Before your baby is born, you've probably spent many hours looking for the perfect stroller. You've read the best reviews, checked the conversion capabilities and examined the functionality. After trying a few, you finally found the right one and now use it for trips. But you're wondering if it's time to switch from the carrycot to the stroller.
A baby's first year of life passes quickly and suddenly he is crawling and taking his first steps. But how do you know when the right time is to make the switch?
There is no set age or date that applies to all babies. Before you switch, you should pay attention to the stroller instructions and your baby's development. This can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, we'll clear it up now.
The stroller
Each stroller has its own instructions and recommended age restrictions. However, it is important to note that these instructions are intended only as a guideline and not as a hard and fast rule. If the instructions say that the stroller can be used from six months, but your baby is not yet able to hold its head up on its own, you should not consider age as a deciding factor.
The same applies if the instructions say that the change is possible from 5 or 7 kilos, but your child has reached this weight but is not yet 6 months old and his development suggests that he is not yet ready for it the stroller is.
In summary, the stroller instructions are only a recommendation and you should look at the baby's development and the stroller instructions together to find the right time to make the switch.
Your baby's development
Your baby's development is the most important factor when switching from a carrycot to a stroller. Every baby is different and reaches developmental milestones at different times. Some babies start lifting their heads and moving as early as 5 months, while others remain relaxed and wait until past 7 months. There are some signs that tell you it's time to switch from a carrycot to a stroller:
- Your baby is holding its head without help
- Your baby is curious and tries to look through the carrycot
- The baby carrier bag is too small
- Your baby sits up without help
- Your baby seems uncomfortable in the carrycot and would rather be carried
It's important to choose the right time to switch to ensure your baby's health and safety. If your baby's development is not yet sufficient and you switch too early, poor posture and problems with the spine can occur. Correct posture is particularly important if the child spends a long time in the stroller. If the child is not yet able to sit up independently and is left in this position, he or she may feel discomfort and develop problems in the future.
Ultimately, only you can determine the ideal time to transition your baby from the carrycot to the stroller. You should pay attention to your baby's development and follow your instincts. It's an exciting time for your baby as he or she will now discover the world from a new perspective.
