Strollers

Although strollers are typically used to safely transport children, injuries do occur while using these products. An average of one child aged 5 years and younger is treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments every 45 minutes for a stroller- related injury.

Injury Facts

• Most children are injured when they fall from the stroller or when the stroller tips over.
• The head and face are the most commonly injured parts of the body.
• While many of the injuries are soft tissue injuries like bumps and bruises, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)/concussions account for one-quarter (25%) of stroller-related injuries.

Parents and child caregivers can prevent stroller-related injuries by following these tips

• Always buckle up. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions for properly securing children in strollers or carriers. Make sure your child is seated and buckled in at all times.
• Keep handles clear. Hanging heavy items like purses and bags on the handle of strollers can cause them to tip over. Store these items under the stroller or on your shoulder. If getting a new stroller, look for one with a wide wheel base that will be harder to tip over.
• Get a model that fits your child. Strollers are not one-size fits all – they have age and weight limits. Make sure to get one that is the right size for your child and follow all manufacturer’s guidelines for use.
• Lock it. Lock stroller wheels when you “park” to prevent it from rolling away unexpectedly. Be careful using a stroller near a curb and in high traffic areas where sidewalks are not available.
• Check for recalls. There have been many stroller recalls in recent years. Check www.recalls.gov to see if the model you plan to use has been recalled.

Additional Stroller Resources

• Injuries Associated With Strollers and Carriers Among Children in the United States, 1990 to 2010
  • PubMed Abstract - July 2016
  • Press Release - August 2016
  • Blog Post - September 2016