Baby Prams and Strollers Explained
If you are a new parent and have just ventured into buying, or attempting to buy your first pram or stroller for your baby, you may be somewhat dismayed at the selection that it available and the terminology that the "pram and stroller connoisseurs" use.
The greatest confusion seems to lie in the use of the word "pram" and the word "stroller".
In some stores, the distinction is clear, but in the majority of baby outlets, their product offerings seem to cross over.
In the true sense of the word, the "pram" was popularized in England during the reign of Queen Victoria and resembled a non-folding, carriage on wheels.
Still today the word "pram" is more frequently used in England to refer to this type of baby product, whereas here, we more commonly refer to these as "carriages".
The stroller on the other hand encompasses a whole myriad of folding baby vehicles, from Travel Strollers to Sit n Stand strollers.
Quite often, however, stores use the terms "baby prams" and "baby strollers" interchangeably, preferring to refer to the traditional "pram" as a "baby carriage" or indeed a "pram carriage".
There are a number of types of baby prams and strollers on the market today, all it would seem, to cater to a distinct parental niche requirement.
The four main types of baby prams and strollers that are purchased in the US today are: Jogging Strollers - which are intended for recreational use away from the normal flat and even ground surfaces associated with roads, malls and urban areas.
Their construction makes them particularly suitable for more adventurous conditions.
Jogging Strollers generally have better suspension to deal with bumps, usually air filled tyres to soften the undulating ride, a deeper seat to keep your baby in, a five point harness system to minimise baby movement and roll.
Double Strollers - which are mainly intended for two babies to sit next to each other.
Although some mothers with one baby may purchase a Double Stroller to use the spare seat for shopping bags and extra carrying storage.
Umbrella Strollers - these tend to be the most compact and cheapest of the pram and stroller ranges.
Umbrella Strollers are usually intended for toddlers, with a basic seating material built on a metal frame and wheels intended for everyday city use.
They tend to be rather lightweight and fold away compactly.
Umbrella Strollers derive their name from the fact that their upwardly curving handles resemble those of an umbrella.
They tend to be ideal as a backup stroller or when you just don't need a bulkier baby pram or stroller, particularly if travelling.
Prams - which are traditional English non-folding baby carrier on wheels.
But as explained above, nowadays these are often referred to as Baby Carriages.
These have become increasingly popular in recent times.
Their popularity died out in the past due to the non-compact nature of them and the fact that they stand higher and are not as practical or sturdy as their modern day stroller equivalents.
The greatest confusion seems to lie in the use of the word "pram" and the word "stroller".
In some stores, the distinction is clear, but in the majority of baby outlets, their product offerings seem to cross over.
In the true sense of the word, the "pram" was popularized in England during the reign of Queen Victoria and resembled a non-folding, carriage on wheels.
Still today the word "pram" is more frequently used in England to refer to this type of baby product, whereas here, we more commonly refer to these as "carriages".
The stroller on the other hand encompasses a whole myriad of folding baby vehicles, from Travel Strollers to Sit n Stand strollers.
Quite often, however, stores use the terms "baby prams" and "baby strollers" interchangeably, preferring to refer to the traditional "pram" as a "baby carriage" or indeed a "pram carriage".
There are a number of types of baby prams and strollers on the market today, all it would seem, to cater to a distinct parental niche requirement.
The four main types of baby prams and strollers that are purchased in the US today are: Jogging Strollers - which are intended for recreational use away from the normal flat and even ground surfaces associated with roads, malls and urban areas.
Their construction makes them particularly suitable for more adventurous conditions.
Jogging Strollers generally have better suspension to deal with bumps, usually air filled tyres to soften the undulating ride, a deeper seat to keep your baby in, a five point harness system to minimise baby movement and roll.
Double Strollers - which are mainly intended for two babies to sit next to each other.
Although some mothers with one baby may purchase a Double Stroller to use the spare seat for shopping bags and extra carrying storage.
Umbrella Strollers - these tend to be the most compact and cheapest of the pram and stroller ranges.
Umbrella Strollers are usually intended for toddlers, with a basic seating material built on a metal frame and wheels intended for everyday city use.
They tend to be rather lightweight and fold away compactly.
Umbrella Strollers derive their name from the fact that their upwardly curving handles resemble those of an umbrella.
They tend to be ideal as a backup stroller or when you just don't need a bulkier baby pram or stroller, particularly if travelling.
Prams - which are traditional English non-folding baby carrier on wheels.
But as explained above, nowadays these are often referred to as Baby Carriages.
These have become increasingly popular in recent times.
Their popularity died out in the past due to the non-compact nature of them and the fact that they stand higher and are not as practical or sturdy as their modern day stroller equivalents.
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