The number of children ages 5 and under injured in shopping cart-related incidents has increased more than 30 percent since 1985. Children may suffer lacerations, contusions, fractures, concussions and internal injuries when they jump or fall from a shopping cart, the cart overturns, they get pinched in the folding mechanism of the seat, or they fall against the cart. Children also are at risk of injury from running into, or being hit by, shopping carts; from tipping over carts while climbing onto the outside of the basket; and from getting fingers or toes caught in the wheels.

Falls from shopping cart seats and baskets are the most common shopping cart-related injury. Shopping carts have a high center of gravity and a narrow wheel base, making them top heavy when loaded and therefore easy to tip over, especially when a child is placed in the seat. When children stand up, their chances of falling or tipping the cart over increase.

PREVENTION TIPS

• Always use safety belts to restrain children in shopping cart seats.

• Consider bringing a harness or safety belt with you when shopping to prevent your child from falling or climbing out of shopping carts.

• Always stay close to the shopping cart.

• Do not let your child stand in the shopping cart.

• Never let a child push or steer the shopping cart.