The stroller is comfortable and lightweight. But it can only be used from a certain age. If the child is too small, then such a stroller will be uncomfortable for him and may even cause harm, so it is important to follow age restrictions and rules.
A properly selected stroller is the key to a child’s comfort and health. There are many types, and each has both advantages and disadvantages. One of them is a stroller, which is lightweight. But at what age should a child use it? All mothers should know the answer to this question.
At what age should I start using a stroller?
A stroller differs from a “cradle” or “transformer” in that it is designed specifically for comfortable walks. In it, the baby can be in a sitting position, look at everything around and, thus, explore the world. And such strollers are also lightweight, which is a decisive argument for most mothers, especially those living on the top floors of five-story buildings without elevators.
But strollers are not suitable for newborns and babies in the first months of life, since in such children the spine is not sufficiently formed, and increased loads on it can lead to curvature. The minimum age at which a child can be transferred to this “transport” is five or six months. But most pediatricians recommend waiting until the baby sits up on his own or maintains this position. Therefore, if the baby makes active attempts, and some of them are successful, then you should wait a month or two.
Advice: If you actively use a stroller unit and it no longer matches the size of your child’s body, then it’s time to replace it with a full-fledged stroller.
Why can't these strollers be used earlier?
Strollers are not dangerous if used at the appropriate age. If you rush things, then active use will provoke curvature of the spine. There are several reasons for this possible negative consequence:
- The presence of a bend and an uneven bottom. Children in the first months of life should be in a horizontal position most of the time, and unevenness will cause discomfort and inevitably change the position to the wrong one.
- Insufficient cushioning. Lightweight strollers with small wheels are not very stable and shake when riding on uneven surfaces, which may not be pleasant or even harm the child.
- Insufficient protection. Most strollers do not have side skirts to keep out the wind.
How to choose the right option?
To make your baby comfortable in a stroller, it is important to choose the right model. The important criteria are the following:
- Folding mechanism. The first option is a “book” (when folded, the model resembles a book). The second option is a cane (when folded, the handles move closer to each other and connect, so the design resembles a long cane). Cane strollers are less stable, but light in weight. “Books” are much more reliable, but heavier.
- Information provided by the manufacturer. The manufacturing company is obliged to provide information about the product: operating features, age restrictions, precautions.
- Back positions. For a 6-8 month old baby, choose a model that offers a horizontal lying position so that the baby can rest or sleep. The stroller can have from two to four positions, and smooth adjustment is possible.
- Depreciation is provided by wheels. If they are elastic and large, then the baby will not shake even while driving on uneven roads. And small plastic wheels will not provide adequate shock absorption, so this option is not suitable for children.
- Pen. The ability to move it will allow you to change the position of the child: he will be able to look forward or see his mother.
- Worth choosing for summer a stroller with a wide canopy that covers the seat to protect the baby from the rays of the scorching sun in hot weather.
- Case- a necessary accessory that is necessary for protection from the cold in the cool season, and the tighter it is, the better.
- Restraints and belts will prevent the child from falling if he accidentally moves forward or loses his balance.
- Color and pattern are less important, but a bright stroller will be interesting for the baby, because he will be able to look at the patterns. It is better to avoid bright and saturated shades; they negatively affect the nervous system.
When and how to use a stroller?
The stroller is designed for walks that will be comfortable for a small child if it is warm outside. Therefore, the optimal time to start operation would be summer or late spring. In winter, it is better to use a transformable or “3 in 1” model that is stable and protects from frost.
If the baby is just getting acquainted with the stroller, then he must get used to it, so first put him inside and let him get used to it, look around, and adapt to the new and as yet unknown environment. It is better to place a child at the age of six months lying down so that his back does not strain and get tired. If the baby is 8-9 months old, choose a reclining or sitting position, but preferably not for long. At one year of age, the child sits for a long time and begins to try to take the first steps or is already actively walking.
