Prams and strollers

Prams and strollers can come with plenty of bells and whistles but don’t let these distract you from the most important thing: a safe and comfortable ride for your baby.

Stroll safely by following these steps.

Choosing a safe pram or stroller

There are important safety features to look for when choosing a suitable pram or stroller for your baby:

• Statements/labels that show compliance with the latest Australian safety standards. If you’re unsure or can’t find them, ask the supplier. Safety requirements for prams and strollers help prevent serious injuries from falls, getting trapped or the pram or stroller rolling away.
• A sturdy frame and a 5-point safety harness, which has a crotch strap between the legs, straps that go over both shoulders and a waist belt to prevent your baby from falling out. Waist and crotch straps must be at least 2cm wide.
• At least one red parking brake and a short wrist tether strap to stop injuries from falls or the pram or stroller from rolling away from you. The release mechanism of the brake must not be easily accessible to your baby when properly restrained in the pram or stroller.
• Be sure the frame locks are working properly to stop the pram or stroller from collapsing while in use and injuring your baby.
• To prevent head entrapments, head barriers must be provided for strollers with a backrest that reclines to an angle greater than 150° to the horizontal when in a fully laid-back position.
• For babies under 6 months, strollers should be able to recline at least 130°.
• Some convertible tricycles and other wheeled vehicles may also be considered a stroller and must meet safety requirements for prams and strollers. Babies and children less than one year old should not be allowed to operate these products as tricycles.
• If you are purchasing a second-hand pram or stroller, or borrowing one from a family member or friend, check that it hasn’t been recalled.

Using a pram or stroller safely

• Make sure you’re in control. Always keep your hands on the pram or stroller and use the tether strap around your wrist.
• When stationary, use the parking brake to prevent the pram or stroller from rolling away.
• It’s tempting to load up the pram or stroller handles with other items such as shopping or handbags. But this can make the pram or stroller tip over and may cause serious injury to your baby.
• Whether asleep or awake, always harness your baby and supervise them. Check the fit of the harness for every trip.
• Your baby may fall asleep in the pram or stroller, but it is not the safest sleep environment. If your baby does fall asleep, fully recline the backrest, remove any soft items that could cause suffocation and supervise at all times. When you can, transfer them into their cot or bassinette. 
• Check the pram or stroller for ripped seams, missing or loose fasteners and frayed seats or straps.