Baby transport

Last updated
A wicker pram Baby pram.jpg
A wicker pram

Various methods of transporting children have been used in different cultures and times. These methods include baby carriages (prams in British English), infant car seats, portable bassinets (carrycots), strollers (pushchairs), slings, backpacks, baskets and bicycle carriers.

Contents

The large, heavy prams (short for perambulator), which had become popular during the Victorian era, were replaced by lighter designs during the latter half of the 1900s.

Baskets, slings and backpacks

A travois being used to transport infants Crazy horse travois.jpg
A travois being used to transport infants

Infant carrying likely emerged early in human evolution as the emergence of bipedalism would have necessitated some means of carrying babies who could no longer cling to their mothers and/or simply sit on top of their mother's back. [1] On-the-body carriers are designed in various forms such as baby sling, backpack carriers, and soft front or hip carriers, with varying materials and degrees of rigidity, decoration, support and confinement of the child. Slings, soft front carriers, and "baby carriages" are typically used for infants who lack the ability to sit or to hold their head up. Frame backpack carriers (a modification of the frame backpack), hip carriers, slings, mei tais and a variety of other soft carriers are used for older children.

Navajo child in a cradleboard, Window Rock, Arizona, 1936 Cradleboard.jpg
Navajo child in a cradleboard, Window Rock, Arizona, 1936
An ergonomic carrier worn on the back Ergobabycarrier.jpg
An ergonomic carrier worn on the back

Images of children being carried in slings can be seen in Egyptian artwork dating back to the time of the Pharaohs, [2] and have been used in many indigenous cultures. One of the earliest European artworks showing baby wearing is a fresco by Giotto painted in around 1306 AD, which depicts Mary carrying Jesus in a sling. [3] Baby wearing in a sling was well known in Europe in medieval times, but was mainly seen as a practice of marginalised groups such as beggars and Romani people. [4] A cradleboard is a Native American baby carrier used to keep babies secure and comfortable and at the same time allowing the mothers freedom to work and travel. [5] The cradleboards were attached to the mother's back straps from the shoulder or the head. For travel, cradleboards could be hung on a saddle or travois. Ethnographic tradition indicates that it was common practice to cradleboard newborn children until they were able to walk, [6] although many mothers continued to swaddle their children well past the first birthday. Bound and wrapped on a cradleboard, a baby can feel safe and secure. Soft materials such as lichens, moss and shredded bark were used for cushioning and diapers. Cradleboards were either cut from flat pieces of wood or woven from flexible twigs like willow and hazel, and cushioned with soft, absorbent materials. The design of most cradleboards is a flat surface with the child wrapped tightly to it. It is usually only able to move its head.

On-the-body baby carrying started being known in western countries in the 1960s, with the advent of the structured soft pack in the mid-1960s. Around the same time, the frame backpack quickly became a popular way to carry older babies and toddlers. In the early 1970s, the wrap was reintroduced in Germany. The two ringed sling was invented by Rayner and Fonda Garner in 1981 and popularized by Dr William Sears starting in around 1985. [7] In the early 1990s, the modern pouch carrier was created in Hawaii. While the Chinese mei tai has been around in one form or another for centuries, it did not become popular in the west until it was modernized with padding and other adjustments. It first became popular and well known in mid-2003.

Portable cradles, including cradleboards, baskets, and bassinets, have been used by many cultures to carry young infants.

Wheeled transport methods

Wheeled devices are generally divided into prams, used for newborn babies in which the infant normally lies down facing the pusher, and the strollers, which are used for the small child up to about three years old in a sitting position facing forward.

History

William Kent developed an early stroller in 1733. [8] In 1733, the Duke of Devonshire asked Kent to build a means of transport that would carry his children. Kent obliged by constructing a shell shaped basket on wheels that the children could sit in. This was richly decorated and meant to be pulled by a goat or small pony. Benjamin Potter Crandall sold baby carriages in the US in the 1830s which have been described as the "first baby carriages manufactured in the US" [9] Another early development was F.A. Whitney Carriage Company. His son, Jesse Armour Crandall was issued a number of patents for improvements and additions to the standard models. These included adding a brake to carriages, a model which folded, designs for parasols and an umbrella hanger. By 1840, the baby carriage became extremely popular. Queen Victoria bought three carriages from Hitchings Baby Store.

The carriages of those days were built of wood or wicker and held together by expensive brass joints. These sometimes became heavily ornamented works of art. Models were also named after royalty: Princess and Duchess being popular names, as well as Balmoral and Windsor.

