Four Reported Infant Strangulation Deaths Lead to Graco Strollers Recall

On Oct. 20, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of about 2 million Graco strollers due to risk of entrapment and strangulation. The CPSC and Graco have received four reports of infant strangulations that occurred in these strollers between 2003 and 2005. In addition, the agency is aware of five reports of infants becoming entrapped, resulting in cuts and bruises, and one report of an infant having difficulty breathing. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers.

Entrapment and strangulation can occur, especially to infants younger than 12 months of age, when a child is not harnessed. An infant can pass through the opening between the stroller tray and seat bottom, but his/her head and neck can become entrapped by the tray. Infants who become entrapped at the neck are at risk of strangulation.

Read the CPSC recall notice for a complete list of model numbers included in this recall. The recall involves older versions of the Graco Quattro Tour™ and MetroLite™ strollers and travel systems. The model numbers are printed on a label at the lower portion of the rear frame, just above the rear wheels or underneath the stroller. The name “Graco” appears on a label on the stroller tray and the headrest.

The strollers were sold at AAFES, Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Fred Meyer, Kmart, Meijers, Navy Exchange, Sears, Target, Walmart and other stores nationwide between Nov. 2000 and Dec. 2007 for between $90 and $190 for the strollers, and between $190 and $250 for travel systems.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Graco for a free repair kit. To order a repair kit, contact Graco toll-free at (877) 828-4046 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.gracobaby.com.

When using a stroller, parents and caregivers are encouraged to always secure children by using the safety harness and never leave them unattended. To learn more about the importance of stroller safety, download CPSC’s stroller safety alert.