May 2008
On the go: Stroller safety
Whether running errands, taking children to school, birthday parties, the playground, play dates, or simply enjoying activities
together, you never seem to stop moving—and you have a little one moving right along with you. Keep the following tips in
mind as you head out the door:
Beware of old strollers. It's best to purchase a new stroller that comes with a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification program sticker on the carton or frame showing that it meets the ASTM International voluntary standard for strollers. ASTM published a new standard for strollers in early 2007, so models made before then may not meet current standards. Be wary of hand-me-down strollers, ones you used for a previous child, and those you might find at yard sales, on eBay, or on Craigslist. Check www.cpsc.gov to make sure any stroller you're considering or using has not been recalled.
Always use the harness. Strap your child into her stroller even if she's squirmy and the trip is short. If the stroller hits an unexpected bump or if it tips, you want to be sure she is safely buckled in. Without a harness she could wriggle out of the stroller, or she could slip down and become trapped between the seat and the tray. Make sure the restraints work properly and the stitching is secure.
Make sure your baby sleeps safely in his stroller. Your child will undoubtedly fall asleep in the stroller. If the stroller seat is in the reclined "carriage" position, be sure that you can close off the leg openings to prevent the child from slipping through. If your stroller does not have this feature, keep the backrest upright.
Always use stroller brakes. Make it a habit: If your hands are off the stroller the brakes are on. It's the only way to make sure you have the stroller under your control. Never leave your child unattended in a stroller, even if your child is asleep, buckled in and the brakes are locked. He may wake up, become upset, and try to climb out of the stroller, causing it to tip. Or he may slip through a leg hole and become trapped.
Know the weight limit. Stop using a stroller when your child has reached the weight limit recommended by the manufacturer. You'll find it in the owner's manual.
Don't hang heavy objects on stroller handles. Weighty grocery bags or diaper bags can cause the stroller to tip, especially as you're going over a curb or a bump. Also note that stroller storage areas have weight limits, which you'll find in the owner's manual.
Don't overload the tray. Don't put heavy objects or hot drinks on the stroller tray. And don't lift the stroller by the tray.
Don't let your child climb on the stroller or use it as a toy. Your children need to know that the stroller is not something to play with. Climbing on it can cause it to tip or trap a child. If your little one thinks pushing a stroller is fun, get him a toy version.
Keep your child away from the stroller when you're folding it. Her fingers and hands can get caught.
Beware of old strollers. It's best to purchase a new stroller that comes with a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification program sticker on the carton or frame showing that it meets the ASTM International voluntary standard for strollers. ASTM published a new standard for strollers in early 2007, so models made before then may not meet current standards. Be wary of hand-me-down strollers, ones you used for a previous child, and those you might find at yard sales, on eBay, or on Craigslist. Check www.cpsc.gov to make sure any stroller you're considering or using has not been recalled.
Always use the harness. Strap your child into her stroller even if she's squirmy and the trip is short. If the stroller hits an unexpected bump or if it tips, you want to be sure she is safely buckled in. Without a harness she could wriggle out of the stroller, or she could slip down and become trapped between the seat and the tray. Make sure the restraints work properly and the stitching is secure.
Make sure your baby sleeps safely in his stroller. Your child will undoubtedly fall asleep in the stroller. If the stroller seat is in the reclined "carriage" position, be sure that you can close off the leg openings to prevent the child from slipping through. If your stroller does not have this feature, keep the backrest upright.
Always use stroller brakes. Make it a habit: If your hands are off the stroller the brakes are on. It's the only way to make sure you have the stroller under your control. Never leave your child unattended in a stroller, even if your child is asleep, buckled in and the brakes are locked. He may wake up, become upset, and try to climb out of the stroller, causing it to tip. Or he may slip through a leg hole and become trapped.
Know the weight limit. Stop using a stroller when your child has reached the weight limit recommended by the manufacturer. You'll find it in the owner's manual.
Don't hang heavy objects on stroller handles. Weighty grocery bags or diaper bags can cause the stroller to tip, especially as you're going over a curb or a bump. Also note that stroller storage areas have weight limits, which you'll find in the owner's manual.
Don't overload the tray. Don't put heavy objects or hot drinks on the stroller tray. And don't lift the stroller by the tray.
Don't let your child climb on the stroller or use it as a toy. Your children need to know that the stroller is not something to play with. Climbing on it can cause it to tip or trap a child. If your little one thinks pushing a stroller is fun, get him a toy version.
Keep your child away from the stroller when you're folding it. Her fingers and hands can get caught.
