Stroller vs Baby Carrier: Which One Should You Choose?

Carrying a baby in your arms all the time is nearly impossible. We often may need hands free to pay the bills and other stuff that may not be possible while carrying the baby. That’s when baby carriers and strollers are relevant. But do baby carriers and strollers both serve the same purpose? What would be the best buy for you?   

In this post, we have rounded up all you need to know about strollers and baby carriers. Also, it includes all the ins and outs, advantages and disadvantages, and, finally, a clear understanding of stroller vs baby carrier, so you can decide which one you should buy. 

Stroller vs Baby Carrier: What’s the Difference?  

Strollers and baby carriers both offer flexibility to parents. What you should choose should depend on your travel life, your baby’s age, and most importantly, what your baby prefers the most. But before deciding, let’s find out what the differences are between them.  

Better Sleep    

Generally, strollers are loved because most babies sleep peacefully and better in the stroller. In addition, strollers come with reclining seats so your baby may relax and take a nap in multiple positions. However, baby carriers would be the best option if your baby likes to be held during naps. Plus, if you’re trying to get your baby for a nap, then snuggling them in a carrier would be the best way to make them sleep.    

 Accessibility    

While talking about accessibility, strollers, when heavy, are hard to push in places without escalators. So many would think of opting for the best umbrella stroller, but not all umbrella strollers are infant friendly. In such instances, a baby carrier is the best option. It’s even more comfortable to take your little passenger in the baby carrier and go hiking. In this way, you can snuggle and keep the little one safe.     

Hands-Free   

To maneuver the stroller properly, you need to keep your hands on the handle. Even though there are some strollers that you can control with just one hand, you still cannot keep your hand completely free. Whereas baby carriers keep your hand completely free and give you ease in work. Especially in grocery shopping and even in the airport while checking.   

Storage Capacity    

Baby carriers do not come with any kind of storage capacity. While taking out a stroller is a plus point as you have a big storage capacity where you can easily store all your babies’ snacks, milk bottles, and toys. Plus, you can keep your groceries in the storage basket.    

Weight Capacity    

The weight capacity of most strollers’ seats is around 50 to 55 lbs for a single baby. Whereas baby carriers come with a weight capacity of 45lbs, and you can carry one child at a time. Taking a baby over 45lbs in the baby carrier may put a strain on your back and posture.    

Portability    

Undoubtedly baby carriers are way more portable than a stroller. You may face difficulties while traveling with a stroller in public transport but not with a baby carrier. You can easily fold your baby carrier and keep it in the backpack when it’s not in use. But in the case of a stroller, even the compact umbrella stroller takes up a bit of space.   

Canopy    

While traveling around sunny days, strollers come with canopy shades to protect your baby from the sun’s heat. So, your baby may take a nap longer because of the shade. But baby carriers do not come with any such shade, so your baby might be exposed to sun’s rays directly while on a baby carrier.    

Expense    

Baby carriers are way cheaper than strollers starting at the price point of just $30 to $150, while you can buy standard strollers from $100 to $1000. The difference in price point is huge as strollers have sturdy frames, seats, suspensions, and a five-point harness system; some of them are convertible as a double stroller.    

Age Factor    

For infants, baby carriers are fantastic, but as your baby starts to age, you might face some difficulties in carrying your little one.    

• 0-6 months- infant babies love being near their parents; staying close to their bodies gives them a sense of security. And your babies be the lightest during this stage so that a baby carrier would be the best option. There are some baby carriers that are made for feeding and napping on the go.   
• 6-24 months – at this age range, both baby carrier and stroller work well. If you can’t find an answer, consider other objectives, like the terrain at your destination and how far you will be walking.    
• 24 months and up – this is a stage when carrying a toddler for long periods of time is challenging. As your baby might sometimes want to get out of the confinement of a stroller or carrier. But at this time, strollers are the best option.   

