10 Foldable Pushchair-Related Foldable Pushchair-Related Projects That Will Stretch Your Creativity
Buying a Foldable Pushchair
A double stroller that folds is ideal for quick trips or holidays. They are typically light and suitable for babies as young as four years old. They also have wheels that are large enough and a basket that is suitable for children.
Their name is derived due to the way they fold. It's like an umbrella. Some fold with one hand that's a breeze while others require a bit of involvement or two hands.
Folding is easy
The way in which pushchairs fold could be an important factor when you are looking to purchase one. It will determine how easy to carry and how much space it takes up when folded. Many brands have their folding mechanisms designed with different lifestyles in mind, with some focusing on compactness, while others concentrate on speed or ease of use. If you're looking for a stroller that is easy to fold then you should look for one that has a scissor or concertina type of fold. These are renowned for being capable of folding flat and are perfect for those who plan on using public transportation or traveling with your child.
Many of these types of pushchairs also come with a seat that faces towards the parent (for bonding and reassurance) and away from the parent (to enable them to discover the world around them). These pushchairs are suitable for babies at a young age of 6 months. Some also come with an acceptable recline (although not flat like an infant car seat) and are compatible with a range of accessories, including buggie bags, seat liners and fitted moses basket/pram sheets.
Apart from the ease of folding it is important to consider other aspects that you should consider when choosing a buggy such as whether or not the fabric is machine washable and whether it comes with wheels that can be released quickly. Having quick-release wheels is particularly important as it means you can easily clean off any wet or dried mud.
Some pushchairs have the scissor fold. This is the place where the entire buggy collapses in half like a pair of scissors and then flattens into a long rectangular shape. This kind of twin pushchair may be the easiest to fold because you just have to lift the handle and then close the seat. However, it can be difficult to store in small spaces and isn't suitable for public transport because it may not fit into smaller car booties.
In addition to the scissor fold, there are pushchairs that fold in three or more sections, such as a concertina. These pushchairs are the smallest when folded, but they aren't easy to carry and require two hands. They can also be tricky to store since they have a long, rectangular shape when closed position. But, they're light and small enough to use as cabin baggage on flights. They are a great choice for families that travel.
Lightweight
The choice of pushchairs is vast and deciding on the best one for you can be tricky. The jargon can be confusing, and the folding mechanisms are particularly hard to understand. The type of fold you select can influence how easy it is able to be moved and stored.
A compact pushchair is a great option for those with limited storage space. There are many different types of pushchairs available, from compact umbrella-folds that fold down to multi-functional travel systems that include carrycots and adapters for car seats. Some of them can be used from birth with a newborn carrycot, although it is important to verify the specifications for lying flat of any model that is intended to be used with a newborn.
An umbrella-fold pushchair is a simple and convenient option that takes up very little space. These types of pushchairs get their name due to the fact that they fold down in a similar way as an umbrella, allowing them to fit perfectly lengthways into a variety of storage or vehicle boot space. These pushchairs are usually very light and many models include a rain cover to protect your child.
Concertina-style pushchairs are another option. They fold in three or more sections with the frame and the seat collapsing onto them. They are the most compact and convenient to store. They require two hands to open and shut.
Many pushchairs will have the footmuff, a removable (and washable) seat liner, a carry strap and a safe pouch on the hood to help keep your children dry, warm and comfortable during colder weather. Certain brands will include these as part of a bundle while others sell them as separate items.
Always look to see whether the fabric used for the pushchair is machine washable. This allows for faster and easier cleaning. It is also important to make sure that the brakes work correctly and clean any mud off the wheels with a hosepipe or pressure washer.
Easy to transport
If you want to take your pushchair with you on vacation or take it on a regular basis on public transport, you may prefer one that folds down easily into a compact size. This kind of pushchair is also lightweight to lift and easy for to store in your car boot or small vehicle.
A wide range of folding pushchairs are available for you to pick from, and the way they fold varies from brand to brand. Some are designed to be fast and easy to use while others are more compact and can be folded with two hands or even just one hand. The Cybex Libelle is a striking example as it doesn't just fold down, but in too, so the whole buggy becomes a neat square package smaller than a lot of hand luggage options, making it ideal for traveling.
The choice of brakes for pushchairs is a different factor to consider - there are foot pedal brakes, handle brakes or a combination of both. The most commonly used brakes are the foot brakes, which operate by pressing one pedal to lock both rear wheels. This is great for parents who are constantly in motion but have to slow down or stop often. Handle brakes can be found on three-wheeled pushchairs and jogger style strollers, they are more sensitive than foot brakes and are able to change momentum during a run for instance. Combination brakes are often seen on city pushchairs and combine a foot pedal and an hand lever that triggers the other brake to give you maximum control.
Based on your baby's age and size, you may want to find a pushchair that offers a lie-flat seat or is compatible with travel systems so you can attach a carrycot. Some of these pushchairs can be folded quickly using the carrycot tucked away on the frame. Alternatively, an easy-to-transport carrycot that can be simply pushed flat onto the frame can be utilized.
It's worth looking up the airline's website to make sure the dimensions and weight of the pushchair fall within the baggage allowance for carry-on bags. Make sure that the pushchair will fit through a standard airport doorway, and is able to be lifted up and over the stairs. It is recommended to bring an umbrella when you plan to use your stroller on vacation to shield it from rain and puddles.
Easy to store
Foldable pushchairs are an excellent option for parents who travel a lot. They are designed to be easy to fold and take up little space in the car boot. They're also an excellent option to take on public transport or for holidays. Some models are compatible with a car seat.
Some models fold so small they're nearly flat. These are ideal when you have the space to fit them in your home or car boot. However they are heavier than larger buggies.
There are also pushchairs that fold down into three or more sections, also known as concertina 3D or fold-in half styles. These are easier to carry, but require two hands to fold and unfold. They can be quite long when they are folded, making them ideal for vehicles with smaller wheels.
Other models feature scissor-style folding pushchair in which the seat back folds toward the front of the buggy and the frame collapses into a square-ish flat shape. These are quick and easy to fold and are also suitable for public transport. However the long rectangular shape they create may not fit into small car boot dimensions.
Many pushchairs are available with a sun canopy, typically made from SPF fabric to help protect your baby from sun. Some brands include it in their price, while others sell it separately. The best options have an hood that is removable to allow you to wash it if necessary. Make sure you have the footmuff, too, since they are perfect for colder weather and can keep babies warm.
Most pushchairs can be wiped down with a damp cloth, but certain fabrics aren't machine washable and should be checked by the manufacturer's instructions. If there's mud on the wheels, you can try using the pressure washer or hose to rinse off the dirt. If this doesn't work, you can try a mild sterilising solution and dry the fabric outside. If your pushchair remains in a damp, wet or stale for too long, it could cause damage to the fabric, and even lead to rot and mildew. If this occurs, you'll need to begin by removing any mould or mildew that has escaped with a soft-bristled brush before washing and rinsing as per the directions.