Keep Your Baby Safe in the Stroller

Author: Auger Law | January 2nd, 2021

man jogging with infant in strollerStrollers are a convenience utilized by parents around the world. In most cases, newborns and infants are completely safe in these 4-wheeled “vehicles.” Sadly, accidents do occur, and they are typically because parents have made one mistake or another. Learn from the errors that others have made so that you don’t experience the heartache that comes with having an injured child.

1. Hot Beverages

It’s not unusual for parents to make a cup of coffee before they leave the house with their child. It’s also quite common for an adult to buy a cup of coffee at the local mall or shop. Cup holders built into strollers make it easy to carry your favorite beverage with you, but it’s important to remember that they aren’t meant to hold hot liquids. If you hit a bump or come to a sudden stop, that cup of Joe could spill over your child’s head and body.

2. Too Early

Strollers in which infants are placed in a semi- or completely upright position aren’t meant to be used with children under the age of 8 weeks. Don’t put your child in a stroller before they are able to control their head and neck. Your little one could easily slump over, cutting off their own airway.

3. Jogging

There is nothing wrong with jogging with an infant or toddler in a stroller, but you don’t want to take off on a run too soon. Just like walking with a newborn in a stroller can be dangerous, so can jogging. If you want to get your pre-baby body back or if you’re just looking to get back into your fitness routine, purchase a special jogging stroller and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the age of the rider.

4. Buckle Up

Strollers are equipped with harnesses that many parents fail to use correctly or at all. These harnesses are designed to keep your infant in the proper position when riding in a stroller. Always secure the harness properly.

5. Folding

Don’t be in such a hurry to fold and store your stroller that you don’t make sure your little one is out of the way first. Tiny fingers are easily pinched inside the joints and bars of strollers. If your infant or toddler reaches out and grabs onto the stroller while you are folding it, you may very well be taking a trip to the hospital.

Strollers are convenient when used properly. While some accidents are due to user error, others are due to defective products. If your child has been injured by a defective product in Charlotte, call our office. We will review the details of the accident at no cost to you and advise you of your options.

Posted In: Injuries to Children