Hedstrom To Voluntarily Repair Li'l Steeler Strollers To Prevent Collapse

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Hedstrom Company of Bedford, Pennsylvania, announced a voluntary repair program affecting approximately 625,000 strollers manufactured between 1975 and September, 1982.

The strollers which were distributed nationwide are being repaired because, in the event the stroller unexpectedly folds up, it is possible for a child to be injured by placing a finger into the hinge area of each side of the stroller.

The Commission is aware of at least 14 incidents where the strollers have collapsed while in use. These incidents have resulted in at least 6 finger amputations and 8 other serious injuries to children after fingers were caught in the stroller's side hinge area. To eliminate the potential for injury, stop using the product immediately.

Only the Li'l Steeler Strollers containing model numbers on the attached list were affected by this repair program. The model number can be found on the identification label attached to the frame of the stroller. If the label is removed, consumers can identify affected strollers by looking for the "Hedstrom" name sewn into the safety strap.

The firm is out of business and the repair program is no longer available. The Commission advises parents to discard or destroy this product. Parents are also reminded never to fold or unfold this type of stroller with the child seated in or touching the frame of the stroller.