Poland’s consumer watchdog UOKiK has exposed serious safety flaws in nearly half of the tested baby strollers and bouncers, initiating administrative proceedings and threatening fines up to 100,000 zlotys.
Safety Failures Identified in Strollers
Provincial inspectorates of the Trade Inspection in Katowice, Kraków, Lublin, and Wrocław examined the labeling and safety parameters of 10 stroller models for children weighing up to 22 kg between January and October 2025. Experts scrutinized pushchairs, prams, and 2-in-1 strollers to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Inspectors questioned four of the ten models due to structural defects. Reported irregularities included harnesses that failed to hold the child effectively, uncontrolled folding mechanisms, faulty locking systems, and stability issues causing the stroller to tip over. In some instances, mechanical damage such as component breakage was observed.
Labeling Deficiencies and Administrative Penalties
Authorities reminded responsible parties that introducing structurally defective products to the market carries financial penalties of up to 100,000 PLN. The Trade Inspection has submitted three requests to UOKiK to initiate administrative proceedings; two have commenced, while the third allows the producer to continue repair measures on faulty components.
Inspectors also found labeling faults in three models, including incomplete manufacturer data, missing warnings on the product, and user manuals provided only in foreign languages. Entities responsible for these labeling errors were permitted to undertake corrective actions under supervision.
Widespread Issues Found in Baby Bouncers
The inspection extended to nine models of baby bouncers, seven of which were questioned due to construction flaws. Laboratory tests revealed that the restraint system could be fastened without a crotch strap, strap width was insufficient, and locking mechanisms released under less force than required. Additionally, the thickness of packaging film was found to be below standard.
Four requests for administrative proceedings were submitted regarding the bouncers. Proceedings have begun in two cases, files are being analyzed in one, and the manufacturer in the final case has been allowed to implement corrective measures. Labeling on five models was also questioned due to incomplete data or missing safety pictograms.
Market Scope and Product Origins
The investigation covered four stroller manufacturers and six retail outlets. Of the strollers tested, four originated from Poland, three from other EU member states, and three from outside the European Union. For bouncers, authorities inspected two producers, one importer, and nine distributors, including large-surface retail stores. Seven bouncer models came from outside the EU, one from Poland, and one from France.
