According to the Pediatric Emergency Care Journal , strollers are a common mechanism of injury for pediatric patients responded to by paramedics.

“Strollers are a necessary piece of equipment that allows moms and dads to easily transport their babies,” said Lisa Druxman, founder of Stroller “However, many parents operate them haphazardly and don’t realize they can present some dangers when they’re not properly used.”

Druxman notes that whether a parent is walking with a stroller for exercise or taking a leisurely strolls, they should use the following tips.

•Buckle up . Regardless of the distance, always use the safety belt or harness to restrain a child from leaving the stroller. This will also prevent the child from sitting backwards, which can cause the stroller to tip.

•Put on the brakes. Use the stroller’s brake whenever stopped, especially if facing down hill. For stops on a hill, turn the stroller’s wheels away from the decline.

•Lock it in place . Collapsible strollers need to be fully locked or correctly snapped into the open position before placing the child inside. When using a combo stroller, which includes a bassinet and seat attachment, be sure to hear a click when installing the components to the stroller.

•Hold on to bags . Strollers can easily top when loaded with excess weight, so avoid hanging bags on stroller handlers. Opt instead to store extra items such as a purse or jacket in an undertheseat basket.

•Skip extra padding . Never use a blanket or pillows as a mattress in a stroller. Any extra cushioning can be a suffocation risk.

This article is provided by Stroller Strides.