Should I Buy A Buggy, A Pram, A Pushchair Or A Travel System? I’m Confused
Buying a buggy, a pram, a pushchair, a stroller, or a travel system shouldn’t be all that confusing, if you know precisely what you are looking for. Well… in a perfect scenario, of course.
Information overload
In reality, however, this isn’t always the case as there are numerous brands and designs jostling for your attention.
While this may be good business for brand owners whose expertise is to provide new mums with an array of choices, it could also be counterproductive for the mum who’s trying to get acquainted with the mazy world of pushchairs!
Or worst of all, turn what is supposed to be an exciting experience into a web of frustration.
Simple and easy
In my previous post, 12 things you need to know before you buy a pram, I talked about the 12 judgement calls you have to make before you buy a pushchair et al.
Today, I’ll be explaining the differences between the most commonly used four-wheel devices with handles, used to push babies around.
Hopefully,you will be able to tell them apart and know which is best for your baby,after today. My intention is to make this exercise as simple as possible for you.
Knowing the differences
In a broad sense, they are all four-wheel devices with handles,used to push babies around, right? Right.
They are all four-wheel devices with handles all right, but they are distinctively different in size, functionality, feature, style, and price.
Their prices could range from £90- £2000 depending on your need.
Prices could also vary due to seasonal offers and discounts or if you want to buy preowned or secondhand.
As a mum, I know that not all pushchairs are suitable for your newborn baby. I made the mistake of buying a stroller meant for an older baby, for my baby.
As a matter of fact, I made that mistake twice!
It didn’t recline enough.Worst of all, it didn’t have paddings which made the seat uncomfortable for her.
When buying a pushchair, you should go for the one with a seat that reclines as far back as 150 degrees or more to support baby’s tender spine and to help him or her breathe properly.
Here are some of the differences
A Buggy
A buggy is a lightweight pushchair, smaller than a stroller and quite compact when folded.Our city centres,shopping malls and public transport systems are awash with babies in buggies.
What this tells me is that, they are manageable, convenient and easy to use.
They fold easily and can be carried around without stress but not suitable for rough and patchy pavements.
Buggies are ideal for older babies who can sit up without support.
They are world-facing and generally less expensive.
A Pram
A Pram is the most practical choice for a newborn baby. Because it’s bedlike and roomy, it’s ideal for the first few months when baby is always fast asleep.
Prams are usually parent facing to allow for mum and baby eye contact.
They’re sturdy and may come with a frame (chassis) that may or may not fold flat. This makes them bulky and awkward for mums with small storage spaces.
The advantage of being flat is that it provides adequate support for your baby’s fragile back and helps baby breathe properly.
Some prams can also be converted into pushchairs by simply unclipping or unzipping the fabric depending on the the style.
A Pushchair
A Pushchair is sturdier than a stroller and as a result can withstand the rougher busy streets.
The good thing about it is that it can serve both newborns and older babies depending on its features.
If it comes with an option where a pram or carrycot can be attached to its seat,then it’s brilliant for newborns.
Otherwise it’s in built seats are ideal for babies who are up to six months old.
Pushchairs are either parent facing or world facing, manageable and can fold easily.
Click here to see the reviews on some of the best convertible pushchairs , strollers, three wheelers and travel systems to buy and why.
A Stroller
A Stroller is similar to a buggy only slightly bigger. Some people see both as one and the same.
None the less,it’s distinctively different from a pushchair because it’s lighter in weight and not suitable for the rough busy street pavements.
A stroller like the buggy is easier to manage because it’s lightweight and easy to fold.
This makes it ideal for moving around in the city and suitable for those who commute by bus and train.
The standard stroller is suitable for older babies but not newborns as it doesn’t recline as far back as 150 degrees or more.
However certain brands now make strollers that are newborn baby compliant.
A Travel System
A Travel System is an all-encompassing device that comes with a pushchair to which you can attach or remove an infant car seat or a carrycot. It has the added advantage of being parent or world facing.
It’s good because it meets all your baby travel needs and best for car owner mums. It can be used from birth to about six months to nine months.
The snag about it is that, it’s expensive,very bulky, heavy and can’t be used beyond nine months.
And then, there is this…The All-Terrain Pushchair
The All Terrain Pushchair
An All Terrain pushchair is a three-wheel pushchair that sits on a triangular frame.
