As a new parent, choosing the right stroller or pram for your baby can be a daunting task. With so many different types available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
So we've put together this comprehensive guide to every type of baby pram or stroller you may hear of, with explanations of their unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. Whether you're looking for a a perfect newborn-to-toddler pram, something traditional, a travel pram or a multi-functional travel system, we've got you covered.
So whether you're a first-time parent or just looking to upgrade your current stroller, keep reading to find out more about the different types of prams and strollers available, and which one is right for you and your baby.
And don't forget to check out all Bambini Prams to discover your perfect model!
GENEVA Pram pictured above.
1. PRAM, STROLLER, BUGGY – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
A pram, stroller or buggy is any wheeled device used to transport a baby or young child.
A pram is typically larger and more comfortable. It will be feature-rich and adaptable from birth to toddler. A pram normally has both a newborn bassinet attachment and a toddler seat attachment.
A stroller or buggy is typically a smaller lightweight model and may only be rated for a larger baby or toddler. It may not have a newborn bassinet but just a seat only.
All Bambini Prams, MILAN², LISBON, GENEVA and YORK², are newborn-to-toddler prams and come with a newborn bassinet, separate toddler seat and all matching accessories. Bambini also has two stroller options; the LYON, our lightweight city stroller, and the PARIS, our compact travel stroller.
PARIS Stroller pictured above.
2. TRAVEL PRAM OR STROLLER
This is a type of baby stroller that is designed specifically for use in an aircraft. These prams are typically lightweight and compact, but crucially, the width of the stroller is small enough to fit through the aircraft aisle, and the folded dimensions are small enough that the pram can be stored in the overhead lockers.
This means the stroller can be used to transport your little one right to the aircraft seat! Saving you the job of carrying both baby and bags through the airport.
In addition to the small design and compact fold, these models normally still have a storage basket, lie-flat seat recline, safety harness and swivel wheels - so everything you need to make your travel easier!
The Bambini Prams PARIS Travel Stroller is the solution to your travel strolling. It is a lightweight 7kg design and has an easy one-hand fold. Every PARIS also comes with a stroller travel bag for easy transport when you’re not pushing!
LISBON Pram pictured above.
3. DOUBLE PRAM
A double pram is a type of baby pram or stroller that is designed to accommodate two children at the same time (whether twins or siblings of different ages). Double prams normally come in two styles - side-by-side models where the children are next to each other, and in-line models, where the children sit one in front of the other. The one in front of the other is also called a tandem double.
A double could be in either the pram or stroller class. At the stroller end are basic seat-only designs with no adaptions (probably not suitable for twin newborns). At the other end of the scale is a highly adaptable pram design with multiple configurations of newborn bassinets or toddler seats such as:
- 2x Newborn bassinets (Twin)
- 2x Equal-size toddler seats (Twin)
- 1x Full-size toddler seat & 1x micro toddler seat
- 1x Newborn bassinet & 1x toddler seat
- 1x Micro newborn bassinet & 1x toddler seat
Additionally, some double prams can also be used as a single pram, with the capacity for the extra child optional. (Typically, an in-line design)
The Bambini Prams LISBON Double pram is a single-to-double pram which is suitable for twins, close siblings or those wishing to future-proof their pram purchase.
LISBON Pram pictured above.
4. TWIN PRAM
A double pram is not always necessary a twin pram! For instance, if the double cannot accommodate two newborn bassinets it is not suitable for twins. To ensure your pram or stroller is twin-proof double-check the model can take 2x newborn bassinets and 2x toddler seats.
The Bambini Prams LISBON Double pram is a two-child pram which is suitable for twins or close siblings.
5. SIDE-BY-SIDE PRAM
Within the double pram category are two designs - side-by-side or in-line. A side-by-side pram is a double pram that has extra width with the bassinet and seat attachments side-by-side at the same level on the pram.
LISBON Pram pictured above.
6. IN-LINE PRAM
The other style in the double category is the more common in-line pram. This is a standard width pram with the bassinet and seat attachments aligned in a single line, with one behind the other and at different heights.
