In Australia, there is a mandatory safety standard (AS/NZS 2088:2000) that all prams and strollers must adhere to. If you are looking to buy a new pram, you want to make sure you buy the best pram possible for your new bub, and the best pram has to put safety first. With so many brands, makes and models available in stores and online, how can you make sure the pram you buy will keep your baby cosy, comfortable and above all, safe? Joolz is a world-leader in the design and manufacture of innovative, luxury prams for modern parents who appreciate style and functionality. Our top priority is safety, and all of our prams exceed the strict Australian guidelines. Here’s a useful guide to help choose the safest and best pram for your bub.

Joolz Hub Pram

Check for the Australian Standards Label

Every pram that has met the required safety standards will have an Australian Standards Labels attached. If you cannot see the label on the display model when shopping, ask the retailer to point it out to you. If you are purchasing online, ask the online retailer to email you the details. It is essential that your pram or stroller meets these requirements or you could be compromising the safety of your child.

What Makes a Pram Compliant?

This mandatory safety standard specifies certain construction, performance and labelling requirements for prams and strollers. For a pram to comply with AS/NZS 2088:2000, it must have:

  • Parking brake – at least one parking brake to limit the movement of the pram. The brake activation must be red, clearly visible and located away from where a baby or infant can reach it when restrained, generally on the wheels.
  • Tether strap – to hold onto while in use. The strap must have a loop less than 360mm in diameter. This is especially important for jogging prams or three-wheel prams.
  • 5-point safety harness – over the shoulders, hips and through the legs. A head barrier must also be present if the seat angle reclines greater than 150°.
  • Safety warning labels – must be simple and clearly visible to ensure correct use.
  • A solid wheelbase and strong frame – this ensures it is secure and balanced and unable to tip over easily.
  • Sun protection — a canopy of mesh and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+.
  • The interior must feature rounded edges, soft fabric and no loose or unrestrained ties.

Tips for Using Your Pram Safely

Once you are confident you have purchased a pram that meets strict safety standards, you can focus on the below simple precautions that will help to maximise the safety of your little one when out and about:

  • Check that folding mechanisms are locked securely into place so that your pram can’t collapse unexpectedly and trap the child.
  • Always use the safety harness. Children can fall out if they’re not strapped in properly so make it habit to always have harness securely fastened.
  • Don’t hang bags over the handles, this can cause a pram to tip over. Place all bags in the storage basket underneath.
  • Always apply brakes whenever you stop, even on a flat surface.
  • Park your pram on a flat surface and always parallel to roads or railway tracks so it can’t roll into danger.
  • Always place the tether strap around your wrist.
  • Never use pillows or cushions in the carriage as this can pose a suffocation risk.
  • For babies under 6 months, always use a pram that is suitable for newborns. Do not place a baby into a stroller until they are capable of sitting in an upright position.
  • Do not cover the pram with heavy sheets or material that may block airflow. For sun or rain protection always use the accessories intended for your pram, designed and made by the pram manufacturer.

Is it Safe for a Baby to Sleep in a Pram?

If your child falls asleep in the pram while you are out, you must maintain constant supervision. If you are at home, it is best to move them to a cot. It is dangerous to leave a child unattended in a pram whether they are awake or asleep. A wriggling baby could make the pram tip over causing injury or even death. If your pram has a basinet, ensure the mattress fits well and is firm, smooth and no more than 75 mm thick and the basinet sides must be least 300mm higher than the top of the mattress base. Prams are a ‘transport device’ and not recommended for babies to sleep in for long periods of time.

For the Best Prams, Australian Parents Can Trust Joolz

Perfectly functional and fashionable too, the Joolz range of prams have been designed with comfort, longevity, safety and style in mind. Whether you are looking for the best compact stroller for travelling or a modular pram complete with a bassinet for your newborn, a toddler seat for growing legs and the option to add your car seat for easy transitions – Joolz prams are often voted the best and are loved by parents across the globe. Get yours today.