In June 1889, an African American man named William H. Richardson patented his idea of the first reversible stroller. The bassinet was designed so it could face out or in towards the parent. He also made structural changes to the carriage. Until then the axle did not allow each wheel to move separately. Richardson's design allowed this, which increased maneuverability of the carriages. As the 1920s began, prams were now available to all families and were becoming safer, with larger wheels, brakes, deeper prams, and lower, sturdier frames.

In 1965, Owen Maclaren, an aeronautical engineer, worked on complaints his daughter made about travelling from England to America with her heavy pram. Using his knowledge of aeroplanes, Maclaren designed a stroller with an aluminium frame and created the first true umbrella stroller. He then went on to found Maclaren, which manufactured and sold his new design. The design took off and soon "strollers" were easier to transport and used everywhere.

In the 1970s, however, the trend was more towards a more basic version, not fully sprung, and with a detachable body known as a "carrycot". [notes 1] Now, prams are very rarely used, being large and expensive when compared with "buggies" (see below). One of the longer lived and better known brands in the UK is Silver Cross, first manufactured in Hunslet, Leeds, in 1877, and later Guiseley from 1936 until 2002 when the factory closed. Silver Cross was then bought by the toy company David Halsall and Sons who relocated the head office to Skipton and expanded into a range of new, modern baby products including pushchairs and "travel systems". They continue to sell the traditional Silver Cross coach prams which are manufactured at a factory in Bingley in Yorkshire.

Since the 1980s, the stroller industry has developed with new features, safer construction and more accessories.

Prams

A pram in Assam, India, about 1902 Doris Turnbull in a pram, Nowgong, Assam 1902.jpg
A pram in Assam, India, about 1902

Larger and heavier prams, or perambulators, had been used since their introduction in the Victorian era; prams were also used for infants, often sitting up. The term carrycot became more common in the UK after the introduction of lighter units with detachable baby carriers in the 1970s.

As they developed through the years suspension was added, making the ride smoother for both the baby and the person pushing it.

The word pram is etymologically a shortening of its now less common synonym perambulator. [10] [11]

Strollers

A child being pushed in a stroller Mor og datter i Gamla Stan i Stockholm.JPG
A child being pushed in a stroller

'Strollers' or 'pushchairs/buggies' (British English), are used for small children up to about three years old in a sitting position facing forward.

"Pushchair" was the popularly used term in the UK between its invention and the early 1980s[ citation needed ], when a more compact design known as a "buggy" became the trend, popularised by the conveniently collapsible aluminium-framed Maclaren buggy designed and patented by the British aeronautical designer Owen Maclaren in 1965. "Buggy" is the usual term in the UK (sometimes "pushchair"); in American English, buggy usually refers to a four-wheeled vehicle known as a quad or quad bike in the UK. "Stroller" is the usual term in the USA. Newer versions can be configured to carry a baby lying down like a low pram and then be reconfigured to carry the child in the forward-facing position.

A variety of twin pushchairs are manufactured, some designed for babies of a similar age (such as twins) and some for those with a small age gap. Triple pushchairs are a fairly recent addition, due to the number of multiple births being on the increase. Safety guidelines for standard pushchairs apply. Most triple buggies have a weight limit of 50 kg and recommended use for children up to the age of 4 years.

A travel system is typically a set consisting of a chassis with a detachable baby seat and/or carrycot. Thus a travel system can be switched between a pushchair and a pram. Another benefit of a travel system is that the detached chassis (generally an umbrella closing chassis) when folded will usually be smaller than other types, to transport it in a car trunk or boot. Also, the baby seat will snap into a base meant to stay in an automobile, becoming a car seat. This allows undisturbed movement of the baby into or out of a car and a reduced chance of waking a sleeping baby.

Another modern design showcases a stroller that includes the possibility for the lower body to be elongated, thereby transforming the stroller into a kick scooter. Steering occurs by leaning towards either side. Depending on the model, it can be equipped with a foot- and/or handbrake. Speeds up to 15 km/h (10 mph) can be reached. The first stroller of this kind was the so-called "Roller Buggy", developed by industrial designer Valentin Vodev in 2005. In 2012 the manufacturer Quinny became interested in the concept and teamed up with a Belgian studio to design another model.

The modern infant car seat is a relative latecomer. It is used to carry a child within a car. Such car seats are required by law in many countries to safely transport young children.

In contemporary culture with four-figure systems or sleek jogging strollers common in some circles, strollers often serve as not only an infant transport device but also a highly visible symbol of everything from class to parenting philosophy. [12]

Others

Bicycles can be fitted with a bicycle trailer or a children's bicycle seat to carry small children. An older child can ride on a one-wheel trailer bike with an integrated seat and handle bars.

A "travel system" includes a car seat base, an infant car seat, and a baby stroller. The car seat base is installed in a car. The infant car seat snaps into the car seat base when traveling with a baby. From the car, the infant car seat can be hand carried and snapped onto the stroller.

