Buying a foldable pushchair (no title)

A foldable pushchair is an ideal solution for short trips out and about. They are usually lightweight and suitable for children up to four years old. They also have good-sized wheels and a basket that is suitable for children.

Their name is derived due to the way they collapse. It's akin to an umbrella. Some fold with one hand that's effortless, while others require more involvement or two hands.

Folding is simple

The way pushchairs are folded can be an important factor when purchasing one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Some brands are focused on compactness, whereas others are more focused on speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a triple stroller that folds easily, then look for one with the scissor or concertina style of fold. These are renowned for being able to fold flat and are great when you plan to use public transportation or traveling with your child.

These pushchairs usually include a seat with a view of both the parent and child (for bonding, reassurance and to let them explore the world around them). They are usually suitable for babies as young as 6 months. Some also come with an adequate recline (although not flat, like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a variety of accessories such as buggie bags, seat liners and moses baskets/pram sheets that are fitted.

You should also consider other aspects when selecting the right buggy, including the fabric and whether it can be washed in the machine. Quick-release wheels are crucial as they permit you to easily remove any mud or sand.

Some pushchairs come with a scissor fold, which is where the whole buggy collapses in half like a pair of scissors, and then folds down into a rectangular shape. This kind of pushchair may be the most simple to unfold, as you only have to lift the handle, then close the seat. It isn't easy to store and may not fit in smaller car boot sizes.

There are also pushchairs, like concertina that fold into three or more sections. These pushchairs are the most compact when folded but they aren't easy to carry and require two hands. When folded they can be difficult to keep in storage due to their long rectangular shape. They are, however, light and often small enough to be used as cabin baggage on flights and are a great choice for families that travel.

Lightweight

Choosing the right pushchair for you could be a challenge. The terminology and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of folding you select will affect the ease with which you can transport and store your pushchair.

A lightweight pushchair can make all the difference for those with limited storage space at home. There are many different models of umbrellas, from compact folds to multi-purpose travel system prams systems that incorporate carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of these can be utilized as early as birth with a baby carrier however, it is essential to check the specifications for models that are intended for use with infants.

An umbrella-folding pushchair can be an easy and practical option that occupies small space. These pushchairs are named after the fact that they fold in a similar way to an umbrella. This makes them be easily inserted into storage spaces and vehicle boot spaces. These pushchairs are generally light and most models come with a raincover to safeguard your child.

Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold into three or more pieces with the frame and seat overlapping before collapsing into the frame. They are the most compact, easy to store and require two hands to open and close.

Many twin pushchairs will have the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a secure pouch on the hood to keep your children warm, dry and comfortable in colder weather. Certain brands will include these items as part of a bundle while others sell them separately.

Examine if the fabric of the pushchair can be washed using a machine. This makes cleaning much easier and faster. It is also important to check that the brakes are working properly and to remove any mud off the wheels using the help of a pressure washer or hosepipe.

Easy to transport

You may want to consider a pushchair that can be folded into a compact shape if you plan to use it on public transport or even take it on a trip. This kind of pushchair is also light to carry and allows you to put in the boot of your car or a smaller vehicle.

A variety of folding pushchairs are available to select from and the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Some are designed for speed and convenience and others are smaller and can be folded using two hands or even one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a perfect example, as it is not just able to fold down, but also inwards. This makes the buggy an attractive square package that can fit into a variety of hand luggage allowances.

The choice of pushchair brakes is a different factor to consider - there are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes or a mixture of both. The most popular brakes are the foot brakes, which work by pressing one pedal to lock both rear wheels. This is ideal for parents who are always in motion but require to slow down or stop often. Hand brakes are available on jogger-style strollers and three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than foot brakes, and can be used to alter the momentum during a run. City pushchairs usually come with combination brakes that combine a foot brake and a 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 to a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs fold very quickly, leaving the carrycot on the frame. You can also choose a light carrycot that can be folded flat on the chassis.

It's worth looking up the airline's site to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the carry-on baggage allowance. It's also important to determine whether the stroller can pass through a standard entrance and that it can be pushed up and down the stairs of an airport. It is recommended to bring a raincover with you if you plan to take your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.

Easy to store

The foldable pushchair is a great option for parents who are constantly in motion. They're easy to fold and require very little space in the boot of your car. They're also great for public transport or for holidays. Some models are even suitable for use with car seats.

Some models fold so small they're nearly flat. They're ideal when you have limited space in your home or car boot. However they are heavier than buggies that are larger.

Additionally, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, referred to as concertina 3D, fold-in-half or fold-in-half designs. They are more comfortable to use however they require two hands to unfold and fold. They can be quite large 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 towards the front of the buggy and the entire frame is collapsed into a square-ish flat shape. They're easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport. However, the resulting long rectangular shape may not fit in smaller car boot.

Many pushchairs come with a sun canopy, typically made from SPF fabric to shield baby from the sun. Some brands include this in the price, while others sell it as an accessory. The most effective options come with an hood that is removable so that you can wash it if necessary. Also look for a footmuff that will keep your baby warm during colder temperatures.

Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Some fabrics cannot be machine washed. If there's a lot of mud on the wheels, try using a hose or pressure washer to clean the dirt. If this fails, you can use an unscented sterilising solution and dry the fabric outdoors. If you leave your pushchair in a damp, wet or mouldy condition for too long, the fabric may become damaged and mildewed. If this happens, you should first scrub off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.