Kolcraft baby walkers

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

02/28/2007 -- Baby walkers are supposed to be de�signed so that they don't allow your child to topple down the stairs. Most manufacturers use friction strips on the bottom of the walker that act as a brake when the leading wheels drop over a stair edge.

But even with bottom friction strips the Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 model 14565 failed our test for brake performance, which followed ASTM International's safety standard for infant walkers. Because of the design of this model, the friction strips do not work properly and all three units we tested rolled over the edge of the simulated stairs. Ironically, this model is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association to meet the standard.

We have judged this model Not Acceptable and urge the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall the walker.

A similar model, the Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 model 14570, passes the test. Kolcraft officials told us that the 14565 had been discontinued and that the 14570 was now the current model. But our secret shoppers had no problem buying the 14565 at retail, and two of the samples that they purchased had a manufacture date as recent as October 2006. The differences between the failing and passing models are subtle, so you must look carefully for the model number.

If you have stairs in your home and you own the Kolcraft 14565 walker, we recommend that you stop using it. If the walker is recalled, you will likely be able to exchange it or get a refund. We'll keep you posted on the status of a recall.

In 1992, an estimated 25,700 children younger than 15 months were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries associated with baby walkers. By 2003 those injuries had declined by 88 percent, in large part because of the braking requirements in the ASTM safety standard.

In December 2005, the CPSC sent a letter to all manufacturers, importers, and retailers of baby walkers stating that failure to comply with the ASTM standard would prompt the CPSC to seek a recall of the products.

Problem: Kolcraft is recalling 410,000 baby walkers because a flower-shaped toy on the walker's tray could be pulled off by a small child and expose sharp edges. Kolcraft has received 15 reports of injuries related to the sharp edges, including lacerations around the eyes, eyelids, face, and tongue, according to a spokeswoman, who also said the current versions of the recalled walkers have been redesigned and do not pose any hazard.

Products: The walkers were marketed under the brand names Tot Rider and Carter's. The were sold from December 2000 through October 2002 for $20 to $40 at department, discount, and juvenile product stores.

The recall involves Tot Rider models 14303-AC, 14303-CC, and 14401-OT, and Carter?s models 14303-LB, 14303-UE, and 14304-LJ. You'll find the Tot Rider's model numbers on a sticker on the inside wall of the walker's base. The words "Tot Rider" and "Kolcraft" also appear on stickers attached to front of walker. The label locations are similar for the Carter's models, except the wording reads "Carter's" and "Music Center" on the sticker on the front of the walkers.

Models: 14303 and 14304 were made from December 2000 through August 2002, while model 14401 was made from January 2000 through July 2002. The manufacture date also is on the label where the model number appears. Some of the walkers were made in the U.S.; others were manufactured in China.

What to do: Steed advised consumers to remove the detachable toy bar or music center toy tray and call Kolcraft at 888-695-9988 or visit www.kolcraft.com to order a free replacement bar or tray. Steed said consumers need not return the defective parts

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