Graco Recalls Stollers Due to Risk of Fingertip Amputation

Graco is recalling approximately 1.5 million strollers due to the risk of fingertip amputation, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The reason for the massive Graco stroller recallwas the risk of fingertip amputation for young children when the canopy is being opened. Seven injuries were reported to the manufacturer, including 5 fingertip amputations. Consumers can call Graco at (800) 345-4109 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time to obtain a protective cover for the affected hinge.

Which Graco Stollers Are Subject To Recall?

Graco's Passage, Alano and Spree strollers are subject to this recall. A complete list of affected model numbers can be found in the CPSC press release, which also includes helpful pictures of the hazardous hinge.

The affected strollers have a plastic, jointed hinge and were sold in many retail stores including Walmart, Kmart, Sears, Target, Toys R Us/Babies R Us, Fred Meyer, and Meijers. Navy Exchange and AAFES stores on military bases are also included in the list of retailers who may have sold these recalled strollers. Consumers who purchased a Graco stroller between 2004 and 2009 are urged to check their stroller for recall.

With so many recalls in recent months, including a similar recall for MacLaren strollers and a just announced Dorel Asia Crib recall, as reported by Carol Bengle Gilbert, what can parents do to stay on top of product recalls?

Tip 1: Register Your Baby Products

Registering your baby products either online or by mail is worth the investment in case of recall. Manufacturers will know that you purchased the item and will be able to contact you by email or mail to alert you to the recall.

Tip 2: Keep An Eye on Bulletin Boards

Retailers who may have sold a recalled products generally put a notice up on their bulletin board. For Toys R Us, this is generally situated in the entrance way. If you are a parent of young children, make a habit of checking out the bulletin boards on your way into the store.

Tip 3: Subscribe to Receive CPSC Alerts

This is an easy way to help keep parents aware of recalls. Visit www.cpsc.gov and follow the link in the yellow box to sign up for CPSC announcements. I highly recommend this option since it doesn't take much time to scan their emails for products you may own.

Tip 4: Be Wary of Yard Sales/Second Hand Stores

Not everyone follows recall notices and that cheap crib or stroller at a yard sale may be on a recall list. Shop smart and arm yourself with recall knowledge if you are in the market for used children's items.

Tip 5: Spread the Word

While in Disney, I noted an English family who had a MacLaren stroller. They were aware of the US recall of certain MacLaren strollers, but had not gotten notice of it in the UK. As a result of our conversation, the grandparents were going to check their stroller for a recall just in case. Share recall notices with friends and family if you think they may own a product. Alert day care or child care providers as well. Consumers who become aware of recall notices may wish to share them via social media such as Facebook and/or Twitter to help spread the word about the recall.

Sources:

CPSC recall notice for Graco Strollers (includes pictures of affected hinge)