May. 20, 2024
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Despite their wide usage, it has recently been suggested that stroller use may reduce physical activity levels of young children. However, there have been no studies on stroller use as it relates to physical activity outcomes. The objectives of this study were to understand the context of stroller use for young children and parents’ perceptions of the relationship between stroller use and their children’s physical activity.
Parents of children 1 to 5 years of age were recruited through two sites of TARGet Kids!, a primary-care, practice-based research network in Toronto, Canada. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim and two independent reviewers conducted thematic analysis. A number of strategies were employed to ensure the trustworthiness of the data.
Parents discussed reasons for stroller use (i.e., transportation; storage; leisure; supervision/confinement; parent physical activity; and sleep), factors that influence the decision to use a stroller (i.e., caregiver choice; convenience, timing, distance; family lifestyle; and child preference), and perceived impact of stroller use on physical activity (i.e., most parents did not recognize a connection between stroller use and physical activity).
This study provides a context for researchers and policy makers to consider when developing stroller related physical activity guidelines for young children.
Keywords:
Child, Preschool, Infant equipment, Stroller, Motor activity, Physical activity
Strollers are widely used for the easy transport of children. According to Consumer Reports, approximately 5.6 million strollers were sold in the United States in 1998 [1]. Strollers have recently been conceptualized, however, as sedentary devices that restrict movement and reduce opportunities for physical activity. Obesity is a growing concern for young children. In Canada, 21.5 % of children aged 2–5 years are overweight [2] and studies in the United States suggest that obesity before age 5 strongly predicts future obesity [3]. Physical activity is important for healthy growth, social and motor development in children [4]. To encourage habits that decrease the risk of obesity in young children, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) have published guidelines which include recommendations to limit stroller use for young children [5–7]. The AAP guidelines recommend reducing sedentary transportation by car or stroller for 4-6 year-old children, and the CSEP guidelines recommend limiting prolonged sitting or being restrained (e.g., stroller, high chair) for more than 1 h at a time in 0-4 year-old children. Researchers have suggested that restraining children in strollers and other confined seats is a risk factor for limited physical activity [8].
Limited research exists on prevalence, predictors, and health outcomes related to stroller use, with the exception of stroller-related injuries [9]. In fact, no studies were found on this topic in our own literature review examining stroller use and physical activity and obesity outcomes. It is unknown, therefore, if stroller use is associated with reduced or increased physical activity. For example, we hypothesize that in some cases, stroller use may increase accessibility to areas intended for physical activity, such as parks. This hypothesis requires further research – specifically, a qualitative exploration of the contexts of stroller use in families with young children, and parents’ perceptions of health outcomes related to stroller use. In light of the paucity of research available, the primary purpose of this study was to understand the context in which strollers are being used with young children. A secondary objective was to examine how parents perceive the relationship between stroller use and their children’s physical activity.
Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of young children recruited through two sites of TARGet Kids!, a primary-care, practice-based research network in Toronto. English-speaking parents of ambulatory children aged 1–5 years already recruited to TARGet Kids! were approached at their child’s well-child visit, as per the TARGet Kids! research protocol, [10] and written informed consent for participation in the study was obtained from parents. Recruitment procedures and inclusion criteria for TARGet Kids! are detailed elsewhere [9]. We used a convenience sampling technique, and recruited participants from two TARGet Kids! primary care practice sites between January 2012 to August 2012. These two sites were chosen as they were located in two distinct urban neighbourhoods in Toronto, and had adequate space to conduct qualitative interviews. Participants of TARGet Kids! were not participating in any TARGet Kids! related intervention studies that pertain to physical activity prior to or during the time of recruitment for this study.
Interviews lasted approximately 20 min, were completed immediately preceding or following the child’s well-child visit, and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The semi-structured interview questions included stroller use (how and when parents use a stroller), barriers and facilitators of stroller use, and the relationships between stroller use and physical activity and health. TARGet Kids! researchers developed and pilot-tested the interview questions. One researcher conducted, recorded, and transcribed each interview (BL). Two independent reviewers completed a thematic analysis using the method described by Braun and Clarke (BL, CSB) [11]. Each reviewer developed an independent set of codes based on the interview transcripts, which were then categorized into overarching themes. Both reviewers met multiple times throughout the study, and met with a third reviewer (SM) to review the ongoing analysis and to generate an overall map based on the discussed themes. A number of strategies including member-checking, multiple debrief meetings following interviews, detailed documentation of the research process for transferability, as described by Guba and Lincoln, were employed throughout the data collection and analysis phase to ensure unbiased findings and trustworthiness of the data [12]. The study was completed with the approval of the Research Ethics Board at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada.
