Advisory - Health Canada Warns Parents and Caregivers of Risks Posed by Improper Use of Strollers

OTTAWA, July 27, 2012 /CNW/ -

The issue:

On July 24, 2012, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) announced a recall of several models of strollers due to the death of a 6-month old baby by entrapment and strangulation in 2004. The affected strollers were manufactured in a variety of colours between January 2004 and September 2007.

While the models of Peg Perego strollers recalled in the U.S. were not sold in Canada, similar models were distributed in Canada between January 2004 and December 2007. The Department is currently determining which specific models of strollers are affected in Canada. Should a Canadian recall be necessary, a notice will be posted on Health Canada's Consumer Product Recall Database.

However, Health Canada received a report in 2006 of a fatality in a stroller, due to entrapment and strangulation of a child left unattended and unrestrained.

Who is affected:

While this safety review is underway Health Canada would like to remind Canadians that children left unattended in strollers are at risk of entrapment, asphyxiation, or falls. Deaths and injuries have occurred in strollers and other juvenile products when children were left sleeping unattended or when stroller restraint systems were not used. 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.

Parents and caregivers should always be mindful of how to help make sure their children are safe when using strollers.

What Health Canada is doing:

In Canada, the safety requirements for strollers are established in the Carriages and Strollers Regulations of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. These regulations specify numerous legally binding safety requirements. Strollers may only be imported, advertised or sold in Canada if they meet these requirements.

Health Canada is advising consumers of the risk posed by leaving children unattended in strollers and failing to use restraint systems, and is reminding parents and caregivers to take appropriate precautions to protect the safety of children.

The Department is currently determining which specific models of strollers are affected in Canada. Should a Canadian recall be necessary, a notice will be posted on Health Canada's Consumer Product Recall Database.

Background:

Stroller restraint systems are designed to keep children in the seats of strollers and must meet performance requirements established in the Carriages and Strollers Regulations. Failure to use the restraint system exposes a child to risks of falls and possible entrapment leading to death.

The strollers being recalled in the United States are no longer being manufactured, but they may still be in use. Parents and caregivers may wish to contact the manufacturer at 1-800-661-5050 (toll-free phone line) for further information.

It is important that all products are used safely and that the manufacturer's instructions are followed.

For more information:

Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

Media enquiries related to this Advisory should be directed to Health Canada Media Relations at 613-957-2983.

The Department has recently released "Is Your Child Safe? Sleep Time," which advises parents against leaving a sleeping child in a stroller.

How to report problems with consumer products:

Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of a consumer product or cosmetic. An easy-to-use incident report form is now available on the Department's website.

Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using these social media tools: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/home-accueil/sm-ms/index-eng.php

SOURCE: Health Canada