When Can A Baby Sit In A Stroller? Safety Measures And Tips

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Taking your baby out for the first time is a special experience. But you need to ensure that your baby is safe and sound and away from possible hotspots of germs or infections. This is where strollers come into action. A baby stroller is an essential travel system for most would-be or new parents and a must-have item on their baby registry. But the looming question is, when can the baby sit in a stroller? This post will help you answer that question. Understanding when a baby can safely sit in a stroller is crucial for parents, as improper use can lead to safety issues. This guide provides insights on developmental milestones, safety considerations, and tips for choosing the right stroller for your baby. Read on to learn when a baby can sit in a stroller, how to use it, and the safety tips to consider before buying one.

When Can A Baby Sit In A Stroller?

Often, babies can start moving around in a stroller at around four months or when they have sufficient head control and neck strength or can manage sitting up for extended periods. However, the period varies among babies.

If you intend to take your newborn in a stroller before they can lift their head, ensure that the stroller seat can recline completely to support their head and neck muscles. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against putting your baby to sleep in a stroller if they are younger than four months to reduce the risk of suffocation (1). However, if they fall asleep in the stroller, move them onto a flat, firm, non-inclined surface for safety (2).

Consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns regarding using a stroller for your baby.

Quick tip

Balance the time your baby spends in a stroller with other activities, such as tummy time and other physical activities, for optimal physical growth and development (2).

When Can You Transition The Baby To A Regular Stroller Seat?

Once your baby can lift their head without help and keep it upright for a certain period, you can turn the reclined seat of the stroller to a seating position. You could also incorporate gross motor activities for infants,  such as tummy time or guided reaching exercises, to help your baby reach their milestones. Consult your pediatrician for guidance on safe, age-appropriate activities for your baby and tips on stroller safety.

Cheryl McCarthy, a mother and blogger, shares her perspectives on stroller walks and tips for making regular stroller walks more enjoyable for babies, “I walk every day in the local park near my house, and I see a lot of moms out with young children in strollers and pushchairs. It’s good exercise for moms and gives children lots of fresh air and a nice change of scenery.” She adds, “I would never argue with giving children new and exciting things to look at each day. That’s great visual stimulation in and of itself. To make the most of your daily walk for your child, I recommend putting yourself into the role of your baby’s tour guide. Each day, talk about whatever you see: the warm sunshine, the tall trees, the beautiful flowers, and the white fences that line the pathways. This may seem ordinary to you, and even feel a little silly, but to your child, it is a wonderland of fascinating, fabled proportions (i)!”

What Should You Consider When Buying A Stroller?

Some strollers can recline completely and come with attachments such as an infant-only car seat or a bassinetⁱChildren’s wicker cradle. . A few other things to check when buying a stroller are as follows (3) (4):

• A solid frame and an easy steering mechanism
• It has a five-point harness, multiple recline positions, and a wide base. Experts state that non-reclining strollers are not recommended for babies under six months (2).
• Check the harness system safety by strapping up your toddler in the stroller and maneuvering the stroller very slightly.
• Check the buckles and straps for any deterrents of comfort.
• Carry and lift the stroller when opened and folded to ensure it is sturdy but portable.
• Check the brakes and the locking system of each wheel and whether the handles are comfortable for you to operate.
• A large enough storage basket and trunk space
  

• Attachments such as an infant car seat or a reversible seat to attach with the stroller when required.
• The maneuverabilityⁱQuality of being easy to move and direct. of the stroller, both with and without extra weight
• Ensure that it complies with the US government’s safety standards.
• The warranty and return policy of the product

Quick tip

When buying a second-hand stroller, ensure there is no wear and tear on the wheels, harnesses, brakes, and tether strapsⁱStrap attached to the seat to secure its safety. . Check if all safety warning labels are present (9).

Check the product description, manufacturer’s instructions, and product details to ensure the stroller suits your baby’s height, weight, and age. It is advisable to purchase only such baby gear that is built following the recommended pediatric guidelines for stroller use and safety. Experts also suggest checking for stroller recalls by visiting the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or the manufacturer’s site before use to ensure your stroller is safe and up-to-date (5).

What Are The Safety Measures To Take While Using A Stroller?

According to a report by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 7,200 children younger than age five were treated in emergency departments in 2019 due to stroller-related injuries (6). So, it’s crucial to select a stroller that meets safety standards to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Various types of strollers are available in the market, including jogging strollers, umbrella strollers, and double strollers. However, no matter which stroller you choose, you must take certain safety precautions. Some of these precautions are as follows (2) (7) :

• Do not leave your baby alone and unsupervised in a stroller.

• Do not overload the storage space of the stroller.
• Always ensure you strap in the five-point safety harness.
• Ensure that the folding mechanisms are locked securely and the stroller is sturdy when moved.
• Do not hang baskets or bags on the stroller’s handles, as it may cause it to tip over.
• Do not place extra pillows or blankets in the carriage space to reduce the risk of suffocation.
• Ensure that the wheel brakes are on whenever you stop the stroller.
• Always place the tether strap around your waist.

Quick tip

If you plan to run or jog along with the baby in a stroller, buy the one specifically designed for it because not all three-wheeled strollers are suitable for running (9).

Infographic: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Baby Strollers

Strollers may be a comforting travel companion for the infant and the new parent. Although there are several benefits, there are a few drawbacks to using strollers, as detailed in the infographic below.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: When Can Baby Sit In A Stroller? Safety Measures And Tips

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Watch this video for some helpful tips on how to get your toddler to sit in a stroller. Learn how to make it a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your child.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Jessica MaddenMD, FAAP, IBCLC

Jessica Madden is a pediatrician, neonatologist, lactation consultant, and mother of four, who has been taking care of newborns for more than 19 years now. She works as a neonatologist in the NICU at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, and founded Primrose Newborn Care, a newborn medicine and “4th trimester” home-visiting and telemedicine practice, in 2018.

Read full bio of Dr. Jessica Madden

• 
  Dr. Carolyne HiebertBSc, DC, CACCP Dr. Carolyne Hiebert is a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor with over 12 years of experience. A mother of three young children, her special interests are spinal health and childhood health and wellness. Dr. Hiebert practices in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, seeing children and prenatal and maternity clients.
  
  Dr. Carolyne Hiebert is a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor with over 12 years of experience. A mother of three young children, her special interests are spinal health and childhood health and wellness. Dr. Hiebert practices in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, seeing children and prenatal and maternity clients.

Sanjana BhattacharjeeMSc

Sanjana did her post graduation in Applied Microbiology from Vellore Institute of Technology, India. Her interest in science and health, combined with her passion to write made her convert from a scientist to a writer. She believes her role at MomJunction combines the best of both worlds as she writes health-based content based on scientific evidence.

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Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Vidya TadapatriMSc (Biotechnology)

Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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