Stroller safety: Consumer Reports rates stroller 'don't buy' for tipover risk

Is your child's stroller safe? Consumer Reports safety tested hundreds of strollers, and one recently failed their test.

Using tests more stringent than the industry standards, Consumer Reports looked at the restraint system, braking and stability of popular stroller models to make sure strollers stayed in place on a steep incline.

Any stroller that tips before 12 degrees failed the test.

While most strollers passed the test, the Zoe Traveler tipped at less than 12 degrees. The Zoe Traveler stroller consistently tipped over when stopped on an incline with a 45-pound weight in the fully reclined position.

"If you were pushing your stroller up a hill, if you were to take your hands off the handle and your seat was reclined all the way, the baby could tip backwards," said Joan Muratore with Consumer Reports. "They could hit their head on the ground."

Due to the potential safety risk, Consumer Reports safety experts have rated the Zoe Traveler stroller as a "don't buy."

"It's absolutely not common,"Muratore said. "I mean, I've tested hundreds of strollers, and I've never had a 'don't buy' for this tipping issue before," the expert said.

The manufacturer said there have been no injury claims related to this issue and that "all Zoe strollers pass rigorous, comprehensive safety testing and pass all federally mandated safety requirements."

Consumer Reports safety tests are not designed or intended to assess federal compliance; instead, they look for products that achieve greater safety or performance beyond the required standards.

If you're in the market for a compact stroller, there are lots of options that Consumer Reports recommends, including the Nuna Travel LX and the UPPAbaby Meenu V3.

Consumer Reports tested both models, which earned high marks for safety, ease of use and maneuverability.

If you own the Zoe stroller and plan to keep using it, make sure to keep your hands on the handlebar while it's on a hill and also keep the seat upright to help avoid tip-overs.