Parenthood brings with it a whole slew of questions to answer and lessons to learn. How do I know what my baby is trying to tell me when she’s crying? When do I transition her from a bassinet next to my bed to a crib in her own room? When do I start feeding her solids?
Another major topic for new parents revolves around their baby’s sleep schedule: Can my baby nap in the stroller? We’ve all been there. You’re out on a stroll and you go to check on your little one and they’re fast asleep. This poses the question as to whether it’s safe for your baby to continue napping in their stroller or not?
The Short Answer? Yes, it’s Safe.
In short, yes- you can let your baby nap in the stroller. There’s no need to be concerned about your baby’s safety if they fall asleep while you’re out on a stroll together. If you have a newborn, it’s preferred that they fall asleep in a bassinet style stroller that allows them to lay flat. But even in a traditional style stroller, an older baby will be safe if they end up taking a quick snooze. You don’t need to worry about their safety. Do your best to make their space as dark and quiet as possible.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Metro+ and Metro+ Deluxe strollers are both newborn ready! Easily convert the stroller into a bassinet style setting with the newborn nest mode.
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SHOP ERGOBABY Compact Strollers
Now that we’ve answered the question of whether it’s safe or not, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of stroller sleeping!
Pros to Stroller Sleeping
Gives You More Freedom
Letting your little one sleep in a stroller is an easy way to give you a bit more freedom during naptime. If they fall asleep at home, you’re confined to the house. Think of everything you could be getting done were they just a bit more mobile! With your little one comfortable and snoozing in their stroller, you can go for a walk, go shopping, take care of errands, or even make a quick visit to a nearby family or friend. If they fall asleep while you’re out for a walk, this also gives you the ability to elongate your outing, or take some time to sit in the shade and enjoy the day outside, something that would be hard to do if they were napping at home.
Adaptable Baby
Helping your baby know how to sleep outside is a great way to teach them how to be more adaptable. Creating a soothing, peaceful environment at home for them to sleep in is wonderful, but a baby that can sleep outside is a baby that can sleep anywhere, which is sure to come in handy if you ever find yourself running late and away from home. With all of the action and sounds that come with being outside, it will make a world of difference for the both of you if your baby can acclimate to sleeping outside.
Helps Your Health
Believe it or not, having a baby that naps in their stroller can help both your physical and mental health. Think about it- you are given more freedom to take care of yourself and your to-do list if your little one is napping in their stroller, leaving you feeling less stuck and more in control. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to get out and get some exercise. Endorphins are real! They can do an amazing job at helping you stay positive and feel fantastic, so take advantage of the opportunity to squeeze in an outdoor workout while your baby is sleeping in their stroller.
Cons to Stroller Sleeping
Can Mess Up Their Schedule
Establishing and sticking to a naptime schedule is a must for many new parents. Babies thrive off order, and an established naptime routine and schedule is often one of their first experiences with this. If your little one starts falling asleep in their stroller, you run the risk of messing up their sleep schedule, which could take days to repair. There is also the possibility of your baby taking a short nap while in their stroller instead of a full nap. Cat naps are not recommended for babies because they usually last between 20 and 30 minutes, which denies your little one of the benefits of getting a full sleep cycle. This is definitely something to consider.
Delayed Ability to Self Soothe
Self soothing is the ability that a child has to calm themselves down and fall asleep. Sometimes this involves tools such as a pacifier or a comforting blanket. However, if your little one becomes accustomed to falling asleep in a moving stroller, their ability to self soothe will be delayed because they are used to being soothed by the movement of the stroller. Babies are naturally soothed by movement from their time in the womb, and while there are ways to still replicate this to soothe them, giving them opportunities to transition into self soothing is very important for their development.
It’s Your Choice
Strollers are an incredible tool and an absolute must-have for anyone with a baby or toddler. At the end of the day, the decision of whether or not to let your child sleep in the stroller comes down to you and what you decide is best for your little one and your family. Creating an environment where a baby can sleep will vary from family to family, so take some time to determine what will be best for you!
SHOP ERGOBABY Compact Strollers