Life would be a lot easier if you could switch to stroller and leave the car seat behind when taking the baby outdoors. But, rules are rules. You have to bear with the baby here. Ideally, you can switch anytime after the baby is capable of balancing the head and the neck over shoulders.
That way, the baby can manage to lock on to sitting position without having to tumble back again. Here in the blog I will let you know everything you need to know for a smooth transition unlike the 2020 election.
So, let’s get on with it
What to notice about the baby for stroller use?
Babies are born very fragile. Their soft mushy muscles initially are very weak. That’s why babies get a hard time balancing their own head in the beginning.
The muscles grow stronger by time and slowly they can hold up their heads and look around. This takes time though.
You should not be considering switching to strollers against car seat in the first three months or so.
See how the baby can control his head over the shoulder. If you find that the baby is hold the head high and you can see the neck and shoulder holding up well, then its time.
This usually takes around 3 to 6 months. There is plenty of disagreement on the matter but rest assured, this is the right way to go.
Which to use on the first 3-6 months?
At this point, your responsibility is to make sure that the baby is comfortable, safe and stable. The car seat is the right option for now.
The baby needs support and the seat assures it better than the stroller. Yes, the seat can be boring at times.
The baby will not want to be in it for long. But, he or she will be in safe keep and adapt the posture of the seat.
You have to wait till the baby muscles around the neck and shoulder is strong, thereafter, the baby will quickly and easily learn to balance.
Use the car seat to carry the baby when the baby is still wobbly. It will be comfortable enough.
Can you use Strollers for Babies below 3 months?
It is recommended that you don’t use a stroller where the baby needs to sit up. If your life is on the go then you need to do what you need to do. But, don’t compromise with the baby’s health.
So, what you are looking for is a bassinet stroller. The strollers are designed for new born babies. Therefore, they can recline full laid-back. These strollers allow the baby to lie down completely so they don’t need to balance.
Moreover, what you should be looking for is the shock absorbing capacity. The newborn can be sensitive to rough surface.
So, buy a stroller that has good comfort for the baby. Secondly, there are strollers in which you can fit the car seat into. These strollers are usually a bit pricy. So, know what you are looking for and why.
How to migrate from car seat to stroller for the baby?
Now, it is time to leave back the car seat if the baby is trying peep in to the world trying to lift his head high. Just place the baby in the stroller and see if the baby is being able to sit steadily. You don’t need to worry if he or she no longer needs your help.
Usually, it’s after 6 months of age. Now you can safely migrate from the car seat to your relief and the baby’s. Babies try to move and get to know the world around them. So, getting out of the seat is good deal for them too.
What type of stroller to buy for baby?
There is a wide range of strollers available in the market as you can find at the mall. It can be puzzling to pick the right one for your baby. Besides, you don’t buy a stroller every day.
You will only need it as much as the baby can use it. So, the one you buy has to be the chosen one. Let’s see what your categories to choose from are, shall we?
What are some of the Different Types of Strollers?
Full-sized stroller
Full-sized strollers are slightly bigger than your average stroller will all the advantages. They are designed to take stroll the baby through the entire toddler years.
Such strollers offer expandable canopies, Option to mount the seat forward-facing or rear-facing and more importantly, Deep seat recline.
It will be easy to find one that has the mechanism to fit a car seat.
Lightweight or umbrella stroller:
The gives it away. Umbrella strollers are designed to be light weight. It is easy to fold too, which makes stashing it in the trunk and taking it on a bus or train possible. Portability is its best remark.
Jogging stroller
Jogging strollers are designed so that you can take your baby with for a run or a jog. They have very good suspensions fitted so are very flexible and soothing to ride.
These are usually compatible for cars use. They also feature deep reclining seats, telescoping handlebars, adequate storage baskets, a hand brake and straps.
Double stroller
This is for you if you are lucky enough to be a parent of twins. You’ll need to buy nearly everything double till the babies are old enough to choose differently.
Car seat carrier
Car seat strollers have wheeled frames which are built to transform your infant car seat into a stroller. Basically, turning the car seat into a stroller is the fancy you get. They can be pretty handy for traveling.
Travel system
Travel system strollers are the best in the game. They may seem a bit pricy. But, these strollers can be as useful as any stroller with all the features. The car seat adaptation is the game changer. They all come in package. So, it’s a win-win.
Benefits of having a Stroller
- Maneuverability and mobility becomes a lot easier day to day.
- Provides emotional comfort to the baby seeing a familiar face at all times.
- Helps the baby nap even if you don’t have the time for it.
- Knowing the baby is safe and comfortable gives you relaxation.
- It is easy to monitor the baby as the baby is with you wherever you go.
- You develop a strong bond with the baby as you constantly keep the company.
What to check when buying a stroller?
Strollers can have a price from $30 to $1,200. You want to buy the right one so that your one purchase is a solution to all your needs.
Here are some things you should keep in mind while picking the right stroller for you:
Stroller Features for Every Age
- Storage space: How much room you need is a matter of lifestyle and preferences. Are you the kind of mom who likes to take everything with you when you leave the house, or do you travel light? Do you shop on foot or do you keep the stuff in the car? Would you rather stow the diaper bag or carry it with you at all times? Having the right amount of storage will make it easier to carry the baby and even more.
- Adjustable handlebar: The handlebars must be height adjustable to accommodate those people’s height and leg span. As a result, people of all heights in the family can take the baby in the stroller.
- Sun protection: Babies cannot stand exposure to the sun for too long. You can opt to using a blanket but having a stroller with a big canopy that’s UV protective is a lot easier. The baby will feel free and better on a hot sunny day.
- Breaking system: The most important feature you ought to check is the breaking system. See that the stroller has good strong breaking at the wheels. Some strollers have hand brakes at the handle bar. Having good breaking is important for the safety of the newborn.
Why you should get the baby off the car seat?
Babies are constantly learning and bonding with the world. It is advised that you don’t use the car seat long after the first year.
The first year ought to be time enough for the baby in the car seat. The baby might get attached to it if you keep using the car seat and you don’t want that.
You want the baby to be an explorer. The baby may not stay up in arms about if you habituate the baby to stay cupped inside the car seat. So, switch to the stroller when the time comes.
To wrap it all up
What you should know is that you should not yet be considering baby strollers if you have a newborn in your arms. Baby wraps or carriers would be the right thing for now.
If your baby is over half a year older and can manage the weight over the neck, then get a stroller. Just wait till the baby can maneuver his or her hear on their own.
