As a new parent, you constantly juggle a mountain of questions that hit you from every angle. And in our experience, parents of newborns have a lot of those questions come from wondering about their baby’s sleep—specifically, how to ensure a safe sleep environment. So you may wonder, “Am I always going to be stuck in my house during naptime? Is it okay for my baby to sleep in a stroller?” Sure, it’s a question of convenience, but it also touches upon vital aspects of baby safety and comfort.
Let’s explore the dos and don’ts, tips, and expert advice on letting your little one nap in a stroller and get those questions answered.
Understanding Baby Sleep Needs
Understanding your baby’s sleep needs can be challenging—but getting enough sleep is crucial for your baby’s health and development, so it’s important to get it right.
Babies, especially newborns, need significant sleep to support their rapid development. Quality sleep is critical for their brain development, physical growth, and holistic well-being. (Not for nothing; how well a baby sleeps also impacts maternal mood and mental health.) Ensuring a safe and comfortable sleeping environment is paramount, whether it’s in a crib or stroller.
Adapting to Naps On-the-Go
Life doesn’t pause when you have a baby—although wouldn’t that be nice?—and you’ll inevitably need to be out and about during nap times. It’s going to happen. The good news? Strollers can be a convenient solution for napping on the go, providing a safe and cozy space for your baby to catch some Zs while on the move.
Stroller Sleeping: Safety First
As a parent, your child’s safety is always your top priority. And when it comes to stroller naps, it’s essential that your baby sleeps safely and securely.
Choosing the Right Stroller
Not all strollers are created equal, especially during nap time. Look for a stroller with a bassinet option or a seat that reclines flat or nearly flat. A flat sleep surface is essential for newborns and younger babies who can’t hold their heads up yet.
Ventilation and Comfort
A well-ventilated stroller with breathable fabrics will help your baby regulate their temperature and stay cool during summer strolls. Look for a large canopy to shield your little one from the sun, wind, and sudden downpours.
Harness Safety
Always use your stroller’s five-point harness, even if your baby is asleep. A snugly fastened harness keeps your baby secure and prevents potential slips or falls.
The Pros and Cons of Stroller Naps
As a parent, you know how important it is to ensure your baby gets enough rest. And while stroller naps can be convenient, they also come with their own set of pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of stroller naps so you can decide whether they’re the right choice for you and your little one.
Advantages
- Convenience: Stroller naps allow you to maintain your routine while ensuring your baby gets their needed rest. When your baby is napping in their stroller, you can continue with your day, running errands or squeezing in a workout. It’s a great way to get out of the house and get some fresh air while still giving your baby the rest they need.
- Soothing Motion: The gentle movement of your stroller can be soothing and help your baby fall asleep faster. The rhythmic swaying of the stroller can mimic the motion of being in the womb, which is comforting and relaxing for your baby.
- Fresh Air: Not only is an outdoor walk refreshing for you and your baby, but new research suggests it’s great for your brain and mood, too. Outdoor walks boost serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter) and decrease cortisol (a stress hormone)—even a short walk can make a difference. So next time you feel stressed or down, lace up your walking shoes and head outside for some fresh air with your little one.
Drawbacks
- Sleep Quality: Stroller naps can be a convenient way to get your baby to sleep, but they might provide a different sleep quality than a crib or bassinet. A stroller often has more distractions and noise, making it harder for your baby to fall asleep (and stay) asleep.
- Safety Concerns: The biggest safety concern is the increased risk of positional asphyxiation, especially for newborns whose developing physiology makes them vulnerable. If your baby is in a semi-reclined position—common in stroller seats—their chin may tip forward towards their chest and compromise their airway. Babies sleeping in strollers require constant supervision to ensure they haven’t shifted into an unsafe position.
- Overreliance: Relying too much on stroller naps can disrupt routine crib sleeping and create a new sleep habit that may be difficult to extinguish. When babies are used to falling asleep in the stroller, they may become accustomed to the motion and the feeling of being rocked, making it difficult to fall asleep in their crib. Additionally, stroller naps are often shorter than crib naps, making a baby overtired and cranky at night. If your baby is having trouble falling asleep in their crib, limit the amount of stroller naps they take and focus on creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
Tips for Safe and Comfortable Stroller Naps
As a parent, you know how valuable nap time is for your little one’s development and well-being. However, getting your baby to sleep can be challenging, especially when you’re out and about. A stroller can be a lifesaver when it comes to naptime, but it’s important to ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable while sleeping in the stroller.
