As people crowd stores for those all-important holiday bargains, it's important to keep child safety in mind—especially when it comes to shopping carts.

Though they may seem sturdy, shopping carts are deceptively unstable, especially when you’ve got a baby in an infant carrier perched on top, or a squirmy toddler who won’t stay in his seat. It’s no wonder shopping carts are among the leading causes of head injuries to young children.

To prevent shopping cart injuries from falls and tip-overs, keep these cart precautions in mind:

DO:

• Always use seatbelts to restrain your child in the cart’s seat and keep an eye on her. That’s the best you can do if going shopping with your children can’t be avoided and you decide to use a shopping cart.
• Use a stroller, wagon, or soft carrier instead of a shopping cart.
• Have your child walk once he gets older.
• Have another adult come with you to watch your baby while you shop.
• Leave your kids home with another adult on your shopping days, if you can.
• Shop online so you don’t have to trek to the store with your baby.

DON’T:

• Leave your child alone in the shopping cart unsupervised.
• Let your child stand up in a shopping cart.
• Place an infant carrier on top of the shopping cart.
• Let your child ride in the cart basket.
• Let your child ride or climb on the sides or front of the cart.
• Let older children push the cart when there’s another child in it.

Learn more about holiday shopping survival tips and shopping cart covers.