Shopping cart injuries are more than pinched fingers. Learn how to prevent your child from a serious head or neck injury before you shop.
Instead of placing your child in a shopping cart, try one of these safer options:
- Enlist a second set of eyes: Ask a trusted adult to watch your child while you go to the store or choose a store that has a supervised play area where you can leave your child while you shop.
- Shop online: Shop online and have your items delivered or pick them up at the store.
- Keep children out of the cart: Carry smaller children close to your chest in a front carrier. Ask older children to walk beside the cart instead of riding.
If you need to put your child in a shopping cart:
- Pick the right cart: Use a cart that has a child seat low to the ground (some look like miniature cars in the front of the cart). Find a cart with a safety belt or harness that is not broken.
- Ensure your child stays seated and buckled: Place your child in the seat and not in the basket. Remember no infant carriers on the cart. Keep your child securely buckled at all times.
- Enforce rules: Only allow adults to push the cart. Never let children climb on or hang from the sides or handle of the cart.
