According to research published in the Pediatric Emergency Care Journal, strollers are a common mechanism of injury for pediatric patients responded to by paramedics. With that in mind, Stroller Strides is recognizing National Baby Safety Month this September by urging parents to practice stroller safety. Stroller Strides owners work with moms, their babies and their strollers on a regular basis, teaching exercise classes that incorporate intervals of strength training, power walking and cardiovascular exercises using the environment and the strollers.
"Strollers are a necessary piece of equipment that allow moms and dads to easily transport their babies," said Lisa Druxman, founder of Stroller Strides. "However, many parents operate them haphazardly and don't realize they can present some dangers when they're not properly used."
Druxman recommends the following tips:
- Buckle Up - Regardless of how far you're traveling, always make sure to use the safety belt or harness to restrain a child from leaving the stroller. This will also prevent your child from sitting backwards, which can cause the stroller to tip.
- Put on the Brakes - Use the stroller's brakes whenever you're stopped, especially if you're facing down a hill. If you must stop on a hill, be sure to turn the stroller's wheels away from the decline.
- Lock it in Place - Collapsible strollers need to be fully locked or correctly snapped into the open position before placing the child inside. If you're using a combo stroller, which includes a bassinet and seat attachment, make sure you hear a "click" when installing these components to the actual stroller.
- Keep your Bags in Hand - Strollers can easily tip when subjected to excess weight, so avoid hanging bags on stroller handles. Opt, instead, to store extra items such as a purse or jacket in an under-the-seat basket.
- Skip Extra Padding - Never use a blanket or pillows as a mattress in a stroller. Any sort of extra cushioning can be a suffocation risk.
For more information, please visit www.strollerstrides.com.
Contacts:
Stroller Strides
Stephanie Ramirez, 760-230-5596
Marketing
Director
marketing@strollerstrides.net
or
On
the Horizon Communications
Jordan Schultz, 805-773-1000
jordan@thepressroom.com
