Pram and Pushchair safety - the Law
New and used prams, buggies and pushchairs should conform to British Standard 7409:1996.
BS7409 sets out requirements for materials (e.g. fire resistance), construction, parking and folding devices, the safety harness, labelling and instructions on use and maintenance.
Pushchairs which conform should display a label saying that they conform to BS 7409:1996. if you do not see a label assume that the pushchair does not confirm.
If a pram or pushchair has been damaged or modified, it may no longer meet the requirements of the relevant standards. The only way to be certain is to have the item tested in a laboratory, which can prove expensive. There are, however, some things which you can look out for - check the following:
- Ensure that the item does not have areas where a child's fingers could become trapped.
- There should be no sharp edges or points which might cause injury.
- Check that the parking brake works (test is on a slope and make sure it hold the pushchair)
- Folding chassis locks (primary and secondary) should work properly.
- the pushchair should have a working safety harness with shoulder, waist and crotch straps.
- The wheels should be secure and in good condition.
- Ensure that the item is rigid and stable.
- Look for signs that the chassis has been bent by heavy impact with kerbs or stairs, or by overloading the item with shopping, etc.
- Make sure that it is clean and in good condition, indicating that it has been well looked after.
- Check to see if the instructions are still with the item.
- Open and fold the item and, if it is a pram that converts to a pushchair, ask for a demonstration as to how to convert it.
- Check any separate components, which may be for sale with the pram or pushchair, and ensure they fit.
- 'Road test' the item to make sure you are happy with the 'feel' of it before you decide to buy.
