Finding the perfect pushchair

Shopping for the perfect pushchair is not an easy task, but at My Babiie we want to make it as easy as possible. This is why we’d like to introduce you to the different types of folds the world of baby gear offers and to help you find the one for you!

It is important to understand the folding mechanisms of your stroller or pushchair because this could be a huge determining factor in how well the product will fit into your lifestyle.

So, with that said, let’s take a look:

1. Umbrella Fold

First, we have the Umbrella Fold, which is usually for lightweight strollers. The name comes from the fact that collapsing this stroller is similar to folding an umbrella.

HOW:
You simply lift a lever (sometimes a switch) at the back of the stroller with your foot (sometimes your hand) and push down on the handles so that the stroller collapses into itself, with the upper half folding onto the lower half.

POSITIVES:
The Umbrella Fold is quick and easy to master, making it ideal for public transport and other travel.

NEGATIVES:
Bear in mind the long rectangular shape this fold takes, meaning it may not be the best one for fitting into smaller car boots.

OUR PRODUCTS WITH THIS FOLD:
MB02 Lightweight Stroller
MB03 Stroller
MB51 Lightweight Stroller
MB52 Stroller
MB11 Double Stroller

2. Scissor Fold

The Scissor Fold is also known as a “fold-in-half” pushchair because as it suggests, that’s almost exactly how this pushchair folds!

HOW:
Typically the seat will fold forward and then the entire pushchair will collapse onto itself into a flat, square-like shape.

POSITIVES:
These folds are super easy and neat and can sometimes be done with just one hand meaning if you have your hands full this pushchair will make life a little easier.

NEGATIVES:
Despite it reducing to almost half its size, the fold can sometimes still be quite wide making it trickier to store and use on public transport.

OUR PRODUCTS WITH THIS FOLD:
MB160 Pushchair
MB180 Reversible Pushchair
MB240 Pushchair
MB250i Travel System

3. Concertina Fold

The Concertina Fold is sometimes known as the 3D fold as the pushchair or stroller folds into itself in three or more sections.

HOW:
This can come across in different ways but for example the seat might fold down first and then the frame will collapse into itself and allow for the wheels to meet in the middle.

POSITIVES:
Concertina Folds are typically the most compact making them incredibly easy to carry and store.

NEGATIVES:
You’ll likely need both your hands to fold and unfold this type of stroller or pushchair.

OUR PRODUCTS WITH THIS FOLD:
MBX5 Ultra Compact Travel Stroller

What is a folded footprint?

The folded footprint is the space the product will take up when folded.

This is an extremely important factor to consider as it will help you decide whether you’ll be able to store the product in certain places, such as your car boot.

For example, Umbrella Folds typically have a smaller footprint than a Scissor Fold.

Some of our products with the smallest folded footprint are:
MB02 Lightweight Stroller
MB51 Lightweight Stroller
MBX5 Ultra Compact Stroller
MB250i Travel System

Other handy fold features.

Sometimes it can be handy to be able to fold a pushchair or stroller with just one hand. Some of our products that feature a one-hand fold are:
MB250i Travel System
MB160 Pushchair

Locking mechanisms are also extremely handy when it comes to folding your product. It might also mean it comes with a carry handle so you can fold it, lock it and carry it with you without worrying about it coming loose or opening again. The majority of our products feature a folding lock and a carry handle such as:
MB51 Lightweight Stroller
MBX5 Ultra Compact Stroller
MB160 Pushchair
MB30 Pushchair
MB200i Travel System

Sometimes pushchairs require their wheels and seats to be removed to fold it, but fortunately, no My Babiie stroller or pushchair requires the wheels to be removed (however removing the wheels can sometimes provide a more compact fold). Our MB33 Tandem Pushchair however will require for the seat to be removed for it to be folded. Now you’re all well-versed in all the different folding mechanisms you can find the one best suited for you. But be aware of these common folding faults so you can have the smoothest and easiest folding experience always!

Make sure all accessories e.g. footmuffs and rain covers are removed! This may be preventing the product from folding down as compact as it can.

Make sure nothing is getting stuck in the folding mechanism, such as a toy, muslins, etc.

Make sure that the product is fully unfolded before trying to fold it. This can sometimes disrupt the folding mechanism.

Happy shopping with your new knowledge!