As any parent knows, hitting the streets with your little one isn’t always easy. Once you’ve got a stroller packed full of toys, snacks, diapers, and bottles, it can be tough to maneuver – especially along crowded sidewalks and down narrow store aisles. So what’s a mom to do? Arm herself with knowledge (and maybe a chic diaper bag!) and follow these five stroller safety tips.
1. Be Selective
What works for one family might now work for yours. Be selective when choosing a stroller and make sure it fits the specific needs of your family. For example, if either parent likes to run, get a jogging or all-terrain stroller. If you have more than one baby, get a double stroller or one with an attachment that allows your older child to sit in the rear.
2. Read, Read, Read
From the weight guidelines to the safety instructions, parents need to educate themselves. For instance, if you’ve decided to get a stroller with an attachment, you need to read the manufacturer’s weight guidelines so that you’re not at risk of weighing down the stroller. Educating yourself is the only way to play it safe so your little one can play safe!
3. Consider Your Child’s Age
Your stroller choice will vary depending on the age of your child. A newborn will need a much different stroller than a toddler. The Mayo Clinic warns: “If you plan to use a stroller while your baby is a newborn, you’ll need to make sure that the stroller reclines — since newborns can’t sit up or hold up their heads.”
Most of the convenient, lightweight umbrella strollers don’t provide adequate head and back support for newborns – so think about what your child needs and make your stroller decision based on that.
4. Learn Balance
Make sure to test the stability of your stroller – when your baby is not in it – so that it won’t tip once your precious cargo is inside. Simply place some heavy bags on the storage basket or the hang them from the stroller handles and then see if it tips. If it does, you don’t want that one!
5. Hit the Brakes
One of the most important tips for stroller safety is to set the brakes whenever your stroller is sitting idle. Even what appears to be a flat street can have a slight slant, which could put your child in danger of rolling away. Set your brakes and keep your child where they should be – close to you.
You can’t prevent every type of accident, but you can do your best to keep your child safe by staying close to the stroller and staying aware. Using a stroller can be like a stroll in the park… just check out the video above!
