Designation: F833 − 13
Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for
Carriages and Strollers1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F833; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This consumer safety performance specification addresses carriage and stroller incidents that were
identified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The CPSC identified injuries to children associated with the following: stability, brakes, restraint
systems, latches and folding mechanisms, structural integrity, cords, wheel detachment, and deaths
due to entrapment in openings of convertible carriage/strollers. In response to the incident-data
compiled by the CPSC, this consumer safety performance specification attempts to minimize the
previously listed problems. This specification does not cover carriages and strollers that are blatantly
misused, although warnings and safety instructions are required to be prominently displayed on or
with each carriage or stroller.
NOTE 1—This consumer safety performance specification is not intended to address incidents and
injuries resulting from the interaction of other persons with children in carriages or strollers or
incidents resulting from unforeseeable abuse or misuse.
This consumer safety performance specification is written within the current state of the art of
carriage and stroller technology. It is intended that this specification will be updated whenever
substantive information becomes available which necessitates additional requirements or justifies the
revision of existing requirements.
1. Scope
1.1 This consumer safety specification establishes safety
performance requirements, test methods, and labeling require-
ments to minimize the hazards to children presented by
carriages and strollers as identified in the introduction. Chil-
dren’s products such as tricycles, bicycles or other similar
wheeled products that can be self-propelled by a child are not
considered carriages or strollers subject to the requirements of
this standard, even if the item has a temporary or permanent
handle.
1.2 No carriage or stroller produced after the approval date
of this consumer safety performance specification shall, either
by label or other means, indicate compliance with this speci-
fication unless it conforms to all requirements herein.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
test method portion, Section 7, of this consumer safety speci-
fication: This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D3359 Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test
F406 Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size
Baby Cribs/Play Yards
F963 Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
F2680 Specification for Manually Operated Front Wheel
Retention Systems for Bicycles
2.2 Federal Standards:
16 CFR 1303 Ban of Lead-Containing Paint and Certain
Consumer Products Bearing Lead-Containing Paint3
1 This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.17 on
Carriages, Strollers, Walkers and Stationary Activity Centers.
Current edition approved April 1, 2013. Published April 2013. Originally
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F833 – 11. DOI:
10.1520/F0833-13.
2 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3 Code of Federal Regulations, available from U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
16 CFR 1500 Hazardous Substances Act Regulations3 in-
cluding sections:
1500.48 Mechanical Requirements for Determining a Sharp
Point in Toys or Other Articles Intended for Use by
Children Under Eight Years of Age
1500.49 Technical Requirements for Determining a Sharp
Metal or Glass Edge in Toys or Other Articles Intended for
Use by Children Under Eight Years of Age
1500.50-52 Tests Methods for Simulating Use and Abuse of
Toys and Other Articles Intended for Use by Children
16 CFR 1501 Method for Identifying Toys and Other Ar-
ticles Intended for Use by Children Under Three Years of
Age Which Present Choking, Aspiration, or Ingestion
Hazards Because of Small Parts3
16 CFR 1508.07 (c)
2.3 Other Standards:
AS/NZS 2088 Prams and strollers—safety requirements4
EN 1888 Child care articles - Wheeled child conveyances -
Safety requirements and test methods5
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 3D fold stroller, n—a stroller that, when folded,
collapses all handlebars and leg tubes both in the front-to-back
(or back-to-front) and side-to-side directions.
3.1.2 carriage, n—wheeled vehicle generally used for the
transport of an infant who is generally in a lying down position.
The motive power is supplied by a person or persons pushing
or pulling on a handle attached to the vehicle. A carriage may
be capable of being folded for storage.
3.1.3 conspicuous, n—label that is visible, when the unit is
in a manufacturer’s recommended use position, to a person
standing near the unit at any one position around the unit but
not necessarily visible from all positions.
3.1.4 convertible carriage/stroller, n—wheeled vehicle that
is intended to be converted by the owner to be used as either a
carriage or a stroller.
3.1.5 cord, n—a length of slender, flexible material includ-
ing monofilaments, woven and twisted cord, rope, elastic
cords, plastic textile tapes, ribbon, and those fibrous materials
commonly called string.
