Strollers are moms’ best friends When Can Babies Sit In A Stroller. A good-quality baby stroller can reduce a lot of trouble for parents. Sharing my own experience, strollers have substantially helped me raise my kids.
It was my travel partner and my shopping partner; it even helped me while working around the house. My babies often fall asleep in their stroller and not to mention the times jogging strollers were my savior while we went on vacations.
However, strollers, too, have some hazards. If not used with caution, strollers can become a threat to your children. But how to safely use a stroller?
I am a mother of two and a dedicated stroller user. My children have never faced any accidents due to strollers.
And this was possible because I made sure I never made some mistakes and ensured safety. Here is what you can do to avoid any safety hazards caused by your stroller.
Key Takeaway
> Like most of the things in our life, strollers too have some positive and negative aspects. Use your stroller safely to avoid the potential risk of injury or accidents.
> Maintaining your kid’s stroller is not rocket science. With a little time from your everyday life, strollers can serve you a long way. Some stroller manufacturers will mention the expiration date of the stroller’s components.
> It can be risky for your child to continue using the stroller after that. Follow the safety protocols, do regular maintenance and use the protective features wisely to ensure 100% safe stroller experience for your child.
Browse this Post
Preparations Before Buying Your Baby Stroller
Believe it or not, buying a stroller requires much more than the thought of buying a stroller and money. I remember how anxious I was before buying the first stroller for my eldest child.
New parents often find themselves in a maze. Nowadays, the stroller market has a massive collection of strollers with a variety of designs and price ranges.
Deciding what to choose and why can be very intimidating. Here is what you can do to prepare yourself before buying your baby stroller.
Choose the Right Stroller
Choose a stroller that best fits your needs. Go for a sturdy stroller with durable air-filled tires to stroll smoothly even on rough terrain. Your baby’s stroller must have a sturdy frame and five point harness to ensure your baby’s safety.
If you are looking for an infant stroller, look for the fully reclined features so they can lie flat. You can also get a bassinet attachment for newborns.
Babies below six months can not hold their heads up on their own, so that non-reclining seats can cause health hazards for them. You can read this article to know more about which age and When Is The Right Time To Start Using The Stroller
Your stroller should have a wide base and higher weight limits so that you can comfortably carry your newborn as well as older babies. Choose a stroller that is appropriate for your child’s age and can keep your baby comfortable and safe.
If you require a double stroller, avoid getting the ones with two separate footrests. Choose strollers with a single footrest that spreads wide for two children.
Strollers with separate footrests have a gap between two seats where your baby’s small fingers can get caught and get injured.
For me, jogging strollers were always my first priority. I could go out with my children comfortably, and since these strollers are made for all terrain, I went on vacations with them as well.
However, regular strollers with appropriate features can perform equally well.
Read the Manual
If you have already chosen your stroller and purchased it, do not forget to read the instruction manual. You can read about all the safety features, what type of stroller you have got, the attachment it came with, etc.
Your user manual will have additional information on how to use a stroller safely. If your stroller comes with a car seat, read the manual carefully on how you can attach or detach it.
Screw each part of the stroller carefully and learn the folding and unfolding techniques.
Ensure each part of the stroller is perfectly secured to avoid any unavoidable circumstances.
Safety Features
No matter which type of stroller you choose: umbrella stroller, travel system, jogging stroller, full-size stroller, etc., make sure it has all the required safety features. Here is what to look for.
Five-point harness
Five point harnesses are seat belts for your baby. As important as car seat belts are for us, the stroller seat belt acts in similar ways.
It is a protective strap that prevents your babies from sliding down or falling from the stroller. A point harness helps keep your baby in place and stop them from falling from the strollers.
Canopy
Apart from a harness, your stroller should have a sun shade (canopy) to protect your baby’s head and keep them safe from any weather hazards, like rain, wind, sunlight, etc.
A canopy is a shade attached to the stroller, which can be pulled down or folded up according to your preference. You can also remove the canopy if you don’t need it. However, buying with one will always give your baby better safeguarding.
Bumper Bar
Bumper bars are sturdy yet soft handles attached to the front of your strollers. It is removable and is used by your baby to hold on to something while riding.
The stroller bumper bar will keep your baby from falling in case you ride through a rock or a bumpy road.
Safety Tether Strap
The tether strap acts as additional protection. It is placed right beside your stroller handle. You can wear it in your hands to stop the stroller from rolling away in case the handle slips from your hands.
Stroller Brakes
Stroller brakes are one of the most important features of the stroller. It prevents stroller accidents. Most strollers nowadays have brakes for stroller safety. Generally, the brake is situated near the rear wheels.
It is a small pedal that can be initiated with slight foot pressure. Some strollers can also have brakes on the handle of the stroller. Regardless of where the brakes are, it serves the same purpose, to protect your children from any unavoidable circumstances.
Assemble your Stroller Correctly
As I have already discussed, reading the manual and understanding your stroller’s mechanism is very crucial to stroller safety. The next step will be to assemble all parts of your stroller correctly.