The Bambini Prams LISBON Double pram is an in-line double pram.
MILAN² Pram pictured above.
7. NEWBORN PRAM
This is any type of pram or stroller that has been designed, and passed safety testing, to make it suitable for a newborn baby.
All Bambini Prams, MILAN², LISBON, GENEVA and YORK², are all newborn prams and come newborn bassinet for use from birth.
The Bambini LYON stroller includes a matching soft bassinet. Use the soft bassinet attached to the seat in the lie-flat recline position for a newborn.
The PARIS stroller has a carrycot that can be purchased separately to use the stroller with a newborn. As with the LYON, you attach the carrycot to the seat in the lie-flat recline to make newborn-appropriate.
GENEVA Pram pictured above.
8. TODDLER PRAM
This is any type of pram or stroller that has been designed, and passed safety testing, to make it suitable for a toddler.
All Bambini Prams, MILAN², LISBON, GENEVA and YORK², are suitable for toddlers, as well as the Bambini strollers, the PARIS & LYON. They have passed safety testing for a child up to 20kg when using the seat attachment.
MILAN² Pram pictured above.
9. ALL-TERRAIN PRAM
An all-terrain pram or all-terrain stroller is designed to be used on a variety of surfaces, including rough terrain like dirt paths, gravel roads, and grass. These prams typically have larger, puncture-proofs tires and a sturdy frame to provide a smooth and comfortable ride for the child, even on bumpy ground. They may also have features like suspension, shock absorbers and all-weather fabrics.
All-terrain prams are often used by parents who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking or jogging, and want a model that can handle different types of terrain.
The Bambini MILAN², LISBON & GENEVA are all-terrain prams with large wheels, puncture-proof gel tyres, lightweight chassis and unique suspension.
LYON Pram pictured above.
10. COMPACT PRAM
A compact pram or stroller is a model of baby stroller that is designed to be lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and easy to store when not in use. These strollers have small size fold, smaller wheels to reduce weight and some comfort elements tend to be pared back to reduce weight and bulk.
Compact prams are often used by parents who want a stroller that is easy to take on public transport or aircraft and parents who need a stroller that can be easily stored in small spaces, such as an apartment or a boot of a small car.
The Bambini LYON Stroller and PARIS Stroller are our most compact:
- The PARIS has a fold size of L56 x W26 x H26cm (aircraft cabin-sized subject to airline approval)
- The LYON has a fold size of L68 x W58 x H58cm (approximately half a boot space of a standard vehicle)
11. UMBRELLA STROLLER
An "umbrella stroller" is a type of compact stroller design.
The name comes from the stroller's folding mechanism which is as quick and easy to fold as an umbrella and from the look of the stroller once folded. The design is not as comfortable for the parent to use, or as manoeuvrable, however the design has been around since the 1960's so has stood the test of time!
GENEVA Pram pictured above with an Infasecure Capsule attached.
12. TRAVEL SYSTEM
Not to be confused with a "travel stroller", a "travel system" refers to a set of baby products that includes a pram or stroller, car seat, and other related items designed to make it easy for parents to travel around with their baby, no matter what age the baby is. The components of a travel system are typically all compatible with each other, allowing for smooth transitions whether you are switching between the walking and the car or from newborn to toddler. Bassinets, seats and car seats are all finished in matching fabrics and sold as a bundle.
In Australia, a full newborn-to-toddler pram with matching car seat is slightly complicated by our stringent car seat safety requirements. So, a travel system is normally achieved by adding a compatible car seat from a second party brand. Unfortunately, this does mean that fabrics etc do not always match exactly.
The other option in Australia is a basic stroller that is sold with a matching car capsule. There are a limited number approved for us in Australia however they do not tend to have the option of a newborn bassinet (expecting you to use the car capsule instead for the full newborn phase).
All Bambini Prams, MILAN², LISBON, GENEVA and YORK², as well as the PARIS and LYON stroller can be made into a travel system by adding a car capsule with adaptors. Bambini compatible car seat brands are InfaSecure or Maxi-Cosi.
