Safety is usually the most important factor to consider when purchasing a baby buggy or carrier, but it seems many little ones are still suffering serious injuries as a result of accidents with travel equipment.
This certainly seems to be the case anyway, if results from a new US study are anything to go by.
According to research carried out by experts in Ohio, over 360,000 US children aged five years or younger visited the ER with buggy- or carrier-related injuries between 1990 and 2010.
The study results, which were published this week in the Journal of Academic Paediatrics, showed that children have endured concussions and traumatic brain injuries from falling out of travel equipment.
In the study report, a co-author wrote: “The majority of injuries we saw were head injuries, which is scary considering the fact that traumatic brain injuries and concussions in young children may have long-term consequences on cognitive development.”
The researchers proceeded to share expert advice for reducing the risk of buggy- and carrier-related injuries.
They advised parents to:
- Consult the manufacturer’s instructions, and ensure the child is seated and properly strapped in.
- Avoid hanging heavy items – such as bags – on buggy handles.
- Ensure the child does not exceed the carrier’s weight limit.
- Lock the buggy wheels while parked.
- Avoid placing carriers in high places.
- Avoid letting a child push the buggy.
- Check to ensure the buggy/ carrier has not been recalled.
