PRAM-RELATED INJURIES CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Acting Fair Trading Minister Geoff Wilson today issued a warning on pram safety following incidents in Adelaide when a young boy drowned after a carriage plunged into a river and another in Townsville where a pram collapsed with a baby in it.

Mr Wilson said the Queensland Injury and Surveillance Unit estimated 200 children were injured each year in accidents involving prams.

“Regrettably some incidents with prams can have tragic results. I urge all parents to always closely supervise their children in prams. Better use of safety features should be made by parents as well as greater diligence on the part of traders,” he said.

“I urge parents buying prams and strollers to check the product is equipped with safety features, such as a five-point restraint harness.

“Also look for strong components and avoid prams which feel rickety or difficult to steer.

“Check how well the braking system works. Become familiar with how to apply the brake – this is very important, especially with three-wheeled strollers that can roll away quickly if the brake is not applied.

“Ensure the pram or stroller has no gaps that could trap your baby’s head, limbs or fingers.”

Mr Wilson said it was important to also look for a sticker showing the pram or stroller complies with the voluntary Australian Standard AS/NZ 2088.

“Do not buy the pram unless the retailer can confirm it complies with this standard. Prams and strollers bought from second-hand dealers should also comply,” he said.

“Be very cautious about buying prams and strollers over the internet or privately – what may appear to be a bargain may be a false economy if it injures your child.

“For safe use follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially when folding, unfolding and locking the pram and stroller into place. It is critical to ensure the product is completely unfolded before putting a child in it, with all interlocking parts clicked into place.

“Be careful when loading the pram or stroller with things like groceries as an uneven weight can cause it to tip over.

“The five-point harness should be used at all times, even for small journeys.

“And never leave a child unattended or left to sleep in a pram or stroller. The child could wriggle and cause it to tip over. They may even become suffocated or strangled by straps, foldable parts or in gaps.

“If you believe a pram or stroller you have purchased is unsafe, I strongly urge you to lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading so they can investigate. You should also take the product back to the trader for a refund.

“I urge traders to only stock prams that pass the safety standard. If you receive complaints about a particular product, please let the Office of Fair Trading’s Product Safety Unit know.”

For information, or to lodge a complaint about an unsafe product, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call the Office of Fair Trading’s Product Safety Hotline on 3305 9614.”

Media contacts: David Smith 3225 1005 / Olivia Nemeth 3119 0067