Enjoying early parenthood means that you are creating some lovely memories with your id to cherish in the future. All of us have a tingling fear in our hearts before doing anything for the first time with a baby but eventually, it happens and fills our hearts with eternal joy. I still remember the time when I had the first foldable stroller outing with my firstborn and it was like achieving a big milestone. If you are a first-time mom and don’t know how to prepare yourself and your baby for the first stroller outing, continue reading this blog for a detailed guide.
When Can A Baby Sit in a Stroller?
It is frequently asked by first-time parents at what age they can start using a stroller for their baby while traveling or normal strolling. Well! It depends on what kind of stroller and accessories you have got. Some strollers are designed in a perfect way to keep a newborn safe during strolling while others can accommodate an infant car seat. Such strollers can be used by even a few days-old infants. However, if you are asking about traditional sitting, the age varies for each baby as all of them grow at a different pace.
According to the professionals, there are two conditions to assess if your baby is good to sit in a stroller or not. Firstly, the baby should be able to sit independently. Secondly, he/she should have control over the head and neck movements. Both these conditions are usually met in children aged 6 months or above.
Tips to Prepare for a Smooth Stroller Outing with a Child
Here is how you can enjoy spending a great time with your kid on the first stroller ride.
- Decide the Spot
You need to choose a calm place for the baby to feel comfortable outside the home. If you are living in a neighborhood with dedicated sidewalks, you can easily start your kid’s stroller ride outside of your home. If not, you need to drive to the nearby park or a kid-friendly public space where you can spend some good time in nature with your baby.
- Plan the Outing
The first stroller walk should never be an impromptu decision. In the postpartum period, it is more likely to overestimate your stamina and try to overwhelm your health by doing even the pre-delivery routine tasks. Start by planning the short outings, listen to your body, and engage yourself in as much physical activity as you can easily do. You can surely go for long walks after a complete recovery.
- Get Ready First
This point is going to stick with the mom for a few years. Set yourself ready first. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes with enough layering to save yourself from the seasonal impacts. You can also carry a jacket or shawl if the weather is expected to change during your outing. Pack a bottle of water and a few snacks. Don’t worry about carrying them as you have plenty of storage beneath your compact stroller for travel to keep everything.
- Check the Stroller
It is important to recheck the security features in the stroller before its first use. Many of us have our strollers lying in a corner of the home for quite a long time till we decide to use them for the first time. Make sure that the wheels are moving smoothly, the lock and buckles are working perfectly, and all the surfaces are clean and dust-free. Even after putting the baby in, make sure that all the snaps and buckles are tight and secure around the baby.
- Get Your Baby Ready
For the older fussy kids, it might be a good option to take them out to refresh their mood. However, this thing never works for an infant. Feed your baby, change diapers, and dress appropriately according to the weather. Carry a few diapers, disposable bags for the used diapers, a milk bottle, an extra blanket, or any other thing you may think that your child would need. Now step out and start with a stroll with your little buddy.
Final Words
The thoughts of a baby’s first time in a stroller can be overwhelming for the new parents. However, with enough preparation and planning, you can spend quality time outside the home with a little one. Fresh air is good for the health of both baby and mother, so a slow-paced strolling can help you regain your physical and mental strength. Follow the above guide and enjoy your first outing with your baby.
