When choosing the comfortable and convenient way to take your baby around, you may often face a tough choice between the pram or the baby stroller. Both play different functions and learning the difference will help guide you in choosing what is best suited for your lifestyle and the needs of your baby. Let’s find out the top five key differences between a pram and a baby stroller to make it easier for you to decide!

Design and Structure

A pram is mainly designed for newborns and younger babies and has a flat, bassinet-style design in which babies can lie flat on their backs. It is considered supportive for a baby’s spinal development. Prams are stable and have sturdy construction, much like a traditional carriage.

On the other hand, a stroller is typically placed upright, with seats that allow for adjustable reclining options. They are suitable for babies and older toddlers to sit up. Besides, they tend to offer flexibility in seating positions, where children sit comfortably while canvassing their surroundings.

Age Suitability

Most likely, the greatest difference between a pram and a baby stroller is a matter of age; different prams accommodate different ages. Prams are ideal for six-month-old or younger babies while lying flat, but most can be adjusted to some upright angle as the baby grows older. They are highly comfortable and provide security to babies who cannot sit up on their own.

However, strollers are meant for use with older infants and toddlers who can support their heads and sit upright independently. Many parents turn to a baby stroller when the baby has left the first stage, at which point the baby is no longer considered in the newborn stage, which typically falls at around six months.

Comfort and Support

Major advantages of prams include the provision of comfort and support for a newborn baby. The flat bassinet makes an excellent, safe, and secure sleeping environment. In the case of a pram, the pads are made to fit in at the tiny back and delicate neck of the baby, so it thus provides a snug ride.

A baby stroller is comfortable but less supportive for newborns because the seat is more upright. However, an added feature of most strollers is the reclining seat and cushion that would make it comfortable for an older baby or toddler who can handle a more active ride.

Portability and Storage

Prams are generally heavier and more difficult to fold than strollers; they are also less portable in most cases. They have a more classic appearance, prioritizing stability and comfort above anything else rather than accessibility in travel.

Baby strollers are lighter, compact, and foldable, offering great convenience for on-the-go families. Most can be folded with a single hand, perfect for busy parents. Baskets and pockets, which carry the essentials, make storage space in a stroller more accessible.

Versatility and Adjustability

Prams are not versatile, and their initial focus is on providing a comfortable sleeping surface. However, they rarely prove adaptable when your baby grows up and starts to sit down; therefore, you primarily have to switch to a baby stroller once your baby learns to sit up.

Modern strollers are highly adjustable and versatile, meaning that they can adapt to your child’s growth. Some have forward- and backward-facing seats. There are also accessories like sunshades and cup holders. This is why baby strollers seem like a long-term investment, where adjustments are made to suit your child through the different stages.

Summary

A pram or a baby stroller really depends on the age of your baby, family lifestyle, and specific needs. If you want comfort and support for a newborn, then it is probably best. However, if you need something more versatile for an older baby or toddler, then a baby stroller is more practical and adaptable.

Understanding the five key differences can help you pick the one best suited for your little one’s needs. It can be a well-suited pram for those initial days or a practical stroller as they get older, each offering opportunities for safety and exploration.

Published by: Khy Talara