Participants included parents who had least 1 child aged 1-5 years of age participating in TARGet Kids!. The mean (SD) age of the children that were the focus of the interview were 31 (17) months; they had a total of 12 siblings with a mean (SD) age of 67 (49) months. 3 of the 14 participants were fathers. Thirteen of the children (93 %) had mothers with college/university-level education and the remaining mother had an apprenticeship/trades certificate/diploma. During the interviews, participants discussed their stroller use and how stroller use impacted their lifestyle. The themes that emerged from these discussions fall under three main categories: (1) purposes of stroller use; (2) factors that influence the decision to use a stroller; and, (3) perceived impact of stroller use on physical activity. After 14 interviews, we felt we had reached theoretical saturation in the themes that emerged. Please see Tables - for example quotes for each of these themes.
Parents reported six different reasons for using strollers. Each interviewee listed at least one of the six rationales, although many stated that they use strollers for multiple purposes:
Transportation. Parents reported that they use strollers as a means of transportation, both to facilitate walks and as a means to transport their child(ren) to a specific destination or activity. In some cases, the stroller was used as an alternative to taking public transportation or an automobile. When asked about how they use the stroller, one parent said, “usually just to get anywhere, popping out [for] groceries… heading to the park… basically anytime we need to get somewhere with a fairly tight timeline”.
Storage. Additionally, strollers provide room for the storage of items that parents often travel with when on the move with young children, including diaper bags, food, extra clothing, shopping items, and other supplies that they may need throughout the day. Many parents noted that the storage capacity of strollers is one of its main conveniences. As one parent reinforced, “…you can’t go to the park without taking a blanket and water and snacks for the kids… I would have… a travel backpack[like] a navy leader if I was going without a stroller”. Even when not entirely necessary for transporting the child, this parent explained that they might choose to take a stroller with them on walks because of its carrying capacity.
Leisure. Strollers provide an opportunity for both child and caregiver to spend time outside for leisurely walks. Parents described this use as beneficial in that it allows the child to get fresh air and explore the neighbourhood. One parent said that the stroller gives the child an opportunity for “…quiet time in the day to just sort of enjoy the fresh air… [and] to have time outdoors”.
Supervision/Confinement. Strollers allow caregivers to safely supervise their children. Interviewees noted that there are certain circumstances, when running errands, for instance, in which they want the child to be restrained in order to enable direct supervision. As one parent explained, “[y]ou can do a lot of things when the child is in the stroller. You can [do] a little bit of grocery shopping, go get a haircut, and [you’re] in control”.
Parent Physical Activity. Caregivers described that they sometimes take their children in strollers for long walks or push the stroller while jogging or running as a means of improving their own health and well being. Interviewees noted that this allows them to achieve two objectives: their children are able to be outdoors and get fresh air while the parent can engage in their own physical activity objectives. In some instances, a stroller was purchased for its function as a running device. One parent explained, “…[stroller use] was my means of getting exercise where I would run and he would have some sort of downtime… I would let him fall asleep in the jogger if I was running”.
Sleep. Strollers provide a setting for sleep when away from home. One parent gave an example: “[w]hen we go on family walks… if it’s going to cross over her nap time, she’ll get in the stroller and have a nap…”. The interviewees noted that the use of a stroller as a place to sleep is particularly conducive for longer walks or daytrips, so that their children are able to maintain their normal sleep patterns throughout the day.
Parents discussed both parent and child influences on the day-to-day decision to use a stroller. There are three main categories that summarize the decision-making factors surrounding stroller-use: (1) caregiver choice, based on convenience, timing, and distance; (2) family lifestyle; and, (3) child preference (see Table ).
