Last Updated 5/18/2022.
At this point, you’re probably no stranger to strolling with your little one. Strap them into their infant car seat, attach the seat to the stroller, and you’re off on an adventure. Your stroller might even have a carriage mode, so baby can lie back while you’re out and about. Walks give both parent and baby a much-needed change of scenery (and the momentary illusion of peace). As your infant grows and begins to interact with the world, you might start to wonder when they can sit up in the stroller and take in all the sights with you.
So, when can babies sit up in a stroller?
There isn’t a magical age that indicates when it’s safe for your little one to graduate to the stroller seat. The switch from infant seat or carriage mode to the stroller seat depends more on size and developmental stage than anything else. Because their muscles are still developing, your little one needs to ride fully reclined for those first few months.
We recommend switching to the stroller seat in a reclined position once baby can support their head on their own, which is typically about three months old. Then, you can switch to fully upright in the stroller seat when baby can sit up on their own, typically between five and seven months.
In the meantime, it’s important to encourage baby’s gross motor skill development to help them reach those milestones.
How can you help your infant develop strong muscles?
They might not be able to lift weights at the gym, but they can practice tummy time. While supervising, lay your baby on their stomach and encourage them to lift up their head with a mirror, toy or parent to coax them. This helps to strengthen their neck, back, and stomach muscles. Holding their head up is the first step towards sitting up on their own. But just like we avoid going to the gym, some babies fight tummy time with all their might. Invest in developmental toys to extend tummy time and make it fun.
So, somewhere around the seven-month mark, your little one will find the strength to sit up by themselves and graduate to sitting totally upright in the stroller. To best help your baby, get a stroller with multiple recline positions that can accommodate their growing independence. An added bonus is a modular stroller that allows you to switch between parent-facing and world-facing so your little one can bond with you and explore the world.
