Health & Medical Children & Kid Health

Definitions: differentiate between prams and pushchairs

A lot of people sometimes find the different terms difficult or complicated. Some people think that they are just synonyms of one another anyway. The problem is that this misinformation can affect how people decide on which to purchase. It's very easy to make an uninformed choice when you don't have a lot of information to start with.

The best thing you can do is to arm yourself with as much information as possible. By doing so you can form a more informed opinion and therefore make the right call when making a purchase. It seems like a lot of work, but it's necessary because your child will be the one using it. You should only choose the one that suits your child best for the optimum results.

Prams and pushchairs – these are two very different things. First, the pram is a contraption designed to carry babies only. It can't be used with bigger children. It is literally a carrycot on wheels, with a canopy and a large frame. The baby is laid flat on his or her back, and the basket is facing the one pushing the pram. Most prams are bulky and heavy but they are also elegant and sturdy.

Second, the pushchair is a literal chair on wheels. The seat is usually designed to face outwards, though now there are swivel options so the child can be made to face the parent. Pushchairs can be used by both babies and bigger children, though the difference in size may require the parent to purchase a new model to accommodate the child's growth. Pushchair seats can be reclined at will, so the baby can be placed in the most comfortable position.

The thing about these two options is that they have their respective advantages and disadvantages. The pram is sturdy and can be used with even the youngest of babies, but it is also heavy and difficult to travel with if you're using a car. It's not that convenient for public transportation, either. Pushchairs, on the other hand, have gained a lot of improvements over the years, and can now be used in a variety of ways.

There are three-wheeled pushchairs, which are designed for better stability. You can use these or the all-terrain version, in order to safely travel even in the most uneven of terrains. You can use these at the beach or even on cobblestones without worrying that these will overturn.

There is even the travel system, which is a multiple use version. It is a carrycot, a baby car seat and a pushchair all in one, which is a great improvement that really makes life a lot easier for busy parents. If you have twins or even just kids with close ages, you can opt for the double pushchair (some even offer triple seats) so that you can make travelling a lot more convenient.

The choice is yours. Both the baby pram and the pushchair have their respective strengths. Baby prams are beautiful and truly classic in design, while pushchairs are modern and increasingly ingenious. Whether you pick the pushchair or the pram, or even a 3-in-1 travel system is entirely up to your needs and preferences. 

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