Stroller Safety
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[edit] Stroller Safety
When you buy a stroller brand new from the store or online it should be safe right? Right, but often children are harmed my unsafe strollers so it is important to know what to look for.
The Model
When you check out a stroller there are several things to check to ensure that it is safe.
Brand
Before you buy do some research on the brands you are considering. See it their strollers have had recalls in the past. If using a travel system, check the car seat as well. You can check for recalls here. Reconsider your choice if the manufacturer has recently sold faulty equipment.
Harness
The harness is what holds your baby in the stroller. It keeps them safe from falling out and gives parents peace of mind. But what kind of harness it the best? A five point harness is by far the safest. This harness goes around the baby’s waist, between his legs, and over both shoulders. It ensures that the baby stays secure and that they can’t wiggle out on their own.
A three point harness is also an option for older children. This just goes around the wait and between the legs.
Brakes
Test the foot breaks to make sure they are stable. If your model has a hand break be sure to test that as well.
Tip Resistant
When you get your stroller be sure that all four wheels touch the ground. There should be no tipping or wobbling if the stroller has been put together correctly.
Little Fingers
Your baby is going to want to explore the world; however, his stroller might be as far as he is going to get for a while. Make sure there are no sharp edges or places to pinch his fingers. Also, when you try to fold the stroll make you there is nowhere to pinch your fingers. Make no springs or other parts get in the way.
Manufacturers also like to cover all smaller parts such as a plastic cover for the screws. Be sure these are secure and your baby won’t be able to pull them off. These can be a major choking hazard.
Escape!
As with the harness, make sure there is no where you baby can fall out of the stroller. See in the leg openings are wide enough for your baby to slip though. Make sure the sides of the stroller are high enough as well.
Your baby is a precious gift, so do all that you can to ensure his or her safety. Learn what to look for and you will be able to stop carelessness can lead to accidents that could have been avoided if someone had taken more caution.
[edit] Buying a Used Strollers
Is it All Right to Purchase a Used Stroller?
Garage sale offers and Ebay auctions can be so tempting, especially if you can get a really good deal on a stroller. But is this a good idea after all? What should you watch out for during these auctions? Know the facts before risking your baby’s safety.
Safety
Always check safety regulations before you buy a used stroller. Make sure there have not been any recalls on that product by checking here. This is especially important when looking at a Travel System. Make sure the stroller and the car seat are recall free!
You also need to check on how old the stroller is. The general rule is that strollers over ten years old are unsafe. They also might have plastic parts which can deteriorate over time.
Parts
Go over the stroller and make sure all the parts are still intact. Is the harness still is working order? Are the buckles broker? Are there screws missing? Does the stroller have sharp or broken edges that could harm my baby?
Cleanliness
Make sure the stroller is clean and the fabrics are in good condition. You also might want to ask where the stroller has been stored. If the seller kept in a garage or damp basement this is an opportunity for mold or allergens to settle in the fabric.
If you do decide to buy the stroller, clean it yourself. Wash everything since you don’t know who used it before you.
The bottom line is to exercise caution when looking at any used baby item. A great deal may seem extremely tempting but your baby’s safety needs to come first.
