| Baby strollers are an essential part of family life. They | | | | obstructions or dirt. |
| help us parents get on with what we need to do when | | | | 5) Be sure to check the wheels for problems and |
| our children can't keep up with us. They give our | | | | make sure that they are in good condition. This doesn't |
| children as 'safe place' to retreat to when the world | | | | take much. Just be sure they are all working well, |
| gets a little too big for them. For the most part baby | | | | aren't wobbling too much and aren't wearing out. |
| strollers are very safe. However as with any 'tool' | | | | 6) OK, this may sound obvious, but always be sure all |
| there are always risks and dangers. This article will | | | | wheels are on tight. Some models of strollers - |
| give you 10 basic safety tips for using your baby | | | | especially jogging baby strollers - have removable |
| stroller to make sure that it is as safe as possible for | | | | wheels. You need to be sure they are always secure |
| you and your children to use. | | | | before heading out. I once saw a woman tip her |
| Basic Baby stroller Safety | | | | jogging stroller back to go over a curb and watched |
| 1) Be sure the stroller you're using is the right size for | | | | the front wheel take off down the hill after it fell off. |
| your child. Much like with a car seat, different sized kids | | | | General Use |
| need different sized strollers. This is not only for their | | | | 7) Most newer strollers come with many storage |
| comfort, but also for their safety. In the wrong size of | | | | areas. Some of the largest are usually at the back. Be |
| stroller padding doesn't rest where it should on the | | | | sure you do not overload these. It is really easy for an |
| child's body, hands can reach things they shouldn't, and | | | | overloaded stroller to tip over backwards and toss |
| weight isn't distributed properly which can make a | | | | your baby out! |
| stroller unbalanced. | | | | 8) Don't load heavy items on top of your child while |
| 2) Properly strap your child in at all times. If you start | | | | they are in the stroller. |
| off using the belts right from the start and stick with it, | | | | 9) The same goes for hot drinks and such. Never |
| you'll get no complaints from your kids. Just be sure | | | | leave hot drinks above your child on the stroller. The |
| that they are secure enough, but not too tight. The | | | | last thing your child needs is a 1/2 litre of screaming hot |
| straps aren't only to keep the child from climbing out of | | | | mocha java in the face! |
| the stroller, they also keep them from falling out if it tips | | | | 10) Finally, never, ever, leave your child unattended in a |
| severely, or hits a big rut. | | | | stroller. This doesn't mean you have to be no more |
| 3) If you are using a combo unit (car seat and stroller | | | | than a foot away at all times. Just be sure that either |
| together), always double check to be sure that the car | | | | you, or another responsible adult (not child) is within |
| seat latches in properly. | | | | easy reach at all times. |
| Baby stroller maintenance | | | | Keep these tips in mind as you go about your daily |
| 4) Always make sure the brake is in good working | | | | business and use your stroller. It will keep your children |
| order. Regularly check all cables and pads, or latches | | | | safer and give you more peace of mind. |
| to be sure they are working well and are free of any | | | | |