Parents noted three key benefits of using a stroller: convenience, timeliness, and ability to travel a further distance than would otherwise be feasible. Strollers were considered a more convenient alternative to parents carrying their child(ren) when they no longer want to walk. Additionally, when caregivers had limited time, they might use the stroller instead of having the child(ren) walking because it is faster. One parent explained, “[i]f we wanted to get somewhere in a decent [amount of] time we put her in the stroller, because we have done the walk, you know, a couple of blocks and that takes some time, it’s slow”. Distance to the desired destination was also an important factor in deciding whether to use a stroller. For a caregiver to decide to have the child walk, the distance had to be appropriate for the child’s ability and willingness at the time. Referring to taking her daughter to swimming lessons, one parent explained, “…it was up a steep hill and it’s still a good 20 min walk even for me and she could usually make it to swimming but by the time swimming’s done and she’s cold and cranky and it’s about 5:30…we regularly used a stroller…just to get her home quickly”. The children’s developmental stage in walking ability influenced these factors, as the caregivers would let their children walk as far as feasible until the child grew tired. When asked how she decided to stop using the stroller, one parent explained, “I think when they could walk reasonably well without…doing all the banging and tripping and on their knees then… [walking is] good practice for them and keeps them healthy…”. Another described bringing a stroller along on a walk even though the child would walk for the majority of the trip, “…when you’re out, eventually they do start to get a little tired so I kind of use it as a method to get her home quickly so we can get to the nap”.
In addition, caregivers sometimes based their decision on their individual lifestyle philosophies. This was sometimes a preference to limit the use of automobiles, in which case the use of a stroller replaced the need to drive or take public transit to get to a further destination and in other cases a desire to spend extended periods outdoors with the family.
Some parents noted that they would often let their children decide whether or not they wanted to use a stroller. In these instances, the stroller would be brought on a walk in case the child expressed a preference to use the stroller. One parent explained…”…if I think he is on the tired side {after school} and he’d rather just stroller home rather than walking, the walk is about 4 blocks, and sometimes he is not, and I bring it {the stroller} and we use if for the backpacks and he just walks”. Some reasons the parents reported that their child may express a preference included the child’s level of fatigue, hunger, mood, or desire to explore. Children sometimes chose to push the stroller themselves.
In addition to the main reasons caregivers identified using a stroller, convenience, timing and distance, lifestyle factors, and child preferences also influenced the decision. Some parents described how parents’ preference might play a role: “I think it’s more parents who enforce the strollers if they want to get somewhere faster… I think it’s more the parents [who] aren’t patient… because I know I’m certainly that way sometimes”. Other parents described the convenience of not having to carry their child, the inability of their child to walk long distances without tiring, and a lifestyle preference to spend more time walking over other forms of transportation such as car use, even if that meant having to use a stroller. Parents also described their children’s preferences to use a stroller, and suggested that those preferences may be related to the child’s own internal temperament, as suggested by the following quotations from parents: “…I think she genuinely likes to explore and walk and have fun,” and “…I think it’s child-dependent though because my oldest two, they were more content in the stroller to just look around, and then (name of child) was more interested in wondering around on his own”.
There was no consensus among parents on the relationship between stroller use and physical activity (see Table ). After being presented with the sedentary behaviour guidelines recommending limited stroller use, many caregivers commented that they believed that the use of strollers reduced physical activity and commended the principles. However, caregivers also felt that strollers can, in fact, lead to increased levels of physical activity among children and families in certain circumstances. Most did not perceive any connection between stroller use and physical activity.
Some caregivers explained that when children sit in a stroller, they are missing an opportunity to be physically active. One parent explained, “[c]ertainly there are mornings, like this morning when I took him to daycare, I said to myself, ‘wouldn’t it be nice if I could just strap him in the stroller and get us there in like good time?’ But then he doesn’t get to… explore and walk and stuff like that as we go to daycare so I guess it’s not as fun for him being in the stroller, so we try not to use it for that reason”. As is evident in this quotation, most caregivers who discussed strollers as barriers to physical activity did so in theoretical terms, and did not express that it was characteristic of their own experience.
