Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable stroller is great for trips that are short or during holidays. They are usually light and suitable for children as young as four years old. They also have good-sized wheels and a good basket.
Their name is derived from the way they collapse. It's like an umbrella. Some fold easily with one hand, while others need two hands or more effort.
Folding is simple
The way in which pushchairs fold is a crucial aspect when you are buying one. It determines how easy it is to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more concerned with speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a stroller that is easy to fold choose one with a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are known for being easily foldable, and are ideal for those who plan on using public transportation or traveling with your child.
These types of pushchairs typically have a seat facing both parents and the child (for bonding, reassurance, and to let them explore the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for children as young as 6 months. Some of them feature an adequate reclining position (though not as flat as infant car seat) and can be used with other accessories such as buggie bag, seat liners, and fitted moses basket/pram sheet.
In addition to the ease of folding, there are other factors that you should consider when choosing a buggy, such as whether the fabric is machine washable, and whether it has wheels that release quickly. Quick-release wheels are important as they permit you to easily clean any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs come with scissor folds, which is the place where the entire buggy is folded in half like a pair of scissors, and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair could be the easiest to fold because you just need to lift 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, such as concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are the smallest when folded but they aren't easy to carry and require two hands. 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 cabin baggage on flights and are therefore a great choice for families traveling.
Lightweight
Finding the perfect pushchair for you could be difficult. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The kind of folding you select will affect the ease of transport and store your pushchair.
double pram pushchairsandprams is a great choice for those who have little storage space. There are a myriad of types 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 these can be utilized as early as birth with a baby carrier, however, it is essential to verify the specifications of models designed to be used with newborns.
An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and efficient option that takes up very little space. These types of pushchairs get their name because of the fact that they fold down in a similar way to an umbrella, which enables them to be tucked into a variety of storage or vehicle boot space. They are typically light and most models include a rain cover to safeguard your child.
A concertina-style pushchair is a different option that folds into three or more sections with the frame and seat overlapping each other and then collapsing in on itself. They are the most compact and easy to store. They require two hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs will have a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner with a carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood to help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these as part of a bundle while others will sell them separately.
Always check whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable, as this will allow for faster and easier cleaning. It is also essential to make sure that the brakes are working properly and to remove any mud that has accumulated on the wheels using a hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
If you're planning to take your pushchair 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 can be lightweight to carry and easy to store in a car boot or small car.
There are many brands of folding pushchairs, and the way that they fold may differ. Some focus on speed and convenience, whereas others provide a more compact or a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a good example, as it doesn't just fold down, but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy an attractive square package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage allowances.
There are two types of brakes for pushchairs including foot pedal brakes as well as handle brakes. Foot brakes are the most popular and work by pushing on one foot pedal that locks both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always on the go but who need to slow down or stop often. Hand brakes are available on jogger-style strollers and three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and they can be used to alter the momentum during the course of a run. Combination brakes are commonly seen on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal with an adjustable hand lever that can activate the other brake to give you maximum control.
Depending on your baby's age depending on the baby's age, you might want to choose a stroller that offers a lie-flat seat or is travel system compatible to allow you to attach to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to be folded very quickly with the carrycot left on the frame. Alternatively, a lightweight carrycot which is simply rolled flat on the chassis can be utilized.
It's worth looking up the airline's site to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the carry-on baggage allowance. Check that the pushchair can pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it is able to be lifted and lowered over stairs. If you plan to take your pushchair on vacation, it's best to carry an umbrella with you to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is a fantastic option for parents who are constantly moving around. They are easy to fold and require very little space in the boot of your car. They're also an excellent option for public transport and for taking on holidays. Some models are also suitable for use with car seats.
Some models fold so small they're almost flat. They're ideal for those who don't have a lot of storage space at home or in your car boot, however they can be heavier to carry than a larger buggies.
Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, known as concertina 3D or fold-in half styles. They are less cumbersome to carry however, they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when folded, so they're not ideal for smaller vehicles.
Other models come with scissor-style folds, where the seat back folds towards the front of the buggy, and the whole frame collapses into a square-ish, flat shape. They're easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resulting rectangular shape might not fit into smaller car boots.
Many pushchairs come with 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 others sell it separately. The best options have an hood that is removable to allow you to wash it if necessary. Look out for an afghan, too, as they are great for colder weather and can keep babies warm.
The majority of pushchairs can be cleaned down using a damp cloth. However, some fabrics are not machine-washable So, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions. If you notice mud on the wheels, try using pressure washer or a hose to rinse off the dirt. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising liquid and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair is left in a damp, wet or mouldy state for too long, it may damage the fabric and result in mildew and rot. If this happens, you should first scrub off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse as directed.