New parents and even experienced ones often wonder how long their kids will use a stroller. It’s one of those baby products you don’t need from birth but becomes necessary once you head out with your child.
The answer to how long kids use strollers varies from child to child. Ideally, once your kid has started walking and is able to follow your directions, it’s time for the stroller to go.
However, a few factors may impact when you finally have to say goodbye to the stroller. So let’s take a deep dive into this topic.
How Long Should Children Use Strollers?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants and toddlers are best suited for strollers. Once your child is three years old or older, they should be transitioned out of the stroller.
The main reason is that strollers are designed for children who can’t walk yet. They support and keep your child safe while you’re out and about.
However, once your child is old enough to walk on their own, they don’t need the stroller for support. In fact, using a stroller at this stage can slow physical development.
Walking is an integral part of a child’s physical development trajectory. Research has revealed that walking for just three minutes or more a day can positively impact the child’s metabolic activity and overall health.
On top of that, walking helps improve gross and fine motor skills. It also enhances social, emotional, and cognitive development.
So, when your child is old enough to walk, it’s best to ditch the stroller and let them explore on their own two feet.
What Are the Exceptions?
The general rule of thumb is to get your child out of the stroller by the age of 3 or 4. However, there are a few exceptions to the rule. For example, your child may need to use the stroller in the following circumstances.
Children With Special Needs
If your child has special needs, they may need to use a stroller for a longer period of time. For instance, children with cerebral palsy often need strollers as they can’t walk long distances.
In such cases, you should consult your child’s doctor to see how long they should use the stroller.
Children With Delayed Development
Some kids take longer to develop physically and may not start walking until they’re 4 years or older. If this is the case, you can continue using the stroller until they’re ready to walk independently.
Why Do You Need to Ditch the Stroller?
No parent can deny the convenience and usefulness of a stroller. But, as your child grows, there are a few reasons why you need to ditch it.
Kids Need Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle from childhood can lead to obesity and other health problems later in life. That’s why kids need to get plenty of physical activity.
Dr. Fiona Bull, a professional at the World Health Organization, says it’s important to reduce sedentary time and improve physical activity in young children to enhance their mental and physical well-being.
In fact, ensuring optimal physical activity during the first 5 years of a child’s life contributes significantly to their lifelong health and cognitive development.
Children under the age of 5 should get at least three hours of physical activity daily. Of course, that doesn’t mean getting them a gym subscription. You can improve your child’s physical activity by:
- Reducing the sitting time (such as in a stroller)
- Walking or riding a bike to school
- Organizing active playdates
- Playing in the park
- Having a backyard play area
Kids Might Get Agitated
Once kids learn how to use their little feet, they want to walk everywhere. But, of course, that’s not always possible or practical. That’s why strollers were invented in the first place.
But, when kids are old enough to walk, they might get agitated if you make them stay in the stroller. After all, they want to explore and discover their surroundings.
If you force them to stay put, they might end up having a meltdown. And no parent wants to deal with that in the middle of a mall or a crowded street.
It’s Not Always Safe
Most strollers on the market have a weight limit of 40 pounds. Unfortunately, that means that once your child reaches that weight, the stroller might not be able to support them.
If you try to use the stroller even after your child has exceeded the weight limit, it might break, which can be dangerous for you and your child.
How to Transition From a Stroller to Walking?
The key to ditching the stroller is to do it gradually. You can’t expect your little one to start walking everywhere overnight. Here are a few tips to make the transition smoother for them.
Start With Short Distances
Instead of using the stroller for your daily 2-mile walk, try leaving it at home for short distances. For instance, you can leave the stroller at home when going to the grocery store, which is probably less than a mile from your house.
As your child gets used to walking short distances, you can gradually increase the distance.
Guide Your Little One
Your child needs to understand how to walk properly on the street or sidewalk. When you take them out, give them directions on where to walk and when to stop.
You can also hold their hand to guide them and ensure they don’t wander off.
Make a Game Out of It
Some kids might get cranky when they have to walk instead of ride in the stroller. If that’s the case, try to make walking a game for them.
For instance, you can play eye spy or I Spy when you’re out on a walk. It will take their mind off the fact that they’re walking. Plus, you can use this to teach them the names of objects and colors in their surroundings.
Conclusion
Summing up, kids typically use strollers till they start walking, with 3 to 4 years being the average age. After that, parents should encourage their young ones to walk rather than ride in a stroller. However, the transition shouldn’t be abrupt; rather, it should happen gradually.
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