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"Where's my baby! Someone's taken my baby!"
These were the anguised words of a close friend of a long time friend of mine as she searched breathlessly for her little 5 month old baby boy. You see, she was just going for a jog, when a call from 
a mobile phone caused her to momentarily turn her back, as her little bub slipped quietly into the river, still strapped to his 3 wheeled stroller....
Now I own a three wheeled stroller, it is a good one in terms of structure, with a wide wheel base to hopefully prevent it from flipping. But what I didn't think about is how easily it can move, and how quickly. With smooth suspension and ease of handling, it is as quiet as sitting inside a luxury car, the kind you can't hear the engine running as it cruises along. But with this is a danger. I was walking to the school to pick up my older daughter, and I stopped on the footpath to answer my phone. As I let go to reach into the back compartment, the stroller left my hands and started to roll slowly over the edge of a bump in someones driveway, and would've gone onto the road had I not grabbed it a half second later. I thought I had it on a flat surface, but the front wheel was just poking over an edge, enough to grab it and roll it from me. It happens..
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21036888-2682,00.html
Three wheeled strollers seem to be the latest rage, as we pursue comfort and sporty accessories to maintain a healthly lifestyle. I bought mine so my hubby could take our son for a jog when he is a little older, and myself as I build the energy to get out and about to try and repair the damage to my tummy muscles from my c-section.
Be very careful when out and about with one of these, make use of the safety strap that comes with most good ones, so if your stroller does stray when you are not fully aware ( and let's face it, who doesn't turn their back on their pram/pusher/stroller when you stop to do up a shoe or talk to someone etc ) at least it is in arms reach. Otherwise, check the surface you are travelling on, if there is a remote chance it could roll, BE ALERT AT ALL TIMES. Use the brake, but dont fully rely on it, as some models have been known not to fully comply with safety standards, or the brake might not have fully engaged, and therefore a little bump disengages them, and they're off. The sheer weight behind the front wheel quickly accelerates the whole thing. And they are SO QUIET!
If you are considering purchasing one, or already have one, don't let the tragedy of another parent losing their precious bundle to wake you up to the reality of the potential risks of these strollers. But like with anything, it is a harsh reminder of the need to be vigilant. Check out the compliance to safety standards:
www.babystroller.com.au
http://choice.com.au/goArticle.aspx?id=104696
Or just do a Google search.
Not a day goes by when I dont think about this beautiful couple, who did everything they could to care and nourish for this little one. It was a tragic accident, and as they struggle to accept what has happened, we should not be angry nor find blame. It brings me to tears just writing this, but it also reminds me of how very lucky I am to have my little boy, and how precious life is, and how quickly it can be snatched away.
RIP LEO xx
with love,
Cindy
(January 2007) (
My hasn't time flown by?!
Lexi xxx
