Shopping with children can have its own set of difficulties. Worrying about your child's safety should not be one of them.
Shopping carts are the number one cause of head injuries in young children with more than 23,000 children treated each year. That breaks down to roughly 66 children treated in emergency departments every day – just from shopping cart-related injuries.
Unlike many other countries, the U.S. does not have any safety standards for shopping carts. Most carts are designed with a high center of gravity, making them prone to tipping over. So, it's consumer caution.
With that, here are some simple do's and don'ts you can follow to keep your little one safe while you cruise the aisles.
- DO place your child in a safety belt or harness when in a shopping cart.
- Do NOT leave your child alone in a shopping cart.
- Do NOT let your child stand up in a shopping cart.
- Do NOT place an infant carrier on top of the shopping cart.
- Do NOT put your child in the basket portion of the shopping cart.
- Do NOT allow your child to ride on the outside of the cart.
- Do NOT allow an older child to climb on the cart or push the cart with another child in it.
Many experts suggest using a shopping cart that is lower to the ground. Many stores now offer mini-cars or trucks that allow children to use their imagination, while being able to ride closer to the ground. If your store doesn't offer this type of option, a stroller or wagon is suggested.
Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. It is important to constantly be aware of your surroundings and those that could put your child in danger.
Always remember to Play it Safe!
This important safety message is brought to you by your Union Hospital Emergency Trauma Team.