CPSC, Graco Announce Recall of Infant Swings

Affected

Graco is offering a free, new safety restraint to replace the old restraint systems of swings made before November 1997. These new restraints will upgrade older swings. The restraint systems on the older swings consist of a waist belt only and a hinged or removable tray, which serves as a restraint.. The safety restraint kit comes with instructions and can be installed easily. The new safety system has a buckle that assures the crotch strap is used each time the waist belt is buckled, so that infants are securely fastened into the swings.

The file

Sold at

Mass merchandise, juvenile products and major discount stores nationwide sold the Graco swings through approximately January 1998, for between $70 to about $120.

Product type

Swings (Baby/Cradle)

Made in

Not stated

Recalled by

Graco Children's Products Inc., of Elverson, Pa.

Incident log

There have been six deaths. These occurred when parts were missing or the restraints were not used and infants slid down the swings' seats and became tangled in the restraints. In five instances, the swings were second-hand. Of 209 incidents, 181 were reports of infants falling from the swing. In nine of the falls, infants suffered serious injuries including bone fractures and concussions. Twenty-two infants were caught at the neck or chest.

What the notice says to do

Consumers should stop using the swings immediately. To receive the free safety restraint, consumers should call Graco. Consumers should have the swing in front of them when they call so that Graco can determine if the swing needs the new safety restraint.

Consumers may call Graco at (800) 345-4109 anytime. Consumers may also write to Customer Affairs, Graco Children's Products Inc., P.O. Box 100, Elverson, PA 19520.