Baby Stroller Recalls

UPPAbaby of Hingham, Mass., is recalling about 79,000 UPPAbaby 2015 CRUZ , 2015 VISTA strollers and 2015 RumbleSeats in the U.S and Canada.

The strollers’ and RumbleSeats’ bumper bar poses a choking hazard when a child bites the bumper bar and removes a piece of the foam covering.

The company has received 22 reports of children biting off a piece of the bumper bar foam. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves 2015 CRUZ and 2015 VISTA strollers and 2015 RumbleSeats. The CRUZ strollers have an aluminum alloy grey or black frame with a black fabric toddler seat with a colored fabric sunshade canopy and a black basket under the seat. The UPPAbaby name and logo are printed on the side of the canopy and “CRUZ” is printed in white lettering on the handlebars of the stroller.

The VISTA strollers have grey or black aluminum frames, colored sunshade canopy and are made to hold one, two or up to three children. VISTA is printed in white lettering on the handlebars of the stroller and UPPAbaby is printed across the bottom diagonal rail of the stroller frame next to a black, fabric basket.

The RumbleSeat is a separate seat attachment that can be attached to the stroller frame. RumbleSeats have manufacture dates stamped on the bottom of the seat from September 2014 through May 2015. It comes in various colors and allows the child to ride rear facing, forward facing or reclined. All of the strollers and RumbleSeats have a foam bumper bar across the middle of the product for the child to hold.

The CRUZ and VISTA strollers with the following model and serial numbers are included in the recall:

The 2015 VISTA strollers have model number 0101 printed on a sticker on the lower crossbar frame. They also have the following serial number printed on a sticker with a barcode below the rear axle of the stroller frame on the left:

The strollers and RumbleSeats, manufactured in China, were sold at BuyBuy Baby and other juvenile product retailers nationwide and online at Amazon.com from December 2014, through July 2015, for about $500 for the CRUZ stroller, $860 for the VISTA stroller and $170 for the RumbleSeat.

Consumers should immediately remove and stop using the bumper bar on these recalled strollers and RumbleSeats and contact the firm to receive a free bumper bar cover and warning label.

Consumers may contact UPPAbaby customer service toll-free at (844) 540-8694 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, or by email at contact@uppababy.com.

Graco Children’s Products of Atlanta, Ga., is recalling nearly 5 million children's strollers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The folding hinge on the sides of the stroller can pinch a child’s finger, posing a laceration or amputation hazard.

The company has received 11 reports of finger injuries including 6 reports of fingertip amputation, 4 reports of partial-fingertip amputation and 1 finger laceration.

This recall includes eleven Graco and Century-branded strollers. All models are a single-occupant stroller with an external sliding fold-lock hinge on each side and a one-hand fold release mechanism on the handle.

Strollers with a manufacture date from August 1, 2000 to September 25, 2014 are included in the recall. Model numbers and the date of manufacture are printed on the white label located at the bottom of the stroller leg just above the rear wheel.

The model names and numbers included in the recall are:

The strollers, manufactured in China, were sold at Target, Toys R Us, Walmart and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com and other online retailers from August 2000, through November 2014, for about $40-70 for the stroller and about $140-$170 for the Travel System.

Consumers should contact Graco immediately for a free repair kit. Repair kits will be available from the firm at the beginning of December 2014. While waiting for a repair kit, caregivers should exercise extreme care when unfolding the stroller to be certain that the hinges are firmly locked before placing a child in the stroller. Caregivers are advised to immediately remove the child from a stroller that begins to fold to keep their fingers from the side hinge area.

Consumers may contact Graco Children’s Products at (800) 345-4109 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.  

Tray Vous LLC of San Diego, Calif., is recalling about 860 Tray Vous snack and activity trays with connectors in the U.S. and Canada.

The opening between the recalled tray and stroller seat bottom allows an unharnessed child’s body to pass through, but could trap a child’s head, posing a strangulation hazard.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Tray Vous snack and activity trays, which have connectors that fit into strollers. The three-piece units include a black plastic tray with a cup holder, a left connector and a right connector.

The tray measures about 15 inches wide by 6 inches deep by .75 inches thick. The left and right plastic connectors measure about 4 inches long by 1.75 inches wide by .75 inches thick and are used to connect the tray to the stroller’s base.

