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Stroller safety: Tips for parents
What if my baby has special needs?
If your baby was born prematurely or has health concerns, look for a stroller with storage that will help you carry any necessary equipment, such as a cardiac monitor or oxygen. Parents of babies who have similar health concerns might be a good source of advice.
What other stroller safety features should I look for?
When looking for a stroller you might consider checking for certain safety features, including:
- Practical brakes. Look for a stroller that has brakes that are easy to operate. Some strollers have brakes that lock two wheels — a special safety feature. Make sure your baby can't reach the brake release lever.
- A wide base. Strollers that have wide bases are less likely to tip over.
- A single footrest. If you're looking for a side-by-side double stroller, choose one with a single footrest that extends across both sitting areas. Small feet can get trapped between separate footrests.
How can I keep my baby safe in his or her stroller?
You can take steps to prevent stroller accidents. For example:
- Stay close. Don't leave your baby unattended in his or her stroller.
- Be careful with toys. If you hang toys from a stroller bumper bar to entertain your baby, make sure that the toys are securely fastened.
- Buckle up. Always buckle your baby's harness and seat belt when taking him or her for a stroller ride.
- Use your brakes. Engage your stroller brakes whenever you stop the stroller.
- Properly store belongings. Don't hang a bag from the stroller's handle bar, which can make a stroller tip over. If possible, place items in the stroller basket.
- Take caution when folding. Keep your baby away from the stroller as you open and fold it, since small fingers can get caught in stroller hinges. Always make sure the stroller is locked open before you put your child in it.
- Keep it out of the sun. During hot weather, don't let your baby's stroller sit in the sun for long periods of time. This can cause plastic and metal pieces to become hot enough to burn your baby. If you do leave the stroller in the sun, check the stroller's surface temperature before placing your baby in the stroller.
- Check for recalls. Be sure to return the stroller warranty card so that you'll be notified in case of a recall. If you're considering a used stroller for your baby, make sure the stroller hasn't been recalled.
Whether you're using it on a daily basis, for occasional errands or weekly jogs, a stroller can be a parenting must have. By consistently following safety rules, you can help ensure an enjoyable ride.
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References
- Shelov SP, et al. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth To Age 5. 5th ed. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books; 2009:492.
- Zaichkin J. Newborn Intensive Care: What Every Parent Needs to Know. Ann Arbor, Mich.: Sheridan Books; 2009:446.
- Jana LA, et al. Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth To Reality. 2nd ed. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics. 2011:228.
- Infants in strollers must be properly secured at all times. Consumer Product Safety Commission. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5096.pdf. Accessed April 11, 2012.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention. Technical report — Child passenger safety. Pediatrics. 2011;127:e1050.
- Vilke GM, et al. 9-1-1 responses for shopping cart and stroller injuries. Pediatric Emergency Care. 2004;20:660.
- Cerar LK, et al. A comparison of respiratory patterns in healthy term infants placed in car safety seats and beds. Pediatrics. 2009;124:e396.
- Bass JL, et al. The effect of chronic or intermittent hypoxia on cognition in childhood: A review of the evidence. Pediatrics. 2004:114;805.
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