The most important safety feature of your pram or stroller is the brake.
It's been a long, cold and wet winter, followed by a very wet summer. Yes, the lakes and rivers are full, but most of us are hankering to jump outside and enjoy the sunshine! Now that we're finally blowing the cobwebs off our sunhat and shorts, it's a perfect time to remind us of essential stroller safety.
Although prams and strollers are a wonderful way to help move your children from A to B, they can cause serious injury if not used correctly.
News headlines have repeatedly shown us the dangers of letting go of prams. Too often, prams quietly roll away from unsuspecting parents, causing frightening and frantic moments of rescue and sadly, sometimes tragic outcomes. All new prams are now fitted with wrist straps, which you should use to secure yourself to your child's pram. It takes less than a second to place your hand in the strap, and it's a simple and effective way to stay connected.
The post -Christmas sales provide a great excuse to grab a bargain, but remember never to hang shopping bags on the handle of your child's pram. Hanging bags on prams and strollers can create a rapid change of balance and can cause your pram or stroller to tip over backwards. Not surprisingly, tip-overs are the most common cause of pram related injuries.
The most important safety feature of your pram or stroller is the brake. If your hand leaves the pram, even for a second, then the brake must be used. Stable, even surfaces can also pose a risk to stationary prams; all it takes is a gust of wind to push your pram off course and cause serious injury to your child.
An unrestrained or inappropriately restrained child is very vulnerable to falls and other injuries. Correctly using the five point safety harness, which attaches around your child's waist, over their shoulders and between their legs, every time you use the pram, creates a secure restraint that reduces the likelihood of injury for your child.
Kidsafe advises all parents to maintain constant supervision while using a pram. Older children don't have the keen eyes of a parent, so try not to allow older brothers and sisters to push the pram without your help. Similarly, prams are not a babysitter, nor are they a substitute for a cot. A child left alone in a pram or stroller can move about and become trapped between parts, or suffocate in cushioning or rugs. Even when a child has fallen asleep, they must not be left unattended as they can wriggle about and cause the pram to tip over.
So as you jump back into the sunshine to cure those winter blues, remember to keep a close eye on the weather. The mercury is set to soar, and given our extreme climate we must always Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide. Remember to dress your children in light, protective clothing to help cool off on those extremely hot days. In fact, while you're at the sales, why not grab a loose fitting t-shirt for your baby? Just don't hang the shopping bag on your pram handle!
For further information regarding hat choice contact your local Kidsafe office.
