Putting newborn in stroller that says 3 months + ?

bonniebrownhair

After my baby is born in September, I will be watching my 3 year old son, 8 month old niece, and my newborn several days a week.  I am planning to get a double stroller for the two babies, but I want it to be one that can accommodate my preschooler as well when necessary. 

 I have narrowed my options to the Britax B-Agile double (which is great for newborns and toddlers, but my son's head already touches the top of the seat and the sunshade) and the Joovy Scooter x2 (which has plenty of room for preschoolers, but is rated for three months plus instead of newborn plus due to a slightly less full recline).

Has anyone used a three month plus stroller with a newborn, perhaps with a head support like the Kiddopotomus Snuzzler? The recline on the Joovy is pretty good -- easily as much as an infant car seat or bouncer -- but it's just not rated for newborn use so that has me a little worried.

bethCT

Personally I would never risk it.  All 3 of my babies had great head control from birth but needed to be fully reclined in the stroller.  Think about all the bumps we barely notice that babies feel.  I think the 3 month recommendation is partially because of this. And partially because the spine can't support them in a seated position like that.  Even with the head support I would not risk it - I would go full recline or infant seat or wear LO.

penguingrrl

It would probably be fine, but you and the baby might both prefer a wrap or sling or carrier of some sort in the first few wees while s/he gets some head control.

ebp913

I think it's fine. I think those age limits are many strollers are kind of silly and mostly for people who don't know what the heck they are doing with their baby and would put their newborn in a seat with zero recline.  The car seat, the bouncer, the rock n play, and the swing are all inclined.  I do agree with the PPer that said that you need to take it easy on the terrain for sure but for walks on paved and smooth surfaces, I think it's fine.  

jencnh

I had sent a question to Baby Jogger regarding this same thing and they had said that the age was just a guideline and you should talk to your pediatrician about when it's safe to. I'd see what the pediatrician thinks and go with that. Stroller companies may be putting the limit just to protect themselves legally.

ebp913

jencnh:

Stroller companies may be putting the limit just to protect themselves legally.

This... it's like some of the silly recalls recently too.  They recall something because some parents don't read the directions or use common sense.   

bonniebrownhair

penguingrrl:

It would probably be fine, but you and the baby might both prefer a wrap or sling or carrier of some sort in the first few wees while s/he gets some head control.

 I do plan to use a front carrier a lot, but I would like to have the option of putting her in the stroller. 

FmrAFBrat

I've been doing that with my Valco Snap Dual. It's actually rated for newborns with the insert. If it reclines far enough, I don't see a problem. I actually use something similar to the Snuzzler.

Surreal&nik

I have the B-agile and I've been putting my son in it since about 3 weeks. I keep the terrain smooth for the first couple weeks and we've never had a problem. It also reclines to almost flat which is a bonus. I got it because he hates his car seat and it took me a long time to find a carrier i liked.