“Tray Vous” and “Patent Approved US7942437B2” are printed on a sticker underneath the tray.

The trays, manufactured in China and Taiwan, were sold at Dainty Baby in Brooklyn, N.Y., and other juvenile product stores nationwide and online at daintybaby.com, mystroller.com, pacifier.com and trayvous.com from May 2011, through June 2012, for about $50.

Consumers should immediately remove the recalled trays and connectors from strollers and contact Tray Vous to receive a free replacement tray and connectors.

Consumers may contact Tray Vous at (800) 281-6483 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has signed off on a new federal mandatory standard intended to improve the safety of infant’s and children’s carriages and strollers.

In case you didn't know, there are official differences between strollers and carriages:

• A stroller is a wheeled vehicle used to transport children, usually from infancy to 36 months old. Children are transported generally sitting up or in a semi-reclined position by a person pushing on a handle attached to the stroller.
• Carriages are wheeled vehicles made to transport an infant, usually in a position lying down.

Carriages and strollers within the scope of the new standard include full-size 2D strollers that fold in front-to-back (or back-to-front) and 3D strollers that fold in front-to-back (or back-to-front), as well as side-to-side directions, travel systems (including car seats), tandem, side-by-side, multi-occupant and jogging strollers.

What's covered

The new standard incorporates by reference the most recent voluntary standard developed by ASTM International (ASTM F833-13b), Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Carriages and Strollers, with a modification to address head entrapment hazards associated with multi-positional/adjustable grab bars.

In addition, the new safety standard addresses hazards associated with strollers reported to the agency, including:

• Hinge issues that have resulted in pinched, cut, or amputated fingers or arms;
• Broken and detached wheels;
• Parking brake failures;
• Locking mechanism problems;
• Restraint issues, such as a child unbuckling the restraint and restraint breakage or detachment;
• Structural integrity; and
• Stability.

Consumer complaints

CPSC has received about 1,300 incident reports related to strollers reported from January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2013. Four of those incidents involved a fatality.

ConsumerAffairs has also heard from consumers unhappy with the strollers they purchased.

"I purchased an Evenflo Discovery Travel System for my daughter for ease of use taking her from the car and placing it on the stroller," writes Linda of Waco, Texas. "The wheels are constantly falling off whether I am putting the stroller away, or taking it out. The wheels also fall off if I am lifting the stroller up to put on the curb."

Kasey of Rutland, Vt., says she was pushing her 10-month-old daughter in a Cosco stroller and "out of nowhere the stroller broke. When this happened," she continues in a ConsumerAffairs post, "my daughter was sitting in it and her hand got caught in it, her hand got cut and it was twice its size so I took pictures of it and brought her to the doctor. Luckily its not broken and no serious damage."

The effective date for the mandatory carriage and stroller standard is 18 months after the final rule is published in the Federal Register.

Baby Jogger of Richmond, Va., is recalling about 30,000 car seat adaptors for strollers on the U.S. and Canada.

The car seat adaptor support bars can fail, posing a fall hazard to children.  The company has received 47 reports of the car seat adaptor supports bars failing and car seats falling to the floor. Reports include two injured infants with bruises to the head and toes.

The car seat adaptors come in three models and are used to secure a variety of infant car seats onto Baby Jogger strollers. The “Single” model fits all single strollers, the “Double” works only on double strollers and the “Select/Versa” fits Select and Versa strollers.  The car seat adaptors consist of two U-shaped, black, aluminum support bars and two black plastic adaptors that allow the support bars to attach onto the stroller. Black nylon straps secure the car seat to the adaptor on the stroller. The black support bars are labeled A and B.  The A support bar is the larger of the two U-shaped bars and has a red plastic tip with 10 holes.

Newer models have only four holes and are not being recalled. The model number is located on the lower right hand corner of the original package and the manufacturing date can be found on a sticker on the bottom of the package.

The adaptors, manufactured in China, were sold at Buy Buy Baby and other juvenile product stores nationwide and at albeebaby.com, amazon.com, buybuybaby.com, diapers.com and other online retailers from June 2012 through June 2013 for about $60 for the single adaptor and $100 for the double adaptor.

Consumers should immediately stop using their car seat adaptor and contact Baby Jogger for free replacement support bars.   

Consumers may contact Baby Jogger toll-free at (877) 506-2213 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET , or email recall@babyjogger.com.

