Changing the usual baby cot for a stroller is a topic that worries every parent. After all, the baby is growing rapidly, in a hurry to explore the unknown world and no longer wants to sleep peacefully during a walk. Nevertheless, you can use a stroller from a certain age, so as not to harm the health of the child.
Features:
Before transplanting a child into a stroller, you need to figure out what is its difference from a cradle. The cradle is a familiar means of transportation for walks. In it, the baby is in a supine position all the time and is in no hurry to open himself to the world. He is always reliably protected from wind, rain, heat, as well as from prying eyes.
Over time, the baby grows up and can already hold its head. The child becomes not so calm, tries to get out of the cradle, often draws attention to himself by crying. Not every mother will feel the strength to carry the child in one hand, and a stroller and bag in the other. The moment has come when little by little it is necessary to accustom the baby to a new means of transportation. This should be done carefully and gradually.
People usually start using a stroller at the age of 6 months, when the child already has a fairly strong spine to withstand a sitting load. Many parents rush things, which is not always possible. However, the uneven bottom and curves of the stroller will continually force the child to assume the wrong posture, which will affect the health of the spine and its development.
Small wheels in many models do not have good shock absorption - the stroller will shake and skid on bumps, which obviously will not please the baby. In addition, the lightweight protection from rain and wind will also cause bewilderment and crying in a baby accustomed to rest.
Kinds
There are many types of strollers, and before you buy your favorite model, you need to study the pros and cons. You can distinguish between strollers by different characteristics, mainly by the season, type of construction and weight. There are universal models for any season, with them you can safely go for a walk in rain, snow and heat. Seasonal strollers are adapted for a specific season.
According to their design features, strollers are divided into "books" and "canes". The name “book” speaks for itself - the model has a folding mechanism similar to a book. These strollers are very functional and completely safe. When folded, "books" are stable and compact, and also easily fit into the trunk of a car. The adjustable footrest allows you to increase the sleeping space, which is especially important for older children. Among the shortcomings of the "books", buyers generally note a large weight.
Strollers - "canes" are folded in length and in this form, indeed, resemble a cane. Such models are among the lightest, their weight often does not exceed 7 kilograms. The disadvantage of "walking sticks" is the fabric seat, which does not always have a positive effect on the growing spine.
Experts recommend using hard-seat strollers, even if they weigh significantly more.
When buying a stroller, you must also consider the type of wheels. The small plastic models are suitable for strollers - "walking sticks", but they will not be able to withstand too bad roads. The rubber option is a good purchase for those who like soft, calm walks. Pay attention to the size of the wheels - the small ones are very maneuverable, but the large ones can easily walk on any terrain.
A good addition to the stroller is the stroller, which can be placed directly on the chassis. The presence of seat belts in such a block is mandatory, they serve to prevent the child from rolling over and falling out. It is advisable to choose an adjustable backrest, then the baby can be in a supine position and get enough sleep during a walk.
From what age?
Most experts say that you can put a child in a stroller from 5-6 months. The kid becomes mobile, he is interested in the world around him, and it is simply necessary to transplant him into a more open and light stroller. Many parents start using walking models even earlier - from 4 months. Although doctors are against such innovations, each child is individual, and if the baby has already begun to sit down at 4 months, then there are no contraindications. However, in this case, you should opt for strollers that are easy to unfold and comfortable for a lying position.
We also need a stroller for spring babies who have found their first summer in full swing. It often happens that the child is unbearably hot in the cradle, closed from the street dust, and the mother simply has to think about another type of stroller. You can put babies of different ages in a stroller for walking - 3, 2 months old, otherwise you can start using this option right from scratch.
Of course, you need to choose such strollers if there is no other way out, or the child is completely uncomfortable in the cradle. When buying a walking model, be sure to stock up on a block so that the child does not unnecessarily load the spine.
Parents of two children of different ages experience the most difficulties when choosing a stroller. The first baby is still not quite strong and cannot walk for a long time, and the second is very small for strollers. This issue is being solved by purchasing a two-seater "transport" - children can be comfortably seated either side by side or one after another. Today, there are strollers in the form of a train and twins for two children.
It is worth remembering that it is worth gradually accustoming your baby to a new vehicle. You cannot immediately put your child in a stroller and go for a walk. Start with homework - let your child first sit in the stroller, master it and get used to the position of the body. Then you can begin to slowly roll the baby around the apartment - it should be 5-10 minutes. Gradually, the time for home walks increases, and very soon you will be able to fully walk in the fresh air without stress for the baby.
Expert opinion
Today, you can find a variety of opinions of specialists, based not only on personal experience, but also on the experience of many parents. Many pediatric doctors assure that a child feels best in a stroller from 6-7 months. This is a period of active strengthening of the bones of the spine, which allows the baby to easily withstand sitting. However, a variety of situations happen - the child does not want to sit in the cradle, it is hot outside, the baby develops very quickly, and it becomes cramped for him. In such cases, it is not only possible, but also necessary to switch to a stroller.
EO Komarovsky says that there are no clear time boundaries when it is necessary to put a child in a stroller, and when not. The doctor claims that each baby develops in its own way, which means that he will have his own terms. Parents are encouraged to be patient, and not to force the little family member to sit when he does not want to. It is believed that even without the help of parents, the child will learn to sit and crawl on his own, but in due time.
Dr. Komarovsky also says that independent attempts to sit with a child should not be encouraged at all. The later the baby is sitting, the smoother and healthier the posture will be. That is why experts do not advise to carry children at 6-7 months constantly in a sitting position.
You need to start sitting from two minutes, then a mandatory break - you can crawl, lie down, or you can just take the child in your arms. At the same time, strollers should have a comfortable berth and an adjustable reclining back.
For information on how to choose the right stroller for your child, see the next video.
