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The restraint systems on
the older swings consist of a waist belt only and a hinged or removable
tray, which serves as a restraint. If parts are missing, the restraints
are not used, or the tray pops off, infants can slip down into the seat
and strangle or fall from the swing. 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.
Graco is offering a free, new safety restraint to replace the swings' old
restraint systems. 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.
If consumers have a Graco infant swing, they should call Graco to
determine if their swing needs a new safety restraint. The swings are
battery-powered or wind-up, and are either the traditional A-frame or open
top design. Some models have removable seats, which can be used as an
infant carrier. Graco will help consumers identify swings that need new
safety restraints.
Mass merchandise, juvenile products and major discount stores nationwide
sold the Graco swings through approximately January 1998 for between $70
to about $120.
Consumers should stop using the swings immediately. To receive the free
safety restraint, consumers should call Graco at (800) 934-9082 anytime.
Consumers may also visit Graco's website at http://www.gracobaby.com/serv/ga3rcal7.htm
or write to Customer Affairs, Graco Children's Products Inc., P.O. Box
100, Elverson, PA 19520. 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.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission Press Release (4/13/00)
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