Kolcraft Enterprises, of Chicago, Ill., is recalling more than 96,000 Kolcraft Jeep Liberty strollers

The inner tube of the tire on the stroller can rupture causing the wheel rim to fracture and fly off as a projectile, posing a risk of bodily injury and property damage.

There have been 39 reports of inner tube ruptures causing the wheel rim to fracture and fly off as a projectile. Of these, 18 included reports of injury, with 14 occurring while adult caregivers were filling the tire with air. Two children received lacerations to their chin or leg while standing near the stroller and 16 adults received abrasions, contusions and/or lacerations to their arms, legs, stomach or head/face. Two of the reports included property damage.

The recall includes Jeep Liberty branded strollers with model numbers starting with JL031, JL032, JL034, JL035 or JL036 manufactured between June 2010, and September 2011. The model number and date of manufacture are printed on a white tag on the rear upper center of each seatback pad.

The three-wheeled strollers were sold in different color fabric combinations with a metal black and silver frame including: green seat and canopy; gray seat and canopy with a teal blue stripe across the center of the canopy; orange seat and canopy with a tan stripe; tan seat and canopy with yellow stripe across the center top of the canopy; and tan seat and canopy with an orange canopy rim.

“Jeep” is printed on the side of the stroller and on the front of the stroller tray. There is a plastic red toy steering wheel, ignition key and orange shift lever mounted on a yellow base attached to the stroller tray. If your stroller wheels have a gray triangle located on the rim at the valve stem, they are NOT included in this recall.

The strollers, manufactured in China, were sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Sears and Toys R Us nationwide, online and at other mass market and independent juvenile specialty stores from June 2010, through June 2013, for between $150 and $180.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact the company to receive free replacement wheels. Consumers should use a manual bicycle pump to inflate stroller tires to a maximum of 30 p.s.i. Do not use gas station air pumps to inflate stroller tires.

Consumers may contact Kolcraft at (800) 453-7673 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.  

You wouldn't think that that a baby stroller would be all that dangerous, would you? They are though.

In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that from 2008 through 2012, there were 1,200 stroller-related incidents, including four fatalities and nearly 360 injuries.

After reviewing these figures, CPSC staff recommended a new rule to create a federal safety standard for strollers -- a rule that commission has approved unanimously.

The proposed standard incorporates the published voluntary ASTM F833-13 standard, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Carriages and Strollers, with one modification. The modification would require the addition of language in the standard to address scissoring, shearing, and pinching hazards associated with folding or foldable strollers.

CPSC staff believes that the standard, the be published in the Federal Resgister, will help reduce the risks associated with the majority of the hazard patterns identified in reviewing the stroller incidents.

Incidents and injuries

Hazard patterns found in strollers include:

• wheel breakage and detachment;
• parking brake and lock mechanism failures;
• hinge issues;
• structural integrity issues;
• entrapment;
• car seat attachment;
• canopy issues; and
• handlebar failures.

Reported injuries include:

• finger amputations on folding hinges and canopy hinges;
• falls due to wheel detachment or parking brake issues;
• injuries due to stroller collapse;
• head entrapment in openings of travel systems; and
• falls due to a child unbuckling the restraint harnesses.

The proposed rule would also help address finger injuries associated with the folding hinges on folding or foldable strollers. Various stroller types, such as travel systems, carriages, tandem, side-by-side, multi-occupant, and jogging strollers would be covered by the standard.

CPSC staff is recommending that the mandatory standard for strollers become effective 18 months following publication of the final rule in the Federal Register.

The proposed rule has a 75-day public comment period. Comments will be able to be posted directly on www.Regulations.gov.

iCandy America of Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling about 830 Cherry model strollers.

The opening between the bumper bar and seat bottom of the stroller can allow an infant’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children when a child is not harnessed. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall includes the iCandy Cherry stroller only in the colors Fudge (light-medium brown) and Liquorice (red and black). The iCandy Cherry stroller system has a telescopic folding frame where a seat, bassinet or infant carrier car seat can be placed.

The seat unit features three recline positions, adjustable footrest, 5-point safety harness, removable canopy and removable bumper bar. There is a printed white cherry logo on the rear of the seat unit. A label can be found under the basket fabric on the frame tubing that supports the lower basket on the following recalled models:

Consumers should immediately remove the bumper bar from the strollers and contact iCandy America to receive a free replacement bumper bar. Consumers can continue to use the strollers while awaiting the replacement bumper bar.

