Skip to main content

Pram vs stroller: Which mode of transportation is right for your baby while on outings?

The most convenient method of mobility for your baby: Pram vs. stroller

As new parents, one of the biggest changes you’ll encounter is getting around with your baby — whether you’re running errands, going shopping, or just taking a stroll. Thus, a pram or stroller both count as one of the most essential mobility items to purchase when preparing for a new baby.

Safety is one of the relevant criteria to decide on when looking to get a pram or a stroller. There are also several essential amenities for comfort and utility to consider. However, how much or little do you know about the differences between prams and strollers?

To answer this question, we’re passing along helpful information about these two products along with their pros and cons.

Couple walking with stroller

Pram vs. Stroller: Pros and Cons of each carrier

A pram or stroller for your baby can make a huge difference in traveling convenience, especially if you’re looking at being on the go often. For this reason, you should look closely at the difference between a pram vs a stroller and which one would best suit your baby’s needs and your routine.

Mom pushing baby buggy

The particulars about prams

A pram, also known as a carriage, can be used until the baby can roll or sit up independently. The pram is perfect for your baby to maintain a lying-down position while keeping you in their sight.

The canape at the head of a pram creates a warm environment for babies and protects them from intense sunlight. These features might prove to be beneficial when choosing a pram for a newborn or younger baby. Other benefits include:

  • Storage space underneath that allows the ease of shopping
  • Ample sleeping space in case you’re running errands during nap time
  • Custom built-in features such as the ability to convert into a stroller (not all brands)
  • Sturdy and unique design

On the other hand, you also have some issues to contend with such as:

  • Not being a great option for short-distance trips.
  • Dimensions that are space-consuming
  • Difficulty folding for storage
  • A wide width that doesn’t always fit in narrow spaces
  • Heavier weight than most strollers
  • A lack of safety belts
  • The sleeping space is higher than the seat on a stroller which can be a hazard
Mom pushing stroller in a park

The 411 on strollers

Strollers come with such a variety of features that choosing might be difficult. Some have just the upright seat while others have a mount to attach the baby’s carrier and convert it into a stroller for an older baby or toddler. If you’re considering which type of stroller will fit your lifestyle, these are some of the pros and cons you should know.

Some benefits are:

  • Versatility
  • Long-lasting usage for strollers that have multiple purposes
  • Safety belts and front trays for holding bottles or sippy cups
  • 5-point harness in some models
  • Easy folding for storage and transport
  • Built-in seat that sits lower than the ground

Some drawbacks include:

  • Seating (in some models) that’s not ideal for a newborn or younger baby
  • Difficulty with steering
  • Very little storage space underneath the seat

Baby lying in stroller smiling

Which one is better to take on errands or a trip?

So, when you look at the practicality of the pram vs the stroller, you have many traits to consider. One is comfort. The very expensive pram no longer provides a comfy ride for a baby who can sit up. Thus, you’ll need to invest in a stroller anyway. However, you have another alternative with a convertible stroller. This type has a seat that reclines back for a newborn or younger baby. The seat can later be adjusted for a child who’s 6 months and older. Some models have the option of adding another seat for when baby number two arrives, or you can purchase a tandem model.

And this brings us to the six different types of strollers that you can choose from (aside from those mentioned):

  • All-terrain
  • Jogger
  • Umbrella
  • Sit-and-stand (handy for multiple children)

Plus, you might consider the cost. Prams, with all the unique aesthetics and styles they offer, come at a higher price for an item that the baby will outgrow within months. While some strollers, such as twin strollers or convertibles, also cost a bit more, you’ll get longer usage out of them without having to worry about storage or fitting them into your vehicle.

Therefore, the stroller wins out in the end due to safety, versatility, and logistics.

Editors' Recommendations

How to plan your toddler’s feeding schedule to keep them happy
Here are the benefits of a toddler feeding schedule
Toddler girl eating fruit in the kitchen

As children grow from babyhood to toddlerhood, a lot of things change, including how, what, and when they eat! It's an exciting time introducing your toddler to new foods, textures, and flavors, but they can also be a picky bunch. If we left it up to toddlers to create their own feeding schedule, they'd probably munch on Goldfish crackers, string cheese, and not much else.

A toddler's feeding schedule is important because not only does it help keep the growing little one from getting "hangry," but it also helps ensure they're getting the nutrients they need for their physical and mental development. Keeping toddlers on any kind of schedule isn't always easy, but having a toddler feeding schedule is a great way to keep your little one happy and healthy. Of course, every child is different, but here are some easy ways to create a toddler feeding schedule that will work for your family.

Read more
Toddler behavior charts: Easy ideas to make at home
Ideas to help you and your toddler make a behavior chart
Mom and toddler coloring on the floor

Toddlers can be tough to discipline. Let's face it: Listening to reason is not their forte.

A combination of curiosity, impulse control, and good old-fashioned boundary testing frequently leads toddlers (generally defined as 2- and 3-year-olds) into moments of mischief, defiance, and even destruction that can confound even the most empathetic of grownups.

Read more
Which of your teen’s behavior problems should concern you and which are normal
Normal teenage behavior includes good and bad attitudes. We break down which are which
A group of diverse teenagers smiling

Anyone who has teens knows it's not an easy road. Parents of young ones think they have it made once the terrible 2s and threenager stages are done. But, oh, are parents of teens in for a treat. But what every parent needs to know is that your teen acting out is as normal now as it was when they were 2 or 3. We're here to help you break down negative teen behaviors that are perfectly normal and ones that are a cause for concern, so you can understand normal teen behavior versus teen behavior problems.

Behaviors that are natural for a teen
All they want to do is sleep
It feels like your teen is lazy because they can't get up before noon. But really, a teen's sleep schedule is unique to them just like a baby or toddler's is.

Read more