Pram VS Stroller: Which One is More Practical in 2024?

Before my daughter was born, I was analyzing pram VS stroller options and trying to find the most practical way to go for walks.

Truth to be told, there are a plethora of choices on the market, from convertible bike stroller to a chair on wheels classic baby carriage, so I was quite confused.

A newborn needs to lay on a flat sleeping surface for head support.

Some classic strollers cannot recline fully, which makes them inappropriate for safe use with newborns. On the other hand, traditional prams are bulky and impractical.

The solution might be a modern stroller that gives you the best of both worlds.

What is a Pram and How Different is it from A Stroller?

If no one in your surroundings owns it, you might have forgotten what a baby pram is, even if your parents may have used it to transport the tiny you before.

Many parents may even be confused with both the pram and stroller and think that they are the same thing.

In simple words, a baby pram is a baby carriage that transports the baby while laying flat. It has wheels and a reversible handle for straightforward maneuver; the adjustable backrest ensures that the baby is safely resting all the time.

However, babies overgrow prams as soon as they can sit upright.

In contrast, a baby stroller can fold and support older babies and toddlers. Some strollers come with reclining seat options, so they work as layback strollers. It makes pram-style strollers and possible to use from birth.

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However, a stroller isn’t the best choice for cases when your baby falls asleep outside. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents against allowing their children to nap in a stroller. ^[1]

In general, you can use either stroller or pram as your ideal wheeled devices to transport the baby as long as it supports proper newborn position and doesn’t compromise breathing or spine development.

Pram

Stroller

Comparing The Features Face to Face

If you feel overwhelmed with all pram and stroller features, going briefly through the differences between pram and stroller at the same time might break the confusion.

Design & Types

There are four, three-wheelers, and double prams for twins.

Four-wheeled options are often foldable and sturdier than three-wheel strollers, which are better suited for different uneven terrain types. ^[2] However, three wheels are still more common in jogger strollers that offer better maneuverability.

Note: Despite offering better overall maneuverability, if left unattended, three-wheel strollers are more likely to roll away due to the underperforming stability compared to four-wheeled options.

I personally prefer a stroller to a baby carriage because my baby can sit upright and that there are more options to choose from. Some of those include a jogging stroller, lightweight stroller, double stroller, travel system, strollers with three and four larger wheels.

Age Suitability

Strollers that can be fully reclined are suitable for use from the newborn stage up to on average one year. Strollers with limited reclining angles support babies from three months to three years. ^[3]

Prams, on the other hand, can only be used from the newborn stage to six months.

Therefore, if you are looking for a baby transport system that’ll last you as long as possible, I recommend Bugaboo strollers or Graco strollers, to name a few.

Weight

Comparing the weight depends on the models you choose. However, in most cases, strollers weigh less than prams, especially umbrella strollers that are usually lightweight and suitable for travel.

Safety Attributes

Prams typically don’t come with a harness and safety belts. Prams are safe because newborns don’t move on their own. But, think twice if you intend to use a chair on wheels baby carriage on hilly terrain.

Strollers include a three or five point harness, crotch strap, and safety belts system that keep older babies secure. They offer better support and padded cushioning for babies to sit upright. The system is especially helpful during rides on uneven terrains.

I prefer my little one to be secure on all terrains, so I choose a stroller over a pram, since I can choose a specialized all-terrain stroller for that purpose.

All in all, make sure that the stroller or pram you want to buy meets the mandatory standard with child-safe features to prevent unwanted injuries.

Seat Recline and Comfort

Prams lie even and are often generously padded to provide comfort to the baby as it sits or lies in the back seat. You can use it to take your baby for a walk, and the baby will be comfortable napping in it as well.

Strollers have limited reclining options and moderate padding to reduce the weight, which affects comfort.

Foldability & Portability

Some prams can only fold in half because you cannot fold the bassinet. On the other hand, strollers are easily portable and fold to a compact size that fit nicely in the car boot, which is another reason to choose them over prams.

Some even fold up to the size of a bag, such as this GB Pockit stroller.

Maneuverability

Prams are more challenging to steer because they are bulky and heavy. Strollers are easier to push, navigate and move on different terrains as parents are running errands and turning corners.

Car Seat Compatibility

Practical strollers for newborns are made from an baby car seat that clips into the stroller frame. If the car seat isn’t compatible with the frame, you can get an adapter that will allow you to connect them.

Traditional prams aren’t compatible with car seats, but you can find modern or hybrid prams that include a carry cot and a compatible car seat that can be used with the same structure.

You may be interested in: Best Bassinet Strollers Review: Top 8 Picks for You

Pricing

Strollers have more features, so they are usually pricier than prams. But, because you will use the stroller for longer than a pram, I believe it provides better value for money in the long run.

The more expensive options such as twin strollers are also a godsend when you have twins!

Comparison Summary

FAQs

Having questions about transporting your baby with a pram or stroller? Here are answers to some of the commonly asked questions – they might help you decide which one is better for you.

Which is better, stroller or pram?

Prams are more comfortable for newborn babies, while strollers are a better option for prolonged use. If you already own a stroller for an older baby, a pram might be great to go through the first couple of months.

Before making a purchase, it’d be helpful to ask yourself a few questions such as:

• How old is your baby?
• Do you need a rain cover? Cup holders? Or a parent tray?
• How much storage space do you need?
• Do you need adjustable height handles?
• What are you going to use the product for?

Can a baby sleep in a pram overnight?

If the bassinet is detachable and you have a matching stand, you can use it for occasional overnight sleeping on short trips.

Is pram allowed in flight?

It depends on airline policy. In most cases, prams don’t count as hand luggage and are allowed in planes as long as they are foldable.

What is an egg pram? Is the egg pram worth the money?

Egg prams have a convenient curved design and are suitable for newborn babies and older babies because they allow multiple seating positions. When they first appeared, egg hybrid prams were the most practical option.

Nowadays, you can choose between similar options with a lower price tag. For example, the Britax B-Clever stroller offers multiple recline positions, is lightweight, and suitable from birth until 50 pounds.

Is there a stroller and pram all-in-one combination that I can buy for my child?

Yes, there are a few convertible stroller and pram options on the market, besides the Britax seat I mentioned above. You can choose Uppababy Vista Stroller that includes a bassinet and an upright seat and can expand when the baby number two comes. It is costly, but you will be good to go for several years.

An alternative to the Vista would be Uppababy Cruz, but if you’re hesitating between the two stroller models, check out our Vista VS Cruz guide to learn more.

Conclusion

Even though I find strollers more practical, a modern pram for the little one may be useful for you for a few reasons.

Use pram if:

• You already own a stroller suitable for babies older than six months
• You prefer the traditional look of prams
• You want your newborn to be most comfortable
• Your toddler is old enough to no longer need a safety belt
• Your budget allows you to buy multiple transport systems

Use a stroller if:

• You often use public transport
• You have a small vehicle
• You have another child or planning
• Your family travels a lot

If you still wonder do I need a perfect stroller, do leave a comment. Share your doubts about wheeled devices in the comment section, and I’ll be happy to answer!

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Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API