Baby Safety Tips for Everyday Adventures With BOB Gear 

A woman looking at a baby in a car seat.

September is Baby Safety Month, a perfect time for parents and caregivers to review essential car seat and stroller safety practices. At BOB Gear, we’re committed to helping families have fun and memorable outdoor experiences with their little explorers while also prioritizing safety. Here are some key safety tips to help you prepare for your next family outing.  

Car Seat Safety

  1. Check the Seat’s Expiration Date

    Car seats don’t last forever. Over time, the materials that make up the seat can start to degrade. Plus, car seats that have passed their expiration date may no longer meet current safety standards. 

    You can determine the expiration date of your seat by checking the date of manufacture on the serial label and consulting the user guide to verify the lifespan of the seat. Some manufacturers, including BOB Gear, print the expiration date directly on the serial label for your convenience.  

    To safely retire an expired seat, cut the webbing to prevent reuse and clearly mark the seat shell with the words “EXPIRED - DO NOT USE.”  Contact your local waste management department for disposal guidance. 


    BOBGear Tip    : The serial label on the BOB Gear Champ® infant car seat is located on the underside of the seat next to the harness slots. The Champ has a lifespan of six years from the date of manufacture. 

  2. Register Your Seat or Travel System


    This is the best way to stay informed about any safety recall notices. When you register your baby gear, the manufacturer will be able to contact you directly in case of a recall.  Information provided for registration cannot be used for marketing purposes. It’s for safety notifications only. Note: if you purchase a BOB Gear travel system, you must register the car seat and stroller separately. There will be two cards in the box. 


    BOBGear Tip:     To register a BOB Gear car seat in the US, click here. 

  3. Check Your Installation

    Installation instructions vary by brand and model, so it’s crucial that you refer to the instructions provided in your user guide. If you have questions, contact customer service for your car seat brand. You can contact BOB Gear customer service here. 

    When installing a car seat, use one installation method: the vehicle seat belt or LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). You can only use both methods simultaneously if both your car seat user guide and your vehicle’s user manual allow it. 

    If you’re using the vehicle seat belt, ensure that you lock it using the car seat’s built-in lock-off (if provided) or by following the instructions in your vehicle manual. Once installed, the seat should not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.  

    If you’re struggling to achieve a secure installation, try a different seating position or a different installation method. You can also attend a local car seat check event or schedule an appointment with a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). Check this directory to find a CPST near you or click here to find a local car seat checkup event. 

    BOBGear Tip:     See the Champ infant car seat user guide for installation instructions, and check out these videos for additional tips: Installing with the Seat Belt,  Installing with LATCH.

  4. Secure Your Child Properly 

    Review your user guide and familiarize yourself with the fitment guidelines for your seat.

    Here's a quick checklist for reference: 

    • Position the harness straps according to your seat’s user guide. For the BOB Gear Champ, the straps should be in the closest position below the child’s shoulders. Always follow the instructions for your specific seat, as they can vary by brand and model. 

    • Remove bulky clothing before securing your child in the seat.  

    • Ensure that the harness lies flat and snug against your child. You shouldn’t be able to pinch any webbing vertically at your child’s collarbone. 

    • Position the chest clip at armpit level.  


    BOBGear Tip:     Review your user guide for instructions on how to properly secure your child in the Champ infant car seat. You can also watch this video for additional tips.  

  5. Check your Child’s Height and Weight

    Regular height and weight checkups can help you figure out when it’s time for your child to transition to the next car seat stage. BOB Gear strongly recommends that: 

    • Children ride in a rear-facing car seat to the highest weight or height specified. 

    • Children remain in a child seat with a 5-point harness until reaching the maximum weight or height allowed. 


    BOBGear Tip:     The Champ infant car seat accommodates children between 4 and 30 lbs and up to 32 inches tall. Once your child outgrows their rear-facing only seat, transition them to a convertible or all-in-one seat with an extended rear-facing capacity so that they can ride rear-facing well into the toddler years.   

Stroller Safety

  1. Buckle Up: Secure your child with the stroller harness during every stroll, even for short walks. This will help prevent falls and keep your child safely positioned in the stroller seat. Always ensure that the harness is snug and the buckle is secure. 

  2. Use the Brakes: Engage the stroller parking brake during stops to help prevent roll-always.  

  3. Keep Hands Clear: Keep little hands away from pinch points when you’re folding or unfolding the stroller to avoid injury. 

  4. Use the Correct Stroller & Mode: Only run with strollers specifically designed for jogging. When running with a BOB Gear jogging stroller, be sure to switch the front wheel into jog mode to help reduce wobbling and improve stability. Always use the wrist strap during jogs, and never run with an infant or with an infant car seat attached to the stroller. 

  5. Avoid Overloading the Handlebar: Store bags and gear in the under-seat cargo basket. Do not hang anything on the stroller handle that is not approved by the manufacturer. 

Preventing Heatstroke

Never Leave Your Child Alone in the Car: Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, even for a brief moment. The temperature inside a car can rise sharply, creating life-threatening conditions for little ones. Always remember to check the back seat before you lock your car, and consider using a front-seat reminder (i.e., sticky note, stuffed toy). You can also place something like your purse or wallet in the back seat floorboard as a reminder. 

  1. Lock Doors & Secure Keys: Lock your car doors after you park (even when you’re at home) and keep the keys out of reach to help prevent children from accidentally locking themselves inside. 

  2. Take Action: If you see a child alone in a car, call 911 immediately. 


As you embark on outdoor adventures and everyday outings, keeping these safety tips in mind can help ensure a fun and secure experience for you and your baby. Remember, safety starts with you. Always buckle up, model good habits for your children, stay alert, and create safe environments whether on the move or at rest. Happy strolling! 

Melissa Regalbuto