Two major retailers have been fined a total of $63,000 for selling dangerous baby strollers.

Baby Bunting has been slugged $37,800 and Target $25,200 for selling and marketing the convertible strollers between May 2015 and June 2018.

The consumer watchdog said both retail chains had also agreed to stop selling such products unless they met safety stands, and to strengthen their consumer law compliance programs..

The penalties relate to convertible tricycle-strollers that can be modified with different features for children of varying ages.

“The design of these products and the way they were marketed by Target and Baby Bunting gave consumers the misleading impression they could be safely used as strollers, including to transport babies,” Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair Delia Rickard said.

“It is vital all prams and strollers, including products that can convert into something else, comply with the relevant safety standards.”

The ACCC’s enforcement action follows a review of convertible tricycle-strollers that found many were designed and marketed to be used as strollers but did not have key safety features, including parking brakes, tether straps and suitable harnesses. The watchdog said these products had been withdrawn from sale after its review.

“Mandatory safety standards for prams and strollers exist to keep babies and toddlers safe,” Ms Rickard said.

“Businesses need to take their responsibilities under these standards very seriously and ensure every product they sell complies.”

Following the review, Target and Baby Bunting removed severeal “SmarTrike” convertible tricycle strollers from their outlets.

The ACCC said some of the wide range of tricycle-strollers on the market looked like simple tricycles, with the addition of high parent handles. Others were designed to work more as traditional strollers for babies and young children.

The watchdog said it had revised its mandatory safety standards to make it clear they also covered convertible tricycles.

Target issued a recall for 21 SmarTrike models on Tuesday while Baby Bunting previously issued a recall for five of its own SmarTrike models in September.