Terms of use
The baby will be comfortable in the stroller, but the mother must monitor the sensations. If the child constantly slides, the wrong position may be chosen: try changing it to a suitable one. If he is acting up, it is probably due to overheating due to the sun or lack of air, or the wind blowing in his face. In this case, move the cover or visor. If the baby tries to get up or sits for a long time, change the sitting position.
To level the surface, use a mattress that matches the size of the seat. Try adding a flat pillow to make your stroller experience more comfortable.
Advice: At first, the seat will be in plain sight, and the baby will be able to keep his mother in sight and not worry. And then change the position of the handle: this way the child will have the opportunity to see more and explore the world around him.
Do not use a stroller if your child is small. Choose the appropriate model and, once you start operating, follow simple rules.
What kind of stroller do you need and when can you use it?
Without exception, all newly born babies need a stroller. In the first days and months of life, there is a period when the baby sleeps most of the day, so you need a stroller in order to go out with him for a walk for several hours a day in the fresh air, and the baby will sleep peacefully in the stroller. Therefore, you can use a stroller with a cradle or a transformable stroller. The first option can be used if your baby was born between summer and winter. And children who were born in the spring have a chance of not fitting into a stroller in winter, in which case a transformer will be very useful.
If you like to travel a lot, then you can’t do without a stroller with your baby. It is recommended to choose the type of stroller depending on your age. You can use a cane stroller or a lightweight stroller if your baby is already sitting well. The advantage is that they are light in weight and fold up quickly. Transformable strollers are not suitable for travel and transport because they are heavy and bulky. If you travel by car, then a special car seat will be just right for you.
Until what age does a child need a stroller?
Stroller manufacturers believe that your baby will ride in it from birth until about three years of age. However, practice shows that children are different, and some can ride in it until the age of four, while others will refuse to get into this vehicle after a year. It is recommended to use the stroller as little as possible after the baby has taken his first steps in order to ensure the healthy physical development of the baby. It is very useful for a child to walk and explore the world, especially in the warm season and when the weather is favorable.
Exceptions may be when your route is quite long, or when you need to go shopping at the store. In this case, the child may get tired of walking for a long time, and you will not be able to pick him up due to the heavy bags of food.
If the child often sleeps in the fresh air, then in this case you also cannot do without a stroller. When you are walking on the playground, it is recommended to place the stroller nearby so that when the baby gets tired, he can be put to sleep. Remember that sleeping in the fresh air is very useful not only for young children, but also for older children.
In bad weather and rain, it will also be more convenient to go for a walk with a stroller. For such cases, insulated covers for the legs, mosquito nets and raincoats are specially provided.
Other means of transportation for children
In winter you can use sleds. The baby will get a lot of pleasure from moving, and it will be easier for you to carry the sled in the snow. The stroller set usually includes a warm cover for the legs so that the baby does not freeze, in addition, you can also use a warm blanket or envelope for the sled.
Toys, such as cars with a handle attached to the back, baby strollers for dolls, can act as a moving support; a child can ride in them and also push them using the handles at the back.
You can teach a child to roller skate when he learns not only to walk, but also to run confidently. Remember to follow safety precautions when doing this. A little later you can ride a scooter, skate or ski.
This is not the first time I have drawn attention to several situations that lead to the question, until what age does a child need a stroller?!
First situation - this is when 3-4 year old children are carried in a stroller. The child no longer fits in it, the knees bend almost to the chin, the mother strains to push the heavy stroller, but she still gets there.
Second situation - this is when children a little over a year old do not want to sit in a stroller, they climb out of it, but the mother still puts him back in and tries to continue walking.
And the funny thing is that the first situation subsequently leads to the second.
Why this happens can be understood by tracing the cause-and-effect relationship of one situation to another.
As children approach the age of one year, they begin to learn to walk independently. They explore the world not only with their hands and tasting everything, but also with their legs, with which they begin to walk more confidently and confidently. When a child has learned to walk a little, it becomes no longer interesting for him to sit in a stroller, because he wants to try and hone a new skill.
