One of the most current issues The question that young parents ask is: at what age does a child need a stroller? After all, the further choice of “transport” for the baby depends on the answer to it.
The very first means of transportation for a baby is usually a stroller-cradle, in which the baby will happily sleep and breathe fresh air, which is so necessary for the full development of the body. This stroller is usually used until the baby is six months old. This is dictated not only by the fact that by this time the child will feel cramped in the cradle. Many babies at this age already know how to sit, and therefore it becomes uninteresting for them to walk while lying down and they always strive to sit down, which can be unsafe for a little curious person.
But all babies are unique and special! There are children who start sitting earlier, and there are those who sit later. Therefore, no mother will miss the right moment when it is necessary to change the stroller.
If your baby was born in the spring, then it makes sense to purchase a 2-in-1 stroller with a walking block, since by winter the grown-up toddler may no longer fit in the cradle, or a 3-in-1 stroller with a group 0+ car seat, designed for babies weighing up to 13 kg. The car seat will become an indispensable assistant for parents who are used to using a car. In addition, it can provide high level safety for the baby. Also a practical option would be a transformable stroller, which can easily transform from a cradle into a walking seat.
Manufacturers recommend using the stroller up to three years old child, but everything, again, depends on the baby himself. It happens that a baby, having learned to stomp on his own, no longer wants to take walks in a stroller, and constantly asks to get out of it. And there are children who prefer to combine walking with a break to sleep in a stroller until they are four years old, preparing to explore the new world with renewed vigor.
But not everything depends on the child! Much depends on the rhythm of life of the parents and on the situation. When going to the store or running errands, it is best to use a stroller, because the fast pace of such a “walk” will quickly get your baby tired, and you won’t be able to carry him in your arms for a long time, especially with heavy bags from the supermarket. The most mobile stroller for such trips in warm and good weather is a cane stroller. It is lightweight, maneuverable, folds quickly and compactly. But it is only suitable for children who already know how to sit well and for a long time. For a dynamic walk around the city or park, it is also better to use a stroller, in which the baby can take a good nap at any time. And the presence of accessories for any weather will create comfortable conditions for walking all year round.
If your baby prefers to stomp on his own, then for measured walks near the house or on the playground you can do without a stroller.
So, answering the question, up to what age does a child need a stroller, let’s say that all numbers are relative. Each mother, focusing on the needs and characteristics of her little one, can easily determine when to replace the cradle stroller with a stroller, and when to completely abandon the stroller in favor of other means of transportation.
Walking is important for a child fresh air, regardless of the weather. During the first months he sleeps a lot, and the 2 in 1 stroller is specially adapted for this. The child lies comfortably and is protected on all sides from rain and wind.
For example, the Tutis stroller is suitable from birth to 3-3.5 years. For babies up to 6-8 months it can be used as a cradle. The model is then transformed into an open structure. You can plant or lay the baby in it. If the child begins to sit down, it is easy for him to find a comfortable position that does not injure his back.
Period of use of the Tutis stroller
The child grows up and tries to sit independently. He is no longer interested in moving around if he is lying in a cradle. The time has come for the walking structure. It has several positions for the backrest, like in a 3 in 1 stroller from the Tutis brand. The baby is transported and put to sleep. In a sitting position, he has a view of the street.The stroller has 2 shock absorption positions: soft - for baby's sleep, sports (hard) - for long walks with an older child. The distance between the rear and front wheels has also been increased, making the model easier to drive.
In favorable weather, the child walks a lot, but he needs rest. It will be difficult for a mother to walk on the playground or go to the store without a stroller until the baby reaches the age of three. When it is possible to carry a baby, the problem is solved quickly.
IN modern models provided:
- raincoats;
- sun visors;
- mosquito nets;
- insulated covers.
Time to change the first stroller to a stroller
You can determine when the period for transforming a 2 into 1 model (changing the first stroller for a walking unit) begins based on the baby’s degree of development. Parents need to notice changes in the behavior of the little one. If the child sits confidently without support, you can use walking options.It's time to replace the cradle with a walking block if your baby:
- no longer fits when lying in the cradle;
- rises;
- cries when lying down;
- sits steadily;
- actively interested in what is happening around.
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. The baby can be in it 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. Minimum age, in which the child can be transferred to this “transport” - 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. Reasons for this possible negative consequences some:
- 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 suitable 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 small child if it's warm outside. That's why optimal time the start of operation will 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 using it, 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 child has taken his first steps in order to take care of the child’s health. physical development baby. It is very useful for a child to walk on foot 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.
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 the desire to ride on handles. 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 means of transport: 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 push a long double stroller-train, you can use a tow pad on wheels (and sometimes 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, daddy’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. 😁
