When To Put Baby In Stroller Without Car Seat

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Many strollers come with a range of features to make your parenting journey that bit easier.

One such feature is a car seat capsule that easily connects to your stroller frame allowing you to transition your baby between the car and stroller without having to remove them from the car seat.

This is a fantastic feature, especially if your baby likes to sleep in the car.

But, if you have brought, or are considering buying a stroller with a car seat attachment, you may be wondering when to use stroller without car seat.

So, keep reading as we answer your questions on when can baby ride in stroller without car seat and more!

And if you love this guide on when can baby use stroller without car seat, then make sure to check out these guides on when can a baby go in a stroller, best convertible strollers, and best bassinet strollers.

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How To Choose the Right Stroller For Your Newborn Child? 

Many strollers will be built to accommodate both babies and toddlers, however, for newborns there are some considerations you will need to bear in mind.

Babies under 3 to 4 months of age can struggle to support the weight of their own head. This means that to prevent strain on their neck, it is important that newborns lay flat on their back whilst in their stroller to provide adequate support for their neck.

There are a few options that you can choose from including a bassinet stroller so they can lie down flat or a convertible stroller with a car seat attachment.

Once your child is able to support their heads by themselves they may be ready for an upright stroller. 

The good news is, there are loads of bassinet strollers and convertible strollers on the market that could technically support your baby from infancy to toddlerhood and beyond.

Why Attach A Car Seat To A Stroller? 

Lots of parents buy convertible strollers, so they can use the same stroller as their child grows.

These often have reclining seats, to accommodate newborns, and frames that can be attached to car seats.

But why would you want to attach a car seat to a stroller in the first place?

Well for a start, since they are built to accommodate toddlers as well as newborns, putting a car seat on your stroller can ensure a tighter fit.

This means your baby won’t be able to move around as much, and is less likely to fall out. 

It is also very convenient for parents who want to take their child on a drive.

All you have to do is put the frame of the stroller in the boot, and you can attach the car seat to it when you get to your destination.

Car seats for babies also come with raised backs, that will help to make your child more comfortable until they grow up a bit more. 

Finally, car seats will often come with tighter harnesses than the usual seat on a convertible baby stroller.

While you don’t want to restrict your child’s movement too much, you also want them to be safe.

As such, the harness on a car seat is a much better option for babies under 6-months old, as it will fit securely to prevent the child falling out of the push chair.  

when to put baby in stroller without car seat? 

Most manufacturers recommend keeping your child in the car seat until they are at least 6-months old.

Normally by this time the baby will have grown enough that the harness on the regular seat will suffice. 

However, some babies may grow slower than others, so you should always use your own judgements when deciding if it is time to ditch the car seat.

If the straps on your strollers seat are still very loose, then it will be better to keep using the car seat until they grow more. If you don’t then the harness won’t provide as much protection as it should. 

However, some babies may become too big for the car seat when they are 4 months old, and this comes with its own set of problems.

For instance, if the car seat is too small, then your child may quickly overheat in warm weather.

Normal stroller seats will often be well ventilated, with breathable fabrics making up the mattress. This makes them much cooler, so your toddler won’t be uncomfortable during the ride. 

At the end of the day, when your baby is ready to go in the stroller without a car seat will depend on how well they can support their head, how fast they grow, and your own judgement.

That said, most children will be ready to travel without a car seat in their stroller by the time they are over 6 months old. 

Final Thoughts on when can you put baby in stroller without car seat

When looking to transition from a car seat attachment to a regular stroller seat you will need to ensure that your baby is ready for the transition.

Factors to consider include the age and size of your child as well as how well they can support their head.

A baby could theoretically could transition from their car seat into a stroller as early as 3 months, however many parents look to make the transition around 6 months old.

And if you’re still looking for more great baby guides, try these guides on how to open a stroller,  when can babies sleep with a blanket, when can your baby face forward in carrier, and best stroller organizers for more inspiration!