Is your child’s stroller safe?

Washington – In 2011, 74,100 children younger than 5 were taken to an emergency department because of an injury from a nursery product, according to a new report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of those, 12,900 injuries were caused by a stroller or carriage – a majority from a fall or strangulation.

In addition to ensuring your child meets the proper height and weight requirements for the stroller you are using, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents and caregivers follow these safety tips to help protect your children from injury:

• Securely fasten all toys and bumpers.
• Purchase a stroller that has brakes that are easy to operate and lock on two wheels. A stroller with a wide base will help prevent it from tipping over.
• Make sure your child is not standing near the stroller when you open and close it. This will help prevent finger pinches.
• Ensure your stroller is in the locked position before placing your child inside it. Your child always should be buckled in when riding in a stroller.
• Avoid hanging bags from the stroller’s handle.
• Never leave your child unattended in a stroller.