4 Infants Died in Graco Strollers from 2003-2005, Recall of 2 Million Strollers Finally Issued Today

October 20, 2010

Graco Children’s Products, Inc. is recalling about two million strollers because four children died between 2003 and 2005, and at least five children injured, in the strollers from entrapment and strangulation.

Consumers should stop using the Graco Quattro and Graco MetroLite Strollers immediately.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Graco have received four reports of infant strangulations that occurred between 2003 and 2005 while using these strollers. In addition, CPSC is aware of five reports of infants becoming entrapped, resulting in cuts and bruises, and one report of an infant having difficulty breathing.

According to Walletpop.com, Graco and the CPSC knew of these deaths but failed to issue a recall until now, more than five years later.

These strollers are a hazard to children because their design can allow an unharnessed child, especially infants younger than 12 months, to slip through the opening between the stroller tray and seat bottom, but the child’s head and neck can become entrapped by the tray. These children entrapped at the neck are at risk of strangulation.

The recall involves older versions of the Graco Quattro Tour and MetroLite strollers and travel systems manufactured prior to the existence of the January 2008 voluntary industry standard that addresses the height of the opening between the stroller’s tray and the seat bottom. This voluntary standard requires larger stroller openings that prevent infant entrapment and strangulation hazards.

Graco sold these strollers at AAFES, Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Fred Meyer, Meijers, Navy Exchange, Sears, Target, Wal-Mart and other stores nationwide between November 2000 and December 2007 for between $90 and $190 for the strollers, and between $190 and $250 for travel systems. Consumers by also have purchased these second hand at thrift stores, garage sales or other used merchandise source.

Consumers can determine if their stroller is under recall by finding the model number on a label at the lower portion of the rear frame, just above the rear wheels or underneath the stroller and comparing it to the chart below.

Consumers who determine their stroller is on the recall list should contact Graco at (877) 828-4046 or visit the company website for a free repair kit.

In January 2010, Graco recalled 1.5 million Graco Passage, Alano and Spree Strollers and Travel Systems due to fingertip amputation and laceration hazards.