Some parents felt that using a stroller more often may promote physical activity of the parents. One parent said that “…if there was not stroller available… you would be less likely to walk somewhere with your child, less likely to take them outside, [and] more likely to drive them”. Strollers were sometimes used specifically to promote physical activity by using it to transport the child to a setting more conducive to physical activity, such as a park. Parents felt that in such circumstances (for example the quote above regarding walking to swimming lessons and back), the child may have been able to walk instead of being transported in a stroller, but once they arrived, would be more tired and less physically active at the destination.
However, most interviewees believed that stroller use did not affect their children’s physical activity levels and reported that they ensure that their children are active. Caregivers reported that they chose to use strollers in instances where they would otherwise be carrying their children. One parent explained, “[i]f she weren’t in the stroller she’d get tired a bit more quickly and we’d end up carrying her, so I don’t really know that it makes much of a difference”. While parents recognized that, in theory, excessive stroller use may be detrimental to levels of physical activity, most explained that they did not perceive any correlation in their families. One parent said, “…there’s always the risk of having a child in their stroller for too long or for using it for the wrong reasons but if you’re not using it for the wrong reasons I don’t really see a problem with it”.
This is the first study to examine parents’ perceptions of stroller use in their families. Understanding parents’ perceptions of strollers in the context of physical activity is important in developing interventions and guidelines for parents around appropriate stroller use and physical activity for young children. The basis for children’s future physical activity behaviours is established early in life and physical activity in young children is influenced by parental behaviour [13]. Stroller use is a complex behaviour because it can be conceptualized as promoting both physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children. CSEP recently established Canada’s first physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines for children aged 0–4 years. They recommend limiting prolonged sitting or restraint, listing strollers as an example [6]. This recommendation is consistent with the Institute of Medicine’s physical activity guidelines for children aged 0–5 years, which advises caregivers to use strollers for toddlers and preschoolers only when necessary and to limit stroller use while infants are awake [14]. In a 2006 Policy Statement discussing the risk factors associated with childhood obesity, the AAP also highlighted excessive stroller use as a concern and recommended that stroller use be reduced for preschool-aged children [5]. The rationale for these guidelines is that children should participate in physically active forms of transport such as walking, as opposed to being sedentary in a stroller.
In the present study, parents report that strollers are used for a variety of reasons including transportation, storage, to promote leisure activities, for supervision and confinement, to facilitate parents’ physical activity, and as a setting for sleep. Guidelines to promote appropriate stroller use may have to consider the wide array of reasons for stroller use. Parents in this study believed that strollers had no detrimental effect on their child’s health, physical activity levels, or overall well being. Parents did not view strollers as primarily sedentary restraining devices that limited physical activity. Rather, parents described strollers as convenient methods of transportation that provided the opportunity for outdoor time as well as rest opportunities between activities, thus allowing their children to be more physically active. Physical activity in preschool children usually occurs during free play rather than during structured activities. Such play consists of short, intermittent bouts of activity with frequent rest periods [15]. Outdoor play is a key physical activity outcome measure in early childhood, and is associated with directly measured physical activity in this age group [16]. Parents perceived that their use of a stroller encouraged more time outdoors. Outdoor play has been shown to be associated with physical activity and other important child health benefits including motor development, vitamin D levels, and mental health [17]. It is important to note that when parents reflected on the relationship between strollers and physical activity, most explained that they did not perceive any connection in their own families. This is consistent with a previous qualitative study of parents of preschool aged children that found parents believed children are naturally physically active and there is little need for parental engagement to promote activity [18]. It may not be useful, therefore, for stroller related recommendations to be focused on physical activity related outcomes for children.
Parents reported that using a stroller facilitated their own physical activity as well. In Australia, stroller-walking groups have been proposed as a method to promote maternal well being and physical activity for mothers in the postpartum period. In a study reporting results of a survey on the perceived benefits and barriers associated with such stroller walking-groups, the purposes for parents using a stroller included walking to shops (84 %), walking for exercise (69 %), walking to visit friends (45 %), to calm the child (28 %), and other activities (24 %) [19]. Over 90 % of respondents said that walking with a stroller increases parent physical activity and mental well being. Clearly, the use of strollers may provide opportunities for parents’ health benefits (via walking, running, and stroller groups); however, these gains might be made at the expense of increasing sedentary behaviours of their young children.
