Around 90% of pram and stroller injuries in Australia are caused by falls. And the most common reason? Little ones who aren't harnessed properly, or aren't harnessed at all.
The good news is that most pram injuries are preventable. Knowing what to look for when you buy a pram, and how to use it safely once you've got it, can make all the difference.
Whether you're buying your first pram, upgrading, or using a hand-me-down, here's everything you need to know about pram safety in Australia.
What Safety Features Must a Pram Have in Australia?
In Australia, there is a mandatory safety standard for prams and strollers. Every pram or stroller sold here must comply with AS/NZS 2088:2000, and it's an offence under Australian Consumer Law to sell one that doesn't.
Here's what to look for when you're shopping:
✅ A 5-point safety harness that goes over your little one's shoulders, around their waist and between their legs
✅ At least one parking brake with a red brake lever (red so it's easy to spot and reminds you to use it)
✅ A tether strap (also called a wrist strap) that is short and practical, with any loop having a perimeter less than 360mm
✅ A strong, stable frame that locks securely when folded, with a secure footrest and no gaps that could trap little heads, arms, legs or fingers
✅ Clear safety warning labels that are easy to read
✅ If the pram has a carry basket, it should sit centrally underneath the pram so it doesn't cause tipping when full
If you can't find the Australian Standards label on the display model, ask the retailer to show you. No label? Walk away.
The 5-Point Harness: Why the Shoulder Straps Matter
This is the one we really want you to take away from this blog.
A 5-point harness has five attachment points: two shoulder straps, two waist straps and one crotch strap, all connecting at a central buckle.
Some prams come with a 3-point harness (waist and crotch only). While a 3-point harness offers some protection, the 5-point harness is the safest option, and it's the Australian standard for a reason.
Here's why the shoulder straps matter so much:
🩷 They stop your little one from lunging forward if the pram stops suddenly
🩷 They prevent a wriggling toddler from standing up, leaning out, or climbing over the side
🩷 They keep your little one securely positioned when the pram is reclined
🩷 Without shoulder straps, a child who can get leverage with their feet can wiggle up and out of the harness without even undoing the buckle
According to the ACCC, pram and stroller injuries account for around half of all emergency department presentations for product-related injuries in babies under 12 months. The vast majority of those injuries are falls from not being harnessed, or not being harnessed properly.
Three seconds to clip in. That's all it takes.
How to Use a Pram Safely
You've got a safe pram. Now here's how to use it safely, every single time.
Always use the harness. Every trip. Every time. Even if it's just a quick walk to the letterbox. Make it a non-negotiable habit. Your little one doesn't move until they're strapped in.
Always put the brakes on when you stop. Even on a flat surface. It only takes a wriggle or a gust of wind to get wheels moving. Several children in Australia have died after a pram rolled away from their carer and into danger. This is exactly why the red brake and the tether strap became mandatory.
Always use the tether strap. Loop it around your wrist before you start walking. If you trip, if someone bumps you, if you let go for a second, the strap keeps you connected to the pram.
Never hang bags over the handles. This is one of the most common causes of tip-overs. Pop everything in the basket underneath instead. As a general rule, no more than 1kg on the handlebar unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
Park parallel to roads and railway tracks so the pram can't roll into traffic.
Avoid rough ground, curbs and stairs where possible. These increase the chance of tipping and can damage the frame over time.
Check the folding mechanisms before every outing to make sure the frame is securely locked and won't collapse.
One child at a time. If you've got older little ones, teach them the pram isn't a climbing frame. Only the child who is strapped in belongs in the pram.
Using a Pram on Public Transport
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Hold the handles yourself and ask another person to support the foot of the pram. When you're getting off, ask someone to step ahead and grab the foot end first. Keep the brakes on whenever the bus or train is moving, and always keep your hand on the handle.
Pram Safety for Newborns
Little ones under 6 months don't have the head and neck control to sit upright safely. If you're using a stroller (not a bassinet), it must recline to at least 130 degrees. A lie-flat bassinet is the safest option for newborns.
If your little one falls asleep in the pram, keep a close eye on them. A pram is a transport device, not a sleep surface. It's never a substitute for a safe cot. If you're home, move them to their cot. If you're out, supervise them constantly.
Important: pram bassinets in Australia are not required to have a harness installed. This is normal and safe for bassinets. But once your little one transitions to the stroller seat, the 5-point harness goes on every time.
Can You Cover a Pram With a Blanket or Muslin?
This is a big one, especially in Australian summers.
Covering your baby's pram with a dry cloth, blanket, or plastic cover can reduce airflow and cause the temperature inside the pram to increase dramatically and quickly. A study from the University of Sydney found that covering a pram with a dry cloth raised the internal temperature by almost 4 degrees.
