If you’re shopping around for a baby carriage or pram wash, you probably have encountered the terms prams, strollers, pram, buggies, pushchairs, and others. Are they the same? These terms are often used interchangeably.
The fact that they share functionalities and features makes it even more confusing. It turns out they are different. Here the kind wash explains the differences between prams and strollers, their features, and what to look for when shopping for one. We also explain the hygiene aspect of prams and strollers.
Prams and Strollers
Comfort Check: Pram or Stroller for Your Baby?Are prams and strollers the same? While they’re both types of baby transport and the terms are often treated as synonyms, the two are different. Their differences are intentional as they are designed to meet certain needs.
What are prams?
These baby carriages are designed for newborns and babies up to six months. Prams’ deep, sturdy carrycot allows the baby to lie comfortably on their back. They are specially designed to meet a baby’s needs. They have a comfortable mattress, soft and safe walls, and a sun hood, among other things. .
Types of baby prams
There are three types of prams: traditional, modern, and convertible.
Traditional prams
A traditional model has a simple design and basic features. These prams are easy to manage and carry around as they are lightweight. They are an excellent choice for a newborn baby but may become less useful as the child grows a few months old.
Modern prams
Modern baby prams have a very durable frame, more weight capacity, as well as the ability to recline to a certain angle. A typical modern pram has a canopy, a cup holder, a mosquito net, and storage.
Convertible prams
Convertible prams are the better option in the long term. As the baby learns to sit, the parent can use a convertible pram as a stroller to accommodate their child.
Features of a pram
Frame
When it comes to frames, there are multiple options available. For example, an aluminum frame, a steel or steel-reinforced frame, and a powder-coated frame.
Wheels
The wheels of prams are flexible. Many parents find them wobbly, but it is less of an issue in sturdy models. Solid tires are better than inflatable ones.
Padded Seat
The baby pram is designed to provide comfort and support for a newborn baby. This is why they tend to have a large padded seating area.
Multi-position Recline
Some high-end prams allow you to recline the backrest with only a single hand squeeze.
Canopy
Prams have a full upper canopy cover. The canopy ensures that the baby is protected in every weather condition.
Mosquito Net
Some baby prams come with a mosquito net, providing an extra layer of protection from mosquitoes and bugs.
Bottle Holder
A separate bottle holder offers storage space for the baby’s feeding bottle.
What Are Strollers?
Comfort Check: Pram or Stroller for Your Baby?
Strollers come with an upright seat. Unlike prams, strollers are designed for children who have mastered the ability to sit. These can be babies as young as six months old. That said, some stroller can accommodate newborns.
Types of baby strollers
There are three types of baby stroller: lightweight, jogging, and travel system.
Lightweight strollers
As the name suggests, these strollers are lightweight. Lightweight strollers are easy to manage and great for daily use, picnics, shopping, and more. Unsurprisingly, they are many parents’ favorites.
Jogging strollers
These models are designed for parents who love to take their children on walks and jogs. Jogging strollers come equipped with smooth wheels for speed, extra suspension, and handbrake controls. They can handle uneven terrain well.
Travel system strollers
Travel system baby strollers are models that convert into baby car seats. They are multi-functional strollers that offer a worry-free travel experience.
Features of a stroller
Frame
Strollers tend to be lightweight, making them easy to handle while also being durable enough to provide sufficient protection to the child. For parents who prefer to focus on enjoying their time with their little one rather than cleaning, a professional stroller cleaning service can be a real lifesaver.
Wheels
Most strollers are equipped with large wheels. These wheels offer high-end stability but can make the stroller more difficult to store.
Front and rear wheel suspension
Strollers have front and rear wheel suspension. This feature ensures that the brake is applied on both wheels simultaneously, thus making it easy to use.
Safety harness
The safety harness in a stroller secures the baby in the seat. It comes in a variety of options. A 5-point harness is seen as the safest option. On the other hand, a magnetic harness is convenient and easy to use while a car seat-style harness accommodates parents who travel often with their child.
Reversible seat
Some strollers are equipped with reversible and detachable seats. A reversible seat allows the parent to keep their baby forward or backward.
Adjustable handle
There are two types of handles: linked and single. A linked handle makes a baby stroller easy to push with a single hand, while a single handle allows for a small umbrella fold.
Reversible handle
Some strollers have a reversible handle, making them easy to push through.
The Differences Between Prams and Strollers
1. Age limit
The age limit for prams is from birth to six months old. A pram is basically a carrycot with wheels. They are designed for infants. That is why they have a flat surface on which a baby can sleep comfortably.
The age limit for strollers is six months old or above. A stroller is essentially a compact and portable folding chair on wheels. They are not designed for newborns. They are ideal for older babies who can sit upright themselves.