3.1.6 double action release mechanism, n—a release mecha-
nism that requires either two consecutive actions, the first of
which must be maintained while the second is carried out, or
two separate and independent single action locking mecha-
nisms that must be activated simultaneously to fully release.
3.1.7 harness system, n—shall include a waist and crotch
restraint and a means of restraining the upper torso.
3.1.8 infant, n—young child who is not capable of sitting
unassisted.
3.1.9 jogging stroller, n—stroller intended to be used for
children at a jogging rate (run at a steady slow trot).
3.1.10 manufacturer’s recommended use position, n—any
position that is presented as a normal, allowable, or acceptable
configuration for use of the product by the manufacturer in any
descriptive or instructional literature. This specifically ex-
cludes positions that the manufacturer shows in a like manner
in its literature to be unacceptable, unsafe, or not recom-
mended.
3.1.11 non-paper label, n—any label material (such as
plastic or metal) that either will not tear without the aid of tools
or tears leaving a sharply defined edge.
3.1.12 occupant(s), n—that individual or those individuals
who are in a product that is set up in one of the manufacturer’s
recommended use positions.
3.1.13 occupant retention space, n—space enclosed by the
surfaces, for example, side walls or the floor, or both, of a
carriage or convertible carriage/stroller that contains the occu-
pant within a carriage or a stroller in the reclined carriage
position.
3.1.14 paper label, n—any label material that tears without
the aid of tools and leaves a fibrous edge.
3.1.15 quick release mechanism, n—lever-actuated cam
mechanism that connects and retains a wheel in a fork
assembly.
3.1.16 reclined carriage position, n—adjustment position of
a convertible carriage/stroller that allows for an interior angle
of greater than 150° between the seat surface and the backrest.
3.1.17 removable-wheel fork assembly, n—fork assembly
from which the wheel can be removed and reattached as a
manufacturer recommended normal product use.
3.1.17.1 Discussion—A removable-wheel fork assembly
can employ a quick release mechanism or other manually
operated mechanism that does not require the use of tools for
installation or removal.
3.1.18 saddle hinge link, n—a folding joint on the side of a
3D fold stroller that connects the front leg tube and handle
tube.
3.1.18.1 Discussion—It includes a component (saddle
hinge) that contains a pivot location and a recessed groove (see
Fig. 1). When the stroller is unfolded, one of the tubes rotates
around the saddle hinge pivot and rests in the recessed groove.
3.1.19 static load, n—vertically downward force applied by
a calibrated force gage or by dead weights.
3.1.20 strap, n—piece of flexible material of which the
width is significantly greater than the thickness.
3.1.21 stroller, n—wheeled vehicle for the transport of
infants or children generally in a sitting-up or semi-reclined
position. The motive power is supplied by a person moving at
a walking rate while pushing on a handle attached to the
stroller. A stroller generally is capable of being folded for
storage. Strollers normally are used for children from infancy
to 36 months of age.
4. Calibration and Standardization
4.1 All testing shall be conducted on a concrete floor that
shall be covered with 1⁄8-in. (3-mm) thick vinyl floor covering,
unless test instructs differently.
4 Available from SAI Global, http://www.saiglobal.com.
5 Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Avenue
Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
F833 − 13
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4.2 The unit shall be completely assembled, unless other-
wise noted, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
4.3 No testing shall be conducted within 48 h of manufac-
turing.
4.4 The product to be tested shall be in a room with an
ambient temperature of 73 6 9°F (23 6 5°C) for at least 1 h
prior to testing. Testing shall then be conducted within this
temperature range.
4.5 All testing required by this specification shall be con-
ducted on the same unit with the exception of 7.2, where a new
unit can be used if the unit frame permanently deforms.
5. General Requirements
5.1 There shall be no hazardous points or edges as defined
by 16 CFR 1500.48 and 16 CFR 1500.49 before and after
testing to this consumer safety specification.
5.2 There shall be no small parts as defined by 16 CFR 1501
before testing or liberated as a result of testing to this
specification.
