5 Top Tips for Stroller Safety

If you are thinking of using a stroller for your new baby, it may seem like no big deal to run to the store and pick out the first one that you like.  However, all strollers are not created equal.  When it comes to choosing a stroller for your newborn, a wrong decision can range from uncomfortable for both of you to downright unsafe.  Here are five tips that you should consider before you buy a stroller.

1. Do you have the right type?

Because newborns do not have great head control, they cannot sit up straight in the seat.  This means that if you want to use a stroller for your newborn, you will want one that reclines flat, has a bassinet, or that accommodates your infant car seat until your child is six months of age.  Most all-terrain strollers and umbrella strollers are not designed for use with young infants.  Also, make sure that you have the right stroller type for your intended use.  Jogging strollers, for example, are the only ones that should be used for running.

2. Use caution with used strollers

You might think that you are saving a few dollars by purchasing or borrowing a used stroller, however that savings could come at the cost of safety.  Used strollers may have been recalled, so you will need to check that before you use it.  Safety standards have changed over time, so that pram your mom use for you may no longer be considered safe.  Plus the normal wear and tear on the parts, particularly the plastic, can cause your stroller to become unsafe.  This is of particular concern with travel systems that include the car seat.  It is important to keep in mind that all car seats have an expiration date, and it is not recommended to use a previously owned car seat that you do not know the history of.  Expired infant carriers and those that have been in a car crash should never be used.

3. Make sure that you are good to go – and stop

It is easy to make small mistakes when you are in a hurry, but when it comes to stroller safety those small mistakes could have big consequences.  Before you go, make sure that your stroller is locked into the open position and that your child is securely strapped in.  This will help eliminate the risks of the stroller hitting a bump and closing on or ejecting your child, as well as the risk of your child wiggling loose and becoming strangled by the straps or other parts.  If you are using a stroller built for two or more, make sure that everyone is strapped in properly.  Not only will this prevent injury, but it will help keep older siblings from bothering the newborn.  And when you stop you should always use the brake.  Even a slight incline that is unnoticeable to you could cause the stroller to roll away into a dangerous situation.

4. Watch the bumps

Newborns are delicate, and too much jostling could lead to injury.  Because of this, most experts recommend to wait on jogging until your little one is able to sit up properly in the stroller and has adequate head control.

5. Don’t overload it

No matter what stroller type you have, make sure that you pay attention to any height and weight restrictions that the seat and carrying baskets might have.  Putting a child that is too large into the stroller, carrying more than one child in a single seat stroller, or overloading the carrying baskets and trays could put stress on the stroller, affecting its performance and leading to safety issues.

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