Stroller Safety Tips
Pushing a stroller makes going out and about with baby a breeze. While you shop, they nap or enjoy discovering the wide world around them. When strolling, moms and dads should keep these important safety tips in mind.
- Make sure your stroller is fully open and in the locked position before putting baby in it. Press down firmly on the seat to double check that the stroller is locked each time you get ready to put your little one in the stroller.
- Fill out the warranty card and send it to the manufacturer. By filling out the warranty card, you're letting the manufacturer know that you own one of their strollers, which means they'll contact you directly with any recalls or important updates.
- Put your bags in the under seat basket, not on the handles. Placing your diaper bag or purse on the handle may seem like a great idea, but adding weight to the handles may cause your stroller to tip.
- Never leave baby unattended. While the stroller looks like a great napping spot for baby while you go get dinner ready, leaving them unattended could mean you're not around when they work themselves into a dangerous position.
- Hold-off on jogging with baby until they are 6-8 months old. Physicians and manufacturers recommend waiting until your infant is at least 6-8 months old before exposing them to the jiggle of a jogging stroller. Before 6 months, the jostling caused by jogging may cause injuries to an infant's little head and body. Invest in an infant insert to ensure that baby rides comfortably and safely.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended weight limits. While an extra pound or two of shopping bags may look like no big deal, adding extra weight puts strain on the frame and balance of the stroller.
- Don't use a pillow or folded blanket as a mattress. Instead, use an infant insert or stroller insert same link. These inserts are manufactured to fit snuggly in the stroller, keeping baby from getting tangled up.
- Use the safety tether while jogging. The safety tether keeps the stroller from rolling away from you on inclines.
- Use the footbrake when letting go of the stroller, even if only for a second. Many parents don't realize when they are stopped on a hill, and getting into the habit of engaging the brake every time you let go keeps baby as safe as possible.
- Stand on the curb to check traffic before crossing the street. Before children, you might have placed a foot in the street while looking both ways. With a stroller, you should always keep both feet firmly planted on the curb while you wait for the light to change.
- Always use the safety harness. When kids wriggle around, they may tip the stroller. The safety harness keeps your precious passenger firmly in place.
- Keep children away from the stroller when folding and unfolding it. Keeping kids at a safe distance prevents their little fingers from getting pinched.
With the above stroller safety tips, your family will enjoy the many adventures strolling offers. Whether hitting the trail or shopping at the grocery store, keeping safety in mind ensures that baby remains healthy and happy.
