What is a baby`s pram?
A pram is a folding baby carriage. The term pram may also be used for an umbrella stroller designed to carry children with sleeping hoods, mosquito nets, or windscreens, but the word "pram" was originally used in Victorian times for an enclosed perambulator with high sides.
The first modern perambulator was created by William Kent (1766-1848) in collaboration with Isambard Brunel, who did most of the metalwork for him. The pram was presented to the world at the Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London`s Crystal Palace. He used his skills and knowledge of carpentry and furniture making to create a wooden version that he called `the landau. It was then taken on by other craftsmen such as John Harper and improved upon until it had evolved into today`s modern collapsible pram design.
It aroused little attention until Princess Alexandra of Denmark chose one as her `lady-in-waiting` when she married Queen Victoria`s son Edward VII on 10 March 1863. The landau quickly became an essential accessory for middle and upper-class parents throughout Europe, and later North America.
What does it look like?
A baby`s pram is a type of carriage usually used for transporting infants. It is pushed by the person, with the handlebar attached to two wheels about 30 cm (12 in) apart. The carriage is built around a metal frame that folds into sections which allows the carriage to collapse on itself so it can be easily stored or transported.
Typically it has four wheels, some have six or smaller wheels on each side of the frame allowing easy maneuvering over any type of terrain. Some modern baby prams feature suspension systems on all four wheels and are either manual or can be electronically powered by way of an internal battery pack powered by one or more batteries located under the hood/body of the product.
What is the difference between a pram and a stroller?
A stroller, pushchair or pram is a frame that carries a baby or child. In most English-speaking countries it is used for babies and infants from birth to about four years of age. In North America, where infant car seats are usually sold with the stroller as one unit, the term "stroller" alone often refers specifically to a device designed for infants.
Some sort of wind/sun protection may be provided – either a permanent rigid hood or a flexible fold-down cover – but this does not necessarily provide all-over sun coverage. A folding stroller has several different configurations and folds down compactly so it can be lifted and stored away in small spaces such as an automobile trunk (boot), upright against a wall (stand), or hanging from a hook. A stroller can also be reclined to varying degrees, allowing the baby to lie back and relax or sit up and interact with the surroundings. Some are even designed as tandems - two closely spaced seats together.
A pram comprises an upper "cabin" for the baby, a lower "gondola" underneath which sits on four small wheels, similar in some respects to a gondola in Venice. The pram is often open-topped by day but has removable side panels or curtains that can be pulled around for weather protection or privacy at night time. Most have handles on the end of each side panel so they can be carried like suitcases when folded up, although others have integral carrying handles.
Comparison of prams and strollers
When you compare prams and strollers in general, there are at least four clear benefits to using a pram over a stroller.
The first is that the suspension system on most models of prams makes for smoother rides over uneven terrain. While some strollers have front-wheel suspension systems, most do not, which makes them less suitable for frequent riding over rougher surfaces.
The second has to do with storage space. Most traditional prams are available with large under-seat storage baskets for added convenience. Many all-terrain models also feature pockets on the back of each side panel for even more convenient access to gear when you`re out and about.
This third benefit of choosing a traditional style model has to do with weight distribution. Since the prams seat tends to be suspended by a metal or fabric bar between two wheels, weight is distributed evenly along both sides of the frame. This makes for better balance and reduces the risk of accidental tipping over. Strollers with larger seats tend to have center balances that are not as good at distributing weight evenly, which can cause them to tip much more easily than prams.
Lastly, one of the best benefits that you will find in traditional models is their ability to provide complete coverage from the sun rays. Traditional style prams are usually equipped with an adjustable canopy that provides full coverage from head to toe so babies remain comfortable even on hot days when they need protection from strong sunlight. Most strollers do not offer this type of cover, so parents must take extra precautions when setting out to ensure that babies remain well protected from the sun.
What are the pram`s main advantages?
It has four wheels, two front and two rear wheels which makes it more stable than a stroller. It can also have 8 wheels usually on models designed for newborns. The frame is made from metal which makes it stronger and less likely to break while being pushed around or collapsed compared to other types of strollers.
Prams are larger than a stroller but they also provide extra storage space underneath the seat which is not available on a stroller. Also, they are usually built with suspension systems on all four wheels which make traveling over uneven terrain easier and smoother.
Another advantage is that, because they are larger than a stroller, they provide your child with more room to travel and sit. It is also possible to recline the seat of a pram for nap time or rest. Because it can be used from birth until approximately 4 years old, you will use this type of stroller longer than any other type which provides considerable savings as opposed to purchasing multiple strollers throughout your child`s early years.
What are the pram`s main disadvantages?
