Stroller Safety Tips

When you welcome a baby into your family, you’ll also get to welcome a new travel companion that will accompany you on nearly every trip and outing during your child's first few years: a stroller. From everyday grocery store visits to family walks in the park, your trusty stroller will be there to help keep your child comfortable while making things a little more convenient for you as a caregiver. To help ensure that these stroller outings are both smooth and enjoyable for the whole family, it's important to use the stroller correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions and adhere to all safety guidelines and warnings. Our list of stroller safety tips can help set you on a path toward safe and confident outings. 

Understanding Your Stroller

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your family’s well-being. Take the time to read your stroller user guide and warning labels before your first outing. Familiarizing yourself with its features and usage guidelines is the first step toward keeping your child safe on strolls from day one. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the customer service department for your stroller brand.  

For questions about Britax strollers, you can reach our customer service team here. You can also find helpful how-to videos on our YouTube channel.

Proper Toddler Seat Use

During the infancy stage, you’ll need to use a compatible infant car seat or bassinet instead of the included toddler stroller seat. Always check your user guide for size, weight, and head/neck control requirements. Review these guidelines with your pediatrician to confirm whether your little one is ready to ride in the stroller seat.  

Harnessing Safety

A 5-point harness is a non-negotiable safety feature in strollers. It’s designed to help keep your child secure in their stroller seat just as they would be in a car seat. When securing your child, ensure that the harness straps are snug and adjusted correctly according to the guidelines provided in your user manual. Double check to make sure that your child is securely buckled before you begin your stroll.  

Vigilant Supervision

The cornerstone of stroller safety is constant supervision. Always keep an eye on your child while they’re in the stroller, and never leave a child in a stroller unattended. Be sure to engage your stroller’s parking brake any time that you stop to help prevent it from rolling away.

Balanced and Stable

With the exception of stroller accessories that are recommended by your stroller’s manufacturer, never hang bags or other items from the stroller’s handlebar or frame. This can disrupt the stroller's balance and potentially cause it to tip. Instead, place diaper bags and other items in the stroller’s storage basket. Be sure not to exceed the stroller’s published weight limit.

Cleanliness Equals Safety

Cleaning your stroller regularly not only keeps it looking great, but it also helps keep your stroller operating safely. For tips on how to keep your Britax stroller clean, check out our stroller cleaning guide.As you clean your stroller, be sure to remove any debris that might hinder the stroller's functionality, especially in moving parts like wheels and brakes. You should also regularly check for damage, like tears in the fabric. If needed, contact the customer service department for your stroller brand or check their website to order replacement parts. Replacement parts for Britax strollers can be found here.

Proper Folding and Care

Check your stroller's manual for folding and storage instructions to help avoid damage, especially to plastic components that can warp in extreme heat. Remember to detach any accessories, such as snack trays or organizers, before storing.

Stay Informed Through Registration

Registering your stroller with the manufacturer can help ensure that you're directly informed about any safety updates or recalls. You can register a Britax stroller online, by calling us at 704-409-1699, or by mailing in the registration card that came with your product. The information you provide when you register your stroller won’t be used for marketing purposes – just for communications about safety.

Following these safety tips can help ensure that every outing with your stroller is both secure and enjoyable. Whether you're strolling bustling city streets or quiet park paths, Britax is here to support your family's journey every step of the way.