5.3 The paint and surface-coating on the product shall
comply to 16 CFR 1303.
5.4 Prior to testing, any exposed wood parts shall be smooth
and free of splinters.
5.5 Latching Mechanisms:
5.5.1 Any unit that folds shall have a latching device or
other provision in the design that will prevent the unit from
unintentional folding when properly placed in the manufactur-
er’s recommended use position. Products with latching devices
for prevention of unintentional folding shall be tested in
accordance with 7.2. During and upon completion of this test,
the unit shall meet the requirements in 5.5.1.1 or 5.5.1.2.
5.5.1.1 The locking device on the unit shall remain latched.
5.5.1.2 The stroller frame components yield and perma-
nently deform in a manner such that the full load specified
cannot be applied in the direction of folding and the locking
device remains engaged.
5.5.2 Strollers that employ hinged links with a geometric
over center action (see Fig. 2) to maintain the product in the
normal use position shall require two distinct and separate
actions on the part of the user to initiate folding of the product.
Such strollers shall require only a single action on the part of
the user to secure the stroller in the normal use position.
5.6 Openings—Holes or slots that extend entirely through a
wall section of any rigid material less than 0.375 in. (9.53 mm)
thick and admit a 0.210-in. (5.33-mm) diameter rod shall also
admit a 0.375-in. (9.53-mm) diameter rod. Holes or slots that
are between 0.210 in. (5.33 mm) and 0.375 in. (9.53 mm) and
have a wall thickness less than 0.375 in. (9.53 mm) but are
limited in depth to 0.375 in. (9.53 mm) maximum by another
rigid surface shall be permissible (see Fig. 3). The product shall
be evaluated in all manufacturer’s recommended use positions.
5.7 Scissoring, Shearing, Pinching:
5.7.1 The unit, when in the manufacturer’s recommended
use position, shall be designed and constructed so as to prevent
injury to the occupant from any scissoring, shearing, or
pinching when members or components rotate about a common
axis or fastening point, slide, pivot, fold, or otherwise move
relative to one another. Scissoring, shearing, or pinching that
may cause injury exists when the edges of the rigid parts admit
a 0.210-in. (5.33-mm) diameter probe but do not admit a
0.375-in. (9.53-mm) diameter probe at any accessible point
throughout the range of motion of such parts. This excludes the
adjustment of accessory items such as storage latches, baskets,
etc.
NOTE 1—The evaluation at any given location is performed with the
understanding that the probes are allowed to enter the location from any
angle/direction.
5.7.2 Saddle hinge links on 3D fold strollers shall be
designed and constructed so as to prevent injury from
scissoring, shearing, or pinching. Scissoring, shearing, or
pinching that may cause injury exists in a saddle hinge link
when the edges of the rigid parts admit a 0.210-in. (5.33-mm)
diameter probe but do not admit a 0.375-in. (9.53-mm)
diameter probe when tested in accordance with 7.16.1.
NOTE 2—The evaluation at any given location is performed with the
understanding that the probes are allowed to enter the location from any
angle/direction.
FIG. 1 Saddle Hinge Link
FIG. 2 Stroller With Hinged Link
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5.7.3 Canopy pivots and canopy frame members shall
comply with 5.7.1 when tested in accordance with 7.16.2.
Canopy stretcher/locking device(s) are exempt from this re-
quirement (see Fig. 4). The interface between canopy rods and
canopy stops are exempt from this requirement if the canopy
rod does not pass over or through the final canopy stop. Final
canopy stops are those that prevent further movement or
adjustment of the canopy (see example in Fig. 5). Intermediate
canopy stop positions are not exempt from this requirement.
5.8 Exposed Coil Springs—Any exposed coil spring which
is accessible to the occupant, having or capable of generating
a space between coils of 0.210 in. (5.33 mm) or greater during
static load testing (see 6.2 and 7.3) shall be covered or
otherwise designed to prevent injury from entrapment.
5.9 Labeling:
5.9.1 Warning labels (whether paper or non-paper) shall be
permanent when tested in accordance with 7.8.1-7.8.3.
