9 Stroller Safety Tips
Whatever kind of stroller you will buy, you’ll need to know how to use it safely.
It’s important to follow these stroller safety tips to make sure your baby stays away from any possible harm.
1 – Fully Recline for Newborns
Not all strollers can be used with newborns. Newborn babies can’t support their necks yet. So they need a stroller that can fully recline. Or you can use a stroller that allows you to attach an infant car seat.
Never put newborn babies in an umbrella stroller or in a sitting position.
2 – Keep Your Eyes on Your Baby
Never leave your baby unattended in the stroller – even when they’re just sleeping. You’ll never know what they could do in just a second.
3 – Look for a Five-Point Harness
It’s very important to buckle your baby in for safety. It doesn’t matter if you’re just going slow or at a full stop, your baby needs to be buckled.
The stroller may not be moving but your baby will.
4 – Read the Instructions
Make full use of your stroller by reading the instructions.
It can also give you some stroller safety tips you may not be aware of.
5 – Don’t Forget to Brake
Engage the brakes when you stop. You might think, it’s just for a little while. Even if you just need to load some stuff in your car, use the brakes.
The possibility of the wheels rolling off may be slim but it’s never worth taking the risk.
6 – Don’t Load the Handlebar
Many parents make the mistake of hanging bags from the handlebar. If the weight is too heavy on the handlebar, it can cause the stroller to tip-off.
Having a lot of stuff with you when you go out is inevitable when you have a baby. But instead of loading the handlebar, you can put them in the basket under the seat.
Another good option is to use a stroller organizer. They are specially designed for strollers with your baby’s safety in mind.
7 – Clean the Stroller Regularly
It is common for babies to drool, spill milk or food crumbs on the stroller. If they are left in the stroller uncleaned, mold and bacteria will start to grow.
The next time you use the stroller, your baby might ingest some of the moldy stuff.
Make it a habit to clean the stroller regularly. You don’t need to clean it thoroughly. Sometimes, wiping and some shaking can do to get rid of the dirt.
Having said this, having a washable stroller seat is essential. You’ll have to pop it in the washer every now and then. Make sure they’re easy to remove as well.
8 – Inspect It Regularly
Aside from cleaning the stroller regularly, inspect it often too. You never know when something is lodged in the wheels or in the brakes. Then you’ll wonder why it’s not working.
Give it a thorough check to see if everything’s working fine.
9 – Fold and Store the Stroller as Suggested
Keep your baby away from the stroller when you fold it. Their hand might get caught in hinges.
Read the stroller’s instructions on how to fold and store the stroller the right way. If you don’t you risk damaging the stroller.
By following these tips, you’ll not only keep your baby safe while using the stroller but you can also preserve the stroller. You might even be able to use it for their siblings in the near future.