Baby swings can be unsafe for two reasons:
Strangulation
- This can occur if child slips into leg openings or if child becomes entangled in the harness straps.
Falls
- There is a risk of injury from falling if:
Handles break during use - Infants push themselves up and over the back of the seat
- Straps become unfastened or separate from buckles
- Handles on seat unlock unexpectedly
- Latch on carrying handle unexpectedly releases and causes the seat to flip forward
- Screws loosen, causing the seat to fall
- Restraint shield appears to be locked when it is not
This is one of 7 million infant swings recalled by Graco in April, 2000. Infants can slip through the restraint systems down into the seat and strangle or fall from the swing. There have been six deaths associated with these swings. 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.
Recall Reasons
A recall or a corrective action has been issued for a swing for various reasons including:
- Entrapment hazard between frame and seat
- Buckles on swings can break
- Shoulder restraint straps can pull out of the back of the seat, causing children to fall
- Ineffective restraint mechanisms
Trevor’s Story
Trevor was strangled by the restraints in a recalled baby swing. He was eight months old.