The strollers, manufactured in China, were sold at Buy Buy Baby and other juvenile product stores nationwide and online from October 2009, through December 2012 ,for about $400.

Consumers may contact iCandy America toll-free at (877) 484-4179 anytime or by email at info@icandyamerica.com.

Bugaboo Americas of El Segundo, Calif., is recalling about 10,000 Bugaboo Cameleon3 strollers.

The stroller’s carrying handle can break and detach, posing a fall hazard. The company has received 16 reports of carry handles breaking. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the Bugaboo Cameleon3 strollers. The stroller has an aluminum and plastic frame with rubberized wheels, a removable seat and bassinet, a removable “U”-shaped carry handle, an under-the-seat storage bag and a sun canopy. The bassinet, seat and sun canopy come in a variety of colors. The removable carry handle is used to transport the bassinet or seat separately from the chassis. The words “Bugaboo” and “Cameleon3” appear on a fabric tag on the side of the sun canopy.

Strollers included in the recall have serial numbers from 19010 11153 00001 to 19010 51248 00215. Serial numbers are printed on a horizontal bar of the stroller’s chassis beneath the seat.

The strollers, manufactured in China, were sold at Buy Buy Baby, Toys R Us and other baby product stores nationwide, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, online and other online retailers from September 2012 to March 2013 for between $889 and $1,600.

Consumers should immediately remove the carry handle from the stroller’s bassinet or seat and contact Bugaboo for a free replacement handle. While awaiting the replacement handle, consumers can continue to use the seat or bassinet when attached to the chassis but should not attempt to use the seat or bassinet separate from the chassis.

Consumers may contact Bugaboo Americas at (800) 460-2922, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or by e-mail at serviceus@bugaboo.com.

Mutsy USA of Newark, NJ, is recalling about 340 EVO strollers

The opening between the grab bar and seat bottom of the stroller can allow an infant’s body to pass through and become entrapped at the neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children who are not harnessed.

This recall includes EVO strollers manufactured between February 2012 and November 2012 with the following model numbers: MT12-03, MT12-11, MT12-14, MT12-31, MT12-34, MT12-37, MT12-39, MT12-42, MT12-43 and MT12-48.

The model number and date code can be found underneath the stroller seat on a white sticker. The strollers have black or silver-colored metal frames with brown, navy blue, black, or white seats. “EVO” is printed on the lower back frame of the stroller. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

The strollers, manufactured in China, were sold at juvenile product stores nationwide and Websites including www.amazon.com between April 2012 and December 2012 for about $400.

Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and contact Mutsy USA to receive a free replacement seat unit and grab bar.

Consumers may contact Mutsy USA toll-free at (877) 546-9230 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or by e-mail at usa@mutsy.nl.

Unique Baby Products USA, d/b/a ValcoBaby, of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling about 975 ValcoBaby "Joey" booster toddler seats for strollers.

The spring button mechanism securing the booster toddler seat to the baby stroller can disengage, allowing for the carried toddler to fall. The company has received two reports of a child falling from the booster toddler seat after it disengaged from the stroller. No injuries were reported.

The product is a booster toddler seat, both single and twin, designed to attach to Valco "Tri-Mode" and "Zee" strollers. Only booster seats with batch numbers 3111, 7819, 7822 and 7831 and model number TOD1058, TOD9109 and ZEE0649 are included in the recall. The batch and model numbers are printed on a label attached to the product frame. The seats have a black color fabric seat on white metal base frame.

The booster toddler seat, manufactured in China, was sold in various juvenile product stores, Websites and the firm's Website from June 2011 through June 2012 for between $80 and $100.

Consumers should stop using these toddler booster seats immediately and contact ValcoBaby to arrange for a free replacement attachment mechanism.

For additional information, consumers may contact ValcoBaby at (800) 610-7850 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email recall@valcobaby.com

Peg Perego USA Inc., of Fort Wayne, IN, is recalling about 223,000 strollers due to a risk of entrapment and strangulation. 

