Prams & Carriages vs. Strollers

It is a common misconception that pram, carriage, and stroller are all interchangeable terms used for any device that carries a small child. While some of the confusion about these terms stems from the differences between the Queen's English and American English, there are actually tangible differences between all of them.

Prams and carriages

Essentially, pram and carriage are two terms used to reference the same thing: the buggy. Seriously, though, pram (short for perambulator) and carriage are in fact interchangeable terms referring to a traditional-style baby carrier.

The pram resembles a bassinet on wheels. Prams have been used since the late 19th century and consist of a bassinet suspended on wheels with a canopy to protect the child from the sun. The child lies flat and faces the parents as they push the pram. Early models of prams had no suspension systems, so the pram provided a somewhat rough ride for the child.

Eventually, suspension systems were added to prams, but this technological improvement could not fight off the lag in the popularity of prams. By the 1970s, prams and carriages were giving way to strollers, carrycots, and travel systems.

Strollers

The stroller, or pushchair, in British English, is now the most common baby carrier for families. Instead of the child facing the pusher as in a pram, he or she faces forward in a seated position.

This is by definition only, though. Today, there are so many new advancements and features available with "strollers" that it hardly seems possible to make distinctions between strollers and prams. You can find "strollers" with all of the features of the traditional pram.

When deciding on what pram or stroller is right for your family, always think about how and where it will be used. The classic look of the traditional style pram may be perfect for family strolls through the park, but you might not want to take it out for a jog.