The Key Differences Between Prams and Stroller

Becoming a parent is an exciting time, and parenting is extremely rewarding. One of the most important purchases that you could make as a parent for a new baby or toddler is your baby travel system, such as your pram, all-terrain pushchair or stroller. This is an important purchase, as it is how you will transport your baby around.

Get this investment correct and it could last you for many years to come. It should always tie in with your life and be convenient for you.

Understanding the differences between the various travel systems can be daunting. The Lejoux Stroller is here to explain the difference between a pram and a stroller, so keep reading this blog post to learn more about these different products.

Introduction to Prams

Prams are usually made for newborn babies, up until around 6 months old. Prams are designed for babies to lay flat, as they cannot have an upright seat yet and are too young to be unsupported. Generally, prams also cannot be folded flat.

A pram is only meant to last so long. As soon as your baby becomes more independent and can lift their head, it is time to move on to a stroller. Prams can often come with a carrycot, also designed for newborns, and some are suitable to use as a car seat too.

Key Features of Prams:

• Fully-reclined carriage suitable for newborns.
• Large, sturdy wheels for stability and smooth moving.
• Spacious interior with padding for baby's comfort.
• Adjustable handlebars for ergonomic pushing.
• Typically heavier and bulkier compared to strollers.
• Some prams can come with additional accessories, such as a bassinet or rain cover.

What Are the Benefits of a Pram?

Prams offer a wide range of advantages for parents and their little ones. Firstly, they provide great comfort and support, particularly for newborns and infants. This cosy environment ensures that babies can rest peacefully during outings, promoting better sleep.

Additionally, prams typically feature large, sturdy wheels, which contribute to stability and smooth manoeuvrability, making walks and strolls a breeze for parents.

Moreover, prams often come equipped with generous storage space, allowing parents to carry essential items such as diapers, bottles, and toys. This added convenience eliminates the need for bulky diaper bags or backpacks, simplifying outings and reducing stress.

Furthermore, prams provide an elegant and timeless design aesthetic, adding a touch of sophistication to outdoor adventures.

Another benefit of prams is their versatility, as many models can be adapted to accommodate infants as they grow. Some prams offer adjustable features, such as handlebars and recline positions, ensuring optimal comfort for babies and parents.

Overall, prams provide a safe, comfortable, and stylish mode of transportation for young babies, enhancing the parenting experience and encouraging a deeper connection between you and your child during outdoor adventures.

Introduction to Strollers

Strollers are a much lighter travel system. They are ideal for slightly older babies, of about 6 months to around 3 or 4 years of age. This means that they are an investment that will last year for the next few years to come.

Strollers can always collapse into a compact version of themselves. Their lightweight nature means they are also your perfect travel companion. They are extremely versatile pieces of kit and usually have smaller wheels. The child or baby sits facing outwards and away from the parent when in a stroller.

What Are the Key Features of Strollers?

• Upright seating positions are suitable for older babies and toddlers.
• Safety harnesses or straps to secure the child in place.
• Compact, foldable design for easy storage and transport.
• Variety of configurations, including single, double, and travel systems.
• Lightweight construction for manoeuvrability and portability.
• They are often equipped with an adjustable canopy or sunshade.

What Are the Benefits of a Stroller?

Strollers offer many benefits for parents seeking convenience and comfort while navigating the world with their little ones. Firstly, strollers provide a secure and comfortable seating option for older babies and toddlers, allowing them to enjoy outings in an upright position.

This upright seating position encourages interaction with the environment, promoting curiosity and engagement with their surroundings.

Additionally, strollers are designed with safety features such as harnesses or straps to ensure that your child remains securely seated during rides, providing peace of mind for parents on the move.

One of the main benefits of strollers is their versatility. Available in a variety of styles and configurations, including single, double, and travel systems, strollers cater to different family needs and preferences.

Whether you're navigating crowded city streets or exploring rugged outdoor terrain, there's a stroller designed to meet your specific requirements.

Furthermore, strollers boast a compact and foldable design, making them easy to store, transport, and take on-the-go. This portability is especially valuable for busy parents juggling multiple responsibilities and activities.

Moreover, strollers are lightweight and manoeuvrable, allowing for smooth navigation through tight spaces and busy thoroughfares. Their ergonomic design minimises strain on carers, ensuring a comfortable pushing experience even during extended outings.

Overall, the benefits of strollers extend beyond mere transportation; they contribute to enhanced comfort, convenience, and enjoyment for both parents and children alike.

