Stroller Age Guide: When to Use, Switch, and Stop Using a Stroller

When you first bring your baby home, a stroller, a wheeled vehicle designed to safely transport infants and young children. Also known as a pram, it’s one of the most essential pieces of gear for new parents. But strollers aren’t one-size-fits-all — and they’re not meant for forever. Knowing the right age to start, switch, and eventually stop using a stroller helps keep your child safe, comfortable, and developing properly. Most UK parents begin using a stroller from day one, but the type changes as your child grows. A bassinet-style stroller works for newborns who can’t sit up, while a full-recline seat keeps them supported until they’re about 6 months old. Once your baby can hold their head steady and sit with minimal help, it’s time to switch to a standard stroller with a five-point harness.

By the time your child hits toddler, a child between 1 and 3 years old, typically learning to walk, run, and explore independently, the stroller needs to handle more than just naps. Toddlers wiggle, climb, and demand to get out — so look for a stroller with a sturdy frame, easy-fold mechanism, and good brakes. Many parents switch to a lightweight umbrella stroller around age two, especially if they’re out and about often. But here’s the thing: even if your toddler can walk, they still need the stroller. Long walks, hot days, or tired afternoons can turn a fun outing into a meltdown. Most experts agree it’s perfectly fine to use a stroller until age three or even four, especially if your child gets easily overwhelmed or has low stamina. The key isn’t age — it’s stroller safety, the practice of securing your child properly and choosing equipment that matches their developmental stage. Always check that the harness is snug, the stroller is stable, and the brakes work before you leave the house.

You’ll know it’s time to phase out the stroller when your child consistently refuses to sit in it, climbs out on their own, or asks to walk everywhere. That doesn’t mean you throw it away — keep it for trips to the park, shopping malls, or days when your little one’s energy runs out faster than yours. Many UK families still use strollers for kids up to age five, especially with twins or during long days. The real goal isn’t to stop using a stroller as soon as possible — it’s to use it wisely. Your child’s independence matters, but so does their comfort and your peace of mind. Below, you’ll find real advice from parents who’ve been there: which strollers work best for each stage, how to tell if your child is ready to walk more, and what to do when your toddler says "no" to the stroller — again.