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William Kent invents the Baby Stroller
In 1773, Kent invented the first ever baby stroller for the Duke's children to ride in. It was designed as a carriage to be pulled by a goat or miniature horse. Very expensive to make, not available to the public and only for the rich. Was an extra luxury that flaunted money status. -
Parents could now pull children!
In the mid 1800's, people updated the design so that instead of having mini horses or goats pull the baby around, the parents could pull it instead. The harnesses were replaces with handles and the baby was wheeled around by their family. However, most strollers were tall and unstable, making it a danger for the young child. -
Charles Burton creates the perambulator
In 1852, Burton changed the previous designs of the stroller so that parents could push their child around and keep an eye on them rather than pull it like a horse. -
More functional (and fashionable) bassinet created
In 1889, William H. Richardson patented a more functional baby reversible carriage — meaning the bassinet could be positioned to face both out and in. -
Strollers now safer than ever before!
Following World War I, baby carriages were updated to include safety features that remain in today's prams, like larger wheels, footbrakes, deeper and roomier prams (which made it harder for kids to escape), and lower, sturdier frames (so if little ones did manage to climb out, it wasn't far to the ground) -
Baby Carriages now use cheaper materials
Since Strollers were created using cheaper materials, they became a necessity among parents all around the world. Wicker and wood prams were no longer cool. -
The Umbrella Stroller
In 1965 Owen Maclaren invented the first umbrella stroller after his daughter complained about how difficult it was to travel with her child and the pram. Umbrella stroller easily collapsed to make it lightweight and easy to travel with. Became very popular. -
"The Jogger"
In 1984, Phil Baechler, an avid runner, wanted to design a new baby stroller that allowed him to take his son on his runs. Thus, the three wheeled design was created. -
"The Twinner"
In 1986 the stroller company Baby Jogger developed the very first jogging stroller made for two children, "The Twinner." -
Today
Baby strollers are a staple for new parents, however some studies are starting to show that prams actually harm you child and stunt development. All that work for nothing. Sorry William Kent.