2. Design
Prams come with a flat and reclining surface. They are designed to provide adequate comfort and support for babies, particularly newborns. In terms of design, prams look larger and bulkier than strollers.
In general, strollers are compact, light, and easy to fold. They are great for short and long distances, making them a great option for daily activities. Some strollers can even handle uneven terrains.
3. Safety
Some prams do have safety belts and a harness, so it is best to go for those prams if you decide to buy one. For parents who prefer to focus on enjoying their time with their little one rather than cleaning, a professional deep cleaning services can be a real lifesaver, especially for maintaining the hygiene of fabrics and intricate parts of the pram.
Decent strollers come equipped with safety belts and a harness, thus making them a safer option. Plus, the harness comes in multiple options. Many consider a 5-point harness as the safest, as it secures the child with two waist straps, two chest straps, and a crotch strap.
Some models also come with brakes that can be pressed while moving. They include hand brakes, foot brakes, back-wheel brakes, front-wheel brakes, as well as all-wheel brakes.
4. Weight
The weight of prams varies, depending on their design and style. In general, prams weigh around 10 kg to 15 kg. Some can weigh around 18 kg to 20 kg. These prams offer more features and sturdiness, but they are not portable. Regular maintenance, including bag cleaning of storage compartments, helps keep your pram hygienic and suitable for storing baby essentials.
Compared to prams, strollers are lighter, more portable, and easier to fold. Strollers weigh around 4 kg to 6 kg. Every stroller comes with a minimum weight capacity of 5 kg. Strollers usually have a maximum load capacity of up to 20 kg to 25 kg. Some high-end models can withstand more.
Which One Is the Best?
Age and usage
Age and usage are among the most important things to consider when choosing a pram or a stroller for your baby. In general, prams are suitable for newborns up to 6 months, while strollers are suitable for children nine months and above.
In addition to the age factor, your travel routines are a determining factor in choosing which mode of transportation suits your child best. If your travels are short and frequent, a good-quality baby pram will be a good choice. If you often travel long distances, go for a travel system stroller.
Convenience and safety
While prams and strollers offer convenience and safety, they do so differently. This is apparent in the features they offer. Strollers from reputable brands have the latest safety features, like safety belts and 5-point safety harnesses, thus making them a better option than prams in terms of safety.
As a baby gets older, they tend to sit upright and may even try to move. A safety harness keeps them strapped and safe during the trip. A good-quality baby pram or stroller has recline adjustments to ensure a comfortable position for the child.
If you plan to travel with the pram or stroller, it should be foldable and convenient to carry around and transport. A heavy pram or stroller may offer more features and storage. But if it consumes a lot of space in the car, it might not be the best option.
Regardless of whether you’re buying a pram or stroller, make sure that it has smooth surfaces, smooth cushioning, and adequate space for your little one.
Maneuverability and terrain suitability
Prams and strollers offer different levels of maneuverability and terrain suitability. Prams are durable but they are not suitable for rough terrains. On the other hand, strollers, especially the jogging models, can handle uneven surfaces easily.
Lifestyle and family size
Your lifestyle and family size determine your choice of a pram or stroller. If you travel often, a lightweight baby pram or stroller will be helpful.
If you have limited space to carry a pram or stroller, go for a foldable and compact model instead of a heavy one. If you have more than two kids, a dual-basket stroller will make an excellent choice.
Budget
Last but not least, budget considerations. Prams and strollers offer a wide range of utilities and features. The same can be said about their price range. Before making a purchasing decision, you should take your time to make a plan to buy, search, and compare quality, features, and price.
Consider the long-term costs, such as potential repairs or the need for regular professional laundry services for stroller covers, when evaluating your budget. If you’re buying a pram or stroller online, read some customer reviews and the product’s rating. This will help you find which pram or stroller is best for your baby.
There are so many options out there, so you will be able to find the best deals with effort and time. Always keep safety as a priority. You’re buying a pram or stroller for your baby. Do not compromise safety and quality to save some money.
Features to Look for
Comfort Check: Pram or Stroller for Your Baby?
What kinds of features you’d want in a pram or stroller depend on your needs. Here are some features to look for that will help you find the best pram or stroller for your child.
1. Newborn-suitable
A lot of prams are suitable from birth and can be used until the baby weighs around 15 kg to 20 kg. Some prams have bassinet attachments that can be swapped out for seats as the baby grows. Others come with a reclining seat that can lay flat and be adjusted when needed.
Strollers in general are not suitable for newborn babies. They are designed for older babies. There are some exceptions, however. Convertible strollers are basically a mix between a pram and a stroller, thus making them suitable for newborns.
2. Brakes
When buying a pram, safety is a top priority. One of the safety features to look out for is brakes. You want to make sure how well the brakes work before buying a baby carrier. Does the brake lock work well when you apply the brakes while moving the pram?
