The Reasons Foldable Pushchair Is Everywhere This Year
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A foldable twin stroller is great for short trips or on holidays. They tend to be lightweight and are suitable for babies from four years old and up. They come with large wheels and a great basket.
They get their name from their collapse method into a form that's like an umbrella. Some are easy to fold with just one hand, whereas others require two hands or more effort.
Folding is easy
The way in which pushchairs fold is a crucial factor in buying one. It determines how easy to carry and how much space it occupies when folded. Most brands have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind with some focusing on compactness whilst others focus on speed or user-friendliness. Choose a pushchair that has a concertina or scissor fold if you are looking for an easy pushchair to fold. These are renowned for their ability to fold flat, and are great for those who plan to use public transport or travelling with your child.
These types of pushchairs pushchairs often include a seat with a view of both the parent facing pram and child (for bonding, comfort and to allow them to explore the world around them). They are usually suitable for babies up to 6 months. Some have a decent recline position (though not as flat as infant car seat) and can be used with other accessories such as buggie bag or seat liners. They also come with a moses baskets that are fitted with a pram sheet.
You should also consider other factors when choosing a buggy, such as the fabric and if it is machine washable. Quick-release wheels are essential because they let you easily clean any mud or sand.
Some pushchairs feature a scissor fold, which is the place where the entire buggy collapses in half like scissors and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This type of pushchair could be the easiest to unfold since you have to lift the handle and then close the seat. However, it can be difficult to store in small spaces and is not suitable for public transport since it might not fit in smaller car boots.
Aside from the scissor fold, there are also pushchairs that fold into three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs are compact when they are folded, but can be difficult to handle and require two arms. When folded, they can be difficult to store due to their long rectangular shape. However, they are light and small enough to use as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great option for families traveling together.
Lightweight
The selection of pushchairs available is vast and deciding on the best one for you could be difficult. The jargon and folding mechanisms can be confusing. The type of fold you choose will have an impact on how easily the pushchair can be transported and stored.
Choosing a light pushchair can make a huge difference for those with a small storage space at home. There are a variety of different types that range from compact umbrella folds up to multi-functional travel systems with carrycots and car seat adapters. Some of these can even be used from birth with a newborn carrycot, although it is crucial to confirm the lie flat specifications of any model designed for use with a newborn.
A pushchair that folds in the same way as an umbrella is a practical and easy option. It occupies a small space. These pushchairs are named after the fact they fold similarly to an umbrella. This makes them fit perfectly into most storage and boot spaces. They are typically light and most models come with a raincover to protect your child.
A concertina-styled pushchair is an alternative option that folds into three or more parts, with the frame and seat overlapping each other and then collapsing on itself. They are the smallest and easy to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
A majority of pushchairs come with an adjustable footmuff, an reversible seat liner (and washable) and a carry strap, and an enclosed pouch that is attached to the hood. These features will help keep your child warm, dry and comfortable in colder weather. Some brands include these items in a bundle, whereas others sell them individually.
Always verify if the pushchair fabrics are machine washable. This allows for faster and more efficient cleaning. It is also essential to make sure that the brakes function properly and to remove any mud off the wheels using an hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
You might choose a pushchair that can be folded down to a compact size if you plan to use it on public transportation or take it on holiday. This type of pushchair is also likely to be light to lift and easy to store in a boot or small car.
A variety of folding pushchairs are available to pick from, and the way they fold differs from one brand to the next. Some are designed to be fast and easy to use and others are smaller and fold with two hands or even just one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a standout example because it doesn't just fold down but then in too, so the whole buggy becomes an elegant square box that is smaller than many hand luggage allowances making it perfect for travelling.
There are two kinds of brakes for pushchairs that are foot pedal brakes and handle brakes. The most popular brakes are the foot brakes, that work by pressing a single pedal to stop both rear wheels. This is a great option for parents who need to stop or slow down often. Hand brakes are found on jogger-style strollers and three-wheeled joggers. They are more sensitive than the foot brakes, and they can be used to alter the pace of the course of a run. City pushchairs usually have combination brakes, which combine a foot brake and an lever that triggers the brake opposite 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 travel systems to allow you to attach a carrycot. Some pushchairs can be folded quickly using the carrycot left on the frame, or an easy-to-transport carrycot that is simply pulled flat onto the frame can be utilized.
If you're considering traveling with your child in a pushchair, it's worth checking the airline's website to ensure the dimensions and weight are within the allowance for carry-on baggage. Verify that the stroller can pass through a standard airport doorway, and that it is able to be lifted up and down the stairs. If you do plan to take your pushchair on vacation, it's best to take a rain cover with you to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
The foldable pushchair is an excellent choice for parents who are frequently in motion. They're designed to be simple to fold and take up little space in your car boot. They're also a great option for taking on public transport and holidays. Some models are even suitable for use with car seats.
Some models are so small that they fold almost flat. These are ideal for those who have the space to fit them in your home or car boot. However, they can be heavier than buggies with larger wheels.
Some pushchairs fold into three or four sections. These are known as concertina, fold in half, or 3D designs. They are less cumbersome to carry however they require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when folded, so they're not ideal for smaller vehicles.
Other models feature scissor-style folding, where the seat back folds to the front of the buggy and the frame collapses into a square-ish, flat shape. They're easy and quick to fold and can be used on public transport, but the resulting rectangular shape may not fit in smaller car boot.
Many pushchairs come with sun canopy. These are usually made of SPF fabric which protects the child from the sun. Some brands include it in their price while others sell it separately. The most effective options come with a removable hood so that you can wash it if necessary. Consider a footmuff too, as they are ideal for colder temperatures and keep your baby warm.
Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer prior to washing your pushchair. Certain fabrics can't be machine washed. If you've got mud on your wheels, make use of a pressure washer, or hose to wash it off. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising fluid and dry the fabric outside. If you leave your pushchair in an unclean or wet condition for too long, the fabric could be damaged and mildewed. If this happens, first clean off any mildew or mold using a soft bristled brush. Then wash and rinse according to the instructions.