It’s great for the outdoors because it’s sturdy and dynamic enough to adapt to all sorts of terrains- smooth and rough.It has two wheels at the back and one in front.Some come with either rotatable (swivel) or non-rotatable (lockable) wheels or both.
The All-Terrain Pushchair is maneuverable because it has good wheel suspension which makes it particularly suitable for the outdoors and rough roads.
A major snag about it, is that it’s too bulky for city and everyday use and definitely not for the train or bus.
A Three Wheeler
A lot has changed, with the All Terrain Pushchairs nowadays, thanks to newer contemporary designs which are sleeker, like the three wheeler. They come with smaller wheels and can be used within town.
Despite this,they are still bulky enough to take up space for a mum who has limited storage. Typically,they are expensive.
Important point: Babies must never be left unattended in any of these devices. The maximum time babies should be kept in these devices is two hours.
All pushchairs et all must comply with British and European Safety Standards.
So, mums, I hope I have been able to help you decipher in the simplest way the difference between all four-wheel devices with handles, used to push babies around.
In my next post, I’ll be telling you about which of these pushchairs are most suitable for your lifestyle and more.
Please leave a comment below.
Resources and further reads:
Hi Ibi. You have broken down the difference amongst all the types of baby carriers- now I feel like I know the exact one to go for in any given situation
I would definitely recommend this article to all new mums who truly desire the right and appreciate baby carrier
Dear Sunny
Thank you very much. I am happy to know that this helped you to recognise the differencesbeteen the baby carriers.
Please recommend this site to people you believe will benefit.
Thank you.
Hi Ibi. You have broken down the difference amongst all the various baby carrier.
Hi Ibi. I clearly understand the difference now.
This is a must read for every new mum and mum to be.
Thanks Ibi
Dear Nkechi
Thank you. I ‘m delighted to know that this article has helped you to understand the differences now.
Feel free to share, thank you.
Hi Ibi, wow, such a lot of different types. I can imagine young Mums and Dads are getting into information overload nowadays. As a grandmother of two lovely boys that are already running around like crazy I don’t meet many young parents anymore. But I’ll point out your article if I do. 🙂
Dear Hannie,
I completely agree with you on the information overload situation.
I’m glad to hear about your lovely grand sons. They are indeed a delight.
Please feel free to share.
Thank you
Hi Ibi, I vote for the travel system. My kids are older now but from my experience if you like to be out and about then versatility is the name of the game. Nice post.
Regards Barry
Dear Barry
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.
I think the travel system is a very popular choice for a lot of new parents.
Thank you
Hi, You have provided a very comprehensive summary of the kinds of baby and toddler transport available today. I’ve been down this road a couple of times and there are always different considerations you need to take into account depending on circumstances. It was always important to work out how these things would collapse and transport in the truck of the car and still leave space for shopping and other items. Also if you know you are going for walks in the country or on rough terrain then you need a buggy or pram with larger wheels. I like the convertible systems as I found they lasted longer. Thankfully though our daughter is 7 so now we are now dealing with bikes, roller skates and scooters and other modes of transport. It never stops. Thanks and best regards, Andy
Dear Andy,
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us. This is definitely helpful.
Thank you
Thank you for explaining the differences between these different baby carriers, this definitely helps clear up some grey space I had in the past. I have a friend who is a new mom, so I’ll make sure to pass this onto her.
Thank you for sharing!
-Joseph
Dear Joseph,
I’m glad to know that this article helped to clear up some grey areas for you and I hope, it will do so for your friend. Please feel free to share.
Thank you.
Hi Ibi, i didn’t know the difference between any of these products as i don’t have any babies yet. But we really do want one. I love the breakdown of each. It’s layed out very nicely. I love the travel system even though it might be expensive in the end because you wont need to buy more than one for the different ages of the baby as they grow up. And think it will save money in the end. I will definitely bookmark this when I need to buy one of these someday. Thank you
Dear Chantelle,
I’m glad to know that you find this post helpful.
Knowing the right the type of baby carriage to buy is very important as they are quite expensive. And not only that must be age appropriate.
Thank you
OMGoodness!!! Where was this article when I was pregnant. I was ssssoooo confused. This article would have made all the difference in the world!! I will be sharing this with all new moms and dads!!!
Dear Brianna
Aaawwwn. I totally agree with you that it can be very confusing, if you don’t know which is which.
Please feel to share the post with your friends.
Thank you