Prams are designed for newborns and young babies with a flat, lie-down carrycot position ensuring proper spinal support and comfort, larger wheels for smoother rides, and robust construction for everyday use from birth to approximately 6 months. Strollers are more versatile and suitable for babies who can sit up independently (typically 6 months+) with reclining seats offering multiple positions, compact folding mechanisms, and lightweight designs ideal for everyday use and travel. Buggies are ultra-lightweight and compact, perfect for older babies and toddlers with simplified features, umbrella-style folding for easy portability, and streamlined designs ideal for travel, city living, and quick trips. The terms are often used interchangeably in the UK, but prams emphasize newborn lie-flat sleeping, strollers offer everyday versatility, and buggies prioritize portability and convenience.

Prams are specifically designed for newborns from birth, offering a completely flat carrycot surface essential for proper spinal development and safe sleeping during the first 6 months. Strollers can be used from birth if they feature a full recline to a flat position (180 degrees), are compatible with infant car seats creating travel system functionality, or include bassinet attachments providing lie-flat sleeping. Always verify the manufacturer's newborn certification and age recommendations. Buggies are generally not recommended for newborns unless they offer a completely flat recline position, with most suitable for babies from 6 months onwards once they can sit up independently. For newborn safety, prioritize prams, travel systems with carrycots, or strollers certified for use from birth with proper lie-flat positions.

The choice depends on your lifestyle, baby's age, and specific needs. Choose a pram or travel system if you have a newborn and want maximum comfort with lie-flat sleeping, plan to use it daily for walks and outings, prioritize robust construction and smooth rides, and have adequate storage space and car boot room. Choose a stroller if you need everyday versatility from 6 months onwards, want features like reclining seats and reversible options, require moderate portability with compact folding, and seek balance between features and convenience. Choose a buggy if you have an older baby or toddler (6 months+), prioritize ultra-lightweight portability for travel, need compact storage for small spaces or public transport, and prefer simplified, budget-friendly options. Many families benefit from owning both a full-featured pram or stroller for daily use and a lightweight buggy for travel and quick trips.