Strollers come in a variety of sizes and styles. When you're
searching for that perfect stroller that's light and portable,
keep safety in mind, too.
What to look for:
- Examine the stroller for reliable restraining belts. The
safest design is the "T" buckle: a crotch strap and
waist belts that connect together.
- The best brakes lock back wheels by engaging mechanisms in
the wheels themselves rather than relying on pressure on the
tires.
- A secondary safety latch will keep the stroller open if the
primary mechanism fails.
- The stroller should be free from parts that can pinch a
child's fingers or pose a choking hazard.
- Check out the stroller for stability. The wheel base should
be wide, and the seat should be low in the frame. The stroller
should resist tipping backward when you press lightly down on the
handles.
- The leg openings should be small enough to prevent an infant
from slipping through.
- You should be able to steer the stroller in a straight line
when pushing with one hand.
- The handlebars should be at your waist level or slightly
lower.
- If you want a stroller designed to accommodate more than one
child, be aware that tandem models (where the children sit one
behind the other) are generally easier to maneuver than the kind
where the children sit side by side. In addition, the tandem
models are generally more stable and fold more compactly.
SAFETY NOTE:
Never hang purses or diaper bags on the handles of a stroller. A
baby could get tangled in the straps and be strangled.
Reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: November 2007
Originally reviewed by:
Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.