Prams and strollers
Children spend a lot of time in prams and strollers. Choose a pram that it well designed and suits your needs.
The basics
A pram is for getting about with your baby. For a sleeping child a cot or bassinet is best.
Injuries often happen when a pram is overloaded with shopping or the child tries to climb out.
Before you buy a pram or stroller
Babies and small children spend a lot of time in prams and strollers. Make sure you make the best choice.
Check that:
- the pram or stroller meets a standard — the most common is AS/NZS 2088:2000
- there are two locking devices to prevent folding
- the brakes work properly
- instructions are included and you follow them
- the harness provided will firmly restrain your child — a 5-point harness is best
- there are no sharp edges or open tubes
- removable pieces can be fastened securely
- fabric and linings fit snugly and don't contain gaps or hidden pockets that baby can get trapped in.
Using a pram or stroller safely
- A pram or stroller is for getting about with your baby. For a sleeping child, a cot or bassinet is best.
- When using a pram or stroller, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Properly secure all fastenings after washing fabric or after changing seat position.
- Check that the brakes work well and that they're on when pram isn't moving.
- Make sure both locking devices (which prevent the pram folding) are in place before putting your child in the pram.
- Make sure the harness straps fit firmly, and use the harness all the time.
Don't:
- Hang shopping over handles — this makes the pram unstable and it could tip over.
- Leave fastenings undone while pram is in use — you may have created a gap that your child could fall through or get stuck in.
- Let your child to climb into the stroller unassisted, or play on it — it could tip over.
- Use a pram on stairs or escalators — use lifts whenever possible.
Reporting an issue with a pram or stroller
If you have a safety problem or concern with a pram or stroller, let us know.
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act you can get a refund, replacement or compensation if goods are unsafe. The Consumer Protection website has more information about what to do when you have a problem with goods.
Consumer Protection website — Faulty products(external link)