It’s a sad, sad day when a consumer product recall is prompted by actual bodily harm and not just a potential. I’m sad to report that Graco Children’s Products Inc. is recalling its Quattro(tm) and MetroLite(tm) Strollers due to the risk of entrapment and strangulation. In this case, four infants have died from strangulation and it sickens my heart to report that.
Graco is recalling 2 million strollers. Between 2003 and 2005 four deaths, five entrapment reports and one difficult breathing event have been reported.
“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.”
The strollers were sold at the following outlets between 2000 and 2007:
- AAFES,
- Babies R Us,
- Burlington Coat Factory,
- Fred Meyer,
- Kmart,
- Meijers,
- Navy Exchange,
- Sears,
- Target,
- Walmart and
- other outlets
The models involved are:
Quattro Stroller, $100-$190, Distributed Between Nov 2002 – Dec 2007:
35735, 35759, 7111ASB, 7111BKW, 7111CLN, 7111CUN, 7111DIA, 7111HEA, 7111HIG, 7111LAG, 7111KSH, 7112CNP, 7112MTR, 7113CJR, 7113CMR, 7113COT, 7119GGG, 7119WSR, 7121MAY, 7125QST, 7126RNS, 7127LEG, 7132RXY, 7134SMB, 7138RNS
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Quattro Stroller Travel System, $200-$250, Distributed Between Oct 2002 – Oct 2007:
35760, 7411ATR, 7411BGN, 7411BGN2, 7411BLB, 7411KBK, 7411KBK2, 7411LV, 7411MCH, 7411MCH2, 7411MLY, 7411MLY2, 7419LIM, 7419LIM2, 7419OWD2, 7B00BDA, 7B00DRB, 7B00KAS, 7B01MNS, 7B03CST2, 7B03LTC2, 7B03TFE2
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MetroLite Stroller, $90-$190, Distributed Between Nov 2000 – Dec 2007:
1104, 1240, 6110DW, 6110F3, 6110S7, 6110TS7, 6111FKB, 6111VIN, 6113SCR, 6114HAV, 6114JAM, 6114LAG, 6114NGS, 6116NRF, 6120SHL, 6121CJG, 6121CNP, 6121GGG, 6121MTR, 6123EME, 6124LRD, 6125SMB, 6J01DAI, 6J01HRL, 6J03RIT, 6J04JEN, 6J05MIN
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MetroLite Travel System, $190-$250, Distributed Between Dec 2000 – June 2005:
1070, 7000KSB, 7308DEL, 7308DEL2, 7308DEL4, 7308TYR, 7308TYR2, 7406PLT, 7408MRT, 7409GRG, 7410CON, 7413CML, 7413MRN, C7413CML
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“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.”
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Stop using the recalled products immediately. You can contact Graco for free repair kits. (Graco toll-free at (877) 828-4046 anytime) or check things out at www.gracobaby.com. It’s being reported that despite the recall, you can continue to use the strollers as a “travel system,” as in the infant car seat mode. In this configuration the hazards they’re concerned about are not present.
For additional information, consumers can contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11015.html
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