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Stroller And Baby Carrier  

Stroller

Advantages of Stroller   

• Strollers are the most convenient for long and distance walks.   
• Pushing a stroller is less challenging and less fatiguing, even with back pain.    
• Spacious storage baskets can be used for groceries and other essentials.   
• Strollers are user-friendly  

Disadvantages of Stroller    

• Strollers take up a lot of space even when folded, taking more space in your car trunk.    
• You may feel your stroller bulky in a lot of places, like small grocery shops, airports, etc.    
• Folding and unfolding may feel tiring at times.    
• While traveling in a plane, you may need to gate-check your stroller.    
• Strollers are expensive.    

Baby Carrier

Advantages of Baby Carrier    

• Baby carriers are perfect for soothing babies, especially newborns and infants.    
• The snuggly and warm feeling of the baby carrier gives your baby a sense of security.    
• Baby carriers are convenient in crowded places as it doesn’t take up much room space.    
• Baby carriers are convenient even in public transport; there’s no hassle for loading and unloading.    
• Baby carriers are not that expensive, so they do not strain much on the family’s budget.    
• Most baby carriers are breastfeeding-friendly, so you can nurse discreetly.    

Disadvantages of Baby Carrier    

• Wearing a baby carrier needs some practice because you need to adjust the carrier straps and the position of the baby. 
• Even the most comfortable baby carrier will strain on the shoulders, back, and hips.    
• If the child is heavy, then using it for more extended periods will be tiring.    
• Not all toddlers like being carried in a carrier because of the limited view.    
• On longer distances, the carriers may feel uncomfortable because of heat and sweat.    

What About Having Both A Stroller vs A Baby Carrier?

If you have both a stroller and baby carrier, you are then prepared for any type of situation. Basically, you can enjoy the advantages of both a stroller and a baby carrier. That means most of the disadvantages that are mentioned above in the post have disappeared.     

Who Needs A Baby Carrier?   

Baby carriers are made with amazing comfortability and ergonomic designs. They are best for new parents who are trying to bond with the baby and still need to do day-to-day chores. Moreover, with the hands-free advantage, you can easily fill out your forms at the airport or do your shopping. I recommend baby carriers for parents with an infant. 

When Should You Use A Stroller?   

Strollers are great for walking around the city for a long time. The extra canopy shade gives protection to your baby from the sun and gives them comfort. You do not need to carry the baby, so your body wouldn’t strain as in a baby carrier. Even your toddler, after being tired from running around, will always have a safe and clean place to sleep or sit. I recommend strollers for parents with toddlers aged over 6 months.      

Flying With A Baby Carrier vs Stroller: Which One Is More Suitable?

Both baby carriers and strollers are allowed in the airport. However, if you take strollers, you will face some situations like overcoming the security protocol in the airport. But for a baby carriage, you are not going to face any trouble whatsoever, plus you will have your hand free to do all the formalities. However, some babies, especially older toddlers, do not like staying in a carrier as it has a limited place and view, but in the case of a stroller, they can move around freely, so they enjoy being in the stroller more.   

Baby Carrier vs Stroller: Which One Is Best For Disney Land?

Since 2020, Disneyland has had certain rules for strollers. Strollers that are bigger than 31-inch width and 52-inch length are not permitted in Disneyland. This rule is even applicable to wagons and stroller wagons. However, you can carry a lightweight stroller in Disneyland; remember that you might need to fold it several times. But you can easily sneak in a baby carrier to Disneyland. It’s one of the most convenient solutions in the crowd while wearing a baby. And the best part is that it can be easily stored when it’s not being used.    

However, toddlers and older children cannot take naps in baby carriers, plus carrying an older child is more exhausting for a parent. In such a situation, I strongly recommend a stroller.   

Final Conclusion   

No matter what: Stroller vs Baby Carrier you are considering for your little angel. Both baby carriers and strollers have a lot of features and benefits to offer. In fact, both of them are made for specific usage. Hope all of your queries are met on Stroller vs Baby Carrier. If you have any questions, reach me in the comment section!

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