‘This is so dangerous!’ Baby experts warn over the viral pram trend you should never try with your baby

PARENTS have come under fire for a ‘dangerous’ pram trend that could put little ones at risk.

The trend, which sees parents lay babies between three and six months on their stomach in their pram, is said to be a huge risk.

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In a clip shared by a mum called Elena, she showed herself walking around with her little one having ‘tummy time’ in the pram.

The video has been watched over 6.7million times.

But why isn’t this ‘tummy time’ hack a good idea?

Although tummy time is great for encouraging the development of strong neck muscles while also preventing skull deformations, it’s important to make sure you do it the right way, an expert revealed.

Despite several pram brands being able to recline fully, experts say there really is no safe way to do tummy time in any type of pram.

While it seems like a creative way to get babies to do much-needed work on their neck muscles and get outside for some fresh air, there are several risks in using baby products in a way they are not intended to be used.

“Placing a baby on their stomach in a stroller can lead to poor air circulation, increasing the risk of suffocation,” says Michelle Pratt, founder and owner of Safe in the Seat.

The mum of two and nationally certified child passenger safety expert also said the lack of a flat, stable surface can make it difficult for the baby to lift their head and move comfortably.

Michelle also stressed the need for an infant to always be strapped into a stroller, whether they’re in their infant seat or the pram seat. 

“Prams can accidentally tip over due to an older child, a dog, or even uneven ground, which can cause serious injuries,” she explained.

How did social media react?

After sharing the video on TikTok many people slammed the mum and others who tried to so-called trend.

One said: “This seems way to risky even if they’re strapped in.”

A second agreed: “Looks so dangerous I could never.”

But other mums thought the trend seemed harmless, and many said they wished they knew about it when their own kids were younger.

“My son would’ve loved this as a baby,” one said.

“I think it’s a good idea as long as you have an eye on them, I wish I would’ve known about this when mine were younger,” another commented.

Speaking to Kidspot, one spokesperson ACCC highlighted the importance of always following the manufacturer’s instructions with products like prams and strollers.

“Children can suffer serious injuries if they fall from a stroller as a result of the harness not being used or adjusted properly,” they said.

“They can also suffer cuts, pinching and crushing if they can access parts of the pram or stroller that may trap and/or injure their fingers as well as serious injuries if the carer loses control of the pram or stroller and rolls into a hazardous situation.”

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What is tummy time?

Tummy time is an important exercise for young babies as it will help to strengthen muscles and improve their development.

Health advisor Moira spoke to Mamma and Pappas to explain why tummy time is vital, the benefits of it and how to keep track of your little one’s progress.

“Time on their backs meant that many babies were not engaging certain muscles, so Tummy Time would eventually help with developmental milestones like holding their head unsupported,” Moira said.

“Tummy Time is a way to redress this balance so that babies can still get necessary time on their front while awake.”

Babies can actually start with tummy time as soon as they’re born, the pro said, but activities during tummy time should vary depending on the little one’s age.

4 months: According to Moira, by this age babies should “be able to move their head to both sides when lying on their back and can lift or hold their head, neck and chest upward when placed on their tummy”.

6 months: At this age a baby should be able to “roll from their back onto their tummy and reach for an object with both hands”.

9 months: At the age sitting independently with “good balance”, Moira said. They should also be able to move into a crawling position.

12 months: “By 12 months, baby should be able to pull up to the standing position at furniture, and ‘cruise’, can walk with both hands held, they can take items out of a container and can use a ‘pincer grip’ to pick up small objects,” she said.

Safe ways to do tummy time

According to the NHS, “you can start doing tummy time from birth by lying your baby on your chest (but only do this when you are wide awake and unlikely to fall asleep)”.

“Gradually increase the amount of time you do this day by day.

“Then when your baby is ready, try doing tummy time on the floor.”