Graco strollers causing amputations; company issues recall

Graco

Baby products manufacturer Graco has recalled 11 stroller models that can amputate children's fingers. 

Graco issued the recall on Thursday, and 4.9 million strollers in North America are affected. 

The company has received 11 reports of finger injuries resulting from a faulty folding hinge on the sides of the affected Graco and Century-brand  strollers. 

Six fingertip amputations have been reported, as well as four partial amputations, and one fingertip laceration. The affected models are: Aspen, Breeze, Capri, Cirrus, Glider, Kite, LiteRider, Sierra, Solara, Sterling, and TravelMate. All models are single-occupancy with an external sliding fold-lock.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 4.7 million faulty strollers were sold in the United States, 202,000 in Canada, and about 10,300 in Mexico. The products were manufactured between August 2000 and September 2014, and sold by major retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target for $40-$170, depending on the model. 

Graco stated that as soon as the hinge failure was discovered, the CPSC was notified. 

"While these injuries are unfortunate, the injury rate is 2.3 injuries per million strollers sold," the company said in a statement.  

Owners of the recalled strollers are encouraged to contact Graco for a repair kit, available in early December. In the interim, users should ensure that the hinges are locked before placing a child inside, and should remove the child immediately if the stroller begins to fold. 

Graco is a Newell Rubbermaid brand, and is based in Atlanta. 

Contact Graco Children's Products at (800) 345-4109 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit gracobaby.com for more information