on holiday or 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 will also usually be light to lift and easy to store in a car boot or in a car that is small.

A wide range of folding prams pushchairs prams are available to select from and the way they fold differs from one brand to the next. Some are designed to be fast and easy to use and others are smaller and can be folded using two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a standout model because it doesn't only fold down, but in, and the entire buggy transforms into a neat square package smaller than most hand luggage allowances, making it ideal for travel.

The choice of pushchair brakes is a different factor to consider There are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes or a combination of both. The most common brakes are foot brakes, which operate by pressing one pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are always moving around but require to slow down or stop frequently. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers as well as three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes, and they can be used to alter the speed of an exercise. Combination brakes are commonly seen on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal and an adjustable hand lever that can activate the other brake to give you maximum control.

Based on your baby's age, you may wish to choose a stroller that offers a lie-flat seat or is compatible with a travel system so you can attach a carrycot. Some pushchairs can be folded very quickly with the carrycot tucked away on the frame. Alternatively, the lightweight carrycot that is simply rolled flat on the chassis can be utilized.

It's a good idea to check the airline's site to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. It's also important to confirm whether the pushchair can fit through a standard entrance and that it is able to be lifted up and down the stairs of an airport. If you do plan to take your pushchair on holiday, it's a good idea to bring a rain cover to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a fantastic choice for parents who are often in motion. They are easy to fold and take up very little space in the boot of your car. They're also great for public transport and holidays. Some models are also suitable for use with car seats.

Some models are so small that they fold up almost flat. They're ideal when you don't have lots of storage space at home, or in your car boot, however they can be more cumbersome to transport than buggies with larger capacities.

There are also pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, referred to as concertina 3D or fold-in half styles. These are less cumbersome to carry but require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite large when they are folded, which makes them ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.

Other models feature scissor-style folding, where the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy and the entire frame is collapsed into a square-ish flat shape. They're quick and easy to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resulting long rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boots.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy typically made of SPF fabric to help protect your baby from sun. Some brands include this in the price, whereas others sell it as an accessory. The best travel stroller options come with an hood that can be removed, so you can wash them if needed. Make sure you have an afghan, too, as they are ideal for colder days and keep babies toasty.

Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics are not machine washed. If you've got mud on your wheels make use of a pressure washer, or hose to clean it off. If this fails then you can use an sterilising fluid that is mild and dry the fabric outdoors. If your running pushchair remains in a wet, damp or stale for too long, it can cause damage to the fabric, and even lead to rot and mildew. If this occurs, you'll have to start by cleaning off any mildew or mould that is loose with a soft-bristled brush before washing and rinsing according to the directions.