It is important to note that parents reported using strollers as settings for sleep in their young children. While this might be a convenient choice for parents, current guidelines advise against using a stroller for sleep. For example, the Canadian Paediatric Society stated that “[c]ar seats and infant seat carriers must not replace the crib as a sleep surface due to the risk of the harness straps causing upper airway obstruction”. [20].
This is the first investigation to explore the use of strollers among young children, and reported on detailed interviews with 14 parents of young children. We are not aware of any published studies examining parents’ perception of stroller use, or the relationship between stroller use and physical activity outcomes in children. The principle limitation of the study is the generalizability of the findings. All parents in this study were recruited through two urban primary care sites as part of TARGet Kids!, a practice-based research network in Toronto, Canada. The education level of the sample of parents included in the study was high. Parental perception of physical environmental factors associated with stroller use may be different in non-urban settings, or in urban settings with different environmental characteristics such as sidewalks, traffic, safety, and public transportation. Most of the parents who participated in this study characterized themselves as mothers, and father’s perceptions of stroller use and physical activity may be different. Our sample size prevented us from commenting on how perceptions of stroller use may vary by child’s age. This is important as there may be different uses of strollers depending on the age and developmental stage of the child. In addition, current physical activity guidelines vary by child age [5, 6]. Despite these limitations, this study offers the first exploration of parent perceptions of the context, predictors, and physical activity outcomes related to stroller use in young children. It highlights the need for further research that expands the sample of interviewees to include parents of children of different ages, parents from diverse backgrounds and neighbourhoods, directly observes stroller use in young children, and use quantitative methods to assess stroller use and impact on physical activity and other related health behaviours in early childhood such as sleep.
This study provides insights into parent perceptions of the context of stroller use, and demonstrates that parents may not consider the sedentary nature of strollers. Researchers interested in physical activity promotion in the early years might consider strollers and the context of their use in developing and testing strategies to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviours. Strollers are commonly used device for young children and a better understanding of health impacts is needed. Finally, this study provides a contextual starting point for researchers and policy makers to consider when developing appropriate physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines for young children.
The authors thank all participating families for their time and involvement in TARGet Kids! and are grateful to all practitioners who are currently involved in the research network. Steering Committee: Tony Barozzino, Brian Chisamore, Mark Feldman, Moshe Ipp. Research Team: Kathleen Abreo, Tarandeep Malhi, Antonietta Pugliese, Megan Smith, Laurie Thompson. Applied Health Research Centre: Gerald Lebovic, Magda Melo, Patricia Nguyen. Mount Sinai Services Laboratory: Azar Azad.
This manuscript was funded by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This funding body had no role in in design, in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.
*TARGet Kids! Collaboration – Scientific Committee: Kawsari Abdullah, Laura N. Anderson, Catherine S. Birken, Cornelia M. Borkhoff , Sarah Carsley, Yang Chen, Mikael Katz-Lavigne, Kanthi Kavikondala, Christine Koroshegyi, Grace Jieun Lee, Jonathon L. Maguire, Dalah Mason, Jessica Omand, Patricia C. Parkin, Navindra Persaud, Meta van den Heuvel, Weeda Zabih; Site Investigators: Jillian Baker, Tony Barozzino, Joey Bonifacio, Douglas Campbell, Sohail Cheema, Brian Chisamore, Karoon Danayan, Paul Das, Mary Beth Derocher, Anh Do, Michael Dorey, Sloane Freeman, Keewai Fung, Charlie Guiang, Curtis Handford, Hailey Hatch, Sheila Jacobson, Tara Kiran, Holly Knowles, Bruce Kwok, Sheila Lakhoo, Margarita Lam-Antoniades, Eddy Lau, Fok-Han Leung, Jennifer Loo, Sarah Mahmoud, Rosemary Moodie, Julia Morinis, Sharon Naymark, Patricia Neelands, James Owen, Michael Peer, Marty Perlmutar, Navindra Persaud, Andrew Pinto, Michelle Porepa, Nasreen Ramji, Noor Ramji, Alana Rosenthal, Janet Saunderson, Rahul Saxena, Michael Sgro, Susan Shepherd, Barbara Smiltnieks, Carolyn Taylor, Thea Weisdors, Sheila Wijayasinghe, Peter Wong, Ethel Ying, Elizabeth Young.
