One of the most important decisions new parents make is how they will get out and about with their new baby. Are there any differences between a pushchair and a stroller, buggy, or pram?
They indeed have differences, but sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. When you consider purchasing a new mode of transportation for your baby, be sure to know exactly what it is you have in mind.
Retailers make it even more confusing for parents by using terms like pushchairs and strollers interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences that you should know:
- A pushchair is generally quite durable in comparison to a stroller. You can recline the seat and turn it either forward-facing or parent-facing. The frame is usually more sturdy and made to last for few years, rather than a stroller. A pushchair is suitable for both young babies (from 6 months) and toddlers and is often flat when folded.
- Prams are the most commonly used form of transport for newborns and very small babies to ride in when lying down. The system will include carry cot for baby to sleep in and a frame that you attach the carrycot to.
- The stroller is light and folds compactly, making it an ideal choice for older toddlers. You can loose comfort for pushing though, it is usually made of plastic, or cheap metal (if an older design), with plastic wheels.
- Different people refer to a buggy differently, but it’s generally considered either a pushchair or a pram, or a stroller. Basically ‘a a vehicle’ for your baby.
Most prams, pushchairs, strollers, and buggies are as follows:
Pushchairs:
Typically, pushchairs are made for babies from 6 months and above. Pushchairs usually have a two-way seat that faces either away or towards you. The features found on them can be helpful, such as wheels that swivel or enclosed carrycots, or 3 in 1 systems. It can also be folded up so that it fits into the boot of a car. They are durable and generally, will last for the duration of the first 3 years of baby’s life.
Pushchairs are more flexible than a pram and can accommodate a toddler. They can have:
- Full lying position (some offer only an upright position or a slight recline – make sure you are buying what you want)
- Footrest with angle adjustment – as the baby grows you can lower it down, or put it up for when baby sleeps
- Hood that can be adjusted for the weather, with or without the see- through option for the parent
- Basket at the bottom of the pushchair for shopping (either closed or open, depending if you want others to see what you are carrying or not)
- Travel mug holder, extra baby bag, or additional accessories.
Prams:
Prams are designed for newborns up to about six months old, while babies are still young enough to remain flat. Their positioning is relative to the parent, they often come with a bassinet or carrycot (same thing). Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, where you use the same frame and additional piece of pushchair for older baby. These are usually more durable, as manufacturer thought through longer usage of the whole set.
The most significant difference between prams and pushchairs is their suitability for different ages and sizes. Some pushchairs are adaptable for both newborns and older babies, if the full lie flat position is available in the pushchair. However! You need to consider the material that the pushchair is made of in the same way you consider for a cot bed (e.g. Choosing a harder mattress) – you also need to think about the same features when buying the pushchair for a newborn. It needs to support their gentle spine and make sure that baby will be safe during an uneven ride in the forest or an uneven pavement during roadworks.
Strollers:
Strollers are much lighter, and they can be collapsed. It’s perfect for babies older than six months old when you’re traveling. Be sure to check if the stroller suits newborn babies before buying. Also – you need to remember the quality of your ‘driving’ experience/ pushing will be different with wheels that are fixed in the front; smaller sized wheels, plastic frame; and smaller stroller in general. (It is difficult to find the right stroller for taller parents. They are designed for compact rather than comfort. So if you are going for a month holidays and will be walking long distances – make sure your spine will be in the correct position when pushing a stroller. This way you will avoid back pains!
It is important to note – they face away from the parent, so you can’t see what your child is doing if it is younger and they don’t usually have a hood included.
If you want to identify a stroller: light frame, small wheels, compact when folded, child sitting away from a parent.
Buggies:
It is mostly recommended for toddlers to use buggies and similar to pushchairs, they face away from the parent. Again this allows your baby to absorb more of the world.
A buggy is often the lighter and more portable option for traveling. When out and about on holiday or going out with the baby, a buggy will be particularly useful, especially if you’re on a budget. The price tag is typically lower, and the purchase might not be as durable as prams and pushchairs – it is similar to a stroller. Some people use a word ‘buggy’ to describe any baby vehicle.
Travel systems
A travel system is usually a 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 set.
*2-in-1 includes carry cot and pushchair with the same frame
* 3-in-1 included car seat, carry cot and a pushchair with the same frame.
The bonus of a travel system is that the parts are interchangeable and you can use a car seat to drive around on shopping or switch to carry cot if going for longer walk.
A travel system can handle all of your baby’s travel needs. The Babylimo set also has rocking functions for the car seat and the carry cot even when they are not attached to the frame. It means you can use your carry cot as Moses basket and car seat as rocking chair on the go – or when in the coffee shop.
With a travel system you can sort all your baby vehicle needs for 3 years:
The car seat can be used up till 10 or 13kg, the carry cot till 6 months, or till when baby starts sitting down and then the pushchair onwards. Some providers also offer an Isofix base for the car seat, which means your life will be extra easy, as you buy the whole set and you are sorted! Travel systems are convenient with less equipment to keep as you have only one frame and the product is designed for baby’s growth.
What are the features to look for?
Some pushchairs are suitable for newborns, but not all. Pushchairs are better suited for young children than buggies. The reason for this is that some varieties of chairs don’t have a flat backrest.
Things to consider before buying:
- Is it comfortable for you to push it? (check your position in the mirror when you stand and read this article: How to avoid back pain when pushing a pushchair)
- Would it be a smooth ride for your baby? Can you maneuver easily?
- Can it be folded?
- How durable is the product? (Will it last 3 years of various airport throwing and any terrain?)
- Are there any accessories included in the package?
- Does it have shopping basket and a bag?
