Hello!

16 Comments

Choice study has found 40 per cent of prams pose a strangling hazard.

In the study, small to big-name brands and the latest pram models were rated for child safety.

18 models from brands including iCandy, Stokke, Phil & Teds and Mountain Buggy failed stringent but sensible safety checks, which are currently voluntary for manufacturers.

“We’re testing the brakes, durability, whether there are entrapment risks, how stable the pram is, and whether the harness comes apart in a safe way,” Choice head of policy Sarah Agar told 7 News.

On a rolling rig for 64 hours, at 5km/hr, Choice tested how the prams mount kerbs, tackle hills and dips, and whether a child could fall out.

Choice tester Kim Gilmour demonstrated how easily a baby could fall out of one model because there was no head barrier.

“A baby could trap its head between the canopy and the seat,” she said.

The study also found strangulation hazards to be a real concern.

Five of the failed prams cost more than $1000 and one retailed at more than $2000.

Several at the bottom end of the price scale which failed the tests cost less than $500 dollars, with one being just $200.

pram

“It’s shocking to see so many prams fail Choice safety tests. That’s why we need stronger product safety laws,” Ms Agar said.

Choice is now calling for a compulsory safety standard that prams must comply with before they can be sold, and it also wants Australian laws to be changed so it’s illegal to sell unsafe products.

Did your pram pass the test?

Share your comments below

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.
  • I am so stunned 40% is huge

    Reply

  • Interesting and concerning. See, a high price tag does not mean quality. Good for others to finally know that.

    Reply

  • Both the highchair and pram I bought were Steelcraft. Never had a problem with them. Plus $1000 for a pram is a bit steep I would have thought. Not many soon to be parents could afford spending something like that.

    Reply

  • That so many prams fail the safety test is very concerning !

    Reply

  • If you check the photos the majority of them have fixed position foot rests. Pressure at the wrong position can cause cramps or pins & needles in a child’s legs. Those issues also apply to a lot of highchairs. I’m glad to see Steelcraft and Mothercare aren’t on the lists.

    Reply

  • 40 per cent is pretty huge – that is shocking!

    Reply

  • Parents should be diligent when buying a pram.

    Reply

  • I can’t believe so many prams have failed to comply!

    Reply

  • Its not just kids at risk. I nearly took a finger off when it got caught when I was folding ours up to put it in the book of the car. Its sort of the nature of the beast with products that need to do what prams do. The trick it to be very vigilant while your kids are in them.

    Reply

  • Very surprised at some of the big names up there, sad it’s only voluntary

    Reply

  • This is terrible to be honest, such a shock

    Reply

  • This is a pretty big worry…

    Reply

  • Definitely should have to pass safety tests they cost enough money.

    Reply

  • Why are these tests not done before they are marketed? Really annoys me that safety is an after thought

    Reply

  • That’s really not a good thing! You’re literally putting the most precious thing you have into these so you would expect them to be totally safe. Luckily mine isn’t on the list, and I didn’t end up going with a more expensive brand, as all the ones I looked at are on the list!!

    Reply

Post a comment
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your comment and join MoM:

You May Like

Loading…

Looks like this may be blocked by your browser or content filtering.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join