01.Introduction
We review over 40 strollers priced from $99 to $1599.
Of the 12 new models tested, four are not recommended, and an additional two were only worth considering, which leaves just six recommended models.
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.
We have new results for 12 models that we combine in this article with previously tested strollers/prams.
What we've tested
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, 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
The full voluntary safety standard AS/NZS 2088 is comprehensive, however only a minimal amount of clauses make up the mandatory requirements for strollers. Things like tether straps and red levers for brakes are mandatory – however CHOICE testing and recommendations go above and beyond to highlight other areas where we believe safety is essential.
The 2000 version of the voluntary standard has been superseded by the 2009 version; however, the mandatory requirements are still based on the 2000 standard. In this recent test we had aimed to test to the 2009 version of the standard.
However, in doing this, our tester found many failures to the updated standard and decided most manufacturers are yet to move forward.
As a result our recommendations continue to be based on testing results to the 2000 standard for the time being. However, two models get the thumbs up; the Steelcraft Phoenix performed well against the 2009 standard and would have been recommended. The Childcare Alto XT also performed well but would have been worth considering.
We’re pleased to see that some manufacturers are making this positive step forward.
Six newly tested strollers are added to the list of recommended models. A further two have only minor problems and are worth considering. The remaining four failed at least one important safety and/or durability test and so are not recommended.
Models tested
Newly tested models
- Babylove Aurora
- Baby Jogger City Select
- Chicco Cortina
- Childcare Alto XT
- Combi Well Carry
- iCandy Apple
- Love N Care Atlantis
- Maclaren Vogue
- Peg Perego Aria
- Phil & Teds Explorer
- Silvercross Fizz
- Steelcraft Phoenix
Previously tested models included in this report
- Babylove Focus #
- Babysmart Beema Evo
- Bertini X4 Lite and Gliding Seat #
- Chicco Liteway
- Childcare Vector XT #
- Emmaljunga Nitro City
- Graco Mirage
- Love N Care Europa #
- Love N Care Zooper
- Maclaren Quest Sport
- Maclaren Volo
- Mamas and Papas Mylo
- Mother's Choice Cachet
- Mothercare Spin
- Mothercare Whizzi #
- Mountain Buggy Swift
- Mutsy 4Rider #
- Peg Perego Skate System
- Phil & Teds Smart with Peanut Bassinette
- Roger Armstrong Elfin 2
- Quick Smart Easy Fold
- Quinny Buzz #
- Silver Cross Dazzle
- Silver Cross Pop #
- Steelcraft Holiday
- Steelcraft Profile
- Valco Baby Ion
- Valco Baby Rad #
- Zuzu Trini
# Discontinued (in some cases replaced by new version).
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 2088:2000. There is a 2009 version of this standard however in this test we found most manufacturers haven’t moved forward to this standard and so continue to base our recommendation on the 2000 standard (that said, the 2009 version isn't radically different). Our testers, Antonio Bonacruz and Matthew Tung, check that the harness straps are adjustable and of adequate length; that the child is securely restrained; 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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