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Strollers and prams are involved in the most number of childhood injuries caused by nursery furniture. Injuries are usually caused by the child falling from the stroller/pram or the stroller/pram tipping backwards.

During the early years of life children spend a lot of time in strollers and prams. For this reason, it is important to choose items that are safe, comfortable and durable.  Injuries involving strollers and prams are usually caused by the child falling from the stroller/pram or the stroller/pram tipping backwards because it is overloaded. Although it is tempting to hang shopping bags on the handles, this can cause serious accidents.

Before you buy

• Decide what your requirements are. For example, do you need a convertible pram/stroller, does it need to fit in your car, should it be lightweight and easy to use?
• Choose a pram/stroller that complies with the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 2088). Look for a label or, if in doubt, ask the trader.
• Look for strong components that feel rigid and not rickety. If the pram/stroller folds up for carrying, make sure frame locks are operating properly and that it won't collapse prematurely.
• Make sure the pram/stroller is stable.
• The pram/stroller should be easy to steer with solid and durable wheel components. Wheel locks must be effective.
• For maximum safety, choose a stroller or pram fitted with a 5 point restraint harness (ie a crotch strap between the legs, straps that go over both shoulders and a waist belt).
• Make sure there are no gaps that could trap small heads, fingers or limbs.
• Adjustable recline positions should lock securely and not fail.
• Learn how to fold and use the stroller/pram before leaving the store and make sure you have been given all instructions.
• Consider prams that have carry baskets fitted to them that will not destabilise the pram when they are full.
  

Safety when using the pram

• Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Check all frame catches are locked in place and fabric fastenings are secured before use.
• Harnesses should be used from the first time a child is placed in a pram/stroller to get them used to being secured.
• Do not over-load a stroller or pram or create a tip-over hazard by hanging filled shopping bags from its handles.
• Avoid pushing loaded strollers or prams up or down stairs, over curbs or very rough ground. If you use a pram/stroller under these conditions, check regularly for damage.
• Ensure that you remove your child from the pram/stroller before making any adjustments as small fingers may become caught in the folding mechanism.
• Do not allow a child to stand or lean out of a stroller or pram.
• Do not allow more than the intended number of child occupants in strollers or prams. This could create tip-over hazards.
• Do not leave children unattended in strollers or prams as they could try to climb out. Other children may climb on and tip it over or push it into a dangerous situation. Do not use prams as a substitute for a cot.
• Babies under 6 months should not be placed in a stroller unless the backrest can be adjusted to an angle of more than 130 degrees to the seat.
• Ensure that your child is properly restrained in a harness.
• Do not overload the stroller/pram or hang heavy bags from the handle.
• Ensure that you remove your child from the pram/stroller before making any adjustments as small fingers may become caught in the folding mechanism.
• Do not leave children unattended in strollers or prams as they could try to climb out.

From the Council of Consumer Affairs.


Choosing a Cot

Some things to look out for:

• Always ask if the furniture is made according to Australian/New Zealand design standards.
• Look for furniture that is free of rough surfaces, sharp edges, points and projections.
• Make sure furniture is sturdily constructed so it will not collapse under a baby's weight.
• Test locking devices - they should function properly.
• Look for entrapment hazards - it is easy for small fingers and limbs to get caught in gaps, and head and upper body entrapment can cause death by asphyxiation. Fingers can get caught in holes or openings between 5-12mm; limbs in gaps between 30-50mm and heads in gaps over 95mm.
  

Babies probably spend more time in cots than anywhere else so it's important their cots are safe. Most cot injuries are due to falls from the cot. Deaths have occurred when infants have fallen through or been caught in gaps sometimes found in old cots.

Choosing a High Chair

Injuries involving high chairs are mainly due to falls. Adequate supervision and the proper use of restraints will substantially reduce the risk of injury. Injuries involving high chairs account for 25 per cent of nursery furniture accidents.

Before you buy

• For maximum safety, choose a high chair fitted with a crotch strap (between the legs), straps over both shoulders and a waist belt.
• Check folding high chairs are stable and that the locks work. Ask for a demonstration.
• Before you purchase a seat designed to attach to a table, make sure your table is a heavy one and is easily able to support the seat without tipping over. Make sure that slip-resistant mounting devices are in good condition.
• If you are buying a second hand high chair that doesn't have a harness, buy a shoulder harness separately.

Safety at home

• Use the shoulder harness and/or crotch strap daily from the very beginning and your baby will grow to accept it. Make sure it is fitted every time.
• Never leave your child unattended in a high chair. If you need to leave the room, take your child with you.
• Ensure the high chair is at least 500mm away from windows, unsecured doorways, stoves, appliance cords, curtains or blind cords.
• Attend to loose nuts and broken parts as soon as you find them.
• Repair any torn seats before the foam padding is exposed as babies can choke on it.
• Do not allow a child to stand up in a high chair or climb into or out of it unassisted as the chair may become unstable.
• Make sure that hands are free from moving parts when the tray is raised and lowered.
• Make sure a child cannot push against a vertical surface (such as a wall or cupboards) and push the chair over.
• Put high chairs out of reach when not in use.
• For maximum safety, choose a high chair fitted with a crotch strap (between the legs), straps over both shoulders and a waist belt.
• Check folding high chairs cannot accidentally collapse during use.
• Before you purchase a table mounted high chair make sure your table is able to support it. Make sure that slip-resistant mounting devices are in good condition.
• Never leave your child unattended in a high chair.

From the Council of Consumer Affairs.