May I ask the horrible question--is there anything risky about putting an actual baby into one of these and using it?

i used to work in the dot com dept for a high end dept store... someone had found a super old stroller that had the company's name engraved in it. she sent us pictures and had us research the thing to try to find out where it came from. it looked a lot like the 2nd picture but it was white.... she was going to get it restored and use it for her baby. really neat find.

My siblings and I were all pushed in a classic, German-made pram similar to the one in the second photo. It was considered the "Mercedes of prams"; it was used for five children and eventually was sold in a garage sale when we moved back to California (from Paris). That thing was incredibly well built; I've yet to see anything current that could hold a candle to it.

Those are too Rosemary's Baby for me.

I think that second one is neat, but there is something hearse-like about it. Does anyone else find it a little creepy?

I have one similar to the second one going into my baby's room. My husband and I discussed using it as a bassinet, but it just wasn't sturdy enough. Now it stands tucked in a corner holding all the cozy blankets ready for the little one.

The really old wicker carriages are what I'd want.

OMG! The Giordani is to die for! And, yes, the wicker carriages from the 50s are in the same league. I always wanted one - as a cat bed :-)

Brianmason, I love the aesthetic of these old prams but as an apartment dwelling expecting mother they wouldn't fit in with my lifestyle. I can't imagine carting baby up and down stairs in pram #2 which is why I assume the modern equivalent is compact and often multipurpose (car seat, basinette, stroller.)

The first one looks like a mouse to me.
My mom's friend had one like the second one for her baby. It was so pretty and made rocking very easy. When I saw the new ones I first thought that they just seemed uncomfortable, because the baby wasn't actually lieing flat on it's back. Now I think they are beautiful, but not exactly practical, especially if you have to walk up stairs.

Totally understandable about ease of use. I was just wondering if the notion that the carriages can't be used for their intended purpose comes from their now being considered unsafe or made of toxic materials.

I second BrianMason's question, but I suppose it probably depends on the specific model and the condition that it's in. My mother-in-law has an old-fashioned pram, probably 40 years old, that she used for her kids. I'd love to use it as a bassinet, but wondered how to find out if it meets current safety standards, especially for nighttime sleeping.

Also, these are fun! Thanks for posting - it's fun to see the different designs!

Ditto HouseVoyeur. Rosemary's Baby was the first thing that popped into my mind.

I was pushed around in pram no.2. I was also left outside in the back garden (yard) for fresh air on many an occassion! They also did a seat that went across the top of the pram. So you could push a toddler and baby at the same time.

I found an amazing pram (similiar to #2) on Craigslist when I was preg with my first girl. I paid $80 for it. It is navy and white with lots of chrome. I pushed my little baby all over town in that thing. I would always get lots of looks, smiles, thumbs up! I always felt like I looked a little crazy but I loved it and so did baby. :)

My brother and i were pushed around in one similar the the one in the second picture. And recently while I was going thru my pre-baby to-do list with my Mom she revealed that she still had the stroller and would love for her 1st grandchild to be pushed around in it.

The problem with things like that is:
a) For a shy 1st time Mom, that thing's a serious attention getter.
b)Most strollers today - even luxury ones (like every thing else jewelry,cars,wintercoats) are a little more casual (not to mention more foldable/portable)
c) I am not sure it'll meet modern saftey standards.

yeah...hmmmm...Still working on how to tell her all this.

i think if you did not leave your baby to sleep in it or unattended it would be fine. depending on the condition.

I have a beautiful aqua green stroller for kids, from the 50's. I found it in a second hand market. I currently use it as a storage for my 8 months daughter's soft toys. I have decorated the handle with colorful satin ribbons that just hang. It's lovely.

If anyone's interested in repurposeing an antique baby crib call me I have one to get rid of. I'm in Austin Texas. 512-771-6318
Betina