Wooden doll prams are some of the most popular doll accessories. They’re mini prams designed for dolls and allow children to bring their dolls with them in their adventure. Kids love role-playing and most of the time they imitate what their parents do. A wooden doll pram is a nice toy to have to teach children how to be responsible and nurturing.
A doll pram is the toy version of the baby pram which has been used to transport babies for centuries. Here’s a short history of prams:
Early Baby Transport Methods
Before the pram was invented, people have used different methods to transport babies. One of the most common of these is infant carrying or babywearing. Babywearing has seen a rise in popularity in recent years but many cultures have been practicing them for many years. For instance, Native Americans use a cradleboard as a baby carrier. It allows mothers to do chores around the house while keeping the baby safe and secure. Soft carriers like slings have also been used by humans for babywearing. One good example is the Chinese mei tai, a type of baby sling that has been used in China for centuries.
Introduction of the Pram
William Cavendish, 3rd Duke of Devonshire, approached William Kent, an English architect known for his Palladian style of architecture, to build him something that would carry his little children. Kent created a shell-shaped baby carriage attached to wheels and could be pulled by a goat or pony using a harness. It also had springs so that children could ride in comfort.
Kent’s pram had been modified and redesigned in the years that followed. Most of these prams were made from wood or wicker with metal parts. These baby carriages were called prams or perambulators.
Victorian Era
In the Victorian era, three-wheeled prams pulled along by a nanny was the norm. During this time, prams were pulled which meant whoever was pulling the pram had her back facing the baby. To keep an eye on the baby, the pram was modified to allow push or pull.
When the pram was introduced in France, they created their own bassinet style baby carriage. It was a wickerwork basket with wheels and allowed babies to lie flat inside the basket.
In the late 1800s to early 1900s, further modifications such as built-in umbrellas and sunshades were added to the pram to protect the baby from the elements.
In 1899, a patented design for a reversible baby carriage which allows the baby to face either forward or toward the person pushing the carriage was granted to African-American inventor William H. Richardson.
Modern Prams
Heavy baby carriages and prams were becoming less common after WW2 when people started making products out of plastic materials. Some modern prams still have metal frames but most of their parts are made from hard yet lightweight plastic material.
Suspension was also added to prams to make the ride smoother and more comfortable for both the baby and the person pushing it.
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