The stroller is a tool designed to help parents travel and give children a rest.
But there are growing concerns kids may be spending too much time sitting in strollers and that this sedentary behavior could be a contributing factor to child obesity rates.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to reduce the amount of time in strollers.
Now, a new study from Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children interviewed parents and found strollers can enable sedentary behavior, but also create opportunities for physical activity.
Health officials recommend children up to four years of age limit sedentary time to one hour at a time, including time in the stroller.
After an hour, physical activity experts said a child could miss opportunities to build confidence and develop movement skills.
Guidelines say children should receive three hours of physical activity throughout the day.
"If kids are spending a lot of time in stroller, that's contributing to sedentary behaviour and sedentary behaviour is contributing to obesity," said Sarah Prowse, manager of physical activity promotion with population and public health with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
Prowse said three or four years old is a good time for children to start walking more on their own.