Because the pram is open-topped, there is no protection against rain or cold weather. It also has a large turning radius due to its size and weight and it lacks storage space compared to other types of strollers like a footmuff or under seat basket.
What are the stroller`s main advantages?
This is a seating system composed of 3 or more wheels, which makes the stroller more compact than a pram. It is generally thought to provide better maneuverability than a rig with four large wheels because it can also turn on two front wheels making sharp turns easier. This type of stroller tends to weigh less than 4kg (8 pounds) and can be folded easily for storage or transportation.
The storage basket underneath the seat may be small but there are many models which offer extra storage space by way of zippers located on the back of each side panel. Some strollers also have hoods that provide complete sun coverage along with weight restrictions up to 15 kg (33 pounds).
What are the stroller's main disadvantages?
Strollers are more compact than a pram but, because they are not built with suspension systems on all wheels, traveling over rough terrain is not as comfortable or smooth. The seat can`t be reclined for nap time or rest and there is no extra storage space in the seat itself.
How can you choose a good pram for your baby?
Before choosing a pram for your baby, you should consider the amount of money you want to spend on it. Also, it is important to take into consideration whether you will be using it mainly in town or country because the size and weight are substantial factors when outdoors. Do not forget that this is something your child will use up until 4 years old so make sure they are compatible with taking the car seat with the appropriate adaptors if you plan to go on long trips by car throughout their early childhood.
Things to consider when buying a pram:
- Adapters suitable for car seats
- Weight and size of the pram when folded
- Maximum weight capacity
- Minimum seat depth is required to provide comfort for your child based on their age and size, along with legroom. The minimum distance should be approximately 6-8 cm (2 to 3 inches).
- Adequate storage space both in the base of the stroller itself but also under each seating area if there are multiple seating areas available. Ensure that this storage space is large enough to meet your needs by taking into consideration items you usually take out when going for a walk like nappies, wipes, small toys, sun cream etc. Also, note if having one compartment underneath all three seating areas is more beneficial than several individual compartments which can be closed off if empty.
- Whether the stroller has a reclining backrest and how easy it is to do up and undo each time your child needs a nap.
- Is the handling stable as well as adjustable? This will be more comfortable for taller people, but the more upright you are, the easier it will be to see what`s going on around you while pushing your baby`s pram.
How to clean a baby pram?
To clean your child`s stroller or pram, you can either use warm water mixed with some dishwashing soap if it is necessary to scrub down the exterior. This is not something that should be done on a daily basis but rather when absolutely necessary which would be after having dropped your child off at daycare or playgroup where he/she may have dropped food products that cannot be picked up with a brush.
For fabrics that can be removed for cleaning, you will need to determine whether the fabric itself requires dry-clean or hand-washing. If the fabric is water-resistant, it may be better to hand wash or have the pieces professionally cleaned.
The bowl, tray, and handles of your child`s pram are places where food can become stuck so you will need to pay extra attention to these areas. It would be best if the bowl was removable for easy rinsing after being washed in warm soapy water. Make sure that all surfaces are completely dry before reassembling the components back onto the pram frame. If metal hardware has been used, it should also be dried thoroughly with a cloth before being put back together again.
If you use wipes when cleaning your baby`s stroller every day instead of using soap and water, make sure they are alcohol-free in order to avoid exposing your baby`s skin to harsh chemicals as well as bacteria and viruses that can build up on the wipes.
When should you stop using a pram?
When your child becomes too heavy or tall for the pram, it is time to stop using it and purchase a regular cart. Most children will be ready for this around 4 years of age. However, some experts advise users not to continue pushing a cart beyond the age of 6 in fear that their spine might become misaligned due to strain while reaching down to push them for so long.
There is also a growing number of environmentally conscious parents who choose to use a stroller.
What if your baby gets addicted to a pram?
There are many cases where children or babies become overly attached to their pram, refusing to walk once they receive their first pair of shoes. Some even go as far as chewing on the stroller handle while they are still in their infant carrier. If this happens, it is important to remember your baby needs some cuddling time after being transported around for so many hours in a row.
The best way to deal with this problem would be rewarding your child for each step they take by giving them small treats like toys or food that really interest them. Strollers can become an inseparable part of daily life, but there is no reason why you shouldn`t consider the advice above if you find yourself stuck on what type of cart is best for your little one.
Pediatricians say that the ideal age to stop using a pram is by the age of 6.
Final verdict: should you buy a pram or a stroller?
This is often a point of argument for parents, but it really comes down to individual choice because there are pros and cons for both which you will have to determine based on your own lifestyle. Our final verdict is they are both equally good choices so long as you keep in mind the basic facts of safety, comfort and convenience.