Selecting a stroller is an important decision. After all, any equipment for infants or small children must be designed with safety and ease of use in mind. When it comes to stroller shopping, prices and features vary wildly. Figuring out what matters most can take some serious research.
Babies typically develop control of their heads and necks around the age of six months. Prior to that, infant carriers need to recline completely in order to support the child safely. In order to avoid the necessity of purchasing multiple items, some parents choose an all-in-one travel system for their infant. These systems include an infant car seat, a base for a car seat for older babies, and a stroller. They can be heavy, but they do provide extra flexibility for parents.
A lightweight car seat carrier is also a popular choice. You can attach an infant car seat to these universal frames. This seat can be snapped into a car seat or stroller, allowing napping infants to continue snoozing comfortably while on the go.
Questions to Consider When Choosing a Stroller:
- Will you stroll right out of your home or garage, or will you generally need to drive before using the stroller?
- Will you be taking your child to parks, zoos, and other play areas in the stroller?
- How do you feel about the handle height? What about the grip? Both you and your partner should try out the stroller before making a purchase.
- Can you easily adjust the backrest and fasten/unfasten the harness?
- Are you able to easily open and close the stroller?
- Are the brakes easy to use?
- Can you carry the stroller?
- Is there room to store all of your gear, such as diaper bags and other baby accessories?
- Will the stroller fit into your vehicle?
- What does the warranty cover?
- Do you plan to use the stroller for exercising with your child? If so, you may want to consider a jogging stroller.
Safety First
Make sure that the stroller manufacturer participates in the certification program that the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) provides. JPMA requires manufacturers to test stroller brakes, restraint systems, locking mechanisms, leg openings, stability, and more.
The safest harness design includes shoulder straps and a strap between the legs as well as a waist belt that connects together. Check the stroller for parts that could pose a choking hazard or pinch the child.
Report Any Issues
If you notice a problem with your child’s stroller, report the issue to the stroller manufacturer and discontinue use of the item.
If your child has been injured due to a product defect or malfunction, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