See also

Notes

  1. The modern equivalentfor babies that cannot walkis a pram with a body that can be detached for carrying or for attaching to a frame to become a car seat (a "travel system").

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curb cut</span>

A curb cut (U.S.), curb ramp, depressed curb,dropped kerb (UK), pram ramp, or kerb ramp (Australia) is a solid ramp graded down from the top surface of a sidewalk to the surface of an adjoining street. It is designed primarily for pedestrian usage and commonly found in urban areas where pedestrian activity is expected. In comparison with a conventional curb a curb cut is finished at an intermediate gradient that connects both surfaces, sometimes with tactile paving.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cargo bike</span> Human powered vehicle to carry goods

A cargo bike is a human powered vehicle designed and constructed specifically for transporting loads. Cargo bike designs include a cargo area consisting of an open or enclosed box, a flat platform, or a wire basket, usually mounted over one or both wheels, low behind the front wheel, or between parallel wheels at either the front or rear of the vehicle. The frame, drivetrain and wheels must be constructed to handle loads larger than those on an ordinary bicycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Child harness</span> Safety device worn by children

A child harness is a safety device worn by children when walking with a parent or carer. Child harnesses are most commonly used with toddlers and children of preschool age, though they may also be used with older children, especially if they have special supervisory needs such as ADHD or autism. Various types exist, though all are worn by the child and have a lead (tether) or rein which is held by a parent or caregiver. As child harness designs and purposes have evolved with cultural norms and parenting techniques, they have become subject to common debate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby sling</span> Fabric item designed to carry a child on the body

A baby sling or baby carrier is generally made of soft fabrics that wrap around the chest. They provide comfort and support for the baby and allow the parent or carer to keep their hands free as they go about their everyday tasks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Babywearing</span> Wearing or carrying a baby in a sling

Babywearing is the practice of wearing or carrying a baby in a sling or in another form of carrier. Babywearing has been practiced for millenia around the world. Babywearing is a form of baby transport which can be used for as long as mutually desired, often until toddlerhood and beyond. In the industrialized world, babywearing has gained popularity in recent decades. Part of the reason for this shift is due to the influence of advocates of attachment parenting.

Owen Finlay Maclaren, MBE was the inventor of the lightweight baby buggy with a collapsible support assembly and founder of the Maclaren company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cradleboard</span> Indigenous baby carrier

Cradleboards are traditional protective baby-carriers used by many indigenous cultures in North America, throughout northern Scandinavia among the Sámi, and in the traditionally nomadic cultures of Central Asia. There is a variety of styles of cradleboard, reflecting the diverse artisan practices of indigenous cultures. Many Central Asian communities and some indigenous communities in North America still use cradleboards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bassinet</span> Type of bed for the youngest infants

A bassinet, bassinette, or cradle is a bed specifically for babies from birth to about four months. Bassinets are generally designed to work with fixed legs or caster wheels, while cradles are generally designed to provide a rocking or gliding motion. Bassinets and cradles are distinguished from Moses baskets and carry cots, which are designed to be carried and sit directly on the floor or furniture. After four months, babies are often transferred to a crib or cot. In the United States, however, the bedside sleeper is the prevalent option, since they are generally bigger, recommended up to 6 months, and often used up to a year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Child safety seat</span> Seat designed to protect children during traffic collisions

A child safety seat, sometimes called an infant safety seat, child restraint system, child seat, baby seat, car seat, or a booster seat, is a seat designed specifically to protect children from injury or death during vehicle collisions. Most commonly these seats are purchased and installed by car owners, but car manufacturers may integrate them directly into their vehicle's design and generally are required to provide anchors and ensure seat belt compatibility. Many jurisdictions require children defined by age, weight, and/or height to use a government-approved child safety seat when riding in a vehicle. Child safety seats provide passive restraints and must be properly used to be effective. However, research indicates that many child safety restraints are often not installed or used properly. To tackle this negative trend, health officials and child safety experts produce child safety videos to teach proper car seat installation to parents and caregivers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maclaren</span> English baby buggy and stroller manufacturer

Maclaren is a manufacturer of baby buggies, strollers and carriers based in England.

The Kind + Jugend Innovation Award is a German design award granted annually to the best overall baby product in the areas of design, safety, user-friendliness, degree of innovation, and quality of workmanship. Particular emphasis is placed on innovation and safety, with past winners displaying unique designs and new technology.

Cybex is a manufacturer of child safety products. The company was founded in 2005 by Martin Pos in Hong Kong as CYBEX Industrial Ltd. It has been owned by the Chinese child safety manufacturer Goodbaby International since 2014. Cybex has locations in Hong Kong, Kulmbach, and Bayreuth and Prague. and sells its products internationally. In 2010 the company had over 100 employees and a profit of 37 million Euros. In 2019 the number of employees rose to 500.