- Always Supervise: Be sure you can see your baby at all times, and check regularly to ensure they’re safe and comfortable.
- Avoid Over-bundling: Dress your baby appropriately for the weather, but avoid over-bundling to prevent overheating. Practically speaking, that means dressing baby in one more layer than you yourself are wearing during cold weather.
- Don’t Drape: Don’t cover your stroller with a blanket—it prevents proper ventilation, traps heat, and prevents you from being able to see your baby. And if it falls without you noticing, it also poses a suffocation risk.
- Flat Recline: Opt for a bassinet accessory for newborns and young infants, or completely recline your stroller seat until it’s flat to support their developing spines and airways.
- Limit Time: Limit stroller naps, particularly for long stretches of time (more than two hours). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends moving your little one from the stroller to a bassinet or crib as soon as you arrive home from your walk.
- Keep it Bare: Don’t place anything in the stroller seat or bassinet that poses a suffocation or strangulation risk—no pillows, blankets, soft toys, or pacifier clips.
- Use the Brake: Always engage the brakes when your stroller is stationary, especially on uneven surfaces or slopes—strollers can escape faster than you’d think.
- Don’t Hang Bags: Every parent wishes they had an extra set of hands to manage kids (and all their gear), and it can be tempting to hang shopping bags or totes from your stroller handlebar. Long straps can pose a strangulation risk, and the added weight can cause your stroller to tip backward. Use your stroller’s storage basket instead. Don’t store anything on the stroller canopy, either.
- Buckle Up: Always secure your child using your stroller’s five-point harness (two straps over the shoulders, two around the waist, and a buckle between the legs). The harness should fit snugly to prevent your little one from slipping or wriggling out.
Stroller Nap FAQs
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about stroller naps we hear from Albee parents so you can make sure your baby is safe, comfortable, and well-rested while on the go.
Q: How long can my baby safely nap in a stroller?
A: While there’s no strict time limit, it’s still best to limit stroller naps to shorter durations while your stroller is in use (whether walking or running errands out of the house). Most of your baby’s sleep should occur in a crib or bassinet to ensure they get the best quality sleep in the safest environment.
Q: Can my baby sleep in a stroller overnight?
A: While it might seem convenient at times—like shorter overnight trips—it’s not advisable for babies to sleep in a stroller overnight, especially in a stroller seat. The primary concern with overnight stroller sleep is positioning. Strollers are not designed to provide the firm, flat surface necessary for safe infant sleep. Babies, particularly those under six months old, need a flat surface to maintain open airways and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In a stroller, there’s a higher risk of your baby ending up in an unsafe sleeping position, potentially leading to breathing difficulties.
But there are a handful of stroller brands that offer sleep-safe bassinet accessories that are approved for overnight sleep. Nuna, UPPAbaby, and Silver Cross have travel-friendly bassinet attachments that are safe for more extended periods of sleep.
Q: What age is it safe to let my baby sleep in a stroller?
A: The short answer is that babies of any age can nap in a stroller, but there are significant safety considerations to keep in mind, especially for younger infants. Babies under six months have limited neck and head control, and their spines are still developing. A stroller with a flat recline or bassinet is crucial to position and maintain an open airway properly. While stroller naps can be part of your baby’s day, they shouldn’t replace the structured, safe sleep environment that cribs and bassinets provide. Balancing convenience and safety guidelines ensures your baby’s nap times are comfy and secure, regardless of age.
Q: Why does my baby sleep better in a stroller?
A: Many babies find a stroller’s gentle, rhythmic motion calming and soothing. Strolling can mimic the sensations they experience in the womb, which is why babies so often love snoozing in a moving car or stroller. If outdoor walks and runs are a regular part of your fitness routine, a portable sound machine can help ensure your baby has zero sleep interruptions while napping on the go.
In conclusion, while it’s okay for your baby to take occasional naps in a stroller, it’s essential to prioritize safety and comfort. Choose the right stroller, always buckle up, and ensure you can always see your little one.
Finding What’s Right for You
Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents and hope you feel empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or [email protected].