Catherine S. Birken Bradley Lichtblau Talia Lenton-Brym Patricia Tucker and Sanjay Mahant contributed equally to this work.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors’ contributions
CSB conceptualized and designed the study, assisted in acquisition of data, as well as analysis and interpretation of data, and drafted the manuscript. BL designed the study, assisted in acquisition of data, and revised the manuscript. TL assisted in acquisition of data, and analysis and interpretation of data, and revised the manuscript. SM conceptualized and designed the study, assisted in acquisition of data, and revised the manuscript. PT conceptualized and designed the study, assisted in acquisition of data, and revised the manuscript. JM conceptualized and designed the study, assisted in acquisition of data, as well as analysis and interpretation of data, and revised the manuscript. PP conceptualized and designed the study, assisted in acquisition of data, as well as analysis and interpretation of data, and revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Catherine S. Birken, Email: ac.sdikkcis@nekrib.enirehtac.
Bradley Lichtblau, Email: ac.otnorotu.liam@ualbthcil.yeldarb.
Talia Lenton-Brym, Email: ac.latropdem@myrb-notnel.ailat.
Patricia Tucker, Email: ac.owu@2rekcutt.
Jonathon L Maguire, Email: ac.otnorotu@eriugam.nohtanoj.
Patricia C. Parkin, Email: ac.sdikkcis@nikrap.aicirtap.
Sanjay Mahant, Email: ac.sdikkcis@tnaham.yajnas.
Baby strollers are an essential baby item for many parents so that they can safely and conveniently transport their babies. While strollers offer many benefits, buying one comes with a number of disadvantages as well. In this article, we will discuss baby stroller pros and cons in order to help families decide whether to buy a stroller or not.
Many new parents looking at the long list of baby gear they need to buy may be thinking twice before getting one of the most expensive items. Is a stroller even necessary for a newborn?
While a stroller is beneficial to many as it allows flexibility for parents to go out with their infant safely, it may not be a necessity for all.
This is where a list of advantages and disadvantages of strollers comes in handy.
There is a long list of benefits of a stroller for parents and for the baby as well. Not all stroller models will offer all of the features and functionalities, so you’ll have to do a bit of research to find the best stroller for your family.
Convenience is one of the biggest advantages of having a baby stroller for your family. Strollers provide a safe and comfortable place for babies to travel when getting out with their parents.
Whether just for a short trip out or an extended outing, babies can rest comfortably and can even nap on the go. This flexibility means parents can run errands, take their newborn to a restaurant, or exercise with their little ones nestled securely in the stroller.
With many models offering swivelling, shock-absorbing rubber wheels, the stroller can go just about anywhere you choose and your baby gets a smooth ride. The wheels and handle are often easy to manoeuvre and push, even when carrying a heavy load between kids and gear.
These modern details make it a convenient way to navigate crowds or carry multiple items or kids.
Speaking of details, additional features such as cup holders, canopies and adjustable seats make strollers a practical baby vehicle and an easy way for parents to travel with their little ones.
Whether you’re going to the store or the park, the convenience of a stroller is very beneficial while ensuring the comfort and safety of your baby.
Strollers are designed to carry the weight of babies so that parents aren’t always having to carry them in arms.
While babywearing is a very special way to bond with your baby, you may want the option of not carrying them on you at all times.
This is especially beneficial for parents who may have back problems or need to carry other items.
By using a stroller, parents can avoid straining their backs and possibly go on further outings with their infant in the stroller.
Not only does a stroller carry a baby around, but the included storage basket will hold any additional items as well, such as a diaper bag or groceries.
Baby strollers provide a helpful solution for parents wanting to get out with their baby without the physical exertion of always carrying their baby (and items) on them.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of odm baby walker. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
The stroller’s storage basket can provide a very helpful solution for parents bringing other necessary items when heading out with their baby. Typically, a stroller will have a storage compartment below the seat and between the wheels that can carry a pretty good amount of things.
Diapers, wipes, toys, and extra clothes are just some of the baby essentials that can be conveniently stored in the stroller’s basket. You can also carry groceries, your coat, or an umbrella within reach. Some stroller models can take quite a big load of items in the storage basket, even up to 30 lbs (or 13.6 kg)!
