When Can Babies Sit in A Stroller?

Strollers are one of the most functional pieces of baby gear that we buy. There are lots of types of strollers to choose from, but there are also different modes to utilize! For the most part, the options are to use your car seat, a bassinet attachment, or the regular stroller seat. But, that leaves the question . . . when can a baby sit in a stroller without a car seat?

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That’s the question we’ll answer today! We hope that breaking this down makes your stroller shopping easier and gives you expert insight into what’s safest for your stroller-riding baby. Here’s when your baby can sit in a stroller without their car seat:

When Can Babies Sit in A Stroller?

Baby is between 6-8 months old. 

You can expect to put your baby in a stroller without their infant seat sometime between 6-8 months. This is the developmental stage where most children learn to roll over, sit unassisted, crawl, and even pull to stand. This strength is essential for safely riding in a stroller without car seats. However, it’s important to note that not all babies develop at the same rate, so don’t go off age alone when deciding when to move to a regular stroller seat. 

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Baby can sit up independently. 

An infant car seat will allow your child to sit in a reclined position with harness straps to maintain the proper head and body positioning for safety. The car seat in the travel system helps prevent positional asphyxia and supports the spine, head, and neck of your delicate baby. So, before your child sits in a stroller without a car seat, ensure they can sit unassisted. This is one of the main indications that the recline and harness of a car seat is no longer necessary. 

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Baby demonstrates good head and neck control. 

Sometimes, even when babies can sit independently, they don’t yet demonstrate good head and neck control. If that is the case for your child, wait for them to hold their head up well and show good control while in a sitting position. If your child can’t maintain head and neck control, that harness will still be necessary to keep your little one safe in the stroller. Just keep prioritizing tummy time and your baby will get there in their own time! 

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Baby has reached the minimum height and weight for the stroller.

Some car seats will clearly state the minimum age, height, and/or weight for proper stroller use. Make sure you read the manual (as always) to confirm your baby meets the minimum requirements for the stroller seat before transitioning, even if your child can sit unassisted and demonstrates strong head and neck control. The manufacturer knows best! 

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Which Stroller Is Best For Baby?

There is no one stroller that is best for all families. There is a lot to consider when you choose a stroller! It’s one of those pieces of baby gear that you’ll likely use multiple times a week if not every day, so it needs to suit your lifestyle. You can find a long list of our favorite strollers and travel systems here, but first read our guide on how to pick a stroller, so you know what kind of stroller will work best for your family. 

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Here’s a short list of some of our top picks in each category: 

Best Travel System Stroller: Chicco Bravo Trio Stroller 

Travel systems are a great choice for families, because they can be used for an extended period. They have different attachments to suit different developmental stages. In this model, a compatible infant car seat can attach to the frame in addition to the standard stroller seat. 

We like this model because it has a 3-position adjustable handle, all-wheel suspension, treaded tires, a convenient one-push fold, and plenty of storage capacity. The stroller fits toddlers up to 50 lbs, which is pretty standard for strollers! 

If you’re concerned about safety, read this post on the safest car seat stroller combo. 

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Best Travel System Stroller with Bassinet: UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller

Here’s another travel system option that features a car seat and a standard stroller seat! However, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 also includes a bassinet. This is handy if you want an option for your baby under 6 months that’s not the infant car seat. In bassinet mode, your baby can lay flat, which is handy for stroller naps, diaper changes, and play time! 

Features you’ll love about the Vista 2 include an adjustable handle, a one-step fold, shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension, bug & and rain shields, and an extra large storage basket. You can also upgrade this stroller to fit up to three children with additional attachments. 

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Best Convertible Stroller: Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller

Convertible strollers are full-sized strollers meant to remain useful as your family grows and changes! The Mockingbird Single-to-Double stroller, as the name suggests, works for one or two children in various stages of life. In fact, you can configure the car seat, bassinet, and toddler seat in 22 possible arrangements! Plus, this stroller could potentially suit 3 kids with the stroller board attachment!

The seat offers a one-handed fold, an adjustable handlebar, all-wheel suspension, never-flat wheels, no-rethread straps, and a high-capacity storage basket. It’s useful for toddlers up to 50 lbs in single-mode or 45 lbs in double-mode. Oh, and we love that this convertible stroller is compatible with over 40 different car seats, adding significantly to it’s the practicality. 

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Best Front-to-Back Double Stroller: Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0

There are two types of double strollers: front-to-back and side-by-side. Different families prefer different things! (And, some places like Disney World only allow front-to-back options.) So, we decided to include one of each. 