When going out with a one-year-old child, mothers consider it almost obligatory to take a stroller with them. Although, by and large, if you go out for a walk near the house and not for long, then the child does not need a stroller. The mother needs it more, because in the stroller she can put everything the child needs for a walk (the same diapers, water and other little things).
For this age, a large stroller will no longer be relevant, because it will be difficult to carry around, especially when you lead the baby by the handle with the other hand. At this age, strollers will be relevant, which can be useful for a child if he gets tired of stomping his feet and starts to be capricious, or when you plan to walk a lot and expect to put the child to bed.
At one and a half years old If you and your child are walking outside of nap time and the child has his own sleep schedule, then you don’t have to take the stroller with you for a walk, because the child will practically not sit in it.
At one and a half to two years of age (during the warm period of the year), it will be important for a child to replace the stroller with a bicycle with a handle for parents and a roof that can be worn in cases of rain or strong sun.
At two years old, a child does not need a stroller at all., because on the street, he will be interested not in looking at the passing landscapes while driving in a stroller, but in actively running and playing on the playground. At this age, children's internal motor is actively working and it cannot be suppressed by laziness. If you have already gone out for a walk with your child, then you need to run with him, rummage in the sand, catch him when he slides downhill or climbs various horizontal bars and ladders.
At three years old, a stroller is no longer needed, except in cases where the child has health problems and is not necessary due to circumstances.
Although, if a child is 1.5 - 2 years old and is placed in a stroller almost all the time and do not let him run around on the street with his legs, but having discouraged the child, he may develop the habit that he should walk in a stroller, and not with his legs.
And then parents are surprised and complain that their child at 3 years old does not want to walk, but always asks to be carried or in a stroller. Although in fact the whole reason is in the parents themselves. When, during the period of active development and interest of the baby in walking with his legs, the parents were too lazy to run after him, they either wanted to take a leisurely walk with the stroller, discussing children’s issues with their mother friends, or sit on a bench rocking the stroller. As a result, the child gets used to the stroller.
So, to summarize, we can say that first of all you need to look at the child and pay attention to his characteristics. The child’s desires in matters of development must be put first in comparison with one’s own desires and laziness. And at what age you can give up a stroller only by taking a closer look at your baby. But if we are objective, we can say that from the age of two, the stroller can be safely passed on and put aside, replacing it with the next stage - a bicycle or just walking with your feet.
After the birth of a newborn in a family, it is impossible to do without a reliable vehicle. Strollers are needed from the first days of life; with their help, it is convenient not only to walk a baby, but also to lull him to sleep. Bassinets are purchased for comfortable sleep for babies during walks. Thick upholstery does not allow moisture to pass through and reliably protects from drafts. Until what age does a child need a stroller-cradle, the employees of the Daughters-Sons online store will tell you.
Up to what age can a stroller be used?
Modern devices of this design are necessary until the baby can sit confidently without support. Only after this the child can be transferred to a walking model. Usually parents change their means of transportation at 6-8 months.
Not everyone can afford to buy a stroller and then exchange it for a stroller. Most parents prefer the economical “2 in 1” or transformer option. These models have a lot of advantages, but bassinets still have the highest level of comfort for babies.
The time to change from the first stroller to a stroller depends on the developmental characteristics and behavior of the baby. It's time to hide the cradle in the closet if the child:
- starts to cry every time she lies down;
- constantly rises while driving;
- has grown and does not fit in the block;
- sits confidently and actively perceives the world around him.
Practical parents prefer modern folding stroller models, which can be successfully used for up to 2-3 years when purchasing additional equipment. Such devices can be easily converted into walking ones; it is enough to purchase a special lightweight unit.
Important!
Pediatricians do not recommend riding children over 1 year old in bassinets. This is harmful to the spine and also slows down the development of muscles, vision and creative thinking. From 12 months, the baby must see and explore the world around him, which cannot be done in a closed stroller, constantly lying on his back.
