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. They have good-sized wheels, and a spacious basket.

Their name comes from the way that they fold. 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 in which pushchairs fold can be the most important aspect when buying one. It's not just about how easy they are to carry and fold, but also the amount of 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 focus on speed or user-friendliness. If you're looking for a pushchair that folds easily, choose one with a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are known for being able to fold flat, and are ideal if you are planning on using public transportation or travelling with your child.

A lot of these kinds of pushchairs travel systems also have an incline that is towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for children as young as 6 months. Some of them feature a comfortable recline position (though not as flat as infant car seats) and can be used with other accessories like buggie bags, seat liners, and moses baskets that are fitted with a pram sheet.

In addition to the ease of folding stroller it is important to consider other aspects to 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 wash off any wet or dried mud.

Some pushchairs feature scissor folds, which is where the whole buggy collapses in half like scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair is generally the easiest to fold as you only need to lift the handles upwards and then fold the seat back. It can be difficult to store and may not fit into smaller car boot sizes.

Aside from a scissor fold are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded but they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. They can also be diffafe pouch on the hood to keep your children warm, dry and comfortable during colder weather. Some brands offer these in the form of a bundle, while others sell them individually.

Always look to see if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable. This will allow for quicker and easier cleaning. Additionally it is essential to check regularly if the brakes are working correctly and if there is any mud on the wheels, get rid of it using an hosepipe or pressure washer.

Easy to transport

It is possible to choose a pushchair that is folded down into a compact shape if you plan to use it on public transport or even take it on a trip. This type of pushchair is also lightweight to carry and allows you to put in the boot of your car or a smaller vehicle.

A wide range of folding pushchairs are available for you to select from and the way they fold varies from brand to brand. Some focus on speed and convenience, whereas others offer a more compact, two-handed or even one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a striking example because it doesn't just fold down but then in too, so the entire buggy transforms into an elegant square box that is smaller than a lot of hand luggage options, making it ideal for travel.

There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most commonly used brakes are foot brakes which work by pressing a single pedal to lock both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are always in motion but have to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes are found on three-wheeled pushchairs and jogger style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to change momentum during a run for instance. City pushchairs often feature combination brakes, which combine a foot brake with an adjustable lever that activates the brake opposite for maximum control.

Depending on your baby's age, you may wish to look for a pushchair with a lying-flat seat or is compatible with a travel system to allow you to attach a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs are able to be folded quickly using the carrycot left on the frame, or a lightweight carrycot which 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 allowance for carry-on baggage. It's also important to confirm whether the pushchair can fit through a standard doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and down stairs in an airport. You should bring a raincover with you if you intend to use your stroller during a holiday to protect it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a great choice for parents who are often in motion. They are easy to fold, and they take up a small amount of space in the boot of your car. They are also ideal for holidays and public transport. Some models are even suitable to be used with car seats.

Some models fold down so small they're almost flat. These are ideal if there is the space to fit them in your home or car boot. However they are heavier than buggies that are larger.

Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold in half, or 3D designs. They are more comfortable to use however, they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, which makes them ideal for smaller cars.

Other models feature scissor-style folding, where 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 can be used in public transportation. However, the long rectangular shape they create may not fit in small car boot dimensions.

Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy, typically made from SPF fabric to help protect your child from sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, whereas others offer it as an extra. The best travel pushchair options come with a removable hood, so you can wash them as you need to. Look out for an afghan, too, as they are great for colder temperatures and keep babies warm.

Most pushchairs can be washed down with a damp cloth, but certain fabrics aren't machine washable So, make sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer. 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 try a mild sterilising solution and dry the fabric on the outside. If your pushchair is left in a damp, wet or mouldy condition for too long, it may cause damage to the fabric, and even result in mildew and rot. If this happens, you'll need to start by cleaning off any loose mildew or mould with a soft-bristled brush before washing and rinsing as per the directions.