According to the Pediatric Emergency Care Journal , strollers are a common cause of childhood injury.

“Strollers are a necessary piece of equipment that allow moms and dads to easily transport their babies,” said Lisa Druxman, founder of Stroller Strides, a workout program for new mothers. “However, many parents operate them haphazardly and don’t realize they can present some dangers when they’re not properly used.”

Druxman notes that whether a parent is walking with a stroller for exercise or taking a leisurely stroll, they should use the following tips.

•Buckle up . Regardless of the distance, always use the safety belt or harness to restrain a child from leaving the stroller. This will also prevent the child from sitting backwards, which can cause the stroller to tip.

•Put on the brakes. Use the stroller ’s brake whenever stopped, especially if facing downhill. For stops on a hill, 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. When using a combo stroller, which includes a bassinet and seat attachment, be sure to hear a “click” when installing the components to the stroller.

•Hold on to bags . Strollers can easily topple when loaded with excess weight, so avoid hanging bags on stroller handlers. 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 extra cushioning can be a suffocation risk.

This article is provided by Stroller Strides.