Personal Injury Law

2 Million Graco Strollers Recalled

By Jamie G. Goldstein

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for Graco's Quattro and MetroLite strollers and travel systems. Between 2003 and 2005 the strollers caused the death of four babies from strangulation after their heads became stuck in an opening created between the stroller tray and the seat bottom. Five other infants endured cuts and bruises after becoming entrapped in the stroller, with one reported to have had trouble breathing. Children who are under 12 months of age and not harnessed into the stroller are at greater risk of strangulation.

The strollers were sold in stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, and the like between November 2000 and December 2007. The products were originally manufactured in China before being sold at American retailers. A full list of recalled product numbers can be found here. Owners of these strollers should stop using them immediately. Graco is offering a free repair kit for customers who call (877) 828-4046.

This is not the first recall this year for Graco, an operating company of Newell Rubbermaid. Over the past 12 months, Graco has recalled over 2 and a half million products due to risk of injury to children including high chairs, strollers, and cribs. In 2005 Graco was given a record civil penalty for failing to report problems with its products to the CPSC. Clearly, Graco needs to test its products more thoroughly before releasing them to the public and putting children at risk and stop waiting for injuries or deaths to accumulate before it is forced to recall a dangerous product. After 2009 was dubbed the 'Year of The Nursery Product Recall' when 143 children's products including cribs, toys, clothes, and outdoor play sets had to be taken off the market, 2010 doesn't appear to have made much improvement.

Full post as published by Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer on October 27, 2010 (boomark / email).