You can also find detachable bags to hang from the stroller’s handlebar where you can store smaller accessories such as keys, your wallet, coffee cups or even bottles.
With all of these items easily accessible, parents don’t have to lug around an additional diaper bag on their backs when they go out with their baby.
Parents can comfortably walk around with their hands free to push the stroller or attend to their baby and not worry about holding all of the items that have to go along with them.
When used properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, strollers are a safe way to get out with your baby. Equipped with many safety features, you can rest assured that your little one is secure while being pushed in their stroller.
It’s a good idea to read the user’s manual to understand the proper use of things like safety harnesses, brakes, and other specifications for your specific model.
You need to be mindful when using strollers on uneven terrain or near traffic in order to maintain your little one safe.
Additionally, strollers keep your little one protected from harsh weather. You may need to purchase a few additional accessories, but whether you’re faced with rain, sun, snow or wind, your baby will be protected in their stroller.
With large canopies to block harmful sun rays, rain covers to keep wind and rain out, and stroller blankets available to keep them warm, your baby will ride comfortably in just about any weather.
As long as you don’t leave your infant unattended and you follow the stroller’s guidelines, strollers are a safe way to travel around with your baby.
Depending on the stroller’s design and features, it can be used for multiple kids in several different ways. This makes getting out of the house with multiple little ones safer and easier for any parent.
The most obvious option is a double-stroller that specifically accommodates two babies or children in the stroller seats, often side-by-side. These are useful for twins or siblings close in age, such as a baby and a toddler.
Some single-seat strollers have the option of purchasing an additional stroller seat that attaches to the main stroller frame. Often these are seen with a tandem seat configuration with one seat in front of the other. This option is great for families that plan to have more than one child so that the stroller can adapt to the family’s needs.
Lastly, you can get a ride-along board so that an older child can either sit or stand and be pushed by the stroller. This works well if you need to travel with three kids or if one child has outgrown the stroller seats.
Most strollers are made to be durable and withstand regular family wear and tear if they’ve been constructed with quality materials.
Sturdy metal frames and durable fabrics will last well over time as long as they are properly cared for by the user.
While strollers can vary in durability depending on the brand, quality, and frequency of us, if they are maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions, they can be used for several years. In some cases, you may need to repair or replace parts but for the most part, strollers are considered to be a long-lasting mode of transportation for your little one(s).
It’s always a good idea to test out the stroller before buying so that you know it’s the one you want for your family.
Getting out with the stroller is actually a great (and convenient) way to stay active with your baby. Exercising with a stroller can range from simply walking around to jogging to attending local strollercise classes.
Many areas now provide stroller fitness classes for caretakers as it’s such a beneficial way to do exercise while spending time with your baby, even if they’re napping while you work out!
Many stroller models are specifically designed with features such as good suspension and air-filled rubber tires which make them suitable for exercising.
Strollers provide a pretty good mix of functionality and comfort. This is another one that may depend on the features of the stroller you choose but most models these days have taken baby comfort into consideration when completing their design.
With padded seats, adjustable recline, and footrests for the baby to sit or lay back according to their age or whether they’re ready to nap. Proper ventilation and extendable canopies offer ideal shelter in all types of weather.
Not only is the seat designed to be comfy but suspension and good tires make for a smoother stroll for the baby, even across rough terrain.
With all of these excellent features, strollers allow babies to have the perfect place to nap on the go. This gives parents the freedom to go out during the day while maintaining the baby’s sleep schedule on track.
While there are clearly many benefits to owning a stroller, we can’t overlook a number of important drawbacks or disadvantages when it comes to investing in this baby item.
The cost of strollers really does vary greatly but finding a good quality stroller with the essential features can cost a pretty penny.
Sure, you can find a basic umbrella stroller for around $50 but that design won’t work for babies who can’t sit up on their own (those who are under approximately 6 months).
Some mid-range models cost around $300-$500 with more features and often better quality. But some still aren’t suited for newborn babies as they don’t fully recline or have the option to use your car seat so you need to carefully look at the specifications.