Tightening the screws and the nuts with utmost attention is a must. Since I am not very handy with tools, my husband has always assembled the strollers. Take help from the shops if you are unable to do the job, or you can also watch YouTube tutorials.
Safety Tips: How To Safely Use a Stroller
Now that you know what to look for in a stroller to keep your child safe, let’s look at some essential safety tips which you should follow while strolling.
Never Leave Your Child Unattended
When your baby is in their stroller (awake or asleep), it is never a good idea to leave them alone. No matter how safe your stroller is, stay close to your baby while they are in a stroller.
When your baby is unattended in a stroller, it can slip down or fall from the stroller. Some kids are more attached to their parents, and they can get uncomfortable, move or try to unfasten harnesses which can impose the risk of injury.
Do Not Overload the Storage Basket
Stroller is to keep your baby comfortable, safe, and moving. Never use your stroller as a trolly to store too many items.
No matter what type of stroller you use, every stroller has some storage space to carry your and your baby’s belongings. However, putting too much load on the stroller can cause the wheel base to get too heavy and uncomfortable to push.
Avoid putting heavy hang bags on your stroller handle. It can tip over the stroller causing harm to your baby. Many strollers also have cup holders nowadays.
Use each compartment according to its specification, and do not overload them. I have many times resisted the urge to carry my essentials in my baby’s stroller. Later I bought a stroller organizer, which solved my problem.
Wisely Use the Brakes
Hit your baby stroller’s brake whenever necessary. But make sure you don’t hit it too hard. Avoid strolling on rough terrains and busy roads. Keep your stroller at an optimal speed and avoid speeding up too much.
Jogging strollers are a good option if you like going out with your baby in the stroller. With two wheels at the back and one in front, jogging strollers give you better mobility and a safe ride for your child.
Push with Style
Slouching and pushing the stroller does not only look bad, but it is also not a safe way of strolling. If you are wondering how to use a stroller safely, keep your shoulders and head straight and stay close to the stroller. You can slightly bend your hands and resist tipping backward and stroll in a straight line.
Maintain Hygiene
Make sure you always keep your stroller neat and tidy. Strollers go to a lot of places with you. It can become a habitat for germs. Maintain proper hygiene and regularly clean your stroller to keep your baby away from germs and diseases.
Avoid using harsh chemicals for cleaning. Instead, go for mild and effective ones. Cleaning your stroller regularly will also keep your stroller new for longer.
Stay Alert Of Your Situations
Always check your surroundings while strolling your baby in the stroller. Keep the stroller as close as possible to you while you go through a busy road. Change directions if needed to avoid bumps or suffocating environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
01.How to Properly Use a Stroller?
Learn about the stroller after buying it. You can ask your salesperson, watch YouTube videos and read the manual to understand its features, usage, and how to assemble it correctly.
02.Does Stroller Have an Expiration Date?
Yes, stroller components can have an expiration date. The expiry date of your stroller is determined by its company and will be mentioned in the packaging. The lifespan of the stroller’s wheels, cushions, fabric, and frame varies from one another.
03.Is Jogging Stroller And Regular Stroller Same?
No, a jogging stroller and a regular stroller are not the same. Jogging strollers are heavy-duty strollers that can smoothly stroll through all kinds of terrains even with an older child. Jogging strollers have three wheels and spacious space for leg openings.
04.How Can I Keep My Baby Safe in a Stroller?
Ensure maximum stroller protection firstly by understanding your stroller’s mechanisms. Assemble them correctly and use the features correctly. Buckle up the safety harnesses, hit the brakes when in need, push the stroller correctly, and never leave your child unsupervised.
05.Is It Safe To Use A Stroller In Winter?
Yes, it is safe to use a stroller in winter. However, you have to maintain safety while walking the baby outside in winter. Add extra layers of warm clothes and ensure they are covered from head to toe.
Conclusion
Most parents nowadays are smart and calculative. They know when, where and what to do. Stroller usage is a blessing for parents, but you need to keep certain things in mind. I had to do a lot of research and try and test things online to know how to safely use a stroller.
Choose the right stroller, ensure safety, and remain watchful. Maintain cleanliness of the stroller and regularly investigate for any loosened parts.
I hope my small attempt and advice will help you stroll safely with your little one. Share the knowledge with other new parents to help them conquer parenthood as well. Happy parenting.
More Resources:
How Do You Walk A Baby In A Stroller In The Winter?
Wagon Vs Double Stroller – Which One is Best Overall For Your Family?
10 Best Strollers For Short Moms According To Budget
The 7 Best Strollers For Snow And Winter Weather
Best Jogging Stroller For Tall Parents
My name is Olivia Brown, and I’m a New York-based blogger and stay-at-home parent. Former business executive enjoying retirement and time with kids Lily and Max. On my blog, I review things for kids and offer my honest thoughts and insights to other parents who may be having the same or similar experiences.
