Updated: 30 Nov 2011

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Introduction

We've put 18 single and 7 double strollers through their paces and found some top performers.

We assessed the strollers for safety, durability, and how easy they were to use and manoeuvre. With a range of prices and configurations, there's a buggy to suit most needs ... and pockets.

We also explain what to consider when buying a stroller: safety, ease of use, features and accessories.
 

Models we tested

This report contains test results and best-buy recommendations for the following strollers:
 

Single strollers - latest tests

Single strollers - earlier test

Double strollers

 

Checklist

If you're buying a stroller, here's what to consider:

Safety
Check that the stroller complies with a safety standard. The joint Australia/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2088 is the most common. Other standards are the British BS 7409, European EN 1888 and US ASTM F833 standard.

Wheels
3-wheelers are usually wider and longer than 4-wheelers and are often heavier; they’re more manoeuvrable on uneven terrain but can be less stable. 4-wheelers are more compact and are a better option if you use public transport.

Large wheels tend to be better on kerbs and stairs. Inflatable tyres help absorb bumps. Swivel front wheels make steering easier – but make sure you can lock them, to keep the stroller stable up and down steps and over rough terrain.

Brakes
Some strollers have a separate brake on each wheel. However, brakes activated by a single linking bar are much more convenient.

Backrest
Look for a backrest that can be reclined for a sleeping child.

Storage
A parcel tray under the stroller is essential. Never balance bags on the handle of a stroller – they could make it tip over.

Hoods and covers
An extendable hood provides shade and shelter. A viewing window in the hood lets you keep an eye on your child. A boot cover protects the child’s legs and feet: it’s worth considering if you go for long walks in cold weather. If the stroller you want doesn’t have a rain cover, you can buy a generic one at most stores.

Front bar or tray
Make sure it's removable when lifting the child in and out of the stroller.

Footrest
This reduces the likelihood of injury by the child's feet getting caught on the ground or in the front wheel.

Safety leash
A leash on the handle bar that straps to your wrist can stop the stroller running away if you lose your grip. Keep it out of the way of the child as it's a strangulation hazard.

Toddler seats
One of these is useful when there’s an older sibling – check whether it can be fitted to the stroller.

Tyre pump
This is used for pneumatic tyres. It's supplied with some models or may be available as an optional extra.

Buying advice

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• Talk to friends and ask if you can test-drive their strollers. Ask them which accessories are useful and which are a waste of money.
• Make sure you try out the stroller in the store before you buy, preferably with a passenger aboard. Check – if you can – what it’s like for going up and down stairs. You may need a model with height-adjustable handles if there’s more than one adult who’ll be pushing the stroller.
• Size and convenience may be an issue. Check that the stroller will fit in your car boot. Also fold and unfold the stroller and see if you can carry it comfortably with one hand – and whether there’s a clip to hold the stroller closed when folded. 

 

Safety features

There is a safety standard for prams and strollers but it is not mandatory. Certification involves independent checks of the manufacturer's production line and quality-control processes.

A buggy that is "certified" as complying with the standard will display either the New Zealand "S" mark or the red Australian "tick" mark. If the stroller doesn't carry either of these labels, it's not necessarily unsafe. But check that:

• There are no protruding parts that can hit your child's head.
• There are no small parts that could detach easily and pose a choking hazard.
• There are no gaps that could trap fingers - yours or your child's.
• There are no sharp edges or points.
• The stroller is stable enough not to tip easily.
• There is a child-resistant mechanism for locks.
• There's a five-point harness consisting of two shoulder straps attached to the backrest, two waist straps attached to the stroller frame, and a crotch strap. The straps should be adjustable.
• The brakes work properly and are easy to use. 
• There is a two-stage lock to stop the stroller collapsing 

Buying second-hand

If you’re buying online and can’t check the stroller ask if it complies with a standard – see the Checklist.

Check that the wheels are secure and not worn out, and that the brakes and locks work properly. 
 

About our tests

Our tests of strollers changed in 2010. For this reason results are not directly comparable between the single strollers tested in 2009, and the double and single strollers tested in 2010 and 2011.

Single strollers 2011 tests and double strollers 2010 test

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Our tests are based on the joint Australia/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2088:2000. This standard is voluntary in New Zealand.

The standard was revised in 2009. But in some parts of it – such as the specifications for locking mechanisms – the revised rules have been added to the existing rules rather than replacing them.

Our lab tested to both sets of rules. It also concluded that most manufacturers are not yet ready to meet the revised requirements.

We assessed the strollers’ safety by looking for gaps where a child’s head or limbs could be trapped and for sharp edges or points. We also checked the safety harness, the locking mechanisms that stop the stroller folding with the child in it, the strollers' stability, and the brakes.

To test their durability we put the strollers on a “rolling rig” for 64 hours at a speed of 5km/h. As well each stroller was attached to a machine that continuously simulated the action of mounting a kerb.

To test ease of use we put the strollers through their paces in real-life situations – over rough terrain, up and down stairs, and through doorways. We checked how easy it was to make adjustments to the safety harness, recline the seats, fold and unfold the stroller, apply the brakes, and lock the front wheel.

See the test results for single and double strollers for details of how they performed.

Single strollers 2009 test

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The lab assessed the construction of the strollers and carried out performance tests. It looked for places where small fingers could get trapped and for removable parts a child could swallow, checked locking devices to stop the stroller folding on the child, and the harness system.

Performance tests checked the strength of the chassis, efficiency and durability of the brakes, security of the wheels and locking devices, strength of the harness and stability.

5 families road-tested our strollers, taking them up and down steps, along city streets, across rough terrain, and up and down hills. To rate the strollers’ ease of use they folded and unfolded them, tried the brakes and locks and stowed them in their car boots. Finally they said how likely they would be to recommend the stroller to a friend.

See the test results - earlier test for details of how these strollers performed.