Strollers are designed to make parents’ lives easier. However, Graco Children’s Products strollers may have endangered the lives of kids placed in the stroller, according to a recall report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The popular children’s company recalled about 4.7 million strollers in the U.S., after receiving 11 reports of finger injuries, including fingertip amputation and cuts. The recall also extends to about 202,000 Graco strollers in Canada, and about 10,300 in Mexico.
The CPSC recall notes the 11 models are single-occupant strollers with an external sliding fold-lock hinge on each side and a one-hand fold release mechanism on the handle. The folding hinge on the sides of the stroller can pinch a child’s finger, posing a laceration or amputation hazard. Graco received six reports of finger amputation, four reports of partial-fingertip amputation, and one finger laceration.
The recall includes Graco and Century-branded models: Aspen, Breeze, Capri, Cirrus, Glider, Kite, LiteRider, Sierra, Solara, Sterling, and TravelMate. These models were made between August 1, 2000 to September 25, 2014. They were sold at Target, Toys R Us, Walmart, and Amazon at about $40 – $70.
Consumers affected should contact Graco immediately for a free repair kit, available at the beginning of December 2014. Until then, parents are advised to exercise extreme care when unfolding the stroller to be sure the hinges are firmly locked. If the stroller begins to fold, then remove the child immediately. Consumers can contact Graco Children’s Products at (800) 345-4109 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.gracobaby.com and click on the “Help Center” at the top and Recall and Safety Notifications for more information.