We have some bad news and we have some good news. Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: If are the proud owner of a Graco stroller, you’ll want to check the model and make sure it’s not one of 1.5 million units affected by what some are calling the largest recall in American history. If it is, you’ll want to stop using it immediately.
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), three different Graco stroller models — the Passage, Alano and Spree — are being recalled over concerns about uncovered hinges on the canopy. The really bad news is that the exposed hinges have already caused seven severe injuries to toddlers who have gotten their little fingers caught when the canopy was being open or closed.
The strollers in question were sold between October 2004 and February 2008 at places like Target, Wal-Mart, Babies ‘R’ Us, Toys ‘R’ US, Kmart and Sears for anywhere between $80 and $200. If you inherited your kid’s stroller or bought it second-hand, you’ll want to double check that it’s not included on the recall, too.
If you’re not sure what make your stroller is, check the model number and manufacture date on the lower inside portion of the rear frame just above the rear wheels and see if it matches any of the model numbers listed in the chart below:
Now here’s the good news: If you do have one of the problem strollers, all you have to do is order a repair kit from Graco online here or by calling 800-345-4109. Parents can expect to receive the kit within two weeks (a long time to go without a stroller, but certainly worth the wait.) Check out the video at the bottom of this post for instructions on how to fix the problem once you have the proper tools.
So aside from the obvious (precious cargo!) why is this such a huge deal (business disaster)? Well, according to Kaitlin Stanford, editor of TheBump.com, a Web site for expectant mothers, “Graco is like the Toyota of strollers” and has a reputation for being safe, dependable and economical.
“Most parents are up in arms for the sheer fact of why the recall is happening. It’s in response to seven different reports of fingertip amputations and lacerations (all of which were to children),” Stanford told Tonic. “These injuries were all caused by the canopy hinges catching fingers in them when the canopy was opened or closed.”
The really good news is that the CPSC exists to help keep kids and adults safe from faulty or problem products of all kinds.
“It’s their job to determine whether these are just isolated incidents or the result of a problem that has the potential to be more far-reaching,” said Stanford. “Then the CPSC will put out a press release, which is how so many news media outlets and parenting websites are so quick to pick up the stories.”
In this case, we’re hopeful the media blitz will help keep any future kids from getting hurt.
Photo courtesy of Graco.