From the Guidelines
Newborns can safely go on stroller walks as soon as parents feel comfortable taking them outside, typically within the first week after birth if both baby and mother are healthy. When considering stroller walks, it's essential to prioritize the baby's safety and comfort. Choose a stroller that fully reclines for newborns since they cannot support their heads or sit upright 1. For the first outings, keep walks short (15-20 minutes) and gradually increase duration as the baby grows.
Key Considerations for Stroller Walks
- Dress your baby appropriately for the weather—one more layer than what you're wearing in cold weather, and light, breathable clothing in warm weather.
- Protect your baby from direct sunlight using the stroller canopy, lightweight blankets, or infant-safe sunscreen after 6 months of age.
- Ensure the stroller is safe and well-maintained to prevent any accidents. These early walks benefit both parent and baby by providing fresh air, gentle stimulation for the baby's developing senses, and an opportunity for the parent to get light exercise. The motion of the stroller can also be soothing for many newborns, potentially helping with sleep patterns. It's crucial to note that while the provided evidence focuses on sleep-related infant deaths 1, the key to safe stroller walks lies in careful planning, attention to the baby's needs, and adherence to safety guidelines.
From the Research
Newborn Stroller Walks
- There is no specific study that directly answers when newborns can safely go on stroller walks.
- However, some studies provide information on stroller use and safety for young children:
- A study on stroller-related injuries to children found that the median age at the time of injury was 11 months, and 51% of injured children were males 2.
- Another study on parents' perception of stroller use in young children found that parents discussed reasons for stroller use, factors that influence the decision to use a stroller, and perceived impact of stroller use on physical activity 3.
- In terms of developmental milestones, a study on very low birth weight preterm infants found that 50% of these infants sat at 7 months corrected age and walked at 13 months corrected age 4.
- It is essential to consider the safety and developmental stage of the newborn before taking them on stroller walks, ensuring that the stroller is suitable for their age and size, and taking necessary precautions to prevent injuries 2, 3.
- Additionally, a study on baby walkers found that the starting age of baby walker use was 6.61 ± 1.46 months, but it did not provide information on stroller use specifically 5.