Typically, babies can sit in a stroller at around six months old. However, there are different stages along the way and many different things to consider in the run-up to your baby sitting up in their pram, as well as ensuring everything is in place to keep them as safe and comfortable as possible.
Today, we’re going to take a look at the safest age to allow your little one to sit up in their pram, explain why they need to lie flat before they can sit upright, look at different types of prams, and everything else you need to know about pram safety.
Key Points
- A baby should lie flat for at least the first six months of their life.
- Babies need to lie flat because they do not have the muscle strength to support themselves sitting upright.
- Most infants can sit up in a pram around six months of age.
- Parents should choose a stroller that fits best with their lifestyle.
- Your child’s age is one of the most important things to consider when selecting a stroller. A pram that works well for newborn babies may not be a good option for a toddler.
- An adjustable seat unit is one of the most common stroller features.
Content in this article:
- How Long Should A Baby Lie Flat In A Pram?
- Why Do Babies Need To Lie Flat In A Pram?
- When Is It Safe To Move Your Baby From Bassinet To Seat?
- Do Babies Need Head Support In A Pram?
- How Do I Stop My Baby From Slouching In The Pram Seat?
- What Are The Different Types Of Strollers And When Should Your Baby Use Them?
- What To Consider When Buying A Stroller?
- What Are The Most Common Features Of Different Stroller Types?
- How To Keep Your Baby Safe In A Pram?
How Long Should A Baby Lie Flat In A Pram?
It’s best to let your baby lie flat in their pram for the first six months of their lives. This gives their little bodies enough time to grow and develop the muscle strength needed to support themselves upright.
Forcing your baby into an upright sitting position before the age of six months could cause muscular damage, spine alignment issues, and affect their digestion.
Why Do Babies Need To Lie Flat In A Pram?
Babies need to lie flat in a pram until they are six months old because they simply do not have the muscle tone or strength needed to support themselves in an upright position.
But that’s not all. Laying your baby in a flat position in their pram until they are at least six months old will significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as this keeps their airways open and allows them to breathe better.
There may be some cases in which a doctor or medical professional has advised that your baby is placed on their front or side in their pram, but this should only be done if it’s for a medical reason. Otherwise, all babies should lay flat in a pram until the age of six months.
When Is It Safe To Move Your Baby From Bassinet To Seat?
The best age to move your baby from bassinet to seat is six months old. However, it’s important to remember that not all babies grow at the same rate, and their weight and height will need to be considered before you make the switch. They should also be able to hold their head up properly and maintain a seated position before moving from bassinet to seat.
Do Babies Need Head Support In A Pram?
Generally speaking, prams do not need to have head support in them as your baby will be able to sit upright and support the weight of their own head by the age of six months. However, you may choose to purchase a pram with head support that will ensure your baby’s head is supported and comfortable should they fall asleep in their pram.
Make sure you do some research when looking into this though, as some prams have head supports that fasten a baby into a sleeping position. These aren’t usually recommended as they restrict the movement of your baby’s head.
How Do I Stop My Baby From Slouching In The Pram Seat?
The first thing you need to do to stop your baby from slouching in a pram seat is to ensure they are big enough and old enough to be sitting upright in it. Babies should not be sitting up in their pram until they are at least six months old and have developed the muscle strength needed to do so.
Take a moment to adjust the five-point harness in the pram if you’re finding that your baby is slouching or sliding out. It should be secured firmly enough to keep them sitting comfortably but not so tight to restrict them.
Once you’ve done this and you find that slouching is still an issue, you can use some very lightweight blankets to provide padding around your baby’s body. This should help keep them in place without causing any discomfort, but make sure you use a breathable material and tuck the blankets in firmly away from their face.
What Are The Different Types Of Strollers And When Should Your Baby Use Them?
As a baby grows, so do its needs and depending on their age and activity level, various strollers work best for different families. It’s not all about the baby, though. Parents should also choose a stroller that fits their lifestyle and family needs.
Listed below are some of the most popular types of stroller and their benefits.
Jogging Stroller
Built to be sturdier than most other strollers and usually featuring large wheels, jogging strollers are great for families that love spending as much time outdoors as possible, as the wheels provide a smooth ride on uneven ground. This type of stroller is also great for a parent who loves exercising, and given their name, they are great for pushing your baby along while you’re jogging.
Umbrella Stroller
Lightweight and portable, umbrella strollers are a great choice for both everyday use and travel. They take their name from the fact they can fold flat too, which makes them perfect for parents short on space who need to store their pram away neatly when it isn’t in use.
Full-Size Stroller
Full-size strollers are some of the most feature-packed prams you’ll find, and most have an adjustable recline that allows you to switch between a lie flat position and a seated position with ease. This is perfect for transitioning once your baby is ready and means you’re not met with the added expense of purchasing a new stroller.
