Strollers are amazing. Not only do strollers allow you to travel conveniently with your kids, but oftentimes, it also helps keep them safe when you're strolling around.
However, a lot of parents make some potentially dangerous stroller mistakes that put their children's lives at risk. Here's a list of what to NOT do when using a stroller:
1. Don't cover them with a blanket to protect them from the sun
Sometimes you'll see parents cover their kids with a blanket to protect them from the harsh sunlight. This practice can actually be very dangerous as placing even just a thin cloth over your child's stroller can create a 'furnace-like' effect which can cause the temperature inside to become very high.
And for babies, it can put them at risk of overheating, and even heatstroke!
So if you're out in the sun, it's best to just look for shade and place your child's stroller under there.
2. Placing heavy bags on the handles
A lot of moms find it convenient to place their groceries or their handbags on the handles of their child's stroller. However, this can be a potentially dangerous mistake, since the heavy weight of the bags can cause the stroller to tip over, especially for those light, portable strollers.
And even if you're using a good quality heavy-duty stroller, it's still best to think twice before putting any bags on the handles, just to make sure your baby is safe.
3. Not reading the instructions
While most strollers are easy to use, it's still not an excuse to throw away the instructions just because you feel that you already know what to do.
In some cases, there are special locks and switches that you can engage in order to keep the stroller stable, or prevent it from rolling back on an incline. These little things are not only convenient, but also help keep your child safe. So make sure to read through the instructions, and know the features of your baby's stroller.
4. Always buckle your kids in the stroller
Sometimes you'll see kids standing or even jumping around on their stroller, with the buckles removed. This can be very dangerous as they can fall down and hurt themselves, especially since the stroller can roll and move if they're standing up and jumping around.
Always make sure that your child is securely buckled to the stroller, and adjust the length so that it fits them perfectly. The buckles are there for a reason, so you should use it whenever your child is in the stroller.
Source: philandteds.com, kidspot.com.au
READ: WARNING: Are you making this dangerous stroller mistake?
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