Linked rear brakes are a nice feature to have. It allows you to lock both the left and right brakes with a single action. Some prams have front brakes a feature that is particularly useful on a reversible pram. For foot breaks, make sure that you can apply them with your feet easily.
3. Size
The size of the stroller is important. A large stroller that offers plenty of features may be attractive at first. However, if you travel often, it might be bothersome down the line. What you’d want instead is a compact stroller with the features you need.
When you’re shopping around, try folding and unfolding the stroller. Is it comfortable to carry around when it is folded? If it is, then the stroller is worth considering. If not, look for another.
Measuring the stroller is a good idea as well. This way you will know if it fits into your car without having its wheels removed.
If you have a newborn and plan to buy a pram, make sure that it is suitable for them size-wise. Prams come in a variety of sizes. So, not all of them are suitable for your baby.
4. Straps
Prams and strollers come with straps. Before purchasing, give them a tug to see if they are secure. Notice the seat as well. It shouldn’t come away from the frame when you tug the straps. Just like with a baby car seat, the security of straps and harness systems is crucial for your child’s safety.
5. Five-point harness
For many, a five-point harness is the safest type of harness. It has two waist straps, two shoulder straps, and a single crotch strap. The straps should be adjustable so you can adjust their length as your child grows.
6. Reversible handle
A reversible handle is not a must-have feature. It comes in very handy, though. A reversible handle means you have the option to choose which way your child faces in the pram.
The downside is that some models only come with brakes on one set of wheels. If you reverse the handle, you might find it difficult to apply the brakes. So, do check the brakes before buying a pram with a reversible handle. That way you will be able to apply the brakes easily regardless of your position.
7. Wheels
Swiveling front wheels make the prams and strollers easier to maneuver. However, unless they can be locked, they are not suitable for rough terrain or traveling at higher speeds. Inflatable wheels give a more comfortable ride, but they can puncture.
Large wheels are suitable for curbs and stairs. Before you buy a pram or stroller, tug its wheels to see if they don’t come off.
8. Adjustable backrest
Some strollers come with an upright backrest that can be fully reclined, while other models come with one that can move to at least one position. If you’re looking for versatility, choose a stroller with a backrest with a three-position adjustment.
9. Folding mechanism
A good folding mechanism makes it easy enough for the parents to fold and unfold the stroller. At the same time, it is inaccessible to the baby. Thus, preventing them from accidentally hurting themself.
10. Storage
Having ample storage will come in handy, especially during long walks. How much storage is needed varies depending on the baby’s needs. When buying a stroller, make sure to check its size and weight limit so you know exactly how much it can handle.
Why Is Pram Wash Important?
1. Health
Babies’ immune systems are still developing. That’s why they are more susceptible to illnesses and infections. Accumulation of germs and bacteria may pose a risk to their health.
A clean pram/stroller reduces the risk of exposure to harmful germs and bacteria, thus providing a healthier environment for your child.
2. Safety and comfort
Regular pram wash ensures that the components of a pram function properly. A dirty pram’s wheels and brakes might not work as intended. This is why regular cleaning enhances safety.
Comfort is another reason. A clean pram is a comfortable pram. No one can lie or sit comfortably in a dirty place, especially babies. Accumulated dirt and grime can make fabric rough and uncomfortable. Worse still, it may have germs and bacteria, potentially causing skin irritation.
3. Longevity
Accumulated dirt and grime don’t just make a pram uncomfortable. They also cause wear and tear to its parts. Pram wash helps preserve the pram’s condition, not only maintaining its appearance but also extending its lifespan.
4. Looks
A well-maintained baby pram is simply more attractive to look at. Not to mention it reflects positively on the owner, too. It shows that they care about cleanliness and their child’s belongings.
Benefits of Regular Cleaning
When done regularly, a pram wash can bring a lot of benefits.
1. Prevention of germ and bacteria buildup
Germ and bacteria buildup can lead to a lot of issues, including illnesses and infections. This is easily prevented by regular cleaning. Regular cleaning will prevent buildup from forming in the first place.
A clean pram means a reduced risk of illnesses and infections. This is especially important during flu season or in environments in which exposure to contaminants may happen.
2. Removal of allergens
Allergens such as dust and pollen can also accumulate in the pram. Such accumulation can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive children. Just as you might rely on professional sneaker cleaning services to keep your favorite footwear fresh and free of allergens, regular pram cleaning plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for your child
Fortunately, this is unlikely to be an issue if you pram wash regularly. When you clean the pram regularly, you provide your child with a safer environment.
3. Improved functionality
Regular maintenance ensures that the pram’s parts are functioning as intended. As wheels, brakes, and other parts are cleaned from dirt and debris, they can operate smoothly. A clean pram doesn’t just look good. It functions better, too.
