The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced that Graco Children’s Products Inc. is recalling approximately 2 million Quattro Tour and MetroLite baby strollers due to the risk of infant strangulation and entrapment. A Los Angeles Times article states the safety alert was released after the CPSC received reports of four infant strangulation deaths, five infants having suffered cuts and bruises, and one infant experiencing difficulty breathing from the baby strollers.
Consumers are being advised to stop using Quattro Tour and MetroLite baby strollers immediately and to call Graco toll-free at (877) 828-4046 or contact them at their website for a free repair kit. An entire list of the recalled strollers and their model numbers can be viewed here. Model numbers can be found on a label at the lower portion of the rear frame above the rear wheels or underneath the stroller.
The deaths connected to the recalled Graco strollers occurred when infants became trapped in the leg opening of the stroller under the tray. According to the article, infants younger than 12 months old in particular are in danger of having their heads or necks caught between the stroller tray and seat bottom if they are not strapped in correctly. The Quattro Tour and MetroLite strollers included in the recall were purchased mainly through November 2000 and December 2007 and at stores such as Navy Exchange, AAFES, Meijers, Burlington Coat Factory, Kmart, Babies R Us, Fred Meyer, Sears, Target and Walmart.
The CPSC safety alert states that the recalled children’s products include older models of the Graco Quattor Tour and MetroLite strollers manufactured before the January 2008 implementation of a voluntary industry standard which requires larger openings between the stroller’s tray and the seat bottom to help limit the risk of infant entrapment and strangulation.
Manufacturers of children’s products, such as strollers, cribs, toys, and clothing, are responsible for designing and manufacturing products that are not dangerous and will not pose risk of injury or death. At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our stroller recall injury attorneys have the resources and knowledge to help consumers hold negligent manufacturers liable. To learn more about how we can protect your legal rights, call 877-800-1700 today for a free consultation or visit www.psblaw.com.
