Buying a Foldable Pushchair

A foldable pushchair is a great solution for short trips out and about. They are usually lightweight and suitable for children from four years old and up. They come with large wheels, and a spacious basket.

They are named after their collapse method into a form that's like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with just one hand, whereas others need two hands or more effort.

Folding is simple

The way that pushchairs fold could be a crucial factor in buying one. It's not just about how they are easy to carry as well as how much space they take up when folded. Some brands focus on compactness, while others are more focused on speed or ease of use. Choose a pushchair that has a concertina or scissor fold if you're looking for a pushchair which is easy to fold. These are renowned for being capable of folding flat and are perfect if you are planning on using public transportation or travelling with your child.

These types of pushchairs typically have a seat facing both the parent and 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 a decent recline (although not flat, like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories like buggie bags as well as seat liners and fitted moses basket/running pram sheets.

Apart from 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 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 wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs fold in a scissorlike manner, where the buggy is folded as an apex of scissors and flattened into a long rectangle. This kind of pushchair is usually the easiest to unfold as you only need to lift the handles and then fold the seat back. 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 in three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded, but can be difficult to handle and require two arms. When folded they can be difficult to store due to their large rectangular shape. However, they are lightweight and small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great option for families traveling together.

Lightweight

Finding the right pushchair for you can be a challenge. The jargon can be confusing and the folding mechanisms are particularly hard to understand. The type of folding you select will determine how easy it is to move and store the pushchair.

A lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those with limited storage space at home. There are a variety of pushchairs available, from compact umbrella-folds to multifunctional travel systems that include carrycots as well as adapters for car seats. Some of them can be used as early as birth with a baby carrier but it is important to verify the specifications of models that are intended to be used with newborns.

An umbrella-folding pushchair is an easy and efficient option that takes up very small space. They are named for the fact they fold in a similar way as an umbrella. This makes them fit perfectly into most storage and boot spaces. They are typically lightweight and come with a raincover to protect your child.

A concertina-style pushchair is another option that folds into three or more parts, with the frame and seat covering each other, before collapsing on itself. They are typically the smallest and most convenient to store, however they require two hands to open and close.

A majority of pushchairs come with a footmuff, a reversible (and washable) seat liner as well as a carry strap and a safe pouch on the hood that will help keep your children warm, dry and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands include these items as part of a bundle while others sell them as separate items.

Check if the fabrics of the pushchair can be machine washed. This makes cleaning much easier and quicker. Additionally, it is important to check frequently if whether the brakes work properly and if there's any mud on the wheels to remove it with a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

If you want to take your pushchair with when you travel or if you use it regularly on public transport you might prefer one that folds down easily into smaller dimensions. This type of pushchair is also likely to be light to carry and easy to store in a boot or small car.

There are a variety of models of folding pushchairs and the way that they fold can differ. Some focus on speed and convenience, whereas others offer a more compact travel pram one-handed, two-handed, or even a one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a perfect example, as it doesn't just fold down, but also folds inwards. This makes the buggy a neat square package that fits into many hand luggage allowances.

The choice of pushchair brakes is another factor to consider There are brakes that are operated by foot, handle brakes or a mixture of both. The most common brakes are the foot brakes, which work by pressing one pedal to secure both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always on the go but who need to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes are found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter the speed of a run, for instance. City pushchairs often come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake with an adjustable lever that activates the brake opposite to give you maximum control.

You may want to choose one with a lie-flat feature, or one that is compatible with a travel system so you can put the carrycot on it. Some of these pushchairs are able to be folded quickly using the carrycot still on the frame or an easy-to-transport carrycot that is simply rolled flat on the frame can be utilized.

It's worth checking out the website of the airline to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair are within the carry-on baggage allowance. Check that the pushchair can fit through an airport standard doorway, and can be lifted and lowered over stairs. It is recommended to bring a raincover with you if you intend to use your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

Foldable pushchairs are a great option for parents who travel a lot. They are easy to fold and require very little space in the trunk of your car. They're also an excellent option to take on public transport and holidays. Certain models can be used with a car-seat.

Some models are so compact that they fold flat. They are great when you have 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 designs. They are less cumbersome to carry however, they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when they are folded, making them ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.

Other models fold in a scissor style in which the seatback folds towards the front of the buggy and the entire frame collapses into a flat, square-ish shape. They're easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting rectangular shape may not fit in smaller car boots.

Many pushchairs come with sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric which protects the child from sun. Some brands include it in their price, while some sell it separately. The best options come with an adjustable hood, which means you can wash them as needed. Look out for a footmuff too, as they are perfect for colder temperatures and keep babies toasty.

Check the instructions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can't be machine washed. If there's mud on the wheels, you can try using a hose or pressure washer to wash off the dirt. If this doesn't work, you can use a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If you leave your pushchair in an unclean, wet or mouldy condition for too long the fabric could be damaged and mildewed. If this occurs, you'll need to start by brushing off any mildew or mould that is loose with a soft-bristled toothbrush before rinsing and washing as per the directions.