When to stop using a stroller

Last Updated on September 1, 2024

Knowing when to stop using a stroller is something that many mums wonder at some point, but it can be hard to determine when’s the right time.

You may wish to continue using a stroller because it makes travelling with kids easier, it helps when you’re out with multiple kids, or it helps you to get errands done quickly.

However, if you’d like to stop using a stroller, here are some signs that it may be the right time, as well as some tips on how to transition your child out of a stroller when you’re ready.

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Your child is 3

The recommended age to stop using a stroller is 3, because this is the age your child should be able to walk without the assistance of a stroller.

However, you can stop using a stroller before or after this age if you feel as though your child is capable without one.

When your child can walk

Another way to know when to stop using a stroller is when your child can walk, or when they’d prefer to walk rather than sit in their stroller.

In the UK, the NHS states that once your child can walk, they should be active for at least 3 hours a day, so if your child spends the majority of their day in a stroller, they’re not meeting this level of activity.

There are many ways for kids to be active that don’t require you to leave the house, and can actually be done indoors.

Some indoor activities for toddlers, and some indoor activities for kids, if you have older kids at home include:

• Playing in the backyard
• Doing age specific chores
• Dancing
• Jumping on a trampoline
• Doing kid’s yoga
• Climbing through an at home obstacle course

Your child doesn’t want to use a stroller

Sometimes the decision to stop using a stroller is made by our kids, which is what happened to me.

One day my son just didn’t want to sit in his stroller anymore, and the only thing I could do to avoid toddler tantrums that happened every time I put him in his stroller was to stop using one.

Your child can follow instructions

If your child can do the below, then they can safely go out without a stroller:

• Hold your hand
• Come back after they’ve walked off
• Be careful
• Wait with you at a busy road

Your child is interested in the world

If your child wants to stop to look at things, touch things, and asks you questions about what they see when they’re out, then it may be easier and more time efficient to stop using a stroller, and let them explore the world in front of them.

How to transition your child out of a stroller

Once you’ve decided to stop using a stroller, here are some things that you can do to make the transition from stroller to walking easier:

• Start using your stroller less, try using it for every second or third outing and see how your child adjusts, once they’ve adjusted start to use it even less
• Go for short walks without a stroller, and overtime increase the amount of time you walk
• Find things for your child to look at when you’re out to distract them from the fact they’re no longer in a stroller
• If they’re having trouble walking long distances, you may like to use a foldable wagon, or a kids trike, until they’re able to walk longer distances easier

When to stop using a stroller – a recap

Knowing when to stop using a stroller can be a tough decision, but there are some signs to look out for that will let you know that your child may be ready to stop using one, which include:

• They’re 3 years old
• Your child can walk, or would prefer to walk when out
• You child doesn’t want to use a stroller anymore, and may get angry when you try to put them in one
• They can follow instructions to keep them safe, like holding your hand, coming back to you after walking off, being careful, or waiting with you at busy roads
• They’re interested in the world around them and want to explore it

Once you’ve decided to transition your child out of a stroller, you can do so by using your stroller less often, increasing the amount of time they walk, and distracting your child when they’re not in a stroller.

Making the decision to stop using a stroller can feel huge, often it’s one of the last milestones of little kids, which can cause conflicting feelings.

What signs have you seen in your child that tells you it may be time to stop using a stroller?

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