Prams and pushchairs - selling guidance

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The law

All prams and pushchairs, both new and used, must comply with British Standard 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 (an equivalent European standard). Prams and pushchairs are defined as "any wheeled vehicle designed for the transport of one or more infants either seated or reclined". These requirements are found in the Wheeled Child Conveyances (Safety) Regulations 1997.

How can I tell if my prams and pushchairs comply?

Look for the label stating that the pram or pushchair complies with BS 7409 or BS EN 1888. These labels are usually found on the frame or seat covering.

Used prams and pushchairs

If prams and pushchairs have been damaged or modified, they may no longer meet the requirements of the standard. The only way to be absolutely certain is to have the item tested by a laboratory, which is expensive. However, there are some things you can look out for:

• The presence of any sharp edges or points.
• The folding chassis’ must have a primary and secondary locking device. Do they both engage and work properly?
• The safety harness. Is it in good condition? Make sure the harness is a secure five point harness and the straps are not frayed.
• The wheel security and evidence of any heavy wear on the edges of wheels.
• The parking brake. Does it work both forwards and backwards, and does it engage properly?
• The general stability in all directions (forwards, backwards and sideways left and right).
• The tubes or linkages. Have they been bent by heavy impact with kerbs or stairs?
• The presence of any finger entrapments. Ensure that exposed tubes still have some means of preventing fingers from getting trapped.
• Ensure that the pram or pushchair is generally in good condition.

Flammability requirements?

All upholstered prams and pushchairs (new and used) have to comply with the stringent flammability requirements contained in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. New prams and pushchairs also have to carry permanent labels and display labels giving information about how they comply with the Regulations. If used items do not have a permanent label with the words "carelessness causes fire", it must be assumed that they do not comply and therefore should not be sold.

For further information, please contact us.

Contact information

• email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• phone: 0141 840 3184 (select option 2)
• call in or write to us at:
  Renfrewshire Council
  Environmental Services
  Trading Standards
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1BR