The week’s news in product safety…
Graco recalls 2 million strollers after four infant deaths
Hazard: If babies are not properly strapped in, they can fall through the gap between the seat and the tray, or their necks can fall against the tray causing entrapment and strangulation.
Incidents/Injuries: Four deaths, five reports of entrapment resulting in cuts and bruises and also one report of an infant who experienced difficulty breathing while in the stroller.
Description: The recall includes Quattro and MetroLite Strollers and Stroller Travel Systems. For a complete list of model numbers, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11015.html. They are printed on a label near the lower portion of the back frame just above the back wheels or underneath the stroller.
Where you bought them: Large retail stores between November 2000 and December 2007. The stroller ran $90 to $190, and the travel system ran $190 to $250.
What to do: Stop using the strollers and contact Graco for a free repair kit. The entrapment and strangulation hazards posed by the space gap are not present. They can be reached at 877-828-4046 or at gracobaby.com.
Dollar Tree recalls projection flashlights due to burn hazard
Hazard: The batteries and the bulb on the flashlight can overheat and may burn children’s skin.
Incidents/Injuries: No injuries have been reported, but there have been two incidents, one in which the flashlight battery caught on fire and one in which the flashlight melted.
Description: The flashlights come in the styles of Wolverine, Spiderman and Iron Man 2. They are about six inches long and have five different covers with images that can be projected onto a wall or ceiling. The back of the package has the numbers: 16879-20012-003-1003 and UPC 6 39277 16879 5.
Where you bought them: Dollar Tree stores nationwide from August 2010 for $1.
What to do: Return the flashlight to the store of purchase for a full refund. Contact Dollar Tree at 800-876-8077, or visit their website at dollartree.com.
“Lollytogs Infant Overalls recalled due to choking hazard
Hazard: The snaps on the Infant Overalls can come loose and pose a choking risk for babies.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall involves red and brown Carhartt overalls sold in infant sizes three through 24 months. The Carhartt logo is sewn on the front of the overalls and style numbers GG8500 and GG8501 can be found in the label sewn into the sleeve.
Where you bought it: JRetailers nationwide from February 2010 to July 2010 for $25.
What to do: Return the overalls to the store of purchase for a full refund. Lollytogs can be reached at 800-637-9035, or visit their website at ltapparel.com.
Munchkin bath toys recalled due to injury hazard
Hazard: The intake valve on the submarine bath toy can suck up lose skin which poses a threat to children.
Incidents/Injuries: 19 incidents of lacerations to boys’ genitals, including one which required medical attention.
Description: The submarine toy is battery-operated, yellow with turquoise windows, a smiling face and an orange propeller and periscope on top. The periscope turns the toy on and off. The intake valve is located on the bottom of the submarine and sucks in water used to propel it forward.
Where you bought it: Mass retail and children’s retail stores nationwide from November 2009 to September 2010 for $7.
What to do: Munchkin is providing a free replacement toy, so consumers should contact the company for return instructions. Call Munchkin at 877-242-3134, or visit their website at munchkin.com.
