Buying a Stroller: EU Standards for Parent Safety

Even as an expectant father, I faced a crucial question: Should we buy a brand-new stroller or opt for used models?

This decision was anything but easy, as we naturally wanted only the best and safest for our upcoming baby. But at the same time, we had concerns: the production of a brand-new stroller involves materials, volatile organic compounds in the textiles, transportation, and, not least, the price.

I still remember scrolling through recommendation pages, feeling discouraged. New strollers were expensive, and when I looked at dedicated second-hand websites, I realized that used prices weren't dramatically lower either. But if they were, I would have had to invest 1 to 2 hours to buy something without a guarantee.

Since the first baby presented an enormous challenge, we were looking for reliable equipment. Your child's safety comes first – always and everywhere. Especially in a world where children share their environment with cars, stairs, parks, and much more, safety is essential. No one wants to experience a wheel coming off in the stairwell while returning home from shopping.

Finally, the grandparents gifted us the desired stroller. Fortunately, it met our quality requirements and our desire for locally produced goods. But the question remained: How do we ensure that every child can have safe and quality equipment, even if grandparents cannot provide financial support?

Looking back on this episode of our pregnancy journey, I am convinced that we could have done many things differently – especially since our brand-new stroller (from a German manufacturer) showed a defect after only two months.

The number of strollers sold on second-hand websites is increasing daily. On October 27, 2023, on Kleinanzeigen.de, there were approximately 90,000 used strollers for sale from €100 nationwide. 99.8% of these were offered by private individuals, meaning there is no guarantee of quality or life expectancy.

So what now? Is buying new the only alternative?

Not at all!

Now that we have processed, disassembled, and refurbished hundreds of strollers, I want to share what we've learned and what I wish I had known back then.

Let's start with our best friend at The Little Move: DIN EU 1888, a European standard specifically for strollers, which guarantees the highest safety and construction standards. It might not sound exciting, but it's crucial.

Yes, no one has time to study this standard, but we have. It gives us the ABCs for assessing a stroller's safety. Here's the important information for you if you're looking to buy a stroller:

Why is the standard of utmost importance when it comes to the safety of children's equipment?

DIN EU 1888 ensures that strollers meet the highest standards. In a world where children share their environment with cars, stairs, parks, and much more, safety is essential. With this standard, you can be sure that your stroller passes the test.

The standard includes an extensive list of elements that must be considered when testing a stroller. These include the frame, wheels, seat, harness system, and brakes. All these components must meet strict criteria.

Here are the most important points you should check before buying a used stroller according to DIN EN 18888:

Straps:

• The harness system must be a 5-point harness system.
• The straps must be made of a durable material.
• The straps must have sufficient width and length to securely fasten the child.
• The straps must be attached in such a way that they cannot come loose.
• The straps must be made of a material that can withstand at least 200 N of tensile force.
• The straps must be at least 2.5 cm wide.
• The straps must be attached in such a way that they cannot come loose when the child moves.

Brakes:

• The brakes must be able to generate a braking force of at least 20 N.
• The brakes must be able to be operated safely.
• The brakes must be effective even in wet and snowy conditions.
• The brakes must act on all four wheels.
• The brakes must be operable in such a way that the stroller comes to a safe stop.

Textiles:

• The textiles must be made of a fire-retardant material.
• The textiles must be attached in such a way that they cannot come loose.
• The textiles must be designed to protect the child from injuries.
• The textiles must be made of a material that meets fire protection class B1 according to DIN 4102.
• The textiles must be attached in such a way that they cannot come loose if the stroller tips over.
• The textiles must not have any sharp edges or corners.

CONCLUSION

Before purchasing, a stroller must be mandatorily inspected - and the DIN EU 1888 standard is the most current, internationally recognized guideline for this. Elaborate - sure. But the safety of our children always comes first. And you can also feel good about it: by purchasing used children's equipment, you not only support the decarbonization of industry but also promote the idea of a circular economy. You play a role in protecting the environment while making a safe and cost-effective choice for your baby.

Before we say goodbye, I want to conclude the story of our stroller purchasing adventure. We stumbled upon an unexpectedly attractive offer for one of the two strollers we had in mind. The catch? We had to make the decision within minutes and have the stroller delivered to the place where we were on vacation, 1200 km from home.

We also solved that at The Little Move: did you know that you can reserve our refurbished strollers until your child is born? We will keep them warm and cozy until you want them delivered to your desired location. Just leave your request in the comments of your purchase – we are here to support you and look forward to reliably supporting you and your family!