A 6-month-old baby boy from Tarzana, Calif. died of strangulation after his head was trapped between the seat and the tray of his Peg Perego stroller in 2004. Another baby, a 7-month-old girl from New York, N.Y., nearly strangled when her head became trapped between the seat and the tray of her stroller in 2006. 

Entrapment and strangulation can occur, especially to infants younger than one year of age, when the child is not harnessed. An infant can pass through the opening between the stroller tray and seat bottom, but his/her head and neck can become entrapped by the tray. Infants who become entrapped at the neck are at risk of strangulation. 

The recall involves two different older versions of the Peg Perego strollers -- Venezia and Pliko-P3 -- manufactured between January 2004 and September 2007, in a variety of colors. 

They were manufactured prior to the existence of the January 2008 voluntary industry standard that addresses the height of the opening between the stroller's tray and the seat bottom. The voluntary standard requires larger stroller openings that prevent infant entrapment and strangulation hazards. 

Only strollers that have a child tray with one cup holder are part of this recall. Strollers with a bumper bar in front of the child or a tray with two cup holders are not included in this recall. 

The following Venezia and Pliko-P3 stroller model numbers that begin with the following numbers are included in this recall. The model number is printed on a white label on the back of the Pliko P-3's stroller seat and on the Venezia stroller's footboard.

"Peg Perego" and "Venezia" or "Pliko-P3" are printed on the side of the strollers. 

The strollers were sold at various retailers nationwide, including Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby from January 2004 through September 2010 for between $270 and $330 for the Pliko P-3 stroller and between $350 and $450 for the Venezia stroller. They were manufactured in Italy. 

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact the firm for a free repair kit. Do not return the stroller to the retailers as they will not be able to provide the repair kit. 

For additional information, call Peg Perego at (888) 734-6020 anytime or visit the firm's Website.

These strollers may be available on the secondhand market, in thrift stores or at yard sales. Consumers should not buy or sell these recalled strollers until the repair kit is installed. 

Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., of Chicago, IL, is recalling about 5,600 Contours Options LT Tandem Strollers. 

The front wheel assembly can break, posing a fall hazard to the child in the stroller. In addition, for strollers manufactured in January and February 2012, the nuts that hold the stroller's basket support screws in place can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. 

Kolcraft has received six reports of front caster wheels breaking and two reports of the basket's support screws and nuts detaching. No injuries have been reported. 

The recall involves all Contours Options LT tandem strollers with model number ZT012. The model number and date of manufacture are printed on a label found on the rear leg of the stroller. The dual-seat strollers have one mesh basket beneath both seats and were sold in two color schemes; black with red canopies and accents, and gray with yellow canopies and accents. "Options LT" is printed on a bar along the side of the stroller. 

The strollers, manufactured in China, were sold at Burlington Coat Factory and juvenile product specialty stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Target.com and other online retailers between February 2012 and July 2012 for about $250. 

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact the company to receive free replacement wheels. Consumers with strollers manufactured in January and February 2012 will also receive replacement nuts for the basket support screws. 

For additional information, contact Kolcraft toll-free at (800) 453-7673 between 8 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET Friday, or visit the firm's Website. 

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

Kolcraft is recalling about 36,000 Contours Options three- and four-wheeled strollers. A child or consumer’s finger can become caught in the opening formed when locking and unlocking the hinge mechanism which is used to adjust the handlebars on the strollers. This presents an amputation and laceration hazard to children and the adults handling the stroller.

Kolcraft and federal safety regulators have received five reports of injuries involving the hinge mechanism, including reports of three children whose fingertips were amputated and two adults whose fingers were either smashed or lacerated.

This recall involves Kolcraft Contours Options three- and four-wheeled strollers. Strollers included in the recall have model numbers starting with ZL002, ZL005, ZL008, ZL015 and ZL018. On the ZL002 model, the model number and date of manufacture is printed on a sticker above the left wheel. On the ZL005, ZL008, ZL015 and ZL018 models, the model number and date of manufacture is printed on a label sewn into the edge of back of the stroller seat pad. The strollers were manufactured from January 2006 through November 2009 and sold in various color schemes.

Juvenile product specialty stores sold the strollers nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Target.com and ToysRUs.com from January 2006 and June 2012 for between $150 and $160. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact the company to receive a free repair kit.

For additional information, please contact Kolcraft at (800) 453-7673 between 8 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.kolcraft.com

The United States subsidiary of the company that makes Maclaren strollers has filed for bankruptcy, although affiliated companies outside the U.S. are apparently unaffected.