High-end full-size strollers that can be used from birth are usually found for over $1000. The features and design may make them an impressive stroller to own, but that’s a lot of money to put down for a baby product!
While a loftier price may seem like you’d be getting the best quality, that’s not always the case so it’s important that, if you can pay for a luxury stroller, you do your due diligence to make sure it’s worth the investment.
Full-size strollers live up to the name as they definitely take up a good chunk of space. These types of travel systems can be quite large making it a challenge to find the right parking space at home, especially if you don’t want to collapse the stroller into a more compact position every time.
For families that have a spacious foyer or a large garage, finding a spot to store your stroller may not be an issue.
However, for those who don’t have enough space, storing your stroller can be a bit of a pain, especially if it gets in the way of your family’s daily activities.
If space is an issue, then you may need to collapse the stroller every time it’s not in use so that it takes up less space. But let’s be honest, this would be quite the hassle every time you want to use the stroller.
If you’re someone who uses public transportation frequently or needs to constantly lift a stroller on stairs, the weight could be a stroller con on your list. Not only that but strollers can sometimes be difficult to manoeuvre in tightly-spaced shops or busy city centres.
These are other situations where baby-wearing could be a bit more convenient as the baby would be attached to your body and not in the large frame of a stroller.
The weight of a stroller can vary, not only due to the model but also the contents and size of the baby. While many brands try to make lightweight options with good manoeuvrability, it could be quite a pain in the back to be lugging around each day.
Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, not all of which are lightweight and easy to steer. If you have to lift them many times or navigate around crowded or narrow places, some stroller models may be too cumbersome to use comfortably.
While the specific age when a child will stop using a stroller varies depending on several factors, most children stop riding in a stroller before they’re 5. That means that this expensive purchase will only be useful for a few years (unless you plan on having more than one child).
As your baby gets older and reaches toddlerhood, it’s important that they use their legs and get exercise rather than staying strapped into a stroller.
Experts recommend reducing the amount of time in a stroller at around 3 years old so that the child can walk places stroller-free by the time they are around 4. You’ll want to think about this before committing to such a big purchase.
Some parents have a preference for baby carriers as they are a great way to keep babies close. Babywearing means the parents remain hands-free and they can easily attend to the infant when needed.
Baby carriers can help encourage bonding and connection as babies often feel safe and comforted being held close to their parent. Strollers may not provide the same attachment opportunity if used constantly and the baby does not get held.
Keeping their hands free rather than pushing a stroller may be another reason parents would reach for a carrier instead of the stroller when running errands. This may be especially beneficial for parents with other children to look after while out in public spaces.
Ultimately, the preference between baby-wearing and a stroller usually is dependent on the family’s lifestyle and needs.
But this is not to say that you have to choose just one or the other!
Many families choose to purchase both baby items. It’s always a good idea to consider all options when deciding what might work best for your family.
As I mentioned in the section regarding the cost of strollers, newborns can’t use just any stroller. This is another factor you’ll need to consider when shopping around for the right one.
Newborns don’t have much head or neck control until they’re a few months old so you need to find a stroller that is designed specifically for newborns. This may be one with a fully reclining seat, a bassinet option, or a newborn insert so that the newborn can safely lie down in the stroller.
If the specific stroller model you want does not have the newborn-appropriate design, having to wait for the baby to be several months old to use the stroller may deter some families from getting one at all.
While we’ve discussed the stroller pros and cons, we have yet to consider whether strollers are actually good for babies.
Babies love getting outside to new places to explore new sensations which promotes cognitive development. The stimulation of new sights, sounds, and smells helps boost your baby’s mental growth.
Getting out in natural light also benefits babies’ nighttime sleep, something I’m sure all new parents would appreciate!
While they needs to be dressed appropriately for the weather, fresh air can even boost the baby’s immune system. You may want to avoid crowded indoor areas until they are a little older but a walk in the stroller outside can encourage better health, for both baby and parent!
With such a diverse selection of strollers available today, each offers its own specific features and functions, which can make deciding on a stroller an overwhelming process.
If you’re on the fence about whether to buy one or not, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of buying a stroller will help confirm your decision.
In the end, the most important factors when deciding to get a stroller is your lifestyle and family situation and which baby transportation option is best for you.
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