When to Switch Your Baby From Bassinet to Stroller Seat?

Key Takeaways

• A bassinet seat attachment can be ideal for newborns and small babies because it provides a lie flat position.

• Once a baby begins rolling over or starts to sit up, it’s time to switch from a bassinet to a regular stroller seat.

• Once your baby switches to a stroller seat, it’s important to make sure they’re always buckled in properly.

Bassinet stroller attachments make it possible for newborns to lie flat. This is the safest position for them to spend an extended amount of time in, and it also makes it easy to stay on the go without disrupting naptimes. However, as your baby grows and develops new skills, you’ll need to transition from a bassinet to a traditional stroller seat. 

Read on to understand when and how to make this important transition as smooth as possible for both you and your baby.

Understanding the Transition From Bassinet to Stroller Seat

Because bassinets provide a flat, firm surface, they’re ideal for newborns. You can place your swaddled baby in the bassinet without worrying about buckles and the flat position eliminates any stress on their lungs or breathing patterns. Many bassinet seats are detachable, allowing parents to transition from home to the stroller with minimal disruption.

A traditional stroller seat, on the other hand, will keep your baby propped up at angle. This position is ideal for slightly older babies who engage more with their surroundings. If you choose to use a traditional stroller seat from the beginning, a newborn insert might be necessary until your baby can hold his or her head up independently.

Signs That Your Baby is Ready for Transition From a Bassinet

Like most milestones, there’s no hard and fast cutoff for when to transition a baby from a bassinet to a stroller seat. Instead, you’ll want to monitor your baby’s development and be prepared to make the switch when they exhibit one of the following signs.

Your Baby Can Roll Over

Once your baby can roll over from back to front, a bassinet is no longer safe to use. The timing of this skill development can vary widely, but most babies start to roll over between 3 and 6 months. Typically, they learn how to roll from front to back first—this isn’t an issue, since your baby should only ever be placed on their back in a bassinet. But once your baby learns to roll from back to front, it’s time to upgrade to a stroller seat.

Your Baby Is Starting to Sit Upright

Most babies master rolling over before sitting up, but motor skill development isn’t linear, and it’s not unusual for your baby to work on sitting up before they can roll from back to front. Once your baby can sit up unassisted—even if it’s only for short periods or they fall over easily—it’s time to swap the bassinet for a stroller seat.

Your Baby Fusses in the Bassinet

As your baby gets older and their awareness of the world around them grows, they may begin to protest at the positioning of a bassinet. Regular stroller seats prop them up more and allow them to better engage in their surroundings.

Safety Considerations for Your Baby’s Stroller Seat Transition

Making sure the transition from a bassinet to a stroller seat is a safe one is easy to do if you take just a few things into account, like making sure your baby is ready and knowing how to safely use your new stroller seat.

Make Sure Your Baby is Ready to Transition

While many parents choose to wait until their baby is rolling over or sitting up, you can transition away from a bassinet seat sooner if you use a newborn seat insert. 

Always Remember to Securely Buckle Your Baby

For parents who are used to just placing their baby in the bassinet and heading out, you’ll need to adapt to taking a minute to ensure your baby is buckled in properly. Securing both the chest clip and the buckle between their legs is important to keep them safe, no matter how short the stroll. If you’re using your car seat as a part of a travel system, make sure the baby is buckled securely in their seat and that the seat is snapped fully into the stroller.

Double Check Your Stroller’s Weight + Age Minimum

Some strollers may have a minimum weight or age that they can be used without any modifications or attachments. Double check with your manufacturer that your stroller can be used safely.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

To make your baby’s transition from bassinet to stroller as smooth as possible, follow these tips.

Start Small

For your first outing with a stroller seat, plan a brief one. Your baby may need time to get used to riding in the new position, and starting small better sets you up for a successful first outing. 

Don’t Transition to a Fully Upright Position

Unless your baby is already sitting up well independently, they’re probably not ready to ride in a fully upright position. Consider a slight recline—like a 45 degree angle—to help them adjust and keep them comfortable.

Position Your Baby to Face You, if Possible

Your baby is used to seeing and interacting with you in a bassinet position. Since the transition to a stroller seat happens to line up with when some babies start expressing the first hints of separation anxiety, having your baby’s seat face you can keep them happy and content.

Transition Smoothly From the Bassinet With Orbit Baby 

Orbit Baby’s travel system is designed to make the transition from bassinet to stroller as smooth as possible. Our bassinet keeps your newborn cozy and comfortable on a firm, flat surface, and it detaches easily from the stroller base. 

With multiple recline angles and 360 degrees of rotation, the stroller seat offers numerous positioning options so that you can find the perfect fit when your baby is ready to transition. 

With options that integrate seamlessly, Orbit Baby helps you transition to each new phase with confidence.