What Do I Need to Consider When Buying a Stroller or Pram?

Before you make your purchase into your new pram stroller or pram, take a minute to think about what you need in your travel chair for your little one.

Think about the features that you need that are non-negotiable to you and your family.

Travel Friendly

Being travel-friendly could be something that you need your stroller or pram to be. Think about whether you will be moving around on public transport, in the car, or travelling overseas.

You may need a collapsible feature, enabling you to pack your stroller neatly away for compact storage and easy travel.

When researching your next travel system purchase, consider if you will be able to fold away your stroller with one hand. You are likely to have your hands full when trying to load your little one and a stroller into a car or onto a train or bus.

Lightweight

The foldable and travel-friendly nature of your stroller ties into how lightweight it should be. You want your stroller or pram to be sturdy and durable, of course, but think about how light it should be and the practicalities that will follow this as you lift it to load it onto public transport, up and down stairs, or when storing it in your home.

Safety and Comfort

Above all, your infant's travel system has got to support them as you get around. This means that they need to ride in comfort to have an enjoyable experience for them and you as the parent. Happy babies equal peaceful and stress-free travels, wherever you may be going.

Your child is likely to spend some time in their pram or stroller. The comfort along with safety is top of your list for keeping them seated, content and relaxed.

Remember to factor in the comfort levels for you as the pusher as well. Things like your height can be a factor for how things feel to push. Consider how your stroller will feel for you as your little one continues to grow and get heavier.

Storage

Storage is another big practical factor. Pushing a pram or stroller means you have not got the spare hands that you used to have for carrying shopping or other items that you might need during your day.

Getting a stroller with enough storage space is something that many parents favour as it is extremely useful and convenient.

Extra Accessories

Check for accessories that are included in your stroller or pram, what is included, and is there room for more accessories to be added on? This is something that should be considered before buying, so if you come to need additional storage, bag clips, cover bag, carry bag, umbrellas or other accessories, you know you can get hold of them.

Your Buying Checklist

Now that you have considered some of the previous points. Here are some of the practical features that you can tick off when you invest in your next baby pram or stroller.

• Safety harness for your stroller - a five-point harness is ideal, one that sits over the shoulders and through the legs, keeping your child seated securely at all times.
• Sun protection - this should be in the form of a canopy. UV filters are advised to protect little ones from the sun's harmful rays.
• Breaks - easy-to-use brakes are a must and are also a must-have safety feature.
• Solid wheels and base frame - so that your stroller is well balanced.
• Soft and comfortable interior.
• Consider your height and the height of your stroller - will it be comfortable for you to push for long distances and lengths of time without getting back pain?
• Can you manoeuvre it easily and efficiently to any location or place? - Is it lightweight, sturdy and durable?

Which is Best for You?

Deciding whether a stroller or a pram is best for you depends on various factors, including your child's age, your lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here are some key things to consider to help you choose between the two:

Consider a Pram If:

• You have a newborn or young infant who needs to lie flat.
• You prioritise comfort and luxury for your baby during walks.
• You enjoy leisurely strolls and want a traditional, elegant design.
• You prefer a spacious carriage with ample padding for your baby's comfort.
• You don't mind the bulkier and heavier nature of prams.

Consider a Stroller If:

• Your child is older and can sit upright unassisted.
• You need a more compact and portable option for travel or urban environments.
• You want versatility and adaptability for different terrains and activities.
• You prefer a lightweight and manoeuvrable design for easy handling.
• You prioritise convenience and functionality over traditional styling.
  
  

When deciding between a pram and a baby stroller, it's essential to consider your lifestyle, the age of your child, and your specific needs and preferences.

If you have a newborn or young infant, a pram may be the preferred choice, providing optimal comfort and support during those early months.

However, if you have an older baby or toddler who enjoys exploring the world from a seated position, a stroller may be more practical and versatile.

Looking to Purchase a Stroller?

Here at The Lejoux Stroller, we offer a wide range of prams, strollers and accessories for your little ones. If you are in the market for a new stroller system for your 6-month-old or toddler, The Lejoux Stroller can help.

Our lightweight strollers have all the important features and benefits that you could ever need to help you on your day-to-day outings with your little one.

Our strollers from Lejoux Strollers have a compact foldable design, they are lightweight yet sturdy, and are extremely stylish too - all at an affordable price!

Browse our popular range of strollers and prams available on our website now, to see how versatile our strollers can be for you. You can contact us directly if you have any questions or need any advice from us at 0113 466 0041.