Strollers are a very convenient product, and parents love them because otherwise, it is them who will need to carry their child in their arms. We know how exhausting that is and how much your back will hurt after. Not to mention the tiring job of chasing your little one who loves to run around. Still, no matter how convenient the strollers are, the time will come when your kid is too old for the stroller.
The bottom line is that there isn’t a specific age when a kid is too old for the stroller because there are several factors that define this issue. The factors include where you live, where you are at the moment, how long you plan to stay out and what is your kid’s temperament. Knowing all that, there are some merits to transitioning your kid out of the stroller.
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The right time to stop using the stroller
Just like there isn’t a specific age when a mother should stop breastfeeding, the same goes for strollers. There is no hard rule about the age limit. That being said, there are some recommendations. Generally speaking, a child should stop using the stroller after he/she turns 3 years of age. The reason for that is because by then, the child will be able to walk and run, and there isn’t any need for a stroller. Also, you would want to encourage the child’s independence and promote his/her proper motor development, and that cannot be done if the child is still sitting in the stroller every time you take them outside.
The emotional and social benefits of transitioning out of the stroller
There are a learning curve and lots of frustration when a kid is transitioning out of the stroller. There will be a lot of hand-holding and running after your kid, but it is the way they learn about the world outside. Once you have transitioned out of the stroller, your child gets the opportunity to develop his/her safety skills. They will need to start practicing holding hands while walking next to a street, then stopping at crosswalks, and they need to learn to look both ways before they cross the street.
Also, when the kid is walking outside, it gives him a chance to explore around, and there is the opportunity to socialize with other people. In order to explore the environment, the kid must walk and run around, of course, under your supervision and when it is safe to do so. Being out of the stroller, the kid can learn and read your cues on how to act when they are out in the world.
The physical benefits of transitioning out of the stroller
Kids have a massive amount of energy, and there is no better way to get it all out than by good long walks. It is very beneficial for the kid to get in the habit of walking. It is one of the best exercises for the bones, muscles, and heart. Also, when the kid gets all that energy out, it will help them sleep better at night. Hopefully, the daily running and walking outside will be installed as a good habit for your kid in the future when they become adults. All habits, good or bad, start early. So, when you encourage your kid to run or walk, you are actually promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for him/her. Let your kid’s curiosity be active and make the most of it.
When should you make exceptions?
You know your kid the best and what will work for him/her. Therefore you should decide when to transition your kid out of the stroller. Of course, there are situations when using a stroller makes more sense, even when your kid is older than age 3. Walking down a grassy or rocky trail using a stroller will not be a good idea, but when you are walking through a crowded area, and there will be a lot of walking, the stroller is your best option here. It is unreasonable to expect your little kid to be able to walk for miles at a speedy pace.
Handling the stroller regression
Any parent of more than one kid will tell you how unappealing it was for the oldest kid to give up on his/her possessions to their younger sibling or siblings. The stroller is no exception as well. What you can do in this situation is getting a glider board for your older kid because the stroller is already being used by the younger one. This solution might do the trick for you.
Even when your older child has no interest in using the stroller when his/her younger sibling starts using it, things might change. They will start negging and asking to be put in the stroller as well. You can compromise by getting the glider board that can be attached to the back of your stroller, and your kid can ride with his/her younger sibling. The child might even use the glider board for only a few minutes, but he/she is included in the process will calm them down.
Safety precautions to keep in mind
We said that there is no specific age limit about using the stroller, but there are weight limits for sure. Usually, the weight limits are 75 pounds. The weight limit can vary from a stroller to stroller, so you better check what is the one on your stroller. Another safety precaution you must do is using the safety straps, which will prevent the child from climbing out of the stroller.
Some of the stroller safety precautions you must keep in mind are the following:
- Do not leave your kid unattended in the stroller.
- Avoid hanging other items on the back of the stroller because they may cause it to tip.
- Never leave your stroller out in the sun because the plastic parts of it can get too hot and burn your kid’s skin.
- Registering the stroller with the manufacturer will get you notified about any safety recalls.
- When the stroller is not moving, make sure the brakes are on.
Finally, you must accept that not all kids are the same, and what will work for one might not work for another. Also, do not miss the opportunities to let your kid walk and run around and explore his/her surroundings.
