A stroller is an essential tool for parents with young children. They make travel easier and allow families to get from one place to another with speed and convenience, while also providing protection. Unfortunately, strollers can also pose risks if they are used incorrectly or have been designed or manufactured improperly.
According to Consumer Reports, there are many strollers on the market that put children at risk, especially for strangulation. Between the years of 2006 to 2009, five child deaths were caused by defective strollers. These incidents included one seven month old baby placed in a stroller for a nap – something parents of young children do all the time when out and about. Tragically, despite receiving prompt medical attention, the child did not survive.
In response to the reports of injuries, some stroller manufacturers issued voluntary recalls. However, recalls are only effective if parents know of them before an incident occurs that harms their child.
Century and Graco Stroller Recalls
In 2014, there were nearly five million strollers recalled from the brands Century and Graco. These recalls were in response to children requiring amputation of their fingers after getting them stuck in the hinges of their strollers. The Graco recall was announced by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission after nearly a dozen reports were filed concerning finger injuries. At least six of the children required fingertip amputation and four required partial fingertip amputation.
According to the recall, these strollers pose a laceration and amputation hazard because children are able to reach the sliding fold-lock hinge on either side of the stroller. If children slide their hands down the sides of the strollers where the hinge is located, it’s possible for them to engage the lock with their finger inside the hinge.
There were a combined 11 Graco and Century strollers included in the recall. Estimates show nearly five million of the strollers in use in the United States, Canada, and Mexico at the time of the recall.
In response to the issues with Graco strollers, the company offered da free repair kit. Consumers that own the strollers affected by 2014 recall are encouraged to use extreme care when using the product and to remove children from the stroller immediately if they notice folding hinges.
Earlier that same year, Britax recalled several of its strollers because of amputation risk. According to one report submitted to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a stroller snapped down on a customer’s hand resulting in a broken finger and severe lacerations. An investigation into the safety of Britax strollers revealed there is a risk for this occurring when the release button is pressed while pulling on the strap.
Roll-Away Stroller Hazards Also a Problem
In addition to hazards related to lacerations and amputation of the fingers, and strangulation issues, several strollers have also been recalled because they are linked to roll-away hazards. The Graco Ready2Grow Classic Connect strollers were placed on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Don’t Buy: Safety Risk list in 2014 because of this hazard following its evaluation of the stroller’s braking mechanism.
The investigation found the plastic teeth brake is insufficient for keeping the strollers stationary when tested with a child weighing 35 to 40 pounds on an 18 degree incline.
New Safety Standards for Strollers
Following these incidents, the Consumer Product Safety Commission passed new stroller safety standards on March 4th 2014, adding new requirements for stroller and carriage design, manufacturing, testing, and labeling. These requirements went into effect in late 2015 and addressed a variety of risks, including the potential for head entrapment with adjustable grab bar strollers, broken wheels, parking brakes, locking mechanisms, structural integrity and stability, restraint issues, and hinge issues.
Some strollers feature a space between the tray and the seat that might be too large and allow a child’s torso to slide through while keeping the head in the stroller, which poses a strangulation risk. Caregivers are reminded to never leave a child unattended inside a stroller, and to always use the harness system to strap the baby safely in the stroller. Although strollers are supposed to be safe even if the child is unstrapped, this safety feature is important.
Our goal is to keep parents and caregivers informed about the latest recall information and the general dangers associated with strollers. And when necessary, we want to provide guidance concerning the legal options that could be available should a child be injured because of a stroller defect.