Graco likes to say it is the "largest manufacturer of nursery products in the world." It and Little Tikes are part of Newell Rubbermaid Inc., of Atlanta.
No doubt Graco's a fine old firm but it has certainly had its share of recalls and other missteps in recent years, including a $4 million fine for dragging its feet in informing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of safety defects in its products.
From 1991 through 2002, Graco failed to report defects in juvenile products that the Commission said could create substantial product hazards or unreasonable risks of injury or death to young children.
According to the CPSC, the company failed to report hundreds of incidents and injuries involving 16 different products. The products, all used by young children, include infant carriers, high chairs, infant swings, strollers and toddler beds. The injuries range from contusions and fractures to strangulation (including some fatalities).
