When shopping with children, parents need to be careful

Published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Dec. 10, 2009

Shopping this time of year can be an adventure. The pressure and stress can double when children tag along. Parents should take precautions when shopping with little ones, especially when a shopping cart is involved.

Many parents are unaware that thousands of children each year go to hospital emergency departments due to injuries caused by shopping carts. The most common injuries are caused when a cart tips or a child falls from a cart. Some carts are so poorly designed that even if a baby is in the seat properly, a sibling who decides to push or lean on the handle could easily topple the cart injuring both children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests avoiding shopping carts and opting for a stroller, backpack, wagon or simply having a toddler or preschooler walk. Knowing those choices may not be possible for everyone, the AAP offers some advice if you must place your child in a shopping cart:

• Ensure your child is secured in an age- and size-appropriate belt or harness.
• Always supervise your child when placed in a shopping cart.
• Do not allow a child to stand up in a shopping cart.
• Never place an infant carrier on top of the shopping cart.
• Do not allow a child to ride in the basket or on the outside of a cart.
• Never allow an older child to climb on the cart or push the cart with another child inside.

Since the AAP Policy Statement was published a few years ago, some stores are beginning to offer alternatives to standard shopping carts with safer designs so children are lower to the ground. Carts that have cars or animals attached to the front are intended for older toddlers and children, they also can be safer for babies who can sit upright on their own; the risk of falling or tipping is much lower. Another model is a larger cart that has separate seats for larger children and a harness system. These allow the children to ride without sitting in the more unstable cart.

This season should be about celebration, so I ask parents to take the time to recognize the dangers that are in plain sight and often forgotten. Be safe and enjoy the season with your children and family.

Dr. Donna Eckardt is the medical director of the pediatric emergency department at St. John’s Mercy Children’s Hospital. For more information about St. John’s Mercy Children’s Hospital, please visit www.stjohnsmercychildrenshospital.org or call 314-364-3825.