Baby
Great Strides in First Rides
Baby carriages, prams, pushers, strollers and buggies – call them what you will, babies’ first rides have come a long way. Join us on this short stroll through history
1733
English architect William Kent invented the first baby carriage for the amusement of the children of the Duke of Devonshire. It was basically a shell-shaped basket on wheels that the children could sit in, and was intended to be pulled by a small pony, large dog or goat.
1852
American innovator Charles Burton modified the carriage design so that it could be pushed instead of pulled. He patented the ‘perambulator’ or ‘pram’. It received a lukewarm reception in the United States but became a runaway success in England, and Queen Victoria even bought three carriages for her royal brood.
1889
William H. Richardson patented his idea for the first reversible stroller. The bassinet could face out or in towards the parent. His design also enabled each wheel to move separately, making the carriage easier to manoeuvre.
1920s
Following World War I, prams became safer and sturdier, with larger wheels, foot brakes and lower carriages.
1930s
Rubber, plastic and chrome replaced wicker, wood and brass. Mass-manufacturing made prams fashionable and affordable.
1965
English aeronautical engineer Owen McLaren invented the first umbrella stroller after his daughter complained about the difficulty of travelling with a child and a cumbersome, bulky pram. His compact, collapsible, lightweight stroller sold like hotcakes and an evolved version of it is still on the market today.
1984
Phil Baechler, an American journalist and avid jogger, invented the first jogging stroller – a three-wheeled contraption with bicycle tires.
TODAY
Collapsible, convertible, multiple birth-ready, hooded, harnessed, hooked and even customised, today’s prams and strollers cover a vast spectrum of complexity and affordability. House-brands sold in reputable retail chains start from under $50 and premium deluxe brands can easily soar past the $1,000 mark. Though ‘pram envy’ is a documented cultural phenomenon, do not try and keep up with the Joneses and Tans. Keep an eye on safety and budget – and enjoy the ride!
When buying a stroller, look out for:
- a sturdy frame
- easy steering and manoeuvrability
- a secure footrest (except for carriage strollers)
- a five-point harness that goes around baby’s waist, over the shoulders and between the legs
- one or more parking brakes
WHAT SORT OF STROLLER SUITS YOU AND BABY BEST?
Here is a quick list of the commonly available types of strollers on the market in Singapore. Not all are suitable for newborns.
- small, light and folds up easily for handy storage
- curved handles like an umbrella
- basic and economical
- a metal frame with a handle and wheels, to which you can attach any infant car seat model
- compatible with most car seat models
- requires less storage space vs. an infant car seat and a stroller
- lightweight, with features similar to an umbrella stroller
- premium brands may have reclining seats, baskets and sun shades
- a stroller with a fully detachable infant car seat
- ultimate in convenience for parents and carers of newborns
- ideal for parents who like to bring their babies when engaging in physical activities such as jogging
- strictly for older babies
- ideal for parents who like to bring their babies while hiking, skiing, etc.
- traditional bassinet affixed to a frame with four stroller wheels
- large shades provide UV protection and shelter from heat and wind
- extra bounce can soothe some cranky babies
- large size makes it suitable for parks and wide open spaces but unsuitable for crowded public places
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Baby_transport
http://thebirdfeednyc.com/2011/11/28/the-baby-stroller-a-visual-history/
This article is taken from our My Alvernia Magazine Issue #37. Click here to read
the issue on our website or on Magzter.
