The question of when the usual baby cradle can be replaced with a stroller version worries every parent. The child grows and develops very quickly, and he is not interested in lying quietly in the cradle - he wants to learn about the world. However, when choosing baby strollers in store catalogs, it is important to know at what age they can be used so as not to harm the baby’s health.
Some parents transfer their child to a stroller-cane from 4 months, if he begins to sit down. In this case, opt for models that are easily transformed and comfortable for a lying position, so that the child can lie down at any time.
At the same time, pediatricians recommend transferring children at least 6 months old to cane strollers, because at this age they have already grown up, become stronger and sit confidently. Kids need a good view, and parents need ease of transportation and safety. A cane stroller meets both criteria. This type of stroller is lightweight and has a good wheel locking system. A lightweight removable awning replaces the visor.
Having decided to buy a baby stroller, the prices for them, by the way, are quite affordable, find out all the pros and cons of the model you like.
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.
Intermediate stage
Don't forget that each person grows and develops individually. Therefore, we can only give a general recommendation, and then look at your child. The most important criterion for when you can transfer your child to a stroller is his ability to sit independently. For one it will be 4 - 5 months, for another 6 - 7. There is no need to rush things. If for now he sits only with support on a pillow and does not keep his back straight, then you need to buy something else for him.
Today, parents have a huge choice of means of transportation. A great help is the transformer into which the cradle is inserted, as well as a special block designed just for this period. Although even here, disputes cannot be ruled out when to transfer the child to the stroller. But on average, this is for those who no longer want to lie down, but it’s too early to sit.
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.
Peculiarities
Before transferring your child to a stroller, you need to understand what makes it different from a cradle. The cradle is a common means of transportation when walking. In it, the baby is always in a lying position and is in no hurry to reveal himself to the world. It is always reliably protected from wind, rain, heat, and also from prying eyes.
Over time, the baby grows up and can already hold his head up. The child becomes less calm, tries to get out of the cradle, and often attracts attention by crying. Not every mother will feel the strength to carry her child in one hand and a stroller and bag in the other. The moment has come when little by little you need to accustom your baby to a new means of transportation. This should be done carefully and gradually.
They usually start using a stroller at 6 months, when the child already has a fairly strong spine to withstand the sitting load. Many parents rush things, which is not always possible. However, the uneven bottom and bends of the stroller will constantly force the child into an incorrect position, which will affect the health of the spine and its development.
The small wheels of many models do not have good shock absorption - the stroller will shake and skid over bumps, which the baby will obviously not like. In addition, lightweight protection from rain and wind will also cause confusion and crying in a baby accustomed to peace.
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.
- For summer, it is worth choosing a stroller with a wide canopy that covers the seat in order to protect the baby from the rays of the scorching sun in hot weather.
- A cover is a necessary accessory to protect from the cold in the cool season, and the tighter it is, the better.
- Restraints and straps will prevent your 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.
Solving the issue with the place
It’s very good if you have strollers for all occasions. For a small and growing child, for winter and summer, a lightweight cane and a comfortable transformer. But usually there is simply nowhere to put them, so you have to look for an alternative option that will be as universal as possible. Strollers for children are usually used between the ages of 6 months and one and a half or two years. Therefore, for a newborn, you can buy a more suitable stroller for transportation in a lying position. When the child grows up, just sell it and buy something more suitable. This allows you to solve all problems, and also does not cost money.
Of course, compared to strollers, the transformer looks more convenient and comfortable. But you also need to compare the weight. If the “cane” can be folded in one movement and easily raised to the 3rd - 4th floor (it weighs no more than 5 kg), then problems will arise with the “Baby Merc”. Lifting it up the steps alone is extremely problematic, because the stroller weighs about 40 kg, while it is wide and bulky.
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.
The ideal city stroller
This can be called the Uppababy Cruz model. Optimal walking option. It has a narrow frame, which allows you to drive through any nooks and yards. Easily passes through the doors of the store and climbs into the elevator. The hood reliably protects from the sun's rays, the seat has a reclining backrest. Plus there is a large shopping basket. And all this folds up literally in one movement, and weighs little. That is, an excellent option for a modern and mobile mother who cannot sit still. With this stroller, the child will be comfortable, and the mother will feel at ease and comfortable.
At around 6 months you can begin to master this pattern. It will serve faithfully for several years until the child grows out of transport and switches to a bicycle.
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.
Main advantages
First of all, it is light and comfortable. Therefore, mothers are looking forward to the moment when they can start using it. But you need to know when to transfer your child to a stroller. If he is still too small, then it will be inconvenient for him and may even harm him. Age restrictions must be observed. It’s better to take two strollers of different ages “from hand”, cheaper. After all, well-chosen transport is the key to the comfort and health of the child.
Kinds
There are many types of strollers, and before buying the model you like, you need to thoroughly study the pros and cons. Strollers can be distinguished by different characteristics, mainly by time of year, type of design and weight. There are universal models for any season; with them you can safely go for a walk in rain, snow and heat. Seasonal strollers are adapted for certain times of the year.
According to their design features, strollers are divided into “books” and “canes”. The name “book” speaks for itself - the model has a folding mechanism similar to a book. These strollers are very functional and completely safe. When folded, the “books” are stable and compact, and can easily fit into the trunk of a car. The adjustable footrest allows you to increase the sleeping space, which is especially important for older children. Among the disadvantages of “books”, buyers mainly note their heavy weight.
Strollers - “canes” are folded in length and in this form, indeed, resemble a cane. Such models are among the lightest, their weight often does not exceed 7 kilograms. The disadvantage of “canes” is the seat made of fabric, which does not always have a positive effect on the growing spine.
When buying a stroller, you need to consider the type of wheels. Small plastic models are suitable for strollers - “canes”, but they will not be able to withstand very bad roads. The rubber version is a good purchase for those who like soft, quiet walks. Pay close attention to the size of the wheels - small ones are very maneuverable, but large ones can easily navigate any terrain.
A good addition to the stroller will be a walking block that can be placed directly on the chassis. The presence of seat belts in such a unit is mandatory; they serve to prevent the child from turning over and falling out. It is advisable to choose an adjustable backrest, then the baby will be able to lie down and get enough sleep while walking.