The high-priced strollers have been popular with upscale parents for years despite problems you'd normally expect from lower-priced merchandise: wheels breaking, strollers tipping over and, most notably, not one but two recalls because of fingertip amputations that occurred when infants' fingers became trapped in the hinge mechanism.

In the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, Maclaren USA lists liabilities of $15.9 million against assets of just $45,413.  Included among the creditors are at least seven families whose children suffered fingertip amputations and who were awarded damages in court, The New York Times reported.

The rest of Maclaren's global operations are apparently unaffected by the bankruptcy filing and, the Times noted, some of the liabilities listed in the filing are debts to other Maclaren entities.

A black eye

The Maclaren recalls were a black eye for the company.  The first recall, in 2009, affected more than one million strollers and was announced after 15 incidents, including 12 fingertip amputations in the U.S.

The recall was repeated in May 2011. By that time, the total number of incidents had grown to 149, including 37 additional injuries, five involving fingertip amputations.

Recalls are sometimes repeated when incidents continue to occur after an initial recall, as was the case with Maclaren.  This often happens when consumer products -- particuarly baby gear -- are donated or sold when a family's children outgrow them and the second generation of owners don't hear about the recall.

But in Maclaren's case, even consumers who tried to follow up on the recall were frustrated.

"I tried the link from the ConsumerAffairs website, consumer safety website, and the Maclaren USA website for recall. None of these links worked," Tim of North Hollywood, Calif., said last January. "Maclaren USA should be responsible for providing information about the recall to the public. How am I to get information about the recall and if my stroller is part of the recall if their website and recall tab is not working?"

Evette of North Brunswick, N.J., had a similar experience: "I have been trying to contact Maclaren concerning the hinge recal at there tool free number and their website. I cannot get through on either. How are we supposed to get the kit for the stroller? I cannot use a stroller that I paid almost $200 for."

Status symbol 

Maclaren was founded in Britain by Owen Maclaren in the 1960s.  The lightweight, collapsible baby buggies quickly became something of a status symbol in New York City and elsewhere despite complaints that they were prone to tip over and that the wheels weren't sturdy enough to stand up to New York's mean streets.

"I have a chocolate/pink Maclaren stroller and I have just about had it with it tipping over backwards with my 2 year-old in it," said Veronica of Chino, Calif. "I am confused and freaked out."

Jo of Brooklyn experienced the flimsy wheels problem fisthand. "Stroller back wheels became like hard flat bricks after one year of regular use toting my son his first year," she said.

Things turned out even worse for Caroline of New York.

"I was walking down the street with my two-year-old in his Quest and wheel snapped off! We fell down. Could not believe it. Nobody badly hurt but shocked. Carried toddler home with shopping -- had to leave stroller on sidewalk!"

MacLaren USA is repeating a recall of about one million strollers sold prior to November 2009.  The stroller's hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

Maclaren has received a total of 149 reported incidents with the strollers, including 37 reported injuries that occurred after the stroller was recalled in November 2009. These reported injuries include five additional fingertip amputations, 16 additional lacerations and 16 additional fingertip entrapments/bruising. At the time of the original recall, there were 15 incidents, including 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States.

This reannouncement involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers sold prior to November 2009. The word "Maclaren" is printed on the stroller. Maclaren strollers sold after May 2010 have a different hinge design and are not affected by this announcement.

Juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers sold the strollers nationwide from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360. They were made in China.

Consumers who have not installed the hinge covers should immediately contact Maclaren USA to receive the free repair kit.

Consumers who have not received or installed the hinge covers should contact Maclaren USA at hingecovers@maclaren-usa.com to obtain the free repair kit. Consumers also can call Maclaren toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

You might remember that, back in May, parents were complaining that the new Procter & Gamble's Pampers "Dry Max" diapers seemed to be associated with a particularly virulent diaper rash.

Far from pampering the upset parents, P&G basically called them liars. "For a number of weeks, Pampers has been a subject of growing but completely false rumors fueled by social media that its new Dry Max diaper causes rashes and other skin irritations," snapped Jodi Allen, P&G Vice President for Pampers.

Moving with its usual alacrity, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) looked into the matter and today issued its findings, namely: none.

