Hand-me-down strollers pose safety risks

• Copyright © 2012 by the American Academy of Pediatrics

Using a hand-me-down stroller may subject children to safety risks, such as injuries caused by the gap between the grab bar or tray and the seat bottom as well as finger pinching and amputations, according to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warning.

CPSC is aware of 30 deaths since 1980 in which a child’s head or neck became stuck between the grab bar or tray and the seat bottom. Many companies have recalled strollers because of this risk and offer free repair kits to fix the problem. Parents should ensure that children are secured by safety harnesses when in strollers and that the gap between the grab bar or tray and the seat bottom is at least 8 inches, so that children will not get stuck.

According to the CPSC, there have been 23 fingertip amputations in strollers between 2008 and April 2012 among children under the age of 5. Many adults also have pinched their fingers in these hinges. Several companies, including Kolcraft (see below), have recalled their strollers because of this risk and offer free hinge covers to solve the problem.

Parents should check the safety and recall status of any used items they purchase or borrow at www.saferproducts.gov.