Travel System
Travel systems combine the benefits of both strollers and car seats and allow a parent to keep the infant car seat attached until the baby outgrows it, then convert the travel system to a stroller.
What To Consider When Buying A Stroller?
As well as the type of stroller that works best for you and your baby, it’s important to consider several other things when making your choice. Listed below are considerations to ensure the comfort and safety of your baby:
Age
Newborn babies and young babies would be best placed in a stroller that features an adjustable reclining seat unit, a large canopy, and a bassinet attachment. This allows you to move your baby from a lie flat position to a seated position when the time comes, protects them from the sun, and means you can move them from the stroller simply by detaching the bassinet, reducing the risk of waking them should they be fast asleep.
For toddlers, you’d be better off with a stroller that can be easily manoeuvred over lots of different types of terrains, and that has features like a reclining seat and adjustable handlebar.
Weight
Something that many people overlook when choosing a stroller is the weight of it. This is very important though, because if you plan on using the stroller regularly, you may want a lightweight stroller that can easily be folded and carried.
Size
The best way to choose the right stroller size for your family is to consider your lifestyle. A compact stroller may work best for families who spend lots of time travelling, using public transportation, or even those with a smaller family vehicle.
A bigger stroller may be ideal for families exploring their hometowns for errand days, lunch dates, and other leisurely activities. A large stroller will offer your baby much more space and comfort during longer periods away from home.
Price Range
Depending on size and features, the price of a stroller can vary significantly. Parents can choose from a wide variety of budget-friendly stroller options or splurge on higher-end brands that may offer more features like a larger canopy, optimised storage, and long-lasting quality.
Safety Features
Always look for a stroller tested and certified to meet current Australian safety standards, too. This includes features such as a five-point harness, locking brakes, and a wide base to provide stability and support.
What Are The Most Common Features Of Different Stroller Types?
No two strollers are the same, and while they are all designed to keep your baby as safe as possible, some have features that others don’t. Listed below are some of the most common features you’ll find on most strollers:
Adjustable Seats
Many strollers feature a seat that can be adjusted to an upright and reclined position. These options let your baby sit up and experience the same views as you or enjoy a lie-flat position while resting in the stroller. This feature is also great for babies as they transition between a lie flat position and a seated position from the age of six months.
Wheels
While you expect a stroller to come with wheels as standard, some have swivel front wheels that make it easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces, while others have static wheels that offer less manoeuvrability. So, when it comes to choosing your stroller, think about the kind of ground you need to push it over.
Canopy
A canopy is essential for protecting your baby from the sun, wind, and rain while you’re out and about. Most strollers come with a built-in canopy as standard, while others feature a removable canopy that can be snapped on and off as needed.
Storage
Many strollers, even super compact ones, come with baskets and storage compartments that allow you to keep your baby’s essential accessories close to hand while you’re out in the world.
Brakes
Whether purchasing a brand-new stroller or a second-hand pram, each stroller should feature a braking system so you can stop and secure the stroller when it is parked.
Harness
Almost all strollers have a five-point harness to keep your child securely fastened while in the stroller. Pay special attention to the safety instructions if you plan to use the lie-flat seating option while the baby lies flat or reclined.
Extras
Many strollers feature a foldable design, making it easy to store and transport the stroller when not in use. Depending on the model, your pram may also offer additional features like cup holders, snack trays, adjustable leg rests, and more.
How To Keep Your Baby Safe In A Pram?
While most prams have several safety features, when it comes to keeping your baby safe in their pram, there are certain things that you need to check yourself before you head out.
First of all, it’s essential that you make sure the straps are fastened securely and have been adjusted properly for your baby’s size. Remember, babies grow quite quickly, so you’ll need to check this regularly.
The straps should be fastened tightly enough so your baby can’t wriggle free or slip out but loose enough so they aren’t completely restricted. A one-finger width between the harness and your baby’s body is ideal.
You’ll also need to check the brakes on your stroller before each use, making sure they are firm and secured to the stroller’s wheels and that the wheels don’t move when parked.
It’s also very important that you avoid placing objects on top of the stroller as these may fall on the baby or block your view as you push it. Likewise, don’t leave hot liquids or cups without a lid in the cup holder of your pram, as these can spill onto your baby if you go over a bump in the road.
Adjust the suspension so the ride is smooth and comfortable as well. This will help prevent your baby from being jostled around and becoming injured.
Finally, never leave your baby unattended while using a stroller. Make sure an adult is always present and monitoring your baby.
Final Thoughts
Babies typically start sitting up in their strollers around six months old, so it is imperative to consider their development when you choose a stroller. Your baby should be able to sit upright in the stroller with plenty of space but still be held securely in place with a five-point harness.