15 Foldable Pushchair Benefits Everyone Needs To Know

Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is the perfect solution for short trips out and about. They are lightweight and suitable for babies as young as four years old. They have good-sized wheels, and a nice basket.

Their name comes from the way that they collapse. It's akin to an umbrella. Some fold easily with one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.

Easy to fold

The way that pushchairs fold could be an important factor when you are looking to purchase one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, whereas others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a pushchair that is easy to fold then look for one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are known for being capable of folding flat and are great for those who plan to use public transportation or traveling with your child.

These pushchairs usually have a seat facing both the parent and the child (for bonding, reassurance, and to allow them to explore the world around them). They are typically suitable for babies from 6 months. Some of them also feature an adequate recline (although not as flat as an infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories like buggie bags as well as seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram newborn sheets.

Apart from the ease of folding there are other aspects that you should consider when selecting a buggy, such as whether the fabric is machine washable and whether it comes with wheels that can be released quickly. Having quick-release wheels is particularly important because it means that you can easily clean off any dried or wet mud.

Some pushchairs come with the scissor fold. This is when the whole buggy collapses in half like a pair of scissors, compact strollers and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair could be the easiest to unfold, as you only 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.

There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina, that fold in 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. They can also be difficult to store as they are rectangular in shape when in a closed position. However, they are lightweight and compact enough to be used as cabin luggage for flights. They are a great option for families who travel.

Lightweight

The selection of pushchairs available is huge and finding the best one for you can be tricky. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The kind of folding you select will determine the ease with which you can transport and store your 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 to multifunctional systems that include carrycots and adapters to car seats. Some of these can even be used right from birth using the newborn carrycot, but it is essential to check the specifications for lying flat of any model that is intended for use with a newborn.

An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and efficient option that takes up very little space. The name of these pushchairs comes from the fact they fold in a similar manner as an umbrella. This makes them be easily inserted into storage spaces and boot spaces. These pushchairs are usually very lightweight and come with a raincover to safeguard your child.

Concertina-style pushchairs are another choice. They fold in three or more sections with the frame and seat overlapping and then collapsing onto them. These are usually the most compact and easy to store, however they do require both hands to open and close.

Many pushchairs include an adjustable footmuff, a reversible seat liner (and washable), the carry strap, as well as a secure pouch attached to the hood. These features can help keep your child dry, warm, and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these items as part of a bundle, whereas others sell them as separate items.

Always check whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable, as this will allow for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also important to check that the brakes are working properly and to clean any mud off the wheels using an hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

You may want to consider an infant stroller newborn that can be folded down to a compact size when you plan to use it on public transportation or take it on holiday. This type of pushchair can be lightweight to carry and easy to store in a trunk or in a small car.

A variety of folding pushchairs are available for you to pick from, and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Some focus on speed and ease of use, while others offer a smaller or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a good example, since it not only folds down but also inwards. This makes the buggy an attractive square bag that fits in many hand luggage spaces.

The choice of brakes for pushchairs is another thing to think about There are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most common and work by pushing on one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is a great choice for parents who have to stop or slow down often. Handle brakes can be found on three-wheeled pushchairs and jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter momentum during a run for instance. City pushchairs usually feature combination brakes, which combine a foot brake with a lever that activates the brake opposite for maximum control.

You may want to select one with an option to lie flat or that is compatible with a travel system so you can put the carrycot on it. Some of these pushchairs can fold up quickly with the carrycot left on the frame. Alternatively, the lightweight carrycot that can be simply pushed flat onto the chassis can be used.

It's worth checking out the website of the airline to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the baggage allowance for carry-on bags. It's also important to confirm whether the pushchair can fit through a standard doorway and that it is able to be pushed up and down the stairs of an airport. If you do plan to use your pushchair on holiday it's a good idea to bring a rain cover with you to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs travel systems (have a peek here) are a great option for parents who frequently travel. They're easy to fold, and they require very little space in the boot of your car. They are also ideal for public transport and holidays. Some models are also suitable for use with a car seat.

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

Alternatively, there are some pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, known as concertina 3D, fold-in-half or fold-in-half designs. They are easier to handle, but they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite large when folded, making them suitable for cars with smaller dimensions.

Other models have scissor-style folding which means that the seat back folds to the front of the buggy, and the entire frame is collapsed into a flat square-ish shape. These are quick and easy to fold, and are suitable for use in public transportation. However the long rectangular shape they create may not fit into the small car boot sizes.

A lot of pushchairs come with a sun canopy, typically made of SPF fabric to shield your baby from sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, while other brands sell it as an accessory. The best options include an adjustable hood, which means you can wash them if required. Consider the footmuff, too, since they are ideal for colder days and keep babies toasty.

Make sure you read the directions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can't be machine washed. If you've found mud on your wheels make use of a pressure washer or hose to clean it off. If this doesn't work then you can use a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair is in a wet, damp or mouldy state for too long, it may cause damage to the fabric, and even cause mildew and rot. If this happens, first brush off any mildew or mold with a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.