How Long Do Babies Use Strollers? – When To Retire It
Strollers are convenient, especially when you need to bring your baby out for groceries or just a stroll in the park. Of course, your baby will soon likely grow out of their favorite stroller. The question is, though, how long do babies use strollers? Should you transition to walking as early as two years? In this article, you will learn the kinds of strollers, their benefits, and when you can stop putting your baby in strollers. Curious? Read on!
Kinds of Strollers
You need to learn first the five kinds of strollers that are currently available in the market before we go into the details of knowing how long do babies use strollers. This information is very helpful in choosing the perfect one for your baby:
Car Seat Carrier
This kind of stroller is a convertible baby car seat. They are frames with wheels.
Double Stroller
This stroller is perfect for twins or multiple growing kids. You can have it in tandem or side-by-side modes.
Full-Sized Stroller
The full-sized stroller is the most common one you will find. It is the standard option for being big, sturdy, and durable.
Jogging Stroller
You use this stroller when you are jogging in the park. It has a great suspension that allows your baby to still be comfortable inside a well-maneuvered stroller when running or hiking.
Umbrella Stroller
These strollers are lightweight and are easy to fold. These kinds of strollers are perfect when you are traveling on an airplane, bus, or train.
Benefits of Strollers
Before we answer the question: “How long do babies use strollers?” let us go check the many benefits such strollers can offer you and your baby!
Comfort
The stroller can provide your baby comfort when you go outing. The padded seats and cushions around your baby will make it seem like they are sitting clouds.
Convenient Transportation
The stroller is great in carrying your baby smoothly from one point to another. They are easy to fold and place even when you use public transportation.
Durability
Strollers are long-lasting. Durable materials such as steel and consumer-approved plastic make up these things to withstand the test of time.
Ease of Use
Strollers are no-brainers to use. You do not need professional training to push or pull a stroller.
Extra Storage
Strollers have built-in storage space that also offers convenience for mothers. They are great to keep toys and other items, leaving you with a light diaper bag.
Safety Features
Your strollers provide safety features, such as harnesses and straps that will hold your baby securely and comfortably inside. You do not need to worry.
UV Protection
Strollers have canopies that can block the sun’s rays and prevent the harmful UV radiation from hitting your baby’s precious and delicate skin.
Age to Use Strollers
So how long do babies use strollers? Most experts say that babies can use strollers for up to two to three years of age. But what kind of stroller do you need for a certain period as your baby is growing up? Here is a brief and helpful guide:
For 0-6 Months Old
The stroller that is perfect for keeping babies at this age stable, comfortable, and supported is one that has a good suspension system. A stroller that can absorb bounces and fully recline is the best preference—this will be good since your baby will still always be on their back at this age.
For 6-12 Months Old
At this point, your baby knows how to sit straight or upright. So, the stroller that you will need is something that has a comfortable seat and lots of cushions. It must be spacious or roomy, with a lot of support and multiple reclining positions that are adjustable to keep up with your child's growth. Find ones that have five-point harnesses for security.
For 18-24 Months Old
Your kid will be very active and curious at this stage. They will habitually hop out of the stroller. This stage usually means that you will most likely end up carrying the empty stroller, so a lightweight one is the best choice. Also, it should be a stroller that is easy to fold.
A Gentle Reminder
Strollers are a great help, especially when you are out in public. But let us not forget, as parents, that young children need to exercise regularly at least just for an hour. Sometimes, it may not be healthy to keep them and push them around in a stroller. Again, the appropriate age when babies can stop using strollers is three years old and above. But this is also circumstantial, some babies four or five years of age may still need to use strollers when in public transportation. Also, disabled children need proper support from strollers too. However, it is always a great suggestion to transition your kids out of the stroller when they reach the age of three, or earlier even.
Conclusion
Now you know the answer to the question: “How long do babies use strollers?” The one thing for you to do is apply what you have learned from this guide to finally help your baby transition smoothly from a stroller to a walk. Remember, there are different kinds of strollers and periods to use strollers in your baby's growing life. Be familiar with the different guidelines on stroller usage to prevent any mishaps or even raise lazy kids. Hopefully, you have learned a lot from the information provided in this article.