Advantages of a stroller-cradle
Sleeping strollers have the most stable and simple design. Moms welcome models with a “book” fold type, which can be unfolded and folded in 5 minutes. In winter, you can put a heat-insulating cover on the cradle, which perfectly protects from wind and severe frosts. The wide frame with a spring shock absorber ensures a calm and comfortable sleep for the baby. This type of stroller rides quieter and smoother than others.
| Main brands | Peculiarities | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Peg-Perego | They don't get wet. The material “breathes”. The frame cannot be broken even with an accidental strong blow. | The upholstery can be removed and washed. The handle can be easily adjusted to a comfortable height. It rides smoothly even on rough roads. |
| Navington | The swivel wheels move around obstacles well. On the handle there is a spacious bag for children's accessories. | The backrest can be adjusted by 170°. The removable rim provides reliable protection against collisions. |
| Inglesina | The front chassis can be rotated 360°. The basket is installed lower than other models. | The visor can be opened without sound. The model comes with a large bag with pockets. |
| Bebecar | Dimensional wheels with locks. Fashionable upholstery design (white-black, white-pink and pink palette). | They drive quietly and as quickly as possible. The sun visor can always be detached. |
conclusions
The stroller can be used for up to 6-8 months. When the child has grown up and sat down, he will not lie down during the walk. This model may be needed for sleeping outdoors, for example, in a country house. After six months you will be able to move around the city using walking aids. In blocks with the book folding type, you can successfully ride a baby from birth to 2-3 years, but for this you need to purchase and install a walking module.
Today on the street one lady with a child asked me, like an experienced mother :) That’s exactly how she addressed me :)
She was interested in the age at which a child still needed a stroller. I will say right away that there is no universal answer to this question. Simply because all children are different, and mothers are all different too.
Some will trudge along with the baby at his pace, walking where the child is interested on foot, some will prefer to walk their own route, looking at the playgrounds, and some like to combine business with pleasure, and during the walk they go on a shopping trip and various necessary places. Then the child, of course, needs to be moved in space at the speed of the mother, well, or comparable to it. If you don't use a sling for this, you need a stroller.
The age at which a baby cannot move at a speed close to that of an adult exceeds 4 years. Therefore, you can use the stroller for up to 4 years.
I answered this lady, based on my own experience, that from the age of 2 it is quite possible to live without a stroller. For example, from the age of 1.5, my husband’s parents walked him without a stroller, and even on sand, and over long distances. They walked along the entire beach in Solnechny, where they then rented a dacha. And they showed no sympathy for his whining about fatigue and desire to ride on handlebars. We were not so radical, and with our children under 2 years old we used a stroller if we went for a walk outside the yard.
I decided to wean myself off the stroller in favor of other vehicles: a bicycle and a scooter. Alex sat on a two-wheeled bike (with side support wheels) at the age of 1.8 years. I learned to ride in a couple of days. And we took all our walks outside the yard with a bicycle.
And I’m not bored, I can walk around the area, the pace of movement allows me to get to my grandmother (a couple of kilometers) in a walk, drop in for a visit, and the child is physically active. Things went worse with the scooter, since it initially didn’t suit Alka’s height (the handlebars were too high). It was impossible to adjust, so my son didn’t ride it until he was 2.5 years old. But after that I drove with pleasure. And we also successfully replaced the stroller when we had to go far on business.
The youngest son happily switched to a scooter at about 2.5 years old.
The personal reason I weaned my son off the stroller was my second pregnancy. You can’t push two strollers, it’s inconvenient to roll a long double stroller-train, you can use a trailer with wheels (and sometimes it’s even convenient), but I didn’t want any compromises.
The eldest child has always been independent and active. Therefore, at the age of 2, we finally parted with the stroller. True, of course, dad’s hands remained on long passages without a bike. From time to time, until he was 3.5 years old, he dabbled in riding on his dad, but as a privilege, so that it would not be so offensive to be the eldest son. 😁