Why All The Fuss About Foldable Pushchair?
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable pushchair is an ideal solution for short trips out and about. They are light and suitable for babies even as young as 4 years old. They also have decent-sized wheels and a basket that is suitable for children.
They have their name because of the way they fold into a form that's like an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is a breeze while others require a bit more involvement or two hands.
Easy to fold
The way in which pushchairs fold could be a crucial factor in buying one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. The majority of brands design their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness whilst others focus on speed or user-friendliness. Look for a pushchair with an orchestra or scissor fold if you are looking for a pushchair that is easy to fold. These are renowned for being capable of folding flat, and are ideal if you are planning on using public transportation or travelling with your child.
A majority of these pushchairs also have seats that face both towards the parent (for bonding and assurance) and away from the parent (to allow them to explore the world around them). They are generally suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some also come with a decent recline (although not flat, like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories such as buggie bags as well as seat liners and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.
Apart from the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects to consider when choosing a buggy such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable and whether it has wheels that release quickly. The wheels that are quick-release are particularly important because it means that you can easily clean off any mud that has dried or become wet.
Some pushchairs fold in a scissor-like manner in which the buggy is folded as an apex of scissors and folded into a rectangle shape. This type of pushchair can be the most simple to unfold, as you only need to pull the handle, then close the seat. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for public transport as it may not fit into smaller car boot spaces.
In addition to a scissor fold are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs tend to be the smallest when folded but they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. They can also be difficult to store as they have a long, rectangular shape when closed position.
pushchairsandprams.uk are however, lightweight and usually small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and are therefore a great choice for families that travel.
Lightweight
The choice of pushchairs is vast and deciding on the best one for you can be a challenge. The terminology can be confusing, and folding mechanisms are particularly difficult to grasp. The type of fold you select can have an impact on how easy it is to transport and store.
A lightweight pushchair is a great choice for those who have limited storage space. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs, from compact umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that include carrycots as well as adapters for car seats. Some of these can even be used from birth with baby carrycots, however it is important to verify the lie flat specifications of any model that is intended for use with a newborn.
A pushchair that folds like an umbrella is a useful and easy choice. It occupies a small space. These pushchairs are named after the fact that they fold in a similar way as an umbrella. This makes them be easily inserted into storage spaces and vehicle boot spaces. They are typically light and most models include a rain cover to protect your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another choice. They fold in three or more pieces with the frame and seat collapsing onto the frame. They are typically the most compact and easy to store, however they do require both hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs will come with the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner with a carry strap, and a secure pouch attached to the hood to keep your children dry, warm and comfortable in colder weather. Certain brands will include these items as part of a set, while others sell them separately.
Always check whether the fabrics for your pushchair are machine washable. This will allow for faster and easier cleaning. In addition to this it is crucial to check frequently if that the brakes are functioning properly and if there's a speck of mud on the wheels, get rid of it using an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
You might choose an infant stroller that can be folded down to a compact size when you plan to take it on public transport or take it on holiday. This type of pushchair is also light to carry and allows to put in the boot of your car or a smaller vehicle.
A wide range of folding pushchairs are available to select from and the way they fold varies from brand to brand. Some focus on speed and convenience whilst others offer a more compact, two-handed or even one-handed fold. The Cybex Libelle is a standout example as it doesn't just fold down but then in too, so the whole buggy becomes an attractive square-shaped package that is smaller than a lot of hand luggage allowances, making it perfect for travelling.
There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs: foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most popular brakes are foot brakes that work by pressing one pedal to lock both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are constantly on the go but who require to slow down or stop frequently. Handle brakes are commonly found on three-wheeled pushchairs as well as jogger style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and are able to change the speed of a run, for example. City pushchairs usually feature combination brakes, which combine a foot brake with an lever that triggers the opposite brake for maximum control.
Based on your baby's age, you may wish to find a pushchair with a lying-flat seat or is compatible with a travel system so you can attach to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold quickly leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also opt for a light carrycot that can be placed flat on the chassis.
If you're thinking of flying with your child in a pushchair, you should consider visiting the website of the airline to ensure that the dimensions and weight are within their carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to determine whether the pushchair will fit through a standard doorway and that it can 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 protect it from showers and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who travel frequently. They are designed to be easy to fold and will take up a small space in your car boot. These are also great for holidays and public transport. Some models are compatible with a car-seat.
Some models are so small that they fold up almost flat. They're great when you don't have lots of storage space in your home or in your car boot, however they can be more cumbersome to transport than buggies with larger capacities.
Some pushchairs fold in three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold-in-half or 3D designs. They are easier to handle, but they require both hands to unfold and fold. They can be quite long when folded, so they're not ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.
Other models come with scissor-style folds in which the seat back folds to the front of the buggy and the frame collapses into a square-ish flat shape. They're quick and easy to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resulting rectangular shape may not fit into smaller car boots.
Many pushchairs have sun canopy. They are typically made of SPF fabric, which protects your baby from the sun. Some brands include it in the price, while others sell it separately. The best options come with a removable hood, so you can wash them as needed. Consider the footmuff, too, since they are ideal for colder weather and can keep your baby warm.
Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer before washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can't be machine washed. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, you can try using pressure washer or a hose to rinse off the dirt. If this fails then you can use an sterilising fluid that is mild and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair is in a damp, wet or stale for too long, it can 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 according to the instructions.