The Dangers of Baby Trend Strollers in Recall

Safety officials continue to warn parents about the dangers of using recalled Baby Trend strollers. As recently as February, 2023 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) updated the ongoing recall and reports related to the defective strollers.

There are multiple reports of the removable canopy on certain Sit ‘N Stand stroller models that posed a hazard of asphyxiation or suffocation. There are reports that one infant has died and at least one other was injured due to their head or neck becoming entrapped in the canopy.

No child should suffer harm due to the negligent design or manufacturing of a product. Parents should know that there is help available to fight for justice. At Kherkher Garcia, LLP, our attorneys can help you hold manufacturers accountable. If your child is injured, or has died, due to a recalled Baby Trend stroller, call us today.

Recent Baby Trend Recalls

Baby Trend has recalled several strollers in recent years due to safety concerns. Here are the most recent recalls:

• Cityscape Travel Jogger Strollers: These strollers became subject to recall in September 2022 due to a fall hazard. The strollers could collapse when the front wheel is turned too sharply, posing a risk of injury to the child.
• Hybrid 3-in-1 Car Seats: These hybrid seats came under recall in May 2023 due to a latching issue. The latch assembly strap on the car seats could fail or break during a crash, posing a risk of injury to the child.
• Sit N’ Stand Double and Ultra Strollers: These popular strollers were recalled in June 2023 due to a head and neck entrapment hazard. The space between the pivoting front canopy and the arm rest or seat back of the strollers could entrap a child’s head or neck, posing a risk of injury or death.

If you have one of these strollers, you should stop using it immediately and contact Baby Trend for a free replacement. You can contact Baby Trend at 1-800-328-7363 or visit their website.

Ongoing Baby Trend Recall

The ongoing Baby Trend recall includes Sit N’ Stand strollers with model numbers beginning with “SS76” or “SS66”. These models were sold between 2009 and the date the recall was initiated. Baby Trend strollers subject to the ongoing recall were sold at:

• Wal-Mart
• Target
• Buy Buy Baby
• Kohl’s
• Amazon

It is important to note that these are just the most recent recalls. Baby Trend has also recalled other strollers in the past. It is always a good idea to check the company’s website for the latest recall information. You can also check the CPSC website for a list of all recalled products.

What are the Primary Dangers of Defective Strollers?

Defective strollers can pose several dangers to infants, toddlers, and their caregivers. Here are some potential dangers associated with defective strollers:

• Falls: One of the primary risks associated with defective strollers is the possibility of falls. If the stroller’s locking mechanisms, hinges, or latches are faulty, the child may fall out of the stroller, potentially resulting in injuries.
• Tip-Overs: Strollers with design flaws or inadequate stability features can tip over easily, especially when unevenly loaded or on inclined surfaces. Tip-overs can lead to serious injuries, including head trauma, fractures, or other bodily harm.
• Entrapment or Strangulation Hazards: Defective strollers may have gaps or openings that could trap a child’s fingers, limbs, or clothing. This can result in injuries or even strangulation if the child gets caught and cannot free themselves.
• Brake Failures: Malfunctioning brakes can make it difficult to secure the stroller in place, leading to unexpected movement or rolling away. This can cause accidents or put the child in danger, particularly in busy areas or near traffic.
• Structural Defects: Weak or poor designs,  frames, handles, or other structural components can break or collapse under normal use. Structural defects can cause injuries to the child or caregiver.
• Choking Hazards: Some strollers may have small parts, detachable components, or loose hardware. These could pose a choking hazard if they detach and a child puts them in their mouth.

To ensure safety, it is essential to carefully inspect strollers for any defects or recalls before use, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and register the product to stay informed about any potential safety concerns or recalls.

What to Do if You Have a Defective Stroller

If you have and are using a recalled product, you should stop using it immediately and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or the CPSC. In most cases, you will need to contact the company and return the product for a refund or replacement.

Here are some specific steps you can take if you used a recalled product and were exposed to a hazard:

• Stop using the product immediately. Even if you don’t think the product is dangerous, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
• Find out what the recall is about. The CPSC website has a database of all recalled products. You can search the database by product name, manufacturer, or recall number.
• Contact the manufacturer or the CPSC. The manufacturer or the CPSC will be able to tell you how to get a refund or replacement for the product.
• Dispose of the product properly. If you can’t return the product, you should dispose of it properly. The CPSC has tips on how to dispose of recalled products.

If you are injured by a recalled product, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. It is important to consult with a product liability attorney to discuss your legal options.

Understanding Product Liability Law

Product liability law refers to the legal framework that holds manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers responsible for injuries or damages caused by defective or unsafe products. It is a branch of tort law that focuses on the liability of parties involved in the chain of distribution of a product. The key principles of product liability law include:

Defective Product

A product may be considered defective if it has a design flaw, a manufacturing defect, or if it lacks appropriate warnings or instructions for safe use. If the defect causes harm or injury to a consumer, the manufacturer or other parties in the distribution chain can be held liable.

Strict Liability

In many jurisdictions, product liability is based on the principle of strict liability. This means that the injured party does not have to prove negligence on the part of the manufacturer or seller. Instead, they need to show that the product was defective and that the defect caused their injury or damages.

Negligence

In some cases, product liability claims can be based on the negligence of the manufacturer or other parties. Negligence claims require establishing that the defendant breached their duty of care in designing, manufacturing, or selling the product. Furthermore, the breach is what caused the injury or damages.

Duty to Warn

Manufacturers have a duty to provide adequate warnings about any known risks associated with their products. If a product poses inherent risks that are not obvious to users, manufacturers must provide clear and understandable instructions for safe use.

Strict Statute of Limitations

Product liability claims typically have strict time limits for filing a lawsuit. If the deadline passes, the injured party may lose their right to seek compensation.

Product liability law aims to ensure that manufacturers and sellers are held accountable for the safety of their products. Additionally, it ensures consumers have legal remedies if they are harmed by a defective or unsafe product. If you believe you have a product liability claim, it is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in this area of law. An attorney will help you understand your rights and legal options.

Have Questions about a Baby Trend Stroller Lawsuit?

If you have questions about baby trend stroller lawsuits or what your rights are, call Kherkher Garcia to speak with our product liability lawyers. With more than 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured consumers, we know what it takes to hold negligent manufacturers accountable.

Get the answers you need by calling us at 713-333-1030, or complete our online form. Your consultation is 100% free.

Resources:

• https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2023/CPSC-and-Baby-Trend-Warn-Consumers-About-Entrapment-Hazard-with-the-Detachable-Canopy-on-Baby-Trend-Sit-N-Stand-Strollers-One-Death-Reported
• https://babytrend.com/pages/safety-notices