How to stroll safely with an infant
Going for your first stroll with your newborn is one of the most exciting moments for a new parent, but it can also be a bit nerve-racking! You want to make sure your little one is safe, which can be confusing when some strollers say they’re suitable for infants and others say they’re only for children 6+ months old.
We want you to feel confident in strolling safely from birth, so in this guide we'll walk you through:
- Why most stroller seats aren’t suitable for infants
- Your options to stroll safely with an infant
- Considerations to choose the right option for your family
Why are most stroller seats unsafe for infants?
Newborns lack the neck strength to hold their heads upright. When riding in a typical stroller seat, they can slump forward into a “chin to chest” position that blocks their airway.
To ensure unrestricted airflow, you'll typically need a stroller accessory that situates your infant in a more reclined and supported position.
How can I stroll from birth with my Mockingbird Stroller?
We have three infant accessories to ensure your stroller is safe for your newborn. Most families choose one or two accessories, depending on their preferences and lifestyle.
All three infant accessories are designed to be safe and easy to use, so we created this guide to help you choose what works best for your family.
Car Seat Adapter
Super convenient for quick trips and errands
Bassinet
Our most spacious and comfortable option
Infant Seat Insert
Adds support to the stroller seat itself
1. The Car Seat Adapter
The Car Seat Adapter is our most popular infant accessory for a reason—it's compatible with more than 35 infant car seat models, so you can build your own travel system with the car seat that's right for you. Parents love the convenience of being able to quickly go from car to stroller for daily commutes and errands.
How does the Car Seat Adapter work?
To stroll with an infant car seat, just remove the stroller seat and click both sides of the car seat adapter into place. Then click your car seat into the adapter.
The Car Seat Adapter can be used on the Single-to-Double Stroller in double mode, in either the upper or lower position.
If you're strolling with twin infants, you can use two Car Seat Adapters with all compatible car seats except for the the UPPAbaby Mesa Max or Aria.
How does it provide safe positioning for infants?
Infant car seats are designed for safe infant positioning, usually with a reclined seating angle and cushioning around the head and neck. So by using the Car Seat Adapter to connect your car seat to our stroller, you know you’re using a seat specifically designed for your baby’s age and size.
Experts recommend not keeping babies in a car seat for more than two hours at a time, so this option is best for short trips and outings.
Why do parents choose the Car Seat Adapter?
If you're frequently going from car to stroller—on trips to the store, for daycare drop-off, or shorter outings that you have to drive to—the Car Seat Adapter is a game changer. Parents who live in colder climates especially love how quickly they can get their baby from the car to indoors.
Any reason it might not be for me?
If you've already chosen an infant car seat that's not compatible with the Mockingbird stroller, or if you don't drive frequently, the Car Seat Adapter may not make sense for your family.
You should also consider how long you think most of your strolls will be. If you plan to go on frequent longer walks, you'll want an option that allows your baby to lie in a more reclined position.
The car seat we have is a different brand and I was so excited to see we could get an adapter. It’s so easy to install and use. Definitely recommend!
Best thing ever. We were gifted an uppababy car seat and this adapter alone saved us so much money!! It’s SO EASY to use and so so nice with a sleeping newborn to transfer them from car to stroller.
10/10! Super easy to use with our Chicco car seat. We love our Mockingbird stroller!
2. The Bassinet
The Bassinet is our most comfortable and roomy infant option, allowing baby to lie completely flat with plenty of space to stretch out. With the Bassinet, you get the functionality and look of a traditional pram, but on a stroller that you'll use for years. Even better, when you use it with our Bassinet Stand, it can replace a standalone bassinet or portable crib for overnight sleep and naps around the house.
How does the Bassinet work?
To stroll with the Bassinet, simply remove the seat from the stroller, and click the Bassinet into place.
The Bassinet can be used on the Single-to-Double Stroller in double mode, and unlike other modular strollers, the Mockingbird Stroller allows you to use the Bassinet in either the top or bottom position.
How does it provide safe positioning for infants?
The Bassinet provides a completely flat environment for your baby, creating an optimal position for both safety and ease of movement.
Why do parents choose the Bassinet?
With the Bassinet, your Stroller functions like a pram during the infant stage, providing a flat, comfortable space for sleep and movement.
Parents also love the additional functionality of using the Bassinet indoors with the Bassinet Stand for naps and overnight sleep.
Any reason it might not be for me?
Even though the Bassinet can be folded flat when not in use, it is the largest of the three infant accessories, so some parents choose a different option if they’re short on storage space. It's also the most pricey of our three infant accessories.
Lastly, if you're expecting twins, you'll want to get two Infant Seat Inserts and/or two Car Seat Adapters as the Single-to-Double Stroller is not compatible with two Bassinets.
I honestly wish I had bought this with my other 2 kids. What a great accessory to go on long outings without feeling guilty about him being cramped.
I debated this purchase for months and I'm SO glad I decided to buy it! This bassinet is very high in quality. It has lots of room and options for warmth as well as keeping baby cool. Well worth the price!
I cannot imagine not having this bassinet! I knew postpartum walks were going to be non negotiable for me and having this bassinet made those walks possible.
I love how easy it is to take on and off to switch out with other Mockingbird seats. Wish I would have bought this sooner.
3. The Infant Seat Insert
The Infant Seat Insert adds support to the stroller seat itself, creating a more snug fit. When used with the seat in a fully reclined position, it allows your little one to lie nearly flat, while keeping them secure and cozy.
How does the Infant Seat Insert work?
The Infant Seat Insert is attached to the stroller seat by threading the stroller straps through the insert.
When your child no longer needs the included headrest and wedge insert, you can continue to use the seat liner to protect your stroller seat from stains and spills.
How does it provide safe positioning for infants?
The Infant Seat Insert should be used with the stroller seat fully reclined. It adds cushion and support to the seat, creating a flatter and more secure position.
Why do parents choose the Infant Seat Insert?
The Infant Seat Insert is a cost- and space-effective infant solution. Since it's added directly to the stroller seat, you can use it without removing and storing the seat.
It's also a favorite of twin parents (since you can't use two Bassinets on our Single-to-Double Stroller).
Any reason it might not be for me?
If you prefer a fully flat position for your infant, or if you plan to use the Bassinet indoors with the Stand, the Bassinet may be a better choice for your family.
Our little one absolutely loves it—falls asleep in it every time. And I like how cushioned it is for her head and body. Highly recommend for new parents looking for a newborn stroller solution.
We made the decision to use a convertible car seat and did tons of research on strollers that we could use with our infant right away. This insert really helped solidify our choice and is the main reason why we went with Mockingbird. It has fit our needs and at a great price!!
I love that this insert makes it possible to use the seat with my newborn! She can face me and lay back in it while being strapped in.
