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Home › Articles › Baby Gear › Stroller Safety

Stroller Safety

Selecting the Stroller that's Right for You

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

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Running With Baby
Now on the exercise scene for over 15 years, all stroller manufacturers offer their own version of the "jogging stroller." While a great concept, Jones states that the differences – and the adjustment needed to use them – are very different. "Even with big wheels, sports strollers don't offer total running freedom," says Jones. "You have to keep your hands on the handle and adjust your gait to avoid kicking the rear frame. And they don't provide a truly cushioned ride. In addition, large-wheeled jogging strollers don't have seats suitable for young babies, and running can be too jarring for infants who don't have good spine and head support. It is suggested to only use a jogger when your baby is able to sit up independently, and even then, start out slow and work your way to a run."

 

Safe, Not Sorry
According to the CPSC, stroller injuries occur primarily from falls, while deaths occur from entanglements, entrapments and wedging incidents involving components of stroller structure, such as leg openings. The CPSC has worked to revise stroller standards, but injuries still can happen.

Jones says proper use of safety belts and leg holes covers can avoid any unnecessary injuries. "There is a reason strollers have these items," says Jones. "When used properly, these can be the most important weapons against injury. Use the seatbelt every time your baby rides inside. Some newer stroller models have a safer five-point harness to prevent active tots from wriggling out instead of simple lap belts. Another option is to purchase a separate harness to fasten onto the stroller frame, making standing up inside the stroller nearly impossible. In addition, leg holes have strangled small babies who make their way out when they were left alone. Large carriage strollers have footrests or fabric covers for sealing off the holes to keep babies from doing that." The safest strategy, though, is to only use the stroller for movement, not for a bed, Jones notes.


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