You are a parent, and after months of mostly staying indoors because of the pandemic, it’s nice to take a walk in the park and soak in the early morning heat or afternoon sun. A good Not Too Big baby stroller can be a lifesaver for parents.
With the growth of societies and the reopening of economies, mobility has become very important for everyone. Bringing your baby outside can benefit your baby’s development and get you a chance to exercise. A stroller is one of the essential gears for family outdoor activities and travels with infants. It is a must-have for families with children under the age of 3.
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The basic functions of a baby stroller include riding, mobility, and protection for your baby. But how to know when your baby is ready for a stroller? When is it safe for your baby to sit in one?
When To Use a Stroller
Newborns are still developing their physical strength and thus have limited motor skills. Babies need the support of a parent or caregiver, especially in the head and upper body, to sit upright. Help your baby exercise their muscles and practice motor skills by assisting them and providing a safe space they can explore.
Studies show that 4 to 7-month-old babies start to roll over, reach out to get stuff, and sit up. Babies by this age can hold their heads up while lying on their tummies and prepare to learn to crawl. Now with improved neck strength and confidence, babies start to sit with support and lean forward.
Experts suggest that a baby can sit upright in a stroller without falling forward at around six months. Depending on the level of their motor development, babies should be able to sit upright with their backs supported.
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Babies’ legs during this age are also getting ready to practice more movements and standing. They are learning to support their weight and enjoy bouncing, so having a space that supports them is a great idea. Their muscles are getting strong but still need assistance. At this time, you can now bring your baby outside during a nice warm day on a stroller that reclines, introduce some nature, and learn to mingle for their development.
Physical activity plays a crucial role in muscle and spinal development, especially during the early months of life. In a research campaign in the US, babies spending more time lying on their backs or supine lying resulted in some deformations and delayed motor development. Be attentive with gears that keep babies lying on their backs for an excessive amount of time and not giving them enough space.
While riding a stroller, you can give your baby safe toys for their age with sounds and textures to grasp, pick up, pass from one hand to another, and explore. Strollers help parents safely supervise their infants outside. You can go for a long walk or jog while pushing the stroller. This activity with your baby can also help improve your health and well-being. You can also unstrap your baby after strolling, set a picnic mat and allow your baby to crawl.
Some models of strollers also have transport systems that are best for transferring from car seat attachment to stroller. Babywearing gears with an upright carrying can also be an option to provide more emotional and physical benefits to your baby.
Another safe option is to use a stroller with a flat or detachable carriage surface that allows the baby to lie flat. You can ensure that there are support straps for the harness available in the stroller. Remember not to spend too much time having your baby lie flat in the stroller and never leave your baby unattended.
Things to consider in selecting the perfect stroller
With the availability of strollers, paediatricians remind parents to be aware of some safety functions and find good quality strollers that meet the families’ requirements. The utmost priority in selecting a baby stroller is its safety features and functional innovation.
Studies provide results that aim to understand the best design for strollers and what parents look for in one. Most parents, caregivers and users value a stroller based primarily on these requirements: easy to carry and push, easy to fold, and comfortable to sit and lie on. Since a stroller is for outdoor activities, a portable, foldable, lightweight and compact in size stroller is a plus.
Other great features include:
- Available back, buttocks, and feet support features in a stroller
- A storage system or compartments for small items are very convenient for shopping
- Reconfigurable, structure can be changed for different activities or setting
- With easily replaceable parts
- Stable on bumpy roads and shocks
- Comfortable, with a safe mattress and soft inner surface
- Locks, brakes or stoppers are working
Final Thoughts
Always read the guidelines and proper usage provided by the manufacturer, and check with your paediatrician for more safety tips. For safety purposes, you can start using a baby stroller when your baby reaches the age of six months or when your baby is practising sitting upright.
Being very attentive to your baby’s needs is a must. Help your baby learn and achieve its next milestone.