The Evolution of The Stroller from 1700 to Todays Modern Design
If you’re a new parent like me, you probably have dozens of items in your list of things to buy before the baby comes. In fact, I won’t be surprised if a stroller is included in that list. After all, it offers you a convenient way to bring your little one along wherever you go.
However, strollers weren’t always how they look like now. Thanks to the evolution of the baby stroller, your baby can now get a ride that’s way more comfortable and much safer. Here, we look into how this essential baby item has evolved throughout the years.
Table of Contents
1700: An Old-Fashioned Baby Carriage
Who says only a royalty can ride in one of those animal-drawn carriages? Back in the 1700s, baby strollers look more like a horse-drawn carriage with all these features:
- Shell-looking compartment for the seating area
- Spring suspension for comfort
- Carriage pulled by a miniature horse or a goat
1800: Forward-Facing Baby Carriages with Handles
By this time, no animals are required to transport babies in a stroller. With an added component such as a handle, parents can tow their kids along. Improvements made include the following:
- Handles incorporated to the stroller
- Forward-facing seat
1848: Pram
Sure, handles made it easier for parents to pull their little ones instead of getting a horse to do it. However, this is not enough since it’s much better if parents get to have a better view of their babies while in the stroller. Thus, beginning 1848, additional features and innovations included these:
- Push motion for operating the stroller
- The stroller was referred to as a perambulator
- List Element
1889: Reversible Carriage
A stroller that’s limited to just being either front-facing or rear-facing just won’t cut it. This is why William H. Richardson designed a more versatile baby carriage in 1889. In the late 1800s, a stroller can do the following:
- Reversible design for the bassinet
- Wheels can move separately
- Carriage is more maneuverable
1920: Safety Features Added
The aesthetics do have a great impact on the stroller’s appearance, but safety features are more important. Hence, manufacturers began adding safety components to baby strollers including these:
- Footbrakes
- Sturdier and lower frames
- Large wheels
- More spacious and deeper prams
1930: Rubber and Plastic Parts on Strollers
It’s time for wood and wicker prams to bid their farewell during this era because plastic and rubber were all in the rage. Manufacturers were more focused on mass-producing strollers, which also meant using chrome instead of brass for some parts. Other features include:
- Budget-friendly strollers
- Attractive designs
1965: Umbrella Stroller
By this time, strollers are looking more and more contemporary and practical at the same time. Simplistic styles are popular during this era, as these strollers have these common qualities:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Collapsible
- Aluminum frame
- Compact
1980: Jogging Stroller
Parents who are always on the go found jogging strollers as a great way to keep up with their workouts without leaving their babies behind. This particular stroller design comes with these features:
- Bicycle tires
- Sturdier frame
- Three wheels
1986: Double Stroller
As the name implies, this is suitable for parents who have two kids since the stroller is roomy and sturdy enough to hold as much children.
2013 – 2016: Modern Strollers
In this current generation, strollers just keep getting fancier and fancier. Some modern strollers still have the classic pram style, while others have a more contemporary look. The price also ranges from $100 to more than $3000, depending on the features included.
I tried to cover “The Evolution of the Baby Stroller” in here but After these explanations, If you think and interest in getting more knowledge about “The Evolution of the Baby Stroller” for completing your research and doing it properly You should visit Wikipedia Page or As this, others websites and blogs.
Helen Jenkins
Experienced Baby Care Expert
Important Information on Baby Strollers!
Baby strollers are essential items that parents need for transporting their young children as as Baby Ambler. However, it is worth noting that there have been some safety concerns regarding these baby products. For instance, Consumer Watch presented a report on stroller recalls on brands including Graco and Cybex. Cases included amputated finger tips, severe lacerations, and fractured finger.
The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on January 27, 2010 a voluntary recall of over 1000 strollers by Cybex because of defects. Various models of umbrella strollers by this brand were affected by the recall.
This is why I highly recommend for you to check carefully the stroller’s features and components before you purchase one for your child. Be sure that the brand is reputable and established. Lastly, never leave your child unattended while he or she is in a stroller. According to Dr. Robert Glatter, NYC’s Lenox Hospital’s emergency physician, stroller injuries are also caused by parental inattention. Common emergency cases include falls that lead to cervical and spinal cord injuries.
So to avoid all of these issues, make it a point to choose the best stroller for your child with safety features to prevent accidents.
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