Prams and strollers

Prams and strollers: the basics

Children spend a lot of time in prams and strollers. Choose a pram that it well designed and suits your needs.

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 five point harness is best
• there are no sharp edges or open tubes
• removable pieces can be fastened securely
• fabric and linings fit snugly and do not 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 the 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 are on when pram is not 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.

Got a problem with a pram or stroller?

If you have a safety problem with a pram or stroller you can report it to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

Report an unsafe good.

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act you can get a refund, replacement or compensation if goods are unsafe.

Find out whether you can get a refund and how to do it.