The Life Cycle of the Pram

Repurpose, Repair, Reuse

It can feel like our little ones grow up so fast, and it’s sometimes hard to keep up! And as they grow and develop, their baby gear also needs to also develop with them to meet their ever changing needs. But this can come with a lot of financial and environmental waste. Instead, we advocate for a more sustainable way. From repurposing your pram to a pushchair, to making essential repairs, reusing your pram for future children or donating your pram to another family to reuse – there are many ways that we can try to be environmentally conscious, and save the pennies at the same time.  

1. From Pram to Pushchair

The journey begins with the arrival of a newborn and the need for a pram. Prams, with their flat, fully-reclined position, are ideal for infants under 6 months who cannot sit up on their own. As your little one grows and becomes more curious about the world around them, the ABC pram can evolve into a pushchair. Removing the carrycot and replacing it with the stroller seat provides your growing 6+ month old the option to sit more upright, now that they can better support themselves. This adaptability ensures that the same baby gear can cater to the changing needs of your growing child. 

The versatile ABC Design Samba 2in1 pushchair is compatible with our ABC Carrycots, making it the perfect buggy to grow with your child. Simply remove the carrycot, and replace with the pushchair seat, and you have a Samba buggy that is suitable from 6 months and well into their toddler years. 

2. Making Repairs for Reuse

Repurposing and repairing baby gear, such as prams and pushchairs, is a sustainable practice that benefits both the environment and your wallet. Instead of discarding a pram after your first child outgrows it, consider making repairs to extend its lifespan for future use.

Common repairs may include fixing or replacing wheels, adjusting the frame, or repairing the harness. Check your warranty as you may be entitled to receive free or discounted part replacements from the manufacturer or retailer, making it relatively easy to address wear and tear. Additionally, local repair services specialising in baby gear can be a valuable resource for ensuring your pram is in optimal condition for reuse.

By making necessary repairs, you not only contribute to reducing waste but you also preserve the pram for future use, should you have any other children; saving you time and money. This approach aligns with the principles of sustainability, emphasising the importance of maximising the utility of the products we already own.

3. Donating Your Pram

As your family transitions beyond the need for prams and pushchairs, donating these items becomes a meaningful way to contribute to sustainability and help others in your community. Many parents face financial constraints, and donating a well-maintained pram can be a significant relief.

Donating your pram not only extends its lifecycle but also allows another family to benefit from a well-cared-for piece of baby equipment. It fosters a sense of community and reduces the demand for new products, ultimately lowering the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposal.

Donating your pram not only extends its lifecycle but also allows another family to benefit from a well-cared-for piece of baby equipment.

Before donating, ensure the pram is in good condition by thoroughly cleaning it and making any necessary repairs. Check with local charities, parenting groups, or organisations that support families in need. Some communities even have specific programs that collect and distribute gently used baby gear.

Here is a list of organisations in the UK that accept the donation of baby gear: 

• Barnardo’s
• Save the Children
• British Red Cross
• Local Women’s Shelters or Charities, such as Woman’s Aid

It is important to note that, before donating, you ensure your baby gear is in good condition, as otherwise it may not be accepted. It’s advisable to contact these organisations or charities to confirm their current acceptance policies and to ensure that your donation aligns with their specific needs. You could also consider giving away your items for free or low cost on Freecycle or Gumtree.

From transforming a pram into a pushchair to making repairs for reuse and ultimately donating to support other families, these practices reflect a commitment to responsible parenting and emphasises the importance of sustainability in every stage of the parenting journey. Let’s embrace practices that not only benefit our families but others too, whilst also contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.