Using a baby stroller makes parents walk comfortably, without carrying their children when traveling.
However, there is a limit to using a baby stroller so that physical development is not disturbed.
The presence of strollers is to facilitate the parents’ life, especially when taking your kids with you while traveling.
In addition, the little one who is just learning to walk will not be tired because he can rest in the stroller.
However, you must consider the age of the child using a stroller and limit their use.
Although it makes it easy for parents, a stroller must be appropriate and should not be used excessively.
The reason is, if its use is not appropriate, for example, used for too long, the growth and development of the little one can be hampered.
Related:Buckle Up With The 10 Best Baby Strollers
Child Stroller Age Restriction
Actually, there are no specific recommendations regarding the child’s age using the stroller and its limitations.
However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that its use should be limited to younger children.
Besides, there are also recommendations for limits on the use of strollers for children aged 4-6 years.
From there, it can be concluded that the proper use of strollers is only for children 3 years old and under.
After 3 years, we highly recommend you stop using the strollers for your toddler. Let your toddler move, walk, and run around while out of his comfort zone!
The conclusion above is not without reason…
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity rates in children increased significantly in the past few years!
Research conducted in the United States also mentions that obesity in children under 5 years old can continue into adulthood.
Well, one of the factors that affect the lack of physical activity that causes obesity is the excessive use of strollers.
If the child is used to sitting for a long time in the stroller when his parents take him out, he will be too lazy to move and be physically active.
Over time, this can become a habit until he grows up. Of course, this condition increases the risk of obesity!
Related:The Best Baby Carriers and Slings
You Must Use The Child Stroller Correctly
The use of an inappropriate stroller can also hamper the development of your little one.
Typically, children start to walk around the age of 12 months and run around 15 months.
If he sits in the stroller every time you go out with your kid, he does not get the opportunity to train his motor skills to walk and move.
Not only that, the opportunity to explore new surroundings while traveling is limited if most of the child’s time is spent in the stroller.
Excessive use of a child’s stroller can interfere with child development.
In fact, the age from birth to 2 years is a golden period for the little one’s brain development.
Therefore, parents must support it by continuing to stimulate it…
According to experts, the stages of walking are an essential part of a child’s development, just like crawling.
If children are too “sticky” to their strollers every day, they will not develop the physical strength and conditioning needed to walk correctly.
Psychologically, the impact of using the stroller after a particular stage of development is even more severe.
Children may not be independent at the age or stage that they should be!
Parents Can Still use children’s Strollers
Actually, if the child is 3 years old, but sometimes you still use the stroller when traveling long distances or having trouble, it’s not a big issue.
It helps a lot in some cases!
If there is a condition when the family has to go to a place that will be more efficient if the child does not walk alone, a stroller can be used.
All things considered…
Parents still have to remember that children aged 3-4 years need to be physically active for at least 3 hours a day to support their growth and development.
The Takeaway
It is undeniable that using a stroller is very easy; of course, it is more comfortable than constantly carrying or supervising children.
However, parents still need to know the age limit for their child to use it and recommendations for proper use.
Don’t sacrifice your child’s growth and development, both physically and mentally, just for the sake of comfort.
Limit the use of children’s strollers; come on!
Written By: Dema JS
Founder of newbabysmell.com and a mother of two little kids. Dema had her MBA from St. John’s University- NYC in dual concentrations: Executive Management and Marketing Management.
Contact: Please email [email protected] or go to newbabysmell.com
