Guide
Fear of injections: what can help children (and parents)?
by Michael Restin
Beware of these 9 pram dangers
1.11.2019
Translation: machine translated
Almost all parents own a pushchair. However, they often do not realise that it is a source of danger for the child, parents and the environment. You should beware of these risks.
Every day I meet parents who are out and about with their prams. Many of them have mistakenly put a cloth over it. What's more, there's always a pushchair in the way in narrow shops, restaurants or public transport. Reason enough to show you the potential dangers.
1. heat build-up
Are you one of those parents who cover the pram with a cloth in the summer months to protect your baby from the sun? Don't do it! You may be protecting them from the sunlight, but the air no longer circulates properly through the cover. The result is even hotter temperatures inside the pushchair. Heat build-up or cardiac arrest are possible consequences. In addition, the UV rays penetrate through a normal cloth anyway.
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2. unintentional folding
As soon as you install the carrycot or seat incorrectly, the pushchair becomes unstable. In the worst case scenario, the pushchair folds up together with the child or traps body parts. It is better to check a second time before use whether you have assembled everything correctly.
3. risk of tipping over
In general, pushchairs with three wheels or lightweight buggies are at risk of tipping over. For example, if you use them to negotiate a pavement, steps or a landing. However, the surface and wheel size are also crucial. Small wheels get tangled up more quickly on cobblestones or stony field paths.
A sibling can also cause the stroller to tip over if it hangs onto the stroller unfavourably. With lighter models, it is sufficient to hang a fully loaded changing bag on the handle. It will tip backwards due to the additional weight.
4. the child falls out
Babies are often not strapped into the pushchair. This may work as long as your baby is just lying there. As soon as it becomes more active, turns round and tries to sit up for the first time, there is a high risk that it will fall out of the carrycot. One wrong movement is enough for the pushchair to tumble out or tip over. The result is a bump, a laceration or even a concussion.
5. harmful substances
There are models that contain harmful substances in straps, handles, covers or rain covers. Flame retardants are used as plasticisers and are probably carcinogenic, as are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Phthalates are other plasticisers that dissolve through sweat and saliva and can be toxic to reproduction. Unfortunately, it is rarely clear which pushchairs contain which harmful substances, but you can find out in advance.
6. rolling away
Not all pushchairs have a brake. This means that as soon as you let go of the pushchair in a rush, it rolls away. Fatal consequences cannot be ruled out, especially in direct road traffic or on steep terrain. In winter, there is also the risk of slipping due to icy pavements and roads. A pushchair can slide off even with the brakes on.
7. tripping hazard
Whether on public transport, in confined spaces, at events, in restaurants or in the entrance to your own home, pushchairs clog up paths everywhere. They require space that is usually not available and become a tripping hazard for everyone.
Unfortunately, it often happens that pushchair drivers (un)intentionally drive over other people's feet, causing them to trip. The lower leg, calf and Achilles heel are other parts of the body that are repeatedly hit. It hurts, so watch where you're driving the car
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8. damage
Due to the width or length of the pushchair, you should avoid narrow aisles and spaces. It's easy to bump into something or your child can knock everything off the shopping shelves with an outstretched arm. If you collide, you will not only damage goods, but also coloured walls, plaster, wallpaper, plants, furniture, etc.
9. back problems
A pram including a changing bag and a child is extremely heavy. You're often lugging it up and down the stairs or lifting it in and out of the car. This is bad for your back and your posture. Pay more attention to wheelchair-accessible routes when you're out and about and choose the longer route or the lift rather than the stairs.
Do you know of any other dangers lurking with a pushchair? Then add them in the comments column below and help everyone involved.
I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.
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