"To date, the review has not identified any specific cause linking Dry Max diapers to diaper rash," the CPSC said in a statement on its Web site. But fear not, CPSC said it will "continue to evaluate consumer complaints related to Pampers Dry Max diapers and will provide parents with updated information if this assessment changes."

The agency said that from April through August 2010, it received nearly 4,700 incident reports about diaper rash. Nearly 85 percent of these complaints came in May and then dropped off significantly.

CPSC said it and its sister agency in Canada "considered certain characteristics of the diaper, including the materials used, the construction of the diaper, and heat and moisture retention issues." But, after its intensive probe, it found nothing.

So was it just mass hysteria? Or a calculated attempt by consumers to give P&G acute indigestion?

"While the investigation thus far does not find a link between the diapers and the health complaints received, CPSC recognizes the serious concerns expressed by parents. CPSC staff cannot rule out that there may exist a health concern for some babies, especially those babies that may be sensitive and develop rashes or other skin problems as a result of contact with the materials in this or other products," the agency's statement concluded.

Not quite over

But while P&G and the CPSC seem content to believe that complaints have "dropped off significantly," consumers continue to complain to ConsumerAffairs.com about the issue.

Just yesterday, Rosalind of Avondale, Ariz., reported that her grandson developed a rash after just three diaper changes with Pampers Cruisers.

"We have used Pampers for years but in comparing the new diapers to a few left over at home, we discovered that the new bag had a distinct chemical odor," Rosalind said.

Was Rosalind happy to find that P&G and her government have known about the problem since May? She was not.

"If they had taken these parents seriously, my grandson would not have experienced the trauma that he endured last night. I am outraged by the position P&G has taken and am committed to being heard on this matter. Someone has to stop big business from placing profits above people."

Maybe it's just a bad batch of diapers? Could be, but if so, it's certainly been widely distributed. Belinda wrote to us just last week from Elsburg, South Africa.

"I bought Pampers Premium for my babies and it burnt their little bums. So I bought Pampers Active Baby and it is so thin you could see they they were watering. I had to use two nappies so as not for them to wet themselves. This was the first time that this has happened as I only use Pampers," Belinda said.

Closer to home, Sarah of New Kensington, Pa., wrote:

"I had just bought a box of Pampers Swaddlers with Dry Max at my local Target. I have been using Swaddlers on my daughter since she was born 4 months prior to this incident with absolutely NO problems. When I went to Target that day I bought the "new" Dry Max swaddlers. Within 1 hour my daughter started doing this gasping sound for air, almost like she couldn't catch her breath.

Sarah said her daughter's condition deteriorated so rapidly that she rushed her to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.

"When we got there and went to check her rectal she had a severe chemical burn all over her entire bottom! From front to back. The rash was so bad and so painful it was causing her so much pain she couldn't breathe. I felt horrible and couldn't believe what had happened. I put a ton of Desitin on her bottom and discontinued using the swaddlers. Within 12 hours of discontinuing the swaddlers the burn was healing and her breathing was getting a lot better. "

Graco is recalling about 1.5 million Passage, Alano and Spree strollers and travel systems.

The hinges on the strollers canopy pose a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is opening or closing the canopy.

Graco has received seven reports of children placing their fingers in the strollers canopy hinge mechanism while the canopy was being opened or closed, resulting in five fingertip amputations and two fingertip lacerations.

This recall involves Graco Passage, Alano and Spree Strollers and Travel Systems with the following model numbers and specific hinge mechanisms:

Graco manufactured two different styles of hinge mechanisms for these stroller models. Only strollers or travel systems with a plastic, jointed hinge mechanism that has indented canopy positioning notches (see photo below) are included in this recall. The recalled strollers were manufactured between October 2004 and February 2008. The model number and manufacture date are located on the lower inside portion of the rear frame, just above the rear wheels.

The strollers were sold at AAFES, Burlington Coat Factory, Babies R Us, Toys R Us, Kmart, Fred Meyer, Meijers, Navy Exchange, Sears, Target, Walmart and other retailers nationwide from October 2004 and December 2009 for between $80 and $90 for the strollers and between $150 and $200 for the travel systems. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Graco to receive a free protective cover repair kit.

For additional information, contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.gracobaby.com

November 9, 2009
Maclaren USA is recalling about 1 million strollers following several reports of infants' fingertips being amputated by the hinge mechanism when the stroller is being unfolded.

