Parents warned: 18 products fail CHOICE pram test

CHOICE has published the details of 18 products that failed the CHOICE pram test, warning Australian parents to watch out.

The CHOICE pram test looked at 46 prams and strollers and failed 18 of them, with particular concerns regarding strangulation hazards with buckles and straps. The CHOICE review of the pram market follows poor scores for cots and portacots earlier this year, with portacots earning a 2018 Shonky Award.

The prams CHOICE has failed* are:

  • UPPAbaby Vista 0318-VIS-AU – $1899 (2018)
  • Baby Jogger City Tour – $479 (2018)
  • Mountain Buggy MB Mini 3.1 – $449 (2018)
  • Baby Jogger City Select Lux (single) – $1299 (2018)
  • Silver Cross Wave SX2073 – $2199 (2018)
  • Mountain Buggy Cosmopolitan 2.0 – $869 (2017)
  • Childcare Flip – $200 (2017)
  • Baby Jogger City Mini GT (2017) – $799 (2017)
  • Safety 1st Wanderer X – $519 (2016)
  • Mountain Buggy Swift 3.0 – $599 (2016)
  • Stokke Xplory – $1444 (2016)
  • iCandy Strawberry 2 – $1061 (2016)
  • GB Pockit AUS – $399 (2016)
  • Joie Mirus – $250 (2015)
  • Phil & Teds Vibe V3 – $849 (2015)
  • InfaSecure Arlo – $629 (2015)
  • Babyzen Yoyo – $449 (2015)
  • Mountain Buggy Mini – $449 (2014)

*The CHOICE pram test is an ongoing test, adding new models on a regular basis. Some models tested in previous years may have been updated since we tested them, but because of the risks we believe these prams present to children we think it’s important to flag these products may still be available in shops or in people’s homes.

“The CHOICE pram test shows that whether you spend $200 or $2000, you can’t be guaranteed that your child’s safety has been protected to the highest standard” says CHOICE spokesperson Nicky Breen.

“The majority of these 18 prams failed because of a strangulation hazard relating to straps and buckles. CHOICE tests by the voluntary standard, which we believe should be mandatory” says Breen.

The results reinforce CHOICE’s call for higher standards and a General Safety Provision to ensure products are thoroughly tested before they get to market.

“Australians are sick of finding out that really vital products we rely on aren’t safe before they end up on shelves. Right now in Australia it isn’t illegal to sell unsafe products” says Sarah Agar, CHOICE Head of Campaigns and Policy.

“In this case, it’s children’s lives at risk – we should expect the highest standard and for issues to be tackled well before we find out we have a dodgy stroller in our homes. Australia needs a General Safety Provision to catch these problems before they hit the shelves, and not after” says Agar.

Concerned parents can check out CHOICE’s Pram Buying Guide for tips on what safety features to look for. A video guide is also available.

Parents can also join CHOICE’s campaign for better product safety laws.

Media contact: Nicky Breen, 0430 172 669, media@choice.com.au

Notes:

Photos and video available for use here featuring Kim Gilmour, CHOICE Expert https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9nb0lmzgnsuqitr/AABYh_BW5lgHOcxEwbk-jTWAa?dl=0

Raw test results (paywalled): https://www.choice.com.au/babies-and-kids/baby-transport/strollers-and-tricycles/review-and-compare/prams-and-strollers

Pram and Stroller Buying Guide: https://www.choice.com.au/babies-and-kids/baby-transport/strollers-and-tricycles/buying-guides/prams-and-strollers

Video guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=pW40Npfo0hM

How CHOICE tests prams and strollers: https://www.choice.com.au/babies-and-kids/baby-transport/strollers-and-tricycles/articles/how-we-test-prams-and-strollers