Compare and Contrast 1920s Vs 2017 Stroller

As part of our inquiry into 'Functions' we compared strollers from two different eras the 1920s and 2017.

From a horse drawn baby carriage to a stroller that has an inbuilt phone charger, strollers have evolved dramatically from William Kent’s first design in 1733. We are comparing two strollers from different eras, a 1920’s stroller and a stroller from 2017. Both strollers share some similarities as well as some quite distinct differences.

Wheels

All strollers have wheels including those from the 1920’s to 2017. In the 1920’s strollers had four wire spoked wheels that helped the stroller move from one place to another. 1920’s strollers were more difficult to control as they only went one way, you would have to lift the pram and then turn it around. Nowadays in 2017 it is much easier to control the pram and make it turn. It is easier now because prams only have three wheels that are made from rubber and they can swivel.

Handles

Both strollers from 1920 to 2017 have handles to help push. Both of the handles were made out of strong and reliable materials. In the 1920’s handles were made out of steel however with the handles being made out of steel it was harder to grip onto. Over time the handles were upgraded by having cushioned materials that was easy to grip onto and could be adjusted to the right height for the person.

Safety Features

The 1920 and the 2017 strollers both had safety features but they are quite different. In 1920 strollers had large wheels, foot brakes, deep and roomy interior to prevent the baby falling out.  The pram was near the ground so if the baby did escape it would not get hurt.  In 2017 there are shoulder straps, leg harness’ and a sun canopy.  The shoulder straps and leg harness are to prevent the baby from falling. The sun canopy is used to stop sunburn. The 2017 model has many more safety features compared to the 1920’s.

Sturdy Materials

Both the 1920’s stroller and the 2017 one are made of material that doesn’t break easily. In the 1920’s, strollers were made of brass, wood and plastic, while now, in 2017, prams are made of aluminium and steel for the frame, cloth for the roof and seat and rubber and plastic for the handles and wheels. The problem of the materials for the strollers in 1920 was that the materials used were expensive and heavy. The materials that we use now are lightweight and are easier to produce.

Conclusion -

Strollers have changed dramatically since the 1920’s to 2017 because of the new safety requirements. People nowadays are more precautious and insist on more safety features than in the past. Strollers have also changed because now people are more energetic and active, so they want a stroller that is easy to control and turn. In the future strollers may have computers built into monitor the baby’s health, they may have no wheels but instead hover across the surface and even a remote control like a drone.