Safety 1st recalls about 1.5 million booster seats because parts allow children to fall

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ Safety 1st is recalling about 1.5 million folding booster seats because the top half of the seat inserts can separate, allowing a child to fall and be injured. <br><br>The Canton,

Thursday, October 11th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Safety 1st is recalling about 1.5 million folding booster seats because the top half of the seat inserts can separate, allowing a child to fall and be injured.

The Canton, Mass.-based company has received 32 reports where the seat halves separated, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday. Seven reports of injuries included bumps, cuts, bruises and a broken arm.

The Fold-Up Booster Seats are intended for children who can sit unassisted through about 4 years of age. Only seats with model numbers 173, 173A and 173B are included in this recall. The model number is located on the seat back, inside the left arm panel.

The booster seat is made of blue plastic with green and red arms and includes a yellow feeding tray. The seat insert is made up of two halves fitted together and has a smooth bottom with ``SAFETY 1ST'' on both sides.

Stores nationwide sold these seats from January 1994 through August 1999 for about $18.

The government said consumers should stop using these seats and contact Safety 1st to receive a free repair kit. Consumers can call the company toll-free at 1-888-579-1730 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.