If you’re a new parent, you’re probably tired of carrying your baby around everywhere in your arms. You’re not alone. Many parents struggle with this problem, and it can be exhausting to carry around an infant all day long. But there are other options out there!
There are strollers that make it easier for you to get their little one from place to place without having to worry about back pain or getting too tired. And then there are also baby carriers that allow you the chance to bond with your child while still being able to go on walks or run errands.
Both options have their pros and cons, which makes the decision quite tricky. So, we wanted to compare them side by side so you could decide what works best for your family! Keep reading!
Strollers – Pros & Cons:
A stroller is a popular choice for new parents because it makes it easier to get around your neighborhood without having to carry the baby. And, if you have an infant who still needs feeding or changing frequently, a stroller can make life much more convenient!
Not to mention, it also allows older siblings the chance to join in on family activities and gives you a chance to get some exercise! And during all of that, your little one can sleep in peace.
However, if your baby is going through a clingy phase or doesn’t enjoy being in one place for too long, then this may not be the right option. In addition, if you live somewhere with hills and steps (or plan to visit an area with these), then a stroller may not be the best choice for you for mobility purposes.
On top of that, it’s also important to remember that many areas don’t allow jogging or the use of rollerblades in public, which means it can be difficult to take your baby out on walks.
Pros:
- Convenient to use and push around
- Different stroller types can accommodate more than one newborn
- Include storage spaces or baskets
- Makes it easier to get around the neighborhood
Cons:
- May not be allowed in public places due to jogging/rollerblade restrictions
- Aren’t the best option if your baby is clingy or doesn’t like staying in one place for long periods
- Can be a hassle in narrow spaces or crowded areas
- Some are bulky and challenging to fold
Baby Carriers – Pros & Cons:
A baby carrier is an excellent great choice for parents who want to bond with their child and give them the freedom of movement they crave. Carriers are also ideal if you live somewhere where it can be complex to get around because there are no sidewalks or smooth roads!
Yet, on the other hand, baby carriers aren’t an ideal choice if you live somewhere with hills or uneven terrain because you’ll have to worry about tripping or slipping all the time. This can also make it challenging if you want to go for a jog, rollerblade, or do other outdoor activities.
In addition, some babies don’t like being in carriers because they can feel trapped and may fuss after a short amount of time. So it really depends on your baby’s personality!
Lastly, it’s essential to remember that baby carriers can be a safety hazard if you’re not careful, so always make sure your little one is seated correctly with their head against the top of the carrier and no blankets near their face.
Pros:
- Allow great bonding time with your baby
- Enable the baby to face outwards and explore the world around them
- Excellent choice for parents who live somewhere without sidewalks
- Provide higher mobility
Cons:
- Not the best option for newborns who still need feeding or changing frequently
- Can only take one child at a time
- If the baby is clingy, they may not enjoy being in a carrier for too long
- May be difficult to take your baby on walks because of uneven ground or poor weather conditions
- Can be a safety hazard if not used properly
- Lack storage space for essentials like diapers, wipes, and similar
Stroller vs. Baby Carrier for Travel
Traveling with your baby can be stressful enough, so it’s important to choose the right option for you! If you don’t already own a stroller or carrier, then investing in one that’s ideal for travel may seem like an unnecessary expense. However, if you plan on traveling more often than not (maybe even as a family), then it’s probably worth the investment.
As for the choice, it really depends on how often you plan to travel and what your baby likes/doesn’t like! If they’re always happy in their stroller, for instance, but never want to sit still in a carrier, then go with the stroller every time.
Furthermore, if your family plans on going somewhere where it may rain often, or there might be uneven terrain (such as hiking trails), then definitely stick with a stroller because carriers can be a safety hazard in these cases.
On the other hand, if they’re happier in a carrier, and you don’t want to have to bring your stroller everywhere with you, then always go for the baby carrier if you can handle carrying your little one all day.
This is especially true if you plan to travel via air since strollers are not allowed on airplanes. And, of course, carriers are more lightweight than strollers.
Baby Carrier or Stroller for Newborns?
For many newborns, they’re happiest when held in their parents’ arms and aren’t ready for time spent sitting up on their own just yet!
In this case, a baby carrier is an excellent choice because it allows your newborn to be close to you without having to sit up completely on their own, making them feel safer and more secure.
However, if your baby can hold their head up well and isn’t too clingy, then a stroller is definitely the way to go! Your little one will be happily able to see more of their surroundings while you freely do all the walking.
Finally, if your baby is old enough that they’re ready to sit up by themselves but still acts clingy sometimes, then grab both! Strollers are wonderful when babies need a break from walking, and baby carriers are perfect for when they want to be held.
Stroller vs. Baby Carrier: In Conclusion
So, strollers or baby carriers? As with most parenting decisions, it all comes down to your personal preferences and what you want out of a carrier/stroller!
In general, baby carriers are the best choice if your child is usually happy when held by you but occasionally wants to explore on their own. But if they’re old enough to hold their head up and aren’t too clingy, then a stroller will probably be the best bet.
In all cases, it’s important to keep your family’s needs in mind as you make this decision – no matter what option you choose, both stroller and baby carrier can work wonders!
Also, remember: don’t feel afraid of investing in both! Strollers and baby carriers can be a bit pricey, but they’re definitely worth it.
