FindLaw's Common Law: Graco Stroller Recall After Reports of Infant Deaths

The CPSC, in cooperation with Graco Children’s Products Inc., of Atlanta, Ga, is recalling about 2 million Graco strollers after reports of four infant deaths. The strollers under recall are some older versions of the Graco Quattro Tour™ and MetroLite™strollers. The CPSC is asking parents and caregivers to stop using this product immediately, unless otherwise instructed.

According to the CPSC, the agency and Graco have received four reports of infants being strangled in the recalled strollers between 2003 and 2005. In addition, CPSC says it is aware of five other reports of infants becoming trapped, resulting in cuts and bruises, and one report of an infant having difficulty breathing. The injuries can occur to infants younger than one year old when the child is not harnessed into the stroller. The baby can slip through the space between the stroller tray and the bottom of the seat, but the baby's neck can be trapped by the tray, causing a risk of strangulation.

According to the CPSC, the Graco stroller recall covers the Graco Quattro Tour™ strollers and travel systems manufactured prior to November 2006 and MetroLite™ strollers and travel systems manufactured prior to July 2007. The strollers and travel systems were distributed between November 2000 and December 2007. These Graco strollers were manufactured before the voluntary industry standard change in January 2008, which affected the space between the stroller tray and seat. As of 2008, the voluntary industry standard requires a larger stroller opening to prevent just this kind of entrapment and strangulation hazard.

A complete list of the model numbers, names, prices and distribution dates has been provided by the CPSC. The agency would like consumers to note that the Quattro and MetroLite strollers ending with the number 3 are NOT affected by this recall.

Consumers may contact Graco for a free repair kit. To order a repair kit, call Graco toll-free at (877) 828-4046 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.gracobaby.com. Consumers can continue use of the stroller as a “travel system” with a carseat. When the stroller is used with an infant car seat, the child is protected from the entrapment and strangulation hazards.

For more information from the company, consumers can contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Related Resources:

4 infant deaths prompt Graco stroller recall (AP, MSNBC) Defective and Dangerous Products (FindLaw) Update: Should the Folding Stroller Recall Be Expanded? (FindLaw's Common Law) Personal Injury / Recall News (provided by Bernard & Hart) Personal Injury Information Center (provided by Pingelton Law Firm)