Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable cheap stroller (Socialtechnet says) is perfect for short trips or on holidays. They tend to be light and suitable for children from four years old and up. They come with large wheels, and a nice basket.
Their name is derived from the way they collapse. It's akin to an umbrella. Some models fold with one hand, which is easy and others require a bit more involvement or two hands.
Folding is simple
The way pushchairs are folded can be a significant factor when buying one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Most brands design their folding mechanisms with different lifestyles in mind and some focus on compactness while others focus on speed or ease of use. Choose a pushchair that has an orchestra or scissor fold if you want a pushchair that is easy to fold. These are known for being able to fold flat, and are ideal for those who plan to use public transportation or travelling with your child.
These pushchairs usually include a seat with a view of both parents and the child (for bonding, reassurance and to allow them to explore the world around them). They are generally suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some of them also feature an adequate recline (although not flat, like the infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories, including buggie bags, seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram sheets.
Apart from the ease of folding there are other aspects to consider when choosing a buggy such as whether the fabric is machine washable and if it has quick-release wheels. The wheels that are quick-release are particularly important as it means you can easily wash away any wet or dried mud.
Some pushchairs have scissor folds, which is where the whole buggy collapses in half like a pair of scissors and then swells into a long rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair may be the most simple to unfold since you need to lift the handle, then close the seat. However, it is difficult to store in tight spaces and isn't suitable for use on public transport because it may not fit into smaller car boot spaces.
There are also pushchairs, for instance concertina, that fold in three or more sections. These pushchairs tend to be the most compact when folded, however they can be difficult to carry and require two hands. They can also be tricky to store because they have a long rectangular shape when in a closed position. They are however, light and are often small enough to be used as baggage for flights and are therefore a great choice for families who travel.
Lightweight
The selection of pushchairs available is huge and finding the right one for you can be tricky. The jargon can be confusing, and folding mechanisms are particularly hard to understand. The type of folding you choose will determine how easy it is to transport and store your pushchair.
Choosing a lightweight pushchair can make a huge difference for those who have limited storage space at home. There are a variety of different models of umbrellas, from compact folds to multi-functional travel systems with car seat adapters and carrycots. Some of these can be used as early as birth with a newborn carrier, but it is crucial to check the specifications for models that are intended to be used with newborns.
An umbrella-folding pushchair can be an easy and efficient option that takes up very small space. These pushchairs are named after the fact they fold similarly as an umbrella. This makes them fit perfectly into most storage and boot spaces. They are typically lightweight and come with a raincover to safeguard your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are a different option. They fold into three or more pieces with the frame and seat collapsing onto them. They are typically the smallest and easiest to store, however they do require both hands to open and close.
Many pushchairs include an adjustable footmuff, an adjustable seat liner (and washable) and a carry strap, and a secure pouch that can be attached to the hood. These features will ensure that your child stays dry, warm and comfortable in colder months. Some brands will include these items as part of a set, while others will sell them separately.
Check if the fabrics of the pushchair can be machine washed. This makes cleaning much easier and quicker. It is also important to make sure that the brakes function properly and to clean any mud from the wheels using an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
It is possible to choose an infant triple stroller that can be folded into a compact form in case you intend to use it on public transport or take it on holiday. This type of pushchair is also light to lift and makes it easy for you to store in your car boot or small vehicle.
There are many different brands of folding pushchairs, and the way they fold may differ. Some are specifically designed for speed and ease of use and others are smaller and can be folded using two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a perfect example, since it doesn't just fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy an attractive square bag that fits in many hand luggage compartments.
The choice of pushchair brakes is another factor to consider - there are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes, or a combination of both. Foot brakes are the most common and work by pressing the sole of a foot, which locks both rear wheels. This is an excellent option for parents who have to stop or slow down often. Handle brakes are commonly found on joggers and prams pushchairs prams pushchairs with three wheels. style strollers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes and can be used to alter the speed of a run, for instance. Combination brakes are often found on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal and a hand lever that activates the other brake 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 attach the carrycot. Some pushchairs fold very quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also opt for an ultra-lightweight carrycot that is placed flat on the chassis.
It's worth looking up the website of the airline to make sure that the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the carry-on baggage allowance. Make sure that the pushchair will pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and down stairs. If you plan to use your pushchair during a holiday it's a good idea to carry an umbrella with you to protect it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is a great choice for parents who are constantly in motion. They're easy to fold and require very little space in the trunk of your car. They're also great for public transport or for holidays. Some models are compatible with a car seat.
Some models are so compact that they fold flat. They're great for those who don't have a lot of storage space at 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 styles. They are more comfortable to use however, they require both hands to fold and unfold. They can also be quite long when folded, making them ideal for cars with smaller trunks.
Other models come with scissor-style folds in which the seat back folds towards the front of the buggy, and the entire frame is collapsed into a square-ish flat shape. They're quick and easy to fold and can be used on public transport, however the resultant long rectangular shape may not fit in smaller car boots.
Many pushchairs have a sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric, which helps protect the baby from sun. Some brands include this feature in the price, whereas others sell it as an accessory. The best options have a hood that can be removed so that you can wash it if necessary. Make sure you have a footmuff too, as they are perfect for colder weather and can keep babies toasty.
Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth but some fabrics are not machine-washable So, make sure you read the manufacturer's guidelines. If you notice mud on the wheels, try using a hose or pressure washer to clean the dirt. If this isn't successful, you can use an sterilising fluid that is mild and dry the fabric outdoors. If your pushchair remains in a wet, damp or stale for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric, and even result in mildew and rot. If this occurs, you'll need to begin by removing any loose mildew or mould with a soft-bristled brush before rinsing and washing as per the directions.