Ann Moore created the hands-free baby carrier called the Snugli and the refined version of it called the Weego.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silver Cross (company)</span>

Silver Cross is an English private limited company and manufacturer of baby transport and other baby-related products, founded in 1877. Based in Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Silver Cross sells baby prams and pushchairs. Its parent company, the Chinese conglomerate Fosun International, owns 87.2 percent of the equity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evenflo</span> Infant and juvenile products company

Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Evenflo Company, Inc. operates the juvenile travel and home safety businesses with products that include car seats, travel systems, safety gates, high chairs, play yards, stationary activity centers, infant carriers and doorway jumpers. Evenflo Company Inc. has two manufacturing facilities: one in Piqua, Ohio, and one in Tijuana, Mexico.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Travel cot</span> Foldable bed for use by a baby or young child

A travel cot is a bed for use by a baby or young child that collapses or folds into a bag for easy carriage. Travel cots are typically much lighter than a standard cot, with soft sides to provide comfort to the baby when sleeping.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human-powered land vehicle</span>

Human-powered land vehicles are land vehicles propelled over ground by human power, The main ways to support the weight of a human-powered land vehicle and its contents above the ground are rolling contact; sliding contact; intermittent contact; no contact at all as with anything carried; or some combination of the above. The main methods of using human power to propel a land vehicle are some kind of drivetrain; pushing laterally against the ground with a wheel, skate, or ski that simultaneously moves forward; by pushing against the ground directly with an appendage opposite to the direction of travel; or by propeller. Human-powered land vehicles can be propelled by persons riding in the vehicle or by persons walking or running and not supported by the vehicle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby furniture</span> Furniture created for babies

Baby furniture refers to furniture created for babies. It is often used to help the parents of the baby keep it safe and comfortable in the home. Before baby furniture, parents would sleep with their children in their own beds, which could be dangerous for the child. Eventually, infant beds started to be built with the child's safety in mind; the intention was to keep the baby from rolling off the bed, so mangers and bassinets were created. Over time, more furniture was created with the infant's safety in mind, and there are several types and functionalities of these. Typical pieces include an infant bed, changing table, high chair, playpen, baby walker, and toy chest. Products, features, and costs vary between countries and have changed over time. Safety is of paramount importance.

Gate check bags are travel bags specially designed for the transportation and storage of car seats and strollers or pushchairs. Generally used for airline travel, they also provide protection from dust when in storage for the occasional user. When used for airline travel the strollers and car seats are placed in gate check bags at the departure gate before boarding. The bags protect strollers and car seats from dirt whilst in the loading or cargo bay as well as from elements such as rain or snow if left on the tarmac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4moms</span> American robotics company

4moms is an American robotics company specializing in baby products. Founded in March 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it launched its first product Origami, a self-folding stroller. They are better known as the creator of the momaRoo baby rocker which sold over two million units.

References

  1. Wall-Scheffler, C.M.; Geiger, K.; Steudel-Numbers, K. (2007). "Infant carrying: The role of increased locomotory costs in early development". American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 133 (2): 841–846. doi:10.1002/ajpa.20603. PMID   17427923.
  2. I.C. van Hout. Beloved Burden - Baby wearing around the world. pp 6-7. Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam. 2011. ISBN   9789068321746
  3. Rosie Knowles. Why Babywearing Matters. p 19. Pinter & Martin, 2016. ISBN   9781780665351
  4. I.C. van Hout. Beloved Burden - Baby wearing around the world. pp 58-63. Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam. 2011. ISBN   9789068321746
  5. Cradleboard Encarta. Retrieved 27 March 2009. Archived 2009-10-31.
  6. , Native American Cradles exhibited at Pequot Museum, The Day - October 6, 2001, Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  7. Maria Blois MD. Babywearing - The Benefits and Beauty of This Ancient Tradition. pp 32-35. Hale Publishing, 2005. ISBN   0972958339
  8. Amato, Joseph (November 2004). On foot: a history of walking - Google Book Search. NYU Press. ISBN   9780814705025 . Retrieved 2009-03-24.
  9. .Museum of American Heritage, retrieved 6 Sep 2010
  10. "perambulator". The Chambers Dictionary (9th ed.). Chambers. 2003. ISBN   0-550-10105-5.
  11. "pram". The Chambers Dictionary (9th ed.). Chambers. 2003. ISBN   0-550-10105-5.
  12. Parrish Morgan, Amanda (2022). Stroller. New York. ISBN   978-1-5013-8669-5. OCLC   1293234547.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

Bibliography