Stroller Safety Tips

When you welcome a baby into your family, you’ll also have the chance to welcome a new travel companion that will accompany you on nearly every trip and outing during the first stages of your child’s journey: a stroller. From everyday grocery store visits to family walks in the park, your trusty stroller will be there to help make things a little more convenient for you as a caregiver. To help ensure that these stroller outings are smooth and enjoyable for the whole family, follow our stroller safety tips below.

Understanding Your Stroller

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your family’s well-being. Take the time to thoroughly read your stroller's instructions and warning labels before your first stroll. Familiarizing yourself with its features and usage guidelines is key to ensuring safe strolls from day one. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your stroller brand's customer service department.

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

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.

Depending on what type of stroller you choose, you may need to use a compatible infant car seat or bassinet rather than the toddler seat during the infancy stage. The Britax Brook™*, Brook+, and Grove™ strollers are all compatible with our Willow™*, Willow S, Willow SC, and Cypress™ infant car seats as well as the Zinnia™ bassinet, giving you plenty of strolling options.

Harnessing Safety

A 5-point harness is a non-negotiable safety feature in strollers. It’s designed to keep your child secure in their 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 vigilance. 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; 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, take time to check for and remove any debris that might hinder the stroller's functionality, especially in moving parts like wheels and brakes. You’ll also want to 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.

Embracing these safety tips helps ensure that every outing with your stroller is as secure as it is enjoyable. Britax is here to support your family's journey every step of the way, from bustling city streets to the quiet park paths. Let's make every adventure a safe and memorable one.

*The Brook stroller and Willow infant car seat are available as part of the Willow Brook travel system only.