This stroller can host two infant car seats, two stroller seats, a bench seat and stroller seat, or a standing platform and stroller seat! This is great for families with larger age gaps. Beyond that convenience, the Graco Ready2Grow includes a one-step fold, a child arm bar, a two-position stroller seat recline, a convertible harness, and a large storage basket. It’s a versatile stroller for families of two littles! 

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Best Side-by-Side Double Stroller: Baby Jogger City Mini Gt2 All-Terrain Double Stroller

Here’s a side-by-side double stroller option. It’s similarly versatile to the Ready2Grow option since it can host toddler seats, infant car seats, or bassinets (or any combo of the three). Additionally, a stroller board can allow a third child to ride along! 

There’s a lot to love about this double stroller, including all the reclining options for the toddler seat. This means you can get a pretty comfortable fit for your younger children, who may need a little more support on long rides. Plus, the recline folds nearly flat, which is great for on-the-go napping. The stroller is also compatible with lots of car seats and includes a one-step fold, adjustable calf supports, an adjustable handlebar, hand-operated braking, all-wheel suspension, and plenty of storage. 

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Best 2-Seater Stroller Wagon: BabyTrend Expedition 2-in-1 Plus

Stroller wagons have become really popular in the last few years! First of all, they offer a lot more room for storage and kids of various ages. Kids also like the 360 view for outings! Lastly, parents like that the stroller wagons have uses beyond transporting children. You can use them to haul anything from groceries to beach gear. 

This stroller wagon holds two children and has a handy snack tray, elevated seats, 3-point harness straps, push or pull handles, removable canopies, and tons of cup holders and storage pockets! And, yes, these are large and accommodate up to 110 lbs, but it still folds up nicely to fit in the back of most vehicles. 

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Best 4-Seater Stroller Wagon: Wonderfold W4 Elite Quad Stroller Wagon 

You won’t find many traditional strollers that hold 4 kids, but there are lots of stroller wagons that do, which is another reason families choose them! The Wonderfold is a favorite among parents for lots of reasons beyond its 4 child capacity. (It does hold up to 300 lbs, which is pretty impressive on its own!) 

Some features you’ll appreciate are the raised and reclining seats, an adjustable canopy, lots of storage space, 5-point harnesses, an adjustable handle, and all-terrain wheels. It still folds up, however a heavy-duty product with this many features can be pretty heavy. However, often parents see way more benefits than drawbacks! 

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Best Lightweight Stroller: Contours Bitsy Elite Compact Fold Stroller

The opposite of a heavy, bulky stroller wagon? A lightweight stroller! It folds up with just one step into a compact, freestanding stroller that is so small it can even fit in the overhead compartment on an airplane! (Here’s more on bringing a stroller on an airplane without checking it.) And, the stroller only weighs 14 lbs, making it easy to lift in and out of anywhere. 

The seat suits kids up to 40 lbs and is compatible with over 35 car seats with the right adapter! It also has a 5-point harness, a reclining seat, and a large storage basket! You’ll probably love the price tag on the Contours Bitsy Elite, too! 

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Best Travel Stroller: gb Pockit+ All-Terrain 

A lightweight stroller can often work as a travel stroller, but the gb Pockit+ has some specific travel-friendly features that makes it exceptionally well suited for trips, vacation, and frequent outings. It folds smaller than probably any other stroller you’ll find (yes, it fits in an airplane overhead bin) and weighs just over 12 lbs. Though it’s lighter than the Contours Bitsy, it actually holds more weight, able to hold your kiddo safely up to 55 lbs. 

Since it’s made to be lightweight and compact, there aren’t a ton of additional features, but it does offer multiple recline options, a sun canopy, a cargo basket, and easily maneuverable wheels. This travel car seat can even be used with a few infant car seats! Here’s more on traveling with a car seat and stroller. 

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Best Jogging Stroller: UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller

If you’re a mom or family with a very active lifestyle, a jogging stroller is the best for exercising and exploring with your little one in tow, whether walking, running, or hiking! The 3-wheel design makes it sturdy and stable on all types of terrain. It also has never flat tires, a hand brake system, an advanced suspension system, and a water bottle holder! 

Children up to 55 lbs can use this stroller and there are different attachments for car seats, bassinets, or even a stroller board, making it a good investment for long-term use. You’ll also appreciate the adjustable handlebar, the 5-point no-rethread harness, and the storage basket.   

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You baby can sit in a stroller usually between 6-8 months depending on head and neck control! 

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Safety is always the number one priority when it comes to your baby. Often when we talk about safety, we’re discussing proper sleeping techniques or best car seat practice. However, the stroller is a potentially dangerous place for your child too, so it’s a good idea to be well-versed in how to use a stroller safely and one that works best for your family! 

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We hope this post helped you do that, and for more need-to-know child safety information, head over to the Safe in the Seat blog! 

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