Safety Check: What to Look for When Purchasing a Pushchair
Posted by silver cross on Thursday, July 28, 2011
Buying a pushchair can be quite difficult. It’s definitely a requirement, especially if you have a very young child that you’ll be travelling with frequently. Since the focus of a pushchair really is to provide safety and comfort to your child, your only focus should be its functionality and the safety features that it can provide.
Here are some features and areas to check when purchasing a pushchair:
1. Brakes. It may seem like a very common thing to even consider, but just like with cars, always check the brakes. Make sure that the brakes are quick to apply and to respond; any lag or delay can cause serious problems should you run into an emergency.
2. Tires. The performance of the brakes is tied to the quality of the tires. Make sure that the pushchair has sturdy and new tires. Worn down tires (with the rubber almost completely gone) will not run smoothly. Make sure that your tires are still in good condition, especially if you’re buying second hand or receiving a hand-me-down.
3. Locks. A lot of pushchairs these days have collapsible structures. This means that there are certain areas wherein locks are put in place to prevent the stroller from collapsing. Check the locks and make sure that they are easy to use, sturdy and not prone to loosening. It is important the locks remain in place while in transit for two things: you don’t want the pushchair to collapse while your child is in it, and you don’t want your child to accidentally get caught in the gaps and have their tiny fingers trapped in the collapsible parts.
4. Weight capability. It is important that your pushchair remains stable, and one way to make sure is to know how much weight it is able to handle. A lot of us have seen people who load their pushchairs with more than just their kids. Nappy bags, toys – you should remember that strollers are not indestructible. Watch the amount of weight you’re putting on the pushchair and make sure you’re not going over the limit and affecting its stability.
5. Seatbelt. Not all strollers have seatbelts, but for those geared towards larger children who are able to sit up in their pushchairs, a harness is necessary to keep the child safe and in place. Take note that the harness should not be too tight or positioned in an incorrect spot, as it may cause discomfort.
6. Overall design. Some pushchairs tend to have additional accessories for aesthetic purposes. Make sure that there are no pointed areas or small pieces that can break off. Pointed areas can accidentally wound your child, while pieces that break off can be swallowed. Make sure that there are no moveable parts within your child’s reach to ensure safety.
So, when buying a pushchair, be meticulous and go through every single item listed in this post. Ensure that your child is safe and comfortable, even as you travel.
Here are some features and areas to check when purchasing a pushchair:
1. Brakes. It may seem like a very common thing to even consider, but just like with cars, always check the brakes. Make sure that the brakes are quick to apply and to respond; any lag or delay can cause serious problems should you run into an emergency.
2. Tires. The performance of the brakes is tied to the quality of the tires. Make sure that the pushchair has sturdy and new tires. Worn down tires (with the rubber almost completely gone) will not run smoothly. Make sure that your tires are still in good condition, especially if you’re buying second hand or receiving a hand-me-down.
3. Locks. A lot of pushchairs these days have collapsible structures. This means that there are certain areas wherein locks are put in place to prevent the stroller from collapsing. Check the locks and make sure that they are easy to use, sturdy and not prone to loosening. It is important the locks remain in place while in transit for two things: you don’t want the pushchair to collapse while your child is in it, and you don’t want your child to accidentally get caught in the gaps and have their tiny fingers trapped in the collapsible parts.
4. Weight capability. It is important that your pushchair remains stable, and one way to make sure is to know how much weight it is able to handle. A lot of us have seen people who load their pushchairs with more than just their kids. Nappy bags, toys – you should remember that strollers are not indestructible. Watch the amount of weight you’re putting on the pushchair and make sure you’re not going over the limit and affecting its stability.
5. Seatbelt. Not all strollers have seatbelts, but for those geared towards larger children who are able to sit up in their pushchairs, a harness is necessary to keep the child safe and in place. Take note that the harness should not be too tight or positioned in an incorrect spot, as it may cause discomfort.
6. Overall design. Some pushchairs tend to have additional accessories for aesthetic purposes. Make sure that there are no pointed areas or small pieces that can break off. Pointed areas can accidentally wound your child, while pieces that break off can be swallowed. Make sure that there are no moveable parts within your child’s reach to ensure safety.
So, when buying a pushchair, be meticulous and go through every single item listed in this post. Ensure that your child is safe and comfortable, even as you travel.