The firm has received 15 reports of children placing their finger in the stroller's hinge mechanism, resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States. Consumers have also complained to ConsumerAffairs.com about other problems with the expensive strollers, most notably the wheels breaking off unexpectedly.

This recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers. The word 'Maclaren' is printed on the stroller. The affected models included Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.

The strollers were sold at Babies'R'Us, Target and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled strollers and contact Maclaren USA to receive a free repair kit.

For additional information, contact Maclaren USA toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.maclaren.us/recall.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

June 23, 2004
Dorel Juvenile Group is recalling about 300,000 COSCO Rock 'N Roller Baby Strollers. If the stop pins are bent or missing or the seat is not fully attached, the seat can partially detach from the frame during use and the infant occupant can be injured in a fall.

There have been 77 reports of problems related to the stroller seats. Injuries included one child that fell and had a slight concussion and another child that cut his forehead and required stitches. Additionally, there were 46 reports of bumps and bruises.

The COSCO Rock N Roller strollers involved have seats that can be removed from the stroller frame. The detached seat can function as a bassinet, or be repositioned on the stroller frame facing front or back. The stroller has a dark blue or green metal frame with four wheels on the front and two wheels on the back. The side folding area of the frame has a white plastic cover that is labeled Rock N Roller by Geoby COSCO.

There is a label on the back of the frame containing one of the following model numbers: 01-654, 01-622, 01-624, 01-646 or 01-656. The seat cover is usually a dark blue or green printed fabric with COSCO A Dorel Company printed on the footrest.

The strollers were sold at Wal-Mart, Kmart, Sears, Toys R Us, Target, JC Penneys, Service Merchandise and other toy and childrens furniture stores nationwide from April 1996 through August 2002 for between $79 and $179.

Consumers should stop using the recalled Rock N Roller strollers with detachable seats immediately and call the firm to determine how to inspect the stroller for possible replacement.

Consumer Contact: Dorel Juvenile Group at (800) 711-0402 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit the firms web site at www.djgusa.com or email rnr@djgusa.com

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Baby Trend, Inc. is recalling more than 11,000 "Passport" baby strollers. The fold joint on the strollers can collapse unexpectedly, causing the baby to fall.

Baby Trend has received four reports from consumers of the stroller collapsing. No injuries have been reported.

These Baby Trend strollers have the word 'Passport' written on both sides of the canopy. Only 'Passport' strollers with Model Number 1514, SKN number 190554 and manufacturing dates between July 10, 2003 and November 26, 2003 are being recalled. This information is printed on the lower frame of 'Passport' strollers behind the seat.

The strolles were sold by Babies 'R' Us nationwide from July 2003 through February 2004 for about $29.

Consumers should stop using the stroller and contact Baby Trends, Inc. immediately. Baby Trend will ask the consumer to send a cut-out section of the seat with restraint strap attached. Baby Trend will send the consumer a new replacement stroller.

Consumer Contact: Call Baby Trend toll-free at (800) 328-7363 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit Baby Trend Web site at www.babytrend.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Baby Trend Inc., of Ontario, Calif., is recalling to inspect about 1,500 "Road Runner" jogging strollers. The strollers were shipped without straps attached to the frame to secure the seat. Unless the frame straps are attached, a child in the seat of the stroller can lean forward and fall out.

Baby Trend has received one report of an 8-month- old baby boy leaning forward in a stroller with unsecured seat straps, falling out of the seat and bumping his head.

The recalled strollers are aluminum, three-wheeled strollers with hand brakes. The seat and back is made from a blue canvas-type fabric. The stroller has a three- strap harness that secures the child in the seat. Two additional straps snap together and secure the back corners of the seat to the stroller frame. "Baby Trend" is written on the aluminum frame.

The recalled stroller is model number 9592T. The model number is written on a label located in the center of the rear axle. Baby's "R" Us stores sold the strollers nationwide between January 1999 and April 1999 for about $200.

Consumers should stop using these strollers immediately and examine the stroller to determine if the seat is strapped to the stroller frame. For more information, consumers should call Baby Trend at (800) 328-7363 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or write to Baby Trend Inc., 2019 S. Business Pkwy., Ontario, CA 91761. Consumers also can visit the company's web site.