Campus of Taiwan offers model 84J707, a baby stroller that complies with EN and ASTM standards. It has a five-point harness, detachable canopy, reclining seat and rear-wheel brakes.

Suppliers in Taiwan and mainland China are emphasizing functionality in their latest baby strollers.

Jogging models are among those being produced in greater numbers. This is in response to demand for all-terrain strollers by active parents. On these designs, the front wheels rotate 180 degrees and can be locked in place when stationary.

Makers are also releasing strollers with detachable cots, which when removed could be used as car safety seats or baby carriers.

New designs have reversible handles, enabling effortless conversion from pushchair to carriage and vice-versa. In addition, products are made collapsible so they could be conveniently stowed in car trunks or closets.

Washable polyester canopies that shield the baby's skin from the sun and the elements are being incorporated. Moreover, mesh coverings offer protection from mosquitoes and other insects.

To ensure that the baby is secured in the stroller, five-point harnesses and front bars made of PP have been added. Further, the headrests are cushioned, and the leg rests are adjustable for better support and comfort.

Seats on new designs can be reclined for when the baby is sleeping. These are made of breathable polyester, with mesh panels that promote air circulation.

The latest designs also feature feeding trays, some of which are fitted with musical ICs to entertain the baby. Others have slots for bottles and cups.

Some makers include matching diaper bags with their strollers for holding both the baby's and the parent's essentials. Additional space is provided through storage baskets under the seats.

For rust-resistant frames, suppliers are using anodized aluminum. The applied finishes are free from chromium, nickel, azo and other harmful chemicals. Such precautions ensure that babies would not accidentally ingest toxic substances.

Furthermore, products are compliant with the ASTM and JPMA standards. They also undergo testing at SGS and Intertek.

Among the Taiwan companies interviewed for this report, Hsin Yuan Electronic Co. Ltd complies with EN 1888, AS/NZS 2088 and ASTM standards. The prices of its strollers range from $50 to $120.

Models have a faux carbon fiber finish, achieved through water-transfer printing. A flame-retardant feature can be incorporated for an additional charge.

Hsin Yuan also offers baby carriers, diaper bags, and golf and shopping carts.

Strollers from Campus Corp. meet EN 1888 and ASTM standards. Prices start at $15 for umbrella versions. Upscale designs can reach $80.

Models have matching diaper bags with various compartments for baby wipes, mobile phones and keys.

The in-house Bebe brand takes up 80 percent of exports. The rest are OEM and ODM orders.

Tung Tzu Industrial Co. Ltd's strollers carry EN and ASTM approval. These feature detachable seats that can be used as baby carriers and car seats.

Battery-operated musical trays are fitted onto some designs. Upholstery and canopies are washable and breathable, being made of T/C or 400d polyester.

In the mainland, Elen International Co. Ltd offers collapsible strollers for $25 to $60. The company's 10-member R&D team launches 40 models annually.

Products from Hooya Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd are tested at SGS. Prices are between $20 and $50. The company's R&D team is focusing on lightweight designs.

Models from Long Faith Industrial Co. Ltd meet the AS/NZS 2088 standard, and are inspected at SGS and Intertek. Metal components undergo powder coating to inhibit rusting. Wheels are made of EVA or PVC.

Prices are between $10 and $40, with materials sourced from Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces.

Products from Xiamen Yunhang Children Articles Co. Ltd have lockable wheels, safety harnesses, and washable polyester canopies and seats. They are free from azo and undergo testing at SGS or Intertek. Prices range from $10 to $50.

Lightweight aluminum is used for Zhongshan Romey Baby Products Co. Ltd's strollers. Polyester is adopted for the seats, which are washable and adjustable. Products are tested at SGS. The company offers models at $20 to $80.

ISO 9001:2000-certified Yuyao Easun Industrial & Trade Co. Ltd is a trading company with manufacturing capability. It offers strollers made of powder-coated steel with polyester and oxford seats, with prices between $10 and $40. Models are inspected at SGS.