When Can Babies Sit in Stroller? Readiness Signs to Look For

Key Takeaways

• Generally speaking, your baby should be able to maintain good head control and be able to sit up independently in order to ride in a stroller seat

• Meeting the milestone can vary, but usually happens between 6 and 8 months of age

• To stroll safely before your child can sit in a stroller seat, use a bassinet or infant car seat attachment.

One of the best features of strollers on the market today is their modularity. Many integrate seamlessly with infant inserts and bassinet or car set attachments to build a travel system that works for your family through all stages of your child’s development. 

Of course, with all that customization comes bulkiness. There are components and configurations and, while the options are nice, it can also leave a parent wondering “when can I just use the stroller and be done with the bells and whistles?!”

Graduating to use the stroller seat depends on your baby meeting a few key developmental milestones. Read on to learn more.

Key Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Sit in a Stroller

When it comes to stroller readiness, it depends on more than your baby’s age. Reaching milestones like sitting up independently and maintaining head and neck control may typically happen within a certain age range, but it’s not a hard and fast rule.

Head and Neck Control

To use a stroller seat, your baby should have strong head and neck control. For some babies, this can develop as early as 3 or 4 months, although true steadiness is likely to occur closer to 6 months of age. 

Having good head and neck control in a stroller is important to keep your baby properly positioned and their airways unobstructed.

Sitting Independently

Being able to sit independently, without being propped up, is a later-occurring skill than head and neck control. Most babies can’t sit steadily on their own until somewhere in the 6-8 months range. 

It’s important that your baby be an independent sitter before using the stroller seat to make sure they can stay positioned properly.

Age Range Guidelines

Many babies may exhibit good head and neck control as soon as 3 or 4 months, but independent sitting tends to occur later in the 6 to 8 months range. It’s also important to note the difference between sitting assisted and sitting truly independently. 

If your baby needs to be propped up so that they don’t fall over, then they may not be able to sit in a stroller seat without running the risk of becoming improperly positioned. 

Types of Strollers and Which Stages of Baby Growth to Use Them

With so many options on the market, choosing the right car seat and stroller can feel overwhelming. Let’s look at the different types of strollers and which stage of development they work best for so you can make an informed decision.

Bassinet Strollers

A bassinet stroller—or a bassinet attachment for your stroller—allows your baby to lie flat. Since small babies don’t meet the milestones for sitting in a stroller seat and the Two-Hour Rule says they shouldn’t spend more than two hours in a car seat, a bassinet stroller is a good option for keeping them properly positioned. Bassinet strollers can be used until your baby can roll over or sit up, usually until the 4 to 6 months old range. If you’re wondering exactly when to switch from bassinet to stroller seat, there are clear signs and milestones that can help guide you.

Full Size Strollers

Full size strollers are typically what you picture when you think of a stroller. Some may come with an infant insert or work with your infant car seat to be used from birth. If you’re not sure when is baby to big for infant car seat, it’s worth checking before making the switch. Using without an insert or car seat attachment means waiting until your baby can sit independently and has good head and neck control.

Jogging Strollers

Jogging strollers typically come with a three wheel configuration that’s designed to navigate uneven terrain with ease. Their larger wheels and bulky frame provide a smooth ride, and they often come with features like a hand brake to offer parents responsive control. Most jogging strollers shouldn’t be used before your baby is 8 or 9 months old.

Tips for a Safe Transition to Upright Stroller Use

If your baby is ready to ride in an upright stroller position, there are a few tips to help make the transition as seamless as possible.

Make Sure Your Baby Has Met the Milestones

Most importantly, make sure your baby has met the milestones to ride safely upright. They should be able to maintain good head and neck control and sit independently.

Consult Your Manufacturer’s Guidelines

It’s always a good idea to consult with your stroller manufacturer’s guidelines. They may have height or weight limitations to consider.

If Possible, Keep Your Baby In Your Line of Sight

Whether you use a viewing panel through the stroller canopy or your stroller allows you to position your baby facing you, keep your baby in view to ensure they’re riding comfortably and safely.

Support Your Baby’s Next Milestone with Orbit Baby

Every child develops differently, which is why it’s so important to emphasize your baby’s safety and comfort over age milestones. At Orbit Baby, our strollers can be used from birth with the included infant insert and their 360 degrees of rotation means you can always keep an eye on your little one. Remember that you can always check with your pediatrician for guidance when you’re unsure of the best way to keep strolling safely.