3/07/2008

Kidsafe Warns on Pram and Stroller Safety

new consumer affairs regulations introduced

Kidsafe today urged all parents buying prams and strollers to ensure they complied with new consumer legislation which came into force on 1 July 2008.

Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria said "prams and strollers used by families can cause serious injury and death if a parent/carer loses control of the pram/stroller.

"Safe design of prams and strollers is paramount in keeping children safe and to prevent serious injury from children falling out, or from strangulation or suffocation if the child becomes trapped in the pram or stroller."

Kidsafe urges anyone buying a pram or stroller to check the Victorian Consumer Affairs website www.consumer.vic.gov.au to ensure that all prams and strollers comply with the Fair Trading (Safety Standard) (Prams and Strollers) Regulations 2008.

Mandatory Safety Standard effective from July 1st 2008 specifies that prams/strollers must have:

•   a restraint harness
•   a parking brake
•   parking device actuators that are clearly red in colour
•   safe-use warning labels
•   a suitable strap that must be tethered to carers during use to help them retain control of the pram or stroller.

To avoid the risk of strangulation, the tether strap must:
*  be as short as practical, and
*  have a perimeter of less than 360 mm, and
*  have the following notice placed on the tether strap:
"WARNING: USE THIS STRAP TO STOP THE PRAM/STROLLER* ROLLING AWAY."

Dr Stokes said, "the new standard has implications for anyone selling new or second-hand prams and strollers that did not comply with the safety standards in relation to substantial penalties."

Kidsafe advised parents and carers to avoid buying, borrowing or accepting any second-hand prams/strollers that lack the latest safety features to reduce the risk of a child injury or death.

Media Enquiries:
Dr Mark Stokes, President Kidsafe Victoria, Mobile: 0408 038 267
Kidsafe Victoria Manager Alex Natora Mobile: 0419 836 244
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications Kidsafe Victoria, Mobile: 0417 329 201