01.Introduction
Test results for 93 strollers priced from $99 to $1599, including 6 newly tested models.
We have made the move to test and base our recommendations on the latest version of the stroller standard, AS/NZS 2088:2009. Unfortunately not many manufacturers have done the same. Of the 18 new models that we've tested to the 2009 standard, only three are recommended based on the latest standard and one is worth considering. See below for more about safety standards.
You shouldn't stop using strollers that we've previously recommended based on the older standard. While mandatory requirements are still based on the 2000 version we believe the new 2009 standard improves on safety, and we hope by basing our recommendations on this version, we'll encourage the industry to do likewise.
We have created two comparison tables which separate models that have been tested to the 2000 version of the standard and those that we've recently tested to the 2009 version.
Yet again, in our latest test results, CHOICE has discovered that price and style don’t always add up to the highest level of safety and durability.
How we test
Buying a stroller can be a complicated exercise. There are some things you can check for yourself in the shop — such as size, features and manoeuvrability — but how can you tell whether the pram/stroller model you're considering is safe, durable, and easy to use?
This is where CHOICE comes in. We buy strollers in retail stores and bring them back to our lab for a thorough independent test. We focus on durability and safety, assessed against key clauses of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2088, plus ease of use.
For more information on Travel with kids, see Babies & kids.
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See how we put our strollers through their paces. Not all of them make it out alive.
Safety standards
Strollers sold in Australia must meet certain safety requirements based on the year 2000 version of the Australian/New Zealand stroller standard, AS/NZS 2088. Most manufacturers have their strollers certified to the 2000 version, however the full version was revised in 2009. It’s largely the same as the 2000 version but addresses emerging trends in stroller design and includes some new voluntary safety requirements that address recently identified hazards.
As yet, few manufacturers have moved to the 2009 version. CHOICE thinks it’s time they all made move, so for this test and in future, our recommendations for the newest test are based only on the latest standard.
Several models here and in previous tests don’t pass the 2009 standard. Many fail a newly included test that checks that the loops formed by the harness straps, when buckled together, aren’t a strangulation hazard. It can be dangerous for a child to slip through such a loop and get caught, as was found in a tragic fatality in 2005. Children are most at risk from this hazard when left unattended or when the harness is left buckled when not in use, so you can reduce the risk with practical steps. Nevertheless, there’s no need for this problem to exist.
Models tested
Models based on 2009 version of the standard
- # Babylove Adventurer
- BebeCare Mira
- Bertini I-Ride Silver
- Bugaboo Donkey (Mono)
- Capella Cony
- Childcare Discovery
- Maclaren Globetrotter
- # Maclaren Techno XT
- Maxi-Cosi Mila
- Mother's Choice Vivea
- # Peg Perego Pliko Mini
- Phil & Teds Classic
- Quinny Senzz
- # Safety 1st Shuttle
- Steelcraft Agile
- # Steelcraft Profile
- Stokke Xplory V3
- # Valco Baby Quad
# Newly tested models.
Previously tested models based on the 2000 version of the standard
- Baby Jogger City Classic
- Baby Jogger City Select
- Babylove Aurora
- Babylove Focus
- Babysmart Beema Evo
- Bébé Care Caprice 015415-172
- Bébé Care Orion 011016.
- BébéCare Rverse
- Bertini X2 Automatic 004863
- Bertini X4 Lite and Gliding Seat
- Bootiq Kye Stroller and Bassinet 007884
- Bugaboo Bee
- Bugaboo Cameleon 7400 RD01
- Chariot Cougar 2
- Chicco Cortina
- Chicco Ct 0.5 Evolution
- Chicco Liteway
- Chicco Trevi
- Childcare Alto XT
- Childcare Blaze 013520
- Childcare Captiva Storm
- Childcare Hola 0151410-140
- Childcare Vector XT
- Combi Urban Walker
- Combi Well Carry
- Croozer 535
- Emmaljunga Nitro City
- Graco Mirage
- Graco Trekko Metropolitan
- iCandy Apple
- Love N Care Adiva Sport
- Love N Care Atlantis
- Love N Care Europa #
- Love N Care Uni Coupe BP9756N
- Love N Care Zooper
- Maclaren MX3
- Maclaren Quest Sport
- Maclaren Quest W0708013
- Maclaren Vogue
- Maclaren Volo
- Mamas and Papas Mylo
- Mothercare Spin
- Mothercare Whizzi
- Mother's Choice Cachet
- Mother's Choice Ensor Sport JG772
- Mountain Buggy Single Urban Elite
- Mountain Buggy Swift
- Mutsy 4Rider
- Peg Perego Aria
- Peg Perego Skate System
- Peg Perego Uno
- Phil & Teds Dash SPD
- Phil & Teds Explorer
- Phil & Teds Smart with Peanut Bassinette
- Quick Smart Easy Fold
- Quinny Buzz
- Red Castle Shop'n Jogg Disc II
- Roger Armstrong Elfin 2
- Roger Armstrong Elyse H603
- Silver Cross Dazzle
- Silver Cross Pop
- Silver Cross Fizz
- Steelcraft Holiday
- Steelcraft Orbit Layback
- Steelcraft Phoenix
- Steelcraft Profile
- Steelcraft Strider 3 30136
- Steelcraft Strider 30132T
- Swallow Bravo
- Swallow Whisper
- Valco Baby Ion
- Valco Baby Rad
- Valco Prism N3486
- ZuZu Ink 476
- ZuZu Trini
If you're in the market for a stroller, you may also be interested in our tests of
Double strollers. Become a
member and get access to all these reports.
How we test
Safety Our test is based on the Australian standard for strollers, AS/NZS 2088:2009. Our testers, Antonio Bonacruz and Matthew Tung, check various aspects, including: harness straps that are adjustable and of adequate length; that the child is securely restrained; that folding mechanisms are safe and secure; and that there are no sharp edges or possible entrapment points for fingers or limbs. They also test the stability of the stroller and that the brakes work well.
Durability They put the strollers on our “rolling road” rig for 64 hours at a speed of 5km/h, as per the Australian standard. Three-wheelers that look like they might be used for jogging are then tested for a further 10 hours at 10km/h, to see how they stand up to faster speeds. All the strollers are also attached to a machine that continuously simulates the action of mounting a kerb. These tests show whether anything breaks, falls off or stops working properly after regular use.
Ease of use They check adjustments, such as reclining functions and the safety harness, and various activities such as loading and unloading the basket, using the brakes and locking the front wheel. They fold and unfold the strollers, push them over rough terrain, up and down stairs and through doorways, and test how easily they fit into the boot of a family car.
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