When to Stop Using a Stroller? (3 Questions To Ask Yourself)

✨Get Christmas tips, routines, traditions, book lists, and more on our holiday hub!

When is it time to stop using a stroller? This question has a lot of weight and should be answered with the consideration of safety, development, convenience, and parental preferences.

As a mother of 5, I know I have a different perspective on this than many.

I had 5 kids in 5 years and so… I never had a stroller that held all of them. The older kids were expected to… well… walk.

But this can cause a lot of stress for some moms, wondering if their little one will wander off and get lost. And honestly, some kids will really try this.

The age old debate of “how old is too old for a stroller?” is up for discussion. Can it be addressed with just a few questions?

50+ Life Skills (By Age!)

Check off critical household, social, and hygiene skills for your child so they’re prepared (not petrified) of growing up!

If you’re considering ditching the stroller… ask yourself these questions

You have to consider that it’s more than just about age.

In fact, when to stop using a stroller has more to do with convenience, safety, development, and parenting preferences.

Is it more of a hassle than a help?

When the stroller becomes more of a hassle than a help, it’s time to stop using a stroller. Not before, because there are times when it’s absolutely necessary.

Think about this:

A new mother is out with her family on a day shopping trip. Of course, she brings her precious bundle of joy along.

And…

The car seat, diaper bag, changing pad, bottles, feeding supplies, extra blankets, extra clothes, and a huge water bottle for her.

Where does she put all these things while she is shopping?

You guessed it… in her handy stroller (along with her baby of course).

Let’s face it- for the mom above, the stroller was absolutely necessary.

But, every mother reaches a place in her child’s life that it seems as though the stroller is more of a hassle than a help.

• If you find yourself dreading the fact that you have to pull your stroller out again. Dreading pulling it around… while your child runs ahead, it’s probably time.
• If you find that it’s easier to leave some of your kid’s supplies behind (because they can go longer without them) and you don’t have to carry such a big bag, it’s probably time.

Would your kids benefit from being out of the stroller?

When you realize that your kids will benefit from being out of the stroller, it’s time to stop using a stroller.

It’s a simple concept. However, it’s one of those developmental milestones that happens so fast that a parent can get caught off guard.

Helpful Phrases Pack

Parenting little ones can be crazy at times, but these proven phrases will teach your kids to listen. And the best part? You can stop repeating yourself!

Learn More

Young children benefit from walking and running when it’s safe. This allows them to explore the environment around them. It also helps them build the self-control needed to stay close to mom.

This also helps train them to become aware of their surroundings and heed their parent’s voice. Both, are great for development.

One of the very first things I taught my toddlers at a very young age, was to always come when I called their name. It didn’t matter if they were 3 feet away or across the yard.

When I called their name, they learned to come quickly.

To stop using a stroller may take time.

There will probably some situations where using a stroller is still necessary, but you can start to train your children out of the stroller as soon as you see that it would benefit them.

• Start out on short trips without the stroller
• Give your child grace if they get tired and beg to rest, be carried, etc. Don’t take it as a sign to go back to the stroller, but make space for developing perseverance

Is your child too big to be carted around?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children between the age of 2-3 can stop using a stroller if they are strong walkers. One reason is because children benefit from the physical activity of walking and running.

Another reason is that children in strollers can become passive viewers of the world around them if they are carted around too long.

Let me explain…

Have you ever heard the saying “stop and smell the flowers?” Well… you can’t do that from a stroller.

Children learn by experiences. Allowing them to touch, feel, and navigate through their day is giving them real experiences.

• If your child is ready to ask questions about the world around them, it’s probably time to stop using a stroller.
• If you child is working on following verbal commands, it’s probably time to stop using a stroller.

Is safety a concern?

There were times when I pushed the age of my children in the stroller because safety was a concern to me. There were also times when I let them out to explore because it was safe.

For example:

If you know you’re going to have to hurry through traffic on a busy street- a stroller may be the best option. Even if your kid is old enough to walk and follow directions, it may just not be safe.

On the flip side…

If you’re going for a walk in your neighborhood (and safety isn’t an issue)- ditch the stroller.

50+ Life Skills (By Age!)

Check off critical household, social, and hygiene skills for your child so they’re prepared (not petrified) of growing up!

Every situation is different, but you don’t want to get stuck in the habit of strapping them into the stroller just because you have it there.