Baby Safety Tips for Everyday Outings & Adventures with BOB Gear
September is Baby Safety Month, a perfect time to focus on essential safety tips for active caregivers who love spending time outdoors with their little ones. At BOB Gear, we’re committed to helping parents have fun and memorable outdoor experiences with their little explorers while also prioritizing safety. Here are some car seat and stroller safety tips to help you prepare for your next outing with your little one.
- Check the Seat’s Expiration Date: Car seats don’t last forever. Check the date of manufacture on the serial label of your car seat and consult the user guide to verify the lifespan of your seat. Your car seat may also have the expiration date printed on the serial label. If it has expired, cut the webbing to prevent further use and clearly mark the seat shell with the words “EXPIRED - DO NOT USE” before responsibly disposing of it.
- Register Your Car Seat: This is the best way to stay informed about any safety recalls. To register a BOB Gear seat, click here.
- Check Your Installation: Always follow the instructions provided in your user guide. If you have questions, contact customer service for your car seat brand (you can contact BOB Gear customer service here). You can also attend a local car seat check event or schedule an appointment with a Child Passenger Safety Technician. Check this directory to find a CPS technician near you, or click here to find a local car seat checkup.
- Secure Your Child Properly: Review the instructions in your user guide and familiarize yourself with proper fitment guidelines. Make sure you remove bulky coats and jackets before securing your child in their seat.
- Check Your Child’s Height and Weight: Regular height and weight checkups can help you figure out when it’s time for your child to transition to the next car seat stage. BOB Gear strongly recommends that children ride in a rear-facing car seat to the highest weight or height specified. BOB Gear also recommends that children remain in a child seat with a 5-point harness until reaching the maximum weight or height allowed.
- Buckle Up: Secure your child with the stroller harness during every stroll, even for short walks. This will help prevent falls and keep your child safely positioned.
- Use the Brakes: Engage the stroller parking brake when you're stationary to help prevent roll-aways.
- Keep Hands Clear: Ensure your child's hands are out of the way when you’re folding or unfolding the stroller to avoid pinching or injury.
- Use the Correct Mode: For BOB Gear jogging strollers, be sure to switch the stroller into jog mode before running to help prevent tipping or wobbling. You should also use the wrist strap during jogs.
- Avoid Overloading the Handles: Use the storage basket for bags and other gear. Avoid hanging anything on the stroller handles that is not approved by the manufacturer.
- Never Leave Your Child Alone in the Car: Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, even for a brief moment. The temperature inside a car can rise sharply, creating life-threatening conditions for little ones. Always remember to check the back seat before you lock your car. You can place a stuffed toy, a sticky note, or another everyday item in the front seat as a visual reminder.
- Keep Car Doors Locked: Lock your car doors after you park (even when you’re at home) and keep the keys out of reach to prevent children from accidentally locking themselves inside.
- Take Action: If you see a child alone in a car, call 911 immediately.
- Move Sleeping Baby to a Safe Spot: If your baby falls asleep while in the stroller, transfer them to a crib or bassinet as soon as it's practical.
- Properly Fitting Mattress: Always use a properly fitting mattress in cribs and avoid adding extra padding or pillows.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Do not run or jog with your BOB Gear stroller seat reclined for sleeping babies. This can make the stroller less stable.
As you embark on outdoor adventures and everyday outings, keeping these safety tips in mind can help ensure a fun and secure experience for you and your baby. Remember, safety starts with you. Always buckle up, set a responsible example for your children, stay vigilant, and create safe environments whether on the move or at rest. Happy strolling and stay safe!