“It’s so dangerous!” Baby experts warn about the viral stroller trend that you should never try with your baby

PARENTS have come under criticism for a “dangerous” stroller trend that could endanger their little ones.

The trend of placing babies between the ages of three and six months on their stomachs in strollers poses a great risk.

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In a clip shared by a mother named Elena, she shows herself running around with her little one in the stroller and spending “tummy time.”

The video has been viewed over 6.7 million times.

But why is this “tummy time” hack not a good idea?

Although lying on your stomach is an excellent way to promote the development of strong neck muscles while preventing skull deformities, it is important to do it correctly, reveals an expert.

Although several stroller brands allow for a fully reclining position, experts say there is no safe way to lie on your stomach in any type of stroller.

While this may seem like a creative way to get babies to exercise their much-needed neck muscles and get them out into the fresh air, there are some risks associated with using baby products for which they are not intended.

“Placing a baby on their stomach in the stroller can result in poor air circulation, increasing the risk of suffocation,” says Michelle Pratt, founder and owner of Safe in the Seat.

The mother of two and state-certified child road safety expert also said the lack of a flat, stable surface can make it difficult for the baby to lift his head and move comfortably.

Michelle also stressed that toddlers must always be buckled in the stroller, whether they are sitting in a car seat or a stroller attachment.

“Strollers can accidentally tip over due to an older child, a dog or even uneven ground, which can result in serious injuries,” she explained.

How did social media react?

After the video was shared on TikTok, many people criticized the mother and others who tried to set so-called trends.

One said: “It seems far too risky, even if they are wearing seat belts.”

A second agreed: “Looks so dangerous, I could never do that.”

Other mothers, however, thought the trend was harmless, and many said they wished they had known about it when their own children were younger.

“My son would have loved this as a baby,” said one.

“I think it's a good idea as long as you keep an eye on them. I wish I had known about this when mine were younger,” commented another.

Speaking to Kidspot, an ACCC spokesperson stressed the importance of always following the manufacturer's instructions for products such as strollers and buggies.

“Children can suffer serious injuries if they fall out of the stroller because the seat belt is not used or adjusted correctly,” it said.

“They can also suffer cuts, bruises and injuries if they reach parts of the stroller where their fingers can become trapped and/or injured. In addition, they can suffer serious injuries if the caregiver loses control of the stroller and it becomes dangerous.”

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What is tummy time?

Lying on the stomach is an important exercise for young babies as it helps them strengthen their muscles and improve their development.

Health Counselor Moira spoke to mom and dad to explain why tummy time is so important. Advantages about it and how to keep track of your little one's progress.

“The time spent on their backs meant that many babies did not use certain muscles, so time spent on their stomachs would ultimately help them achieve important developmental steps, such as holding their heads up without support,” Moira said.

“The tummy time position can restore this balance so that babies can spend the necessary time on their tummy even when they are awake.”

Actually, babies can lie on their stomachs right after birth, says the expert, but the activities during tummy time should vary depending on the age of the little one.

4 months: According to Moira, babies at this age “should be able to move their head to either side when lying on their back and lift or hold their head, neck and chest up when placed on their stomach.”

6 months: At this age, a baby should be able to “roll from his back to his stomach and reach for an object with both hands.”

9 months: At this age, children should be able to sit up on their own and have “good balance,” Moira said. They should also be able to get into a crawling position.

12 months: “By 12 months, the baby should be able to pull himself up on furniture and stand up, he should be able to 'walk', be held with both hands, he should be able to take things out of a container and pick up small objects with a 'pincer grasp,'” she said.

Safe ways to spend time on your stomach

According to the NHS, “You can start tummy time from birth by placing your baby on your chest (but only do this when you are wide awake and there is little chance of you falling asleep).”

“Gradually increase the time you spend on it each day.

“When your baby is ready, try lying on his stomach on the floor.”