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Let’s Go for a Stroll with Your Baby’s Stroller!
A stroller is an essential tool to help your baby explore the world before they can walk or for when they can only walk short distances. Strollers offer a convenient spot for your baby to rest or get some shade on sunny days. Since strollers play a crucial role in your baby’s mobility, ensuring they are safe is vital for both your child and you, the person pushing it. Here are key safety features to look for in a stroller:
Choose the Right Stroller for Your Child
- Age, Height, and Weight: Make sure the stroller matches your child’s age, height, and weight. This information is usually available on the stroller or in the item description online. For newborns, look for strollers that allow them to lie almost flat.
Check the Brakes
- Easy Operation: Ensure the brakes are easy to use and effectively lock the wheels. Ideally, they should lock both back wheels. Always engage the brakes when the stroller is stationary to prevent unexpected movement.
Ensure Stability with a Wide Base
- Prevent Tipping: A wide base prevents the stroller from tipping over. Test this by applying some weight on the handles. Never hang bags on the handles to avoid tipping.
Watch for Pinch Points
- Finger Safety: Ensure there are no pinch points when the stroller is in use. When folding or unfolding the stroller, keep your child away to avoid pinched fingers.
Keep Baby’s Fingers Safe from Wheels
- Wheel Access: Make sure your baby cannot reach the wheels to avoid injuries to their little fingers.
Always Buckle Up!
- Seatbelt Safety: Every stroller should have a seatbelt, preferably a five-point harness with straps over the shoulders, between the legs, and around the waist. Secure the straps low to prevent them from riding up to the baby’s neck. Ensure the straps are tight enough to secure the baby safely.
Additional Safety Tips
- Sun Protection: Look for a stroller with a UV protective canopy to shield your baby from the sun.
- Secure Toys: If you hang toys from the stroller, make sure they are securely attached.
- Proper Use of Blankets: Use rolled-up baby blankets on the sides to prevent slouching, but avoid using blankets or pillows as a mattress.
- Footrest for Twin Strollers: For side-by-side twin strollers, ensure there’s a single footrest to prevent your child’s foot from slipping through.
- Stroller Bells: The addition of a stroller bell on your stroller handle can be very handy when alerting those around you of your presence when your voice cannot be heard.
General Stroller Safety Tips
- Never leave your baby unattended in a stroller.
- Always use the seatbelt or safety harness.
- Engage the brakes when the stroller isn’t moving.
- Store bags in the storage area under the stroller, not on the handles.
- Register your stroller with the manufacturer for safety alerts.
By following these tips, you can ensure your baby’s stroller is safe and enjoyable for both of you.
Happy strolling!