4. Better resale value
A clean, well-maintained pram has better resale value. Regular pram washing retains the pram’s value and maintains its good condition. This makes it more appealing to potential buyers if at any time you want to sell.
Signs Your Baby Pram Needs Cleaning
Even with regular cleaning, some signs indicate your pram needs immediate cleaning.
1. Poor performance
Dirt and debris buildup can cause poor performance. The buildup might hinder the wheels from rolling smoothly or the brakes from working effectively. Cleaning it should restore the pram’s performance to normal.
2. Unpleasant odors
Persistent, unpleasant odors are other signs that indicate a pram wash is needed. If you smell persistent odors coming from the pram, it is time to do some cleaning.
Odors can result from accumulated sweat, spilled drinks, or food. Find out what caused the odors and clean them. The baby pram should return to freshness after it has been cleaned.
3. Visible dirt and stains
If you notice visible dirt or stains on the fabric and frame, you need to give it a thorough cleaning as soon as possible. Do not ignore these signs. Doing so may lead to permanent stains and damage.
4. Grimy or sticky surfaces
If you find the handlebar or tray to be grimy or sticky, that can be due to dirt and residue buildup. Grimy or sticky surfaces can happen on areas frequently touched by hands or foods, like the handlebar or tray.
5. Mold
Mold growth is bad news. Mold can cause health problems. It can also damage the pram material. So, you need to eliminate it immediately. Mold can grow on a pram if it is not properly cleaned and maintained or stored in a damp location.
Hiring Professional Pram Cleaning Services
Regular professional cleaning is undoubtedly necessary. It can prevent so many issues, maintain the looks of the pram, and keep it functioning properly. That said, hiring professional pram cleaning services does offer some benefits.
the kind wash is a trusted professional cleaning services that specializes not only in prams but also in shoes, bags, and baby car seats. Their expertise in handling various materials and items makes them a reliable choice for parents seeking thorough cleaning solutions.
1. Deep cleaning
Professional services can pram wash deeper and more thoroughly. the kind wash has specialized cleaning agents and equipment that can remove dirt, bacteria, and stubborn stains.
2. Expertise
Professionals have the expertise to handle different pram materials and parts. the kind wash can identify your pram’s specific cleaning needs and meet them without causing damage.
3. Thorough sanitization
Professional cleaning services also sanitize prams thoroughly. This is done to ensure that every single part of the pram is free from harmful germs and bacteria.
4. Convenience
Lastly, convenience. Other than the cleaning part, professional pram cleaning services also offer convenience. This is especially helpful for busy parents.
Cleaning a pram can take time and effort, after all. By delegating the task to a professional, parents will be able to focus on other important responsibilities.
How to Maintain a Stroller
Taking care of a pram or stroller is essential. It is a vehicle for your little one. You want it to stay in top condition at all times. For that, regular maintenance will be needed. Maintenance will ensure that your baby stroller functions properly.
1. Read the manual
Familiarizing yourself with the manual will go a long way. Remember, not all strollers are the same. Each may have unique features and thus, care recommendations. The manufacturer’s instructions will provide you with tailored guidance on how to maintain your baby stroller.
2. Remove and clean fabric components.
The manual will tell you if there are any removable fabric components in your stroller. Most strollers today have them. This makes it easy to clean them. Simply remove those components and follow the guidelines on how to clean them.
3. Check for wear and tear
Inspect your baby stroller regularly. Pay attention to the moving parts. Address any issue you find as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
4. Lubricate moving parts
Use a lubricating oil or a silicone-based lubricant, as recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions. Regular lubrication ensures easy maneuverability and prevents damage.
5. Use weather shields
If you use the pram or stroller outdoors, you may want to invest in weather shields. They provide excellent protection against the elements, thus prolonging the item’s lifespan.
In addition to prams and strollers, baby carrier can be an option for parents who prefer to keep their little ones close while keeping their hands free.
Prams and strollers are not the same. Although they are both a form of baby transport, they are designed for different purposes. In general, prams are designed for newborn babies. They are basically a carrycot with wheels.
On the other hand, strollers are designed for older babies. There are exceptions like, convertible strollers, which can function as a pram and a stroller. Pram wash can help keep your baby carriage clean, creating a safe and healthy environment for your little one.
F.A.Q
Which is more comfortable, a stroller or a pram for your baby?
For newborns up to 6 months, prams are more comfortable. And for babies over 6 months, strollers are more comfortable
What are the benefits of pram cleaning?
- Cleans dirt, bacteria, and allergens that can harm babies.
- Improves the performance of the baby stroller so that it lasts longer.
- Makes it more beautiful and gives a positive impression to parents
Why is regular pram or stroller cleaning important?
- Protects baby’s health as their immune system is still developing
- Ensures safety and comfort of use
- Extends product lifespan
- Prevents buildup of germs and bacteria
- Removes allergens like dust and pollen