Stroller

A stroller, also known as a pushchair or buggy (British English), is a wheeled device used for transporting infants and young children. Strollers can have a variety of features such as cup holders,[1] a storage basket,[2] or the ability to carry multiple children.

History

Main article: Baby transport

The earliest known stroller was developed in 1733 by English architect William Kent.[3] Originally clam-shaped and made with wood, wicker and brass, Kent intended for the stroller to be driven by a small animal, such as a goat.[4] In 1889, William Richardson designed the first reversible baby stroller, allowing the parent to face themselves towards or away from the baby while still pushing forward.[5][6] Contemporary strollers replace the function of prams and may be used as an alternative to a baby sling.[1] In British English, pram or buggy also refer to modern strollers.[7]

The popularization of curb cuts in the 1970s were originally intended to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, but this design also made it easier for parents to use strollers.[8] Collapsible strollers were invented by Owen Finlay Maclaren and his company was producing six thousand annually by 1976.[1] Stroller components are typically a mixture of aluminum framing, plastic, and synthetic fabric.[9]

Stroller pricing can vary dramatically between different models.[1]

Practical considerations

Reasons parents may choose to use a stroller for older children include the storage space for items like diaper bags, to prevent their child from becoming fatigued from walking long distances, or to have a place where their child can nap. Disadvantages to stroller use can include difficulty navigating cramped spaces such as elevators and restaurants, as well as a lack of storage space.[11]

Types

  • Full-size strollers are sturdier than other stroller types and usually have additional storage space, but also tend to be heavier and more expensive.[12]
  • Double strollers have two seats for twins,[13] or for carrying both an older and younger sibling together.[14]
  • Jogging strollers are lightweight and suitable for parents who like running.[15] These strollers were invented by an American father in the 1980s and were initially a specialized item at sports stores before becoming a mainstream product.[16]
  • Umbrella strollers can fold more easily compared to other stroller types, which is useful for transportation and storage.[17]
  • Travel strollers are designed to be lightweight and easily movable.[18] They are typically more expensive than umbrella strollers.[17]

Testing and regulation

In Canada, strollers need to complete a set of tests – conducted by Transport Canada and Health Canada – before being sold, a process which can cost the manufacturer up to CA$100,000.[19] In 2009, several models of stroller by Maclaren was recalled in the US and Canada after several reports of children cutting their hands on the stroller's folding mechanism, as well as amputations of children's finger tips.[19][20]

In 2025, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) reported that an average of 140 child injuries were recorded due to various products including strollers in the previous three years. The CCS tests 22 such products and found that 17 of them did not meet the required safety standards.[21]

Community

While childcare has historically been perceived as women's work, it has become more commonplace for men to use strollers over time.[1] Some parents form stroller clubs with other families for socializing. One organization encourages the creation of such groups across the United States for men specifically so that they can have an environment that is similar to Mom groups to talk about the challenges of fatherhood.[22]

In Denmark, it is socially acceptable to leave babies outside in parked strollers due to the percieved health benefits of naps in fresh air. It is common to see multiple strollers lined together while parents are inside cafes. A TikTok video depicting this practice conducted in various weather conditions went viral in 2022 as this would be considered extremely unusual in the United States.[23]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Baker, Peter (25 October 2022). "What Do Our Strollers Say About Us?". The New Yorker. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  2. ^ Corsillo, Liza. "The Very Best Stroller". The Strategist. Archived from the original on 4 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  3. ^ Amato, Joseph (November 2004). On foot: a history of walking. NYU Press. p. 311. ISBN 9780814705025. Retrieved 24 March 2009.
  4. ^ Sehat & Nirmal 2017, p. 2.
  5. ^ Sehat & Nirmal 2017, p. 3.
  6. ^ US 405600, William Richardson 
  7. ^ Warren, Lydia (10 June 2023). "I moved from the UK to the US 12 years ago — here are 21 British words I refuse to give up". Business Insider. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
  8. ^ Glover Blackwell, Angela. "The Curb-Cut Effect". Stanford Social Innovation Review. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  9. ^ Green Guide: The Complete Reference for Consuming Wisely. National Geographic Society. 2008. p. 251. ISBN 9781426203398.
  10. ^ Buckley, Erin. "In Praise Of A Kindervan Being Pushed Down A City Sidewalk". Jesuits. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  11. ^ Leiva, Courtney (22 July 2025). "When To Travel With A Stroller And When To Leave It Behind". Today's Parent. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
  12. ^ Murkoff, Heidi (2014). What to Expect the First Year. Workman Publishing Company. p. 49. ISBN 9780761183174.
  13. ^ Gritters, Jenni; Pearson, Erica (24 February 2026). "The Best Double Strollers". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 28 January 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  14. ^ Hartshorn, Jessica (29 January 2026). "7 Best Double Strollers for Travel and Everyday Use". Good Housekeeping. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  15. ^ Gritters, Jenni; Gammon, Katherine (23 February 2026). "The Best Jogging Strollers". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  16. ^ "Dad's Workout Leads to Successful Business : Some Joggers Take the Baby Along". Los Angeles Times. 5 November 1987. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  17. ^ a b Campbell, Olivia. "We Tested the Best Umbrella Strollers to Find the 5 Most Durable, Convenient Options". Parents. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  18. ^ Czajkowski, Elise (21 January 2026). "The Best Travel Strollers". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  19. ^ a b "Maclaren stroller recall extended to Canada". CBC News. 13 November 2009. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  20. ^ "US reissues 2009 Maclaren stroller recall". NBC News. 12 May 2011. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  21. ^ Andres, Gabrielle (13 November 2025). "Some baby products, kids' jewellery sold online found to be unsafe: S'pore consumer safety watchdog". The Straits Times. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  22. ^ Perry, Rebecca (7 July 2025). "New social club helps Seattle dads build community". King5. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  23. ^ Anweri, Diva (15 December 2023). "Viral TikTok shows how Danish babies sleep outside year-round—and I'm jealous we can't do it here". Motherly. Retrieved 22 March 2026.

Citations

Further reading

  • Media related to Baby carriages at Wikimedia Commons
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