Safety tips

Using a stroller might seem intuitive, but it's easy to make mistakes in setting it up and wheeling it out. Here are some common lapses and how to avoid them so that your buggy doesn't become a risky ride for your child. (Learn how we test strollers.)

Get the right type

Unless they're infant car-seat compatible, most all-terrain strollers are not suitable for infants younger than 6 months of age. All-terrains are also often mistaken for jogging or running strollers—they may even be displayed incorrectly in stores—but should not be used for running unless the user's manual says so. (See our Types section.)

Don't use a hand-me-down without checking its history

A stroller purchased years ago for an older child might have since been recalled. Before you dust it off for reuse, check with the manufacturer or the Consumer Product Safety Commission for product alerts. Even if it hasn't been recalled, there are other reasons you might want to consider buying a brand-new set of wheels. Stroller safety standards are regularly reviewed, so newer models might be a better bet. They might also have new features that make them easier to use.

Make sure the stroller is fully locked into its "open" position before strapping in your child

It's easy to skip this step when you're in a rush, and some strollers require force and effort to make sure they lock. Make it a point to listen for that all-important click every time, or the stroller might fold in—with your child in it.

Don't forget to buckle up your child, even if you're just wheeling him or her up the block, or going slowly

You never know when you could hit a bump that could cause a nasty tumble, so make sure your little one is properly strapped in.

Don't treat your stroller like a shopping cart

Parents often toss a shopping bag or purse around the handles, but if the stroller wasn't designed to carry that extra weight, it could tip over. Having a basket or storage area under the stroller helps, but be sure to check the directions for weight limits before you stash items there.

Don't fail to brake

It only takes a slight incline to send the stroller rolling away from you. Put your foot on the brake when you take your hands off the stroller, even if you're stopping for just a moment. (See our Features section for more information on brakes.)

Consider a brisk walk, rather than a run, with a child younger than 6 months

Most manufacturers suggest a child should be 8 weeks old or older to ride in a jogging stroller, but our medical consultants say that a baby should be at least 6 months old, able to sit up, and have some head support to withstand the potentially jarring ride. Some jogging strollers are made to accommodate the youngest babies, but that doesn't mean you should sprint with your newborn.

See also:

Car seats

Bouncer seats

Backpack carriers

Baby monitors