About 1.5 million strollers sold at Wal-Mart, Target and other retail chains are being recalled after reports of children’s fingertips being severed by the hinges.

The products liability recall issued by Graco Children’s Products, Inc. includes certain models of its Passage, Alano and Spree Strollers and Travel Systems.  The company based in Exton, Pennsylvania received at least seven reports of children who have put their fingers in a stroller’s canopy hinge as it was being opened or closed.  Five children had their fingers amputated and another two suffered cuts.

The Graco Passage (seen here) is one of a few models of Graco strollers that has been recalled due to reports of fingertip amputation caused by the opening or closing of the canopy. (SOURCE: Amazon.com)

Our products liability attorneys are somewhat disappointed by this recall.  The strollers pose an amputation and laceration hazard to children when opening or closing the canopy.  Could this design defect have been prevented if more tests been conducted?  We’re not saying that Graco didn’t do enough testing to completely rule out the possibility of these children’s injuries, but maybe some extra steps could have been taken.

The strollers were made in China by Graco and sold at Burlington Coat Factory, AAFES, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Fred Meyer, Kmart, Navy Exchange, Meijer, Target, Sears, Wal-Mart and other retail stores from October 2004 to December 2009.

This is actually the second major stroller recall in a few months where fingertip amputations and other children’s injuries have occurred.  Last November, about one million Maclaren strollers were recalled after 12 reports were filed of children’s fingertips being severed by a hinge.  Because of these two recalls, the Consumer Products Safety Commission, is being more cautious about strollers with designs that have canopies that can cause fingertip amputation.

“CPSC is taking a larger look at the entire product line to determine what steps need to be taken to keep children safe in and around strollers,” said CPSC spokesman.  If you have questions about the recalled strollers, you can call 800-345-4109 or go to the CPSC’s website.

Our products liability lawyers always want to take whatever steps we can to make sure consumers — and in this case, their children — are using products that are safe and won’t hurt them unintentionally.  With the recall issued by Graco, hopefully no other children will have permanent disfigurement as a result of something that is easily corrected.

Call us now at 1-858-551-2090 or click here for a free consultation with an experienced products liability attorney and find out how we can help you.  We speak English and Spanish, and we look forward to providing advice for your case.  No fee if no recovery.