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Stroller Safety | Handy Tips That Can Help New Parents
Sep
Choosing the correct stroller for your newborn is the first step towards stroller safety. Did you know that in the year 2016 alone, more than 10,000 stroller-related injuries were handled in an emergency? Strollers are a must-have for practically all new parents who expect to be mobile after the birth of their child. However, not every parent is aware of the potential dangers that a baby may face while riding one of these vehicles.
Being educated about stroller safety is the best way to prevent an avoidable injury. You’re not alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed or perhaps concerned that you’ll make a mistake.
Continue reading to know the safe baby strollers and tips about keeping your infant safe while being out.
What Types of Baby Stroller is Safe for Babies?
A reclinable stroller is ideal until your little one has enough core muscle strength to sit upright. Your baby will lie flat in this stroller, similar to how they would do in a bassinet or crib. Most infants can withstand sitting in an inclined stroller after 6 – 7 months of age. Using this type of baby stroller may cause a younger infant to fall forward and out.
What Features Should You Look For to Ensure Stroller Safety?
There’s a lot to consider when you’re expecting your first baby — you might already have a ten-page checklist ready. And, buying an ideal stroller is most likely to be somewhere near the top. So here are some safety guidelines to keep in mind when going for a hunt:
Brakes
You wouldn’t park a vehicle without brakes on, and you should do the same with baby strollers as well. It’s a good idea to engage them when stopped or stationary.
The greatest brakes are those that utilize locking mechanisms built within the wheels. Try them on before you purchase them; they should be simple to operate even when wearing flip-flops.
We also suggest brakes that lock both wheels rather than just one. This will add to the stroller’s safety.
Seat belts and harnesses
Seat belts and harnesses are essential components to have in the stroller for babies and should be used at all times. Babies wiggle and move around a lot. Even they can escape when not adequately confined.
A five-point harness is the ideal seat belt to use. These swaddle your baby in essential locations, including the shoulders, waist, and between the legs. Roll up the little baby blankets and use them as bumpers if your infant needs extra support. They should be removed once your little one can roll from a back to a belly position.
Go with a wider base
It’s critical to have a stable stroller. Slim bases are found on some of today’s more “trendy” buggies, reducing stability. A broader base ensures ideal balance and reduces the risk of the baby stroller toppling over.
Avoid twin footrest
If you’re looking for a double side-by-side baby stroller, stay away from those with separate footrests. The space between them has the potential to trap one of your baby’s feet, resulting in an injury. Choose a single footrest instead that spans the stroller’s entire width.
Avoid leg openings that are not too snug
If you’re taking an infant in a stroller, be sure they can’t slip through the leg openings. Sadly, this has resulted in strangling because the spaces are usually large enough for a body but not for a baby’s head.
Always use the seatbelt in your stroller to keep your infant secure, and never leave them unattended.
How to Keep Your Child Safe in a Baby Stroller?
More than just fastening your child into the stroller is required to keep them safe. Here are some measures to ensure your little one’s stroller safety:
Do not go overboard with weight
Strollers don’t have an age limit; instead, weight must be taken into account. This is because infants of the same age might weigh drastically different amounts. Excessive use of the limit may cause the buggy to become unstable.
If you’re using a stroller board— an attachment for older toddlers, double-check the weight restriction. These aren’t meant for older kids; most have a weight limit of 50 to 55 pounds.
Stroller board safety
Teach your child to stay steady if you’re using a stroller board or a stand-on platform. The steering and stability of the buggy might be impacted by sudden movements, bouncing, or other activities.
Always be around
When your infant is in the stroller, never leave it unsupervised. It could roll away, become too hot, or your child could fall out and get stuck. Try staying close enough so that you can hear and see your baby at all times.
Secure toys
Many toddlers despise the stroller, and the only reason that still keeps them going is the toys dangling from the bumper bar. It is, nevertheless, critical to tie them so that they do not loosen and fall on your infant.
Fasteners with a shorter length are preferred to avoid accidental strangling.
You can test by pulling on them. Toys that come free with little force are likely to be a safety issue.
Keep off direct sunlight
When parking, look for a spot with some shade. Consider the sun’s movement if you’ll be parking for an extended period.
Even if your stroller has a sun canopy, it can still get very hot underneath. Metal and plastic pieces might burn you or your infant if they become too hot.
Another thing to avoid is covering your baby’s front with a blanket over the sun canopy. You’re restricting airflow and increasing the chances of overheating while doing so.
Be cautious while folding
When folding the stroller for babies, exercise caution by keeping your child at a safe distance. The hinges can catch little fingers and smother them.
Final Word
It is critical to understand stroller safety to avoid injuries and mishaps when out and about with your infant. Look for a solid frame with a broad base, good brakes, and effortless steering. Don’t overcrowd the buggy, and never leave it unsupervised with your child inside.
You’ll enjoy going on journeys with your baby as they explore the world from the comfort of their stroller. The best aspect is that you can assure that they will be safe and secure at all the time.
What Next?
Now that you’ve learned some helpful tips on stroller safety, why don’t you also check out our related guides about all kinds of best strollers below:
