If you have a baby on board, you need to decide how to move with them. At some point during pregnancy, you must have seen other parents pushing a baby in a stroller and wondered about it. Babies in strollers don’t just look adorable, they are a practical and necessary choice for parents.
At the same time, choosing the right stroller is a huge decision. You need to consider a lot of options to get the perfect one that suits your needs and your lifestyle.
The first decision, though, is whether to get a pram, a stroller, or both. To make that decision, you need to know in detail what prams and strollers are, and what are the differences between them.
Let us look at these two in detail to make it easier for you to choose between them.
What Is A Pram?
Prams are classic; they are one-size-fits-all baby carriages that are used to carry newborns. They are designed for babies to lie down because they cannot sit up just yet. Prams usually feature a large canopy that covers half the carriage to protect the sleeping baby from dust and direct sunlight.
Usually, most prams are sturdy and cannot be folded for transportation or storage. They take up a lot of space and aren’t really practical.
What Is A stroller?
Strollers, on the other hand, are collapsible baby carriers designed as chairs. Newborns can lie on it and older babies can sit in them. Strollers are much more versatile and can recline when needed. Besides, they come with special restraint system consisting of belts, straps, or harness to secure the baby.
Strollers are suitable for both babies of all ages. Some stroller brands, like the UPPAbaby Vista, have seats that recline fully, making them ideal for newborns.
Unlike prams, strollers come in various sizes and designs to fit different budgets and lifestyles. The different types of strollers are:
- Convertible strollers.
- Travel system strollers.
- Tandem strollers
- All-terrain strollers
- Jogging strollers
- Sit and stand strollers
- Umbrella strollers
How To Make The Decision
Before deciding between a stroller and a pram, there are several factors that you need to consider. Would you choose classic aesthetics over modern practicality? What does your lifestyle require? What long-term plans do you have for the stroller or pram? Asking yourself these questions helps you narrow down your options.
Here are other questions you need to ask yourself:
1. Do I need a double stroller?
Do you have another baby? Are you expecting twins? Do you want both of your babies to sit in the same stroller?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, that means you need to get a twin or tandem stroller. However, these are much larger and do not easily fit in tight spaces. They might also be a little heavy and challenging to push.
2. What features am I looking for?
Do you have a newborn who need a pram mainly for afternoon strolls around the neighbourhood? Or do you need a newborn-friendly stroller that your baby will eventually grow into? Can you afford both a pram and later, a stroller?
Buying both a pram and a stroller can be quite expensive. If you want to save money, get a stroller with an adjustable seat that newborns can use and later grow into. In case you travel a lot with your baby or plan to take them on your errands, you need to get a travel system with a detachable car seat.
3. Can you change the direction of the seat?
Newborns and young babies need to face while in the stroller. This way, you can easily see if they are restless and do something about it. When they are a little older, it is completely fine to have them face the same direction as you and enjoy the scenery. If you decide on a stroller, most of them come with a reversible seat that you can change.
4. Does the pram/stroller offer the baby a smooth ride?
Most prams are strollers are designed to give your baby the best possible and most comfortable ride. Strollers, more specifically, are made for all kinds of terrain so that the baby doesn’t feel any bumps. If you are planning to be active, you should get an all-terrain stroller so that the baby feels comfortable, as they have thick wheels and better suspension.
5. How easy is it to use and push around?
If you are looking for something easier to push around, make sure that you choose a stroller that’s not too bulky. Prams are much harder to manoeuvre as they are heavier. There are some bulky strollers too that can be difficult to fold or move.
Conclusion
Prams and strollers are two terms that are often used interchangeably. But the truth is, there are many differences between them. While prams are used to carry newborn babies until they start sitting up, strollers are used to carry older babies who can sit by themselves. Babies can grow up in a stroller but prams are not very flexible with change. Strollers are much more flexible and come in a wide range of designs.
If you are expecting a baby, you should decide between them to best suit your needs, but strollers are a more practical choice than prams.