A baby's body temperature can rise 3 to 5 times faster than an adult's. Little ones can't regulate their own temperature the way we can. And overheating is a known risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
What does the research say works?
The study tested different coverings and found:
🩷 A dry wrap increased the pram temperature by 3.7 degrees
🩷 A damp muslin cloth reduced it by 3.0 degrees
🩷 A damp muslin cloth paired with a clip-on fan reduced the temperature by 4.7 degrees below the air temperature
Red Nose Australia recommends a damp muslin cloth as a safer option than a dry blanket or wrap. They also recommend re-wetting the muslin every 20 minutes and checking on your baby regularly for signs of overheating like irritability, pale or clammy skin, flushed skin, or increased sweating.
Other ways to keep your little one cool:
🩷 Time outings for earlier or later in the day when UV and temperatures are lower
🩷 Stick to shaded routes and areas
🩷 Use the pram's built-in canopy rather than draping anything over the top
🩷 Open any mesh ventilation panels your pram has
Read more about the University of Sydney study here.
Read Red Nose Australia's guidance here.
Buying a Second-Hand Pram? Here's What to Check
Hand-me-downs and second-hand prams can be a great option, but they still need to meet Australian safety standards. Heavy fines apply to anyone supplying a non-compliant pram, even privately.
Before you use a second-hand pram:
✅ Check it meets AS/NZS 2088:2000 (look for the Australian Standards label)
✅ Check it hasn't been recalled on the Product Safety Australia website
✅ Make sure all five harness attachment points are intact and the buckle clicks securely
✅ Test that the brake locks properly and the red lever is visible
✅ Check for frame damage, fraying straps, ripped seams, or missing parts
✅ Make sure the tether strap is included
✅ Get the full manufacturer's instructions if possible
If anything is missing, damaged, or doesn't feel right, it's not worth the risk.
Important Things to Remember
🩷 Never use a pram as a substitute for a cot. If your little one is left to sleep in a pram, they can become trapped between parts and strangle or suffocate.
🩷 Never place pillows, cushions or bumpers in the pram.
🩷 Don't allow other young children to push the pram without your help.
🩷 Always do up the harness buckle after you take your little one out. A loose, unbuckled harness is a strangulation risk.
🩷 Check on your baby regularly while they're in the pram.
FAQs About Pram Safety in Australia
What safety standard do prams need to meet in Australia?
All prams and strollers sold in Australia must comply with the mandatory safety standard AS/NZS 2088:2000. This sets out requirements for construction, harnesses, brakes, tether straps, warning labels and stability. It's an offence under Australian Consumer Law to supply a pram that doesn't comply.
What is a 5-point harness on a pram?
A 5-point harness has five attachment points: two shoulder straps, two waist straps and one crotch strap. They all connect at a central buckle. It's the safest type of harness for prams and strollers because it prevents your little one from falling forward, sliding down or climbing out.
Why does my pram have a red brake?
The red colour is a mandatory requirement under Australian safety standards. It's designed to be highly visible so you can find the brake quickly and it acts as a visual reminder to use it every time you stop.
Can I cover my pram with a muslin?
A dry cloth or blanket can raise the temperature inside a pram by almost 4 degrees. If you need to shade your little one, Red Nose Australia recommends using a damp muslin cloth and re-wetting it every 20 minutes. Pairing it with a clip-on fan is even more effective. Always check on your baby regularly for signs of overheating.
Is it safe to buy a second-hand pram?
"It can be, as long as the pram meets Australian safety standards, hasn't been recalled, and all safety features (harness, brake, tether strap) are intact and working. Check for recalls at productsafety.gov.au.
Can my newborn sleep in a pram?
A pram is a transport device, not a safe sleep surface. If your little one falls asleep in the pram, supervise them constantly and move them to a cot as soon as you can. Never leave a baby unattended in a pram, awake or asleep.
What is the tether strap on a pram for?
The tether strap (or wrist strap) connects you to the pram so you don't lose control if you trip, let go or get bumped. It became mandatory in Australia after several children died when prams rolled away from their carers.
Pram injuries happen fast. Knowing what to do next is everything. Our Baby & Child First Aid Course covers falls, CPR, bleeding and more.
Sources:
ACCC — Prams and strollers mandatory standard
ACCC — Prams and strollers guide for consumers
ACCC — Review of the mandatory standard for prams and strollers (consultation paper)
Raising Children Network — Pram and stroller safety guide
Red Nose Australia — Parents unaware of the risks of covering prams with dry fabric