5.9.2 Warning statements applied directly onto the surface
of the product by hot stamping, heat transfer, printing, wood
burning, etc. shall be permanent when tested in accordance
with 7.8.4.
5.9.3 Non-paper labels shall not liberate small parts when
tested in accordance with 7.8.5.
5.10 Protective Components—If a child can grasp compo-
nents between the thumb and forefinger, or teeth, such as caps,
sleeves, or plugs used for protection from sharp edges, points,
or entrapment of fingers or toes, or if there is at least a 0.040-in.
(1.00-mm) gap between the component and its adjacent parent
component, such component shall not be removed when tested
in accordance with 7.9.
5.11 Seat Recline Measurement—Place the back of the
stroller in the most reclined position. Place the hinged boards
with the hinged edge into the junction of the stroller back and
seat (see Fig. 6). Measure the angle between the two boards.
5.12 Toy—Toy accessories attached to, removable from, or
sold with unit, as well as their means of attachment, shall meet
applicable requirements of Consumer Safety Specification
F963.
5.13 Cord/Strap Length—Cords and straps that originate
within or extend into the occupant space shall not create a loop
that has an internal perimeter exceeding 14.8 in. (376 mm) nor
have a free stretched length that exceeds a length of 7.4 in. (188
mm) when evaluated with 7.15. Cords or straps that do not
originate within the occupant space but that can extend into the
occupant space shall be evaluated in accordance with 7.15 only
on the portion of the cord/strap that can extend into the
occupant space. Restraint systems used to secure an occupant,
all straps used to attach hand held infant carriers, and straps on
hand held infant carriers, stroller carry straps, and stroller
tether straps are exempt from this requirement.
6. Performance Requirements
NOTE 3—The forces that are to be applied to the sample in the test
methods described in Section 7 of this specification are applied readily by
FIG. 3 Opening Example.
FIG. 4 Stretcher/Locking Device
FIG. 5 Canopy Stop
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means of a calibrated force gage, or in the case of static load and dynamic
load test methods, by dead weights.
6.1 Parking Brake Requirements:
6.1.1 A parking brake shall be provided on the unit. Each
parking brake shall remain engaged during the test as specified
in 7.6. Each parking brake shall prevent the braked wheel(s)
from rotating more than 90° during the 5th test cycle specified
in 7.6.
6.1.2 After completing the test described in 7.6, each
parking brake shall be able to be engaged and functional in all
parking brake engagement positions.
6.1.3 Each parking brake shall be constructed so that it
cannot be disengaged by the child within the unit when the
child is secured in the unit in accordance with the instructional
literature.
6.2 Static Load:
6.2.1 A carriage shall support a static load of 50 lbf (222 N)
when placed in the approximate center of the area intended to
support the infant occupant.
6.2.2 A stroller shall support a static load of 100 lb (45.4 kg)
or 2.5 times the manufacturer’s recommended maximum
weight, whichever is greater, per individual seating area, when
placed in the approximate center of the area intended to support
the child occupant.
6.2.3 A convertible carriage/stroller shall support a static
load appropriate to the configuration in which the unit is
erected. All configurations shall be tested.
6.2.4 A combination unit of a car seat on a stroller shall
support a static load of 50 lbf (222 N) when placed in the
approximate center of the area intended to support the occu-
pant.
6.2.5 Test methods shall be performed in accordance with
7.3. At the conclusion of the test method, there shall be no
unacceptable conditions as identified within this specification
(see Note 4). In cases of multiple occupancy units, a specified
test weight shall be applied simultaneously to each occupant
position.
NOTE 4—For the purpose of this specification, the unacceptable
conditions that might be identified by the static load test methods shall be
tip over, collapse of the product or a component of the product, sharp
edges or points, and small parts.
6.3 Stability—The product shall remain on the appropriate
test plane and not tip over when tested in accordance with 7.4.
At the end of this test method, the unit shall remain in the
manufacturer’s recommended-use position on the inclined test
plane when tested in accordance to 7.4.1 and on a horizontal
test plane when tested